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Guide to Thermaikos
THERMAIKOS · ITINERARY

Thermaikos (Thessaloniki, Kentriki Makedonia, Greece) in 3 days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Sea, beaches, nature, villages

The itinerary follows the coast of the municipality of Thermaikos from east to west, with days focused respectively on the waterfront of Peraia and Neoi Epivates, the Epanomi lagoon, and the shores of Agia Triada, Angelochori, and Nea Michaniona. The pace leaves room for beach breaks and unhurried meals, while the longer transfers are grouped into the last two days. The beaches are free in many stretches, but sunbeds, umbrellas, and facilities may be seasonal and subject to a fee. For the lagoon and the Angelochori headland, a car is especially useful; with public transport, it is best to check the updated schedules before leaving.

Stops
2 · 2 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
2.0 km · 25 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 2.0 km · 25 min

Day 1 – Peraia and Neoi Epivates: the gulf promenade

10:00–21:00 Easy walks and seaside stops

Discover the liveliest stretch of the Thermaikos promenade without venturing far from the eastern coastal resorts.

10:00

Arrival and orientation in Peraia

Reach Peraia from Thessaloniki by taxi or by suburban bus connections to the eastern districts, checking the stop and daily schedules in advance. Once on the promenade, locate the beach access points and tavernas; as a rough guide, allow 3–8 € for a city or local ride, depending on route and mode.

In summer, schedules and traffic can change: check the latest information.

11:00

Seaside walk along the Peraia waterfront

Follow the seafront, past cafés, tables, and open views over the gulf toward Thessaloniki. It’s a flat walk, ideal for a first break and for observing local daily life; a drink at a bar usually costs about 2