09:00

Arrival and orientation in Lagadas

Take a walk through the center and organize your travel for the following days; the town is compact and easy to explore on foot. For breakfast and coffee, budget around 4–8 €.

For the next excursions, ask your accommodation for up-to-date information on car and bus rental.

10:00

Lagadas Thermal Springs

Dedicate the morning to the thermal baths, known for their pools and historic bathing facilities. Admission and services can vary roughly from €5 to €15: check availability in advance, as hours and access may change.

Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel; check whether reservations are required.

13:00

Lunch in Lagadas

Choose a tavern in town and try Macedonian dishes, such as grilled meats, cheeses, and seasonal specialties. Budget roughly €12–22 per person.

Ask which products are local and which dishes take longer to prepare.

15:00

Lake Koroneia

Reach the lake by car in about 15–25 minutes and stop at accessible viewpoints to enjoy the scenery and birdlife. The visit is free; water levels and bird presence vary greatly with the season.

Use binoculars and stay on the allowed roads and trails, without approaching the wetlands.

18:00

Return and dinner in Lagadas

Head back to town for a leisurely stroll and dinner at a tavern, allowing about €15–25 per person. Keep the evening flexible: after the thermal bath, it is pleasant to rest without adding more transfers.

In low light, avoid stopping on the roadside near the lake.

08:30

Transfer to the city center

From Lagadas, you can reach Thessaloniki by car in about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point; alternatively, check the available intercity lines. Budget 2–8 € for a round trip on public transport or the cost of parking if you’re traveling by car.

In the city, it is often more convenient to leave the car in a parking lot and continue on foot.

09:30

White Tower of Thessaloniki

Visit the city’s most iconic landmark and, if open, head up to the upper levels for views over the gulf. Admission to the tower and exhibition can cost around 6–10 €; check the latest prices and opening hours.

The climb includes stairs: bring water on hot days.

11:30

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Spend about 90 minutes exploring the collections on ancient Macedonia, with artifacts, funerary goods, and everyday objects. Admission is around 6–12 €, with possible reduced rates or seasonal variations.

Check the closing day before planning this visit.

14:00

Arch of Galerius and Rotunda

Walk to the Arch of Galerius, taking in the celebratory reliefs, then continue on to the Rotunda, a Roman building transformed over the centuries. The exterior visit is free; entry to the Rotunda, if available, may have a modest fee or be subject to specific rules.

Allow 10–15 minutes on foot between the museum and the monuments.

16:30

Modiano Market

End your visit among the food stalls, shops, and venues of the covered market, ideal for a snack or an informal dinner. A bite to eat can cost around 5–12 €; opening hours vary from one business to another.

Before heading back, check the time of the last convenient connection to Lagadas.

09:00

Transfer to Ano Poli

Reach Thessaloniki from Lagadas by car or with the available connections; once in the city, buses and taxis can spare you part of the climb. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the transfer and 2–8 € for daily public transport, depending on the tickets purchased.

The streets of Ano Poli are steep and partly cobbled: comfortable shoes are a must.

10:00

Ano Poli

Stroll through alleys, traditional houses, and glimpses over the gulf, taking your time for unhurried photo stops. The visit is free; for a coffee or soft drink in the neighborhood cafés, budget around 3–7 €.

Respect the quiet of residential areas and do not enter private courtyards.

11:30

Trigonion Tower

Make your way to the tower and the scenic stretch of walls, one of the best spots to view the city from above. The stop is usually free and takes about 30–45 minutes, including photos.

The view is especially striking in the morning light or at sunset.

13:00

Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

Visit the fortress, also known as Yedi Kule, and observe the different phases of the walls and the interior buildings. Entry may be free or subject to specific conditions: check opening hours and availability before heading up.

Bring water: services are limited inside the complex.

15:30

Churches and monastery of the upper city

Head down toward the Church of Hosios David and Vlatadon Monastery, checking opening hours on site and whether any religious services are taking place. Visiting the religious spaces is often free; leave a small donation if you wish and be respectful and quiet.

Cover your shoulders and knees, and remember that some churches may be closed outside worship hours.

08:30

Departure from Lagadas

For this day, the car is the most practical option: the route toward the Lake Volvi area takes about 45–70 minutes, depending on stops and traffic. Budget around 15–30 € in total for fuel and parking.

Refuel before setting off and download an offline map.

09:45

Lake Volvi

Choose an accessible spot along the shores for a walk and to observe the mosaic of reeds, water and countryside. Access to nature is free; avoid unprotected banks and respect areas sensitive to birds.

Visibility and water level change with the season.

11:30

Apollonia Thermal Springs

Head to the springs near Nea Apollonia and check on site which pools and services are actually operating. Admission and treatments, if available, can vary from about 5 to 20 €.

Do not assume it is open: check by phone or with the facility before setting off.

14:00

Rentina Castle

Continue toward the valley and the castle ruins, in a wooded setting that requires a short walk over uneven ground. The visit is generally free; allow about an hour and wear shoes with good grip.

Check the trail conditions and do not venture among the unstable ruins.

16:30

Stavros Beach and return

End with a stroll along Stavros Beach and, if the season allows, a swim. Beach access is free, while umbrellas and refreshments can cost roughly €5–20; the return to Lagadas takes about an hour or more.

In summer the coast can be crowded: bring water and allow time to find parking.

08:30

Transfer to Arnaia

Set off by car from Lagadas: the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes–1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on the route chosen. Allow €15–30 for fuel and parking, not including any stops.

In the mountains, allow extra time and check the weather conditions.

10:15

Arnaia Historical and Folklore Museum

Spend about an hour exploring collections devoted to everyday life, costumes and local traditions. Admission may cost roughly €2–5, but opening hours and visiting arrangements should be checked in advance.

If you find the museum closed, ask local offices whether access can be arranged.

12:00

Church of St Stephen, Arnaia

Enter, when permitted, the church of St Andrew Stephen and observe the layout and interior details; the area is also known for the archaeological traces visible beneath the glass floor. Admission is usually free, but it may be restricted during services.

Check the opening hours on site and dress respectfully.

13:30

Lunch and a walk among the traditional houses

Stop at a tavern in the center for a local-cuisine lunch, typically €12–22 per person, then stroll through the historic streets at a leisurely pace. Notice the balconies, stone-and-wood facades, and the village’s small shops.

Ask whether daily specials and local products are available.

16:00

Arnaia Central Square and return

Wrap up in the central square with a coffee or a drink, for about €3–7, before heading back to Lagadas. The return trip usually takes 1 hour and 15 minutes–1 hour and 40 minutes.

Leave with enough daylight: the mountain road is less enjoyable after dark.

08:00

Departure for Amfipoli

Reach the site by car from Lagadas in about 1 hour and 30 minutes–2 hours, allowing for traffic and stops. Budget €20–40 for fuel and parking, in addition to admission tickets.

Check that the museum and archaeological site are open before you leave.

10:00

Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis

Start at the museum to get your bearings in the city’s history and see artifacts, inscriptions, and objects from the area. Admission may vary, typically from €4 to €10; check for any discounts and seasonal opening hours.

Set aside at least an hour and keep your ticket if you want to consult the exhibit information.

12:00

Archaeological Site of Amphipolis

Explore the remains of the ancient city, paying attention to the visible structures and the link between the settlement and the route along the Strymon River. Admission, when required, may typically cost €4–10; access and open areas may change.

The site is partly outdoors: a hat and water are important in the warmer months.

14:30

Lion of Amphipolis

Head to the lion monument near the river and take in its scale and its setting within the landscape. The stop is generally free and takes about 20–30 minutes.

Use designated parking areas and watch out for traffic on the road.

16:00

Strymonas River Delta and return

If conditions and access allow, stop at an authorized viewpoint to observe the delta and wetland areas without disturbing the wildlife. The visit is free; then return to Lagadas, allowing at least 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving.

The delta is a protected natural area: stay on accessible roads and do not leave litter.

09:00

Transfer to Thessaloniki

Depart from Lagadas to reach the eastern part of the city, with about 30–50 minutes of driving depending on traffic. Alternatively, combine bus and urban transport, checking connections and fares before you leave.

Urban transport tickets and services may change: check the latest information.

10:00

NOESIS - Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum

Visit the interactive science and technology exhibits, suitable even for families with children; allow 2–3 hours for a full visit. Admission may range approximately from 6 to 15 € depending on the areas open and the shows.

Check the planetarium schedule and book in advance if you want to attend a screening.

13:30

Lunch and Mediterranean Cosmos

Head to the shopping center for a lunch break and some shopping, with dining options typically ranging from 8 to 20 € per person. The complex is large, and store and venue opening hours may vary.

Check opening hours and consider outbound traffic during peak times.

16:00

Thessaloniki Concert Hall

Head back toward the eastern waterfront and admire the architecture of the complex, home to concerts and cultural events. Access to events depends on the schedule, and ticket prices can vary widely; there is no ticket required for an exterior visit.

If you want to attend a show, check the calendar and buy tickets in advance.

17:00

Nea Paralia and return to Lagadas

Wrap up the week with a stroll along the waterfront, among green spaces and views of the gulf; access is free and the stretch is easy to walk. Before heading back, plan on a light dinner or drink for about 8–18 €, then allow 30–50 minutes to return to Lagadas.

In summer, bring water and sunscreen; the walk is pleasant even in the evening.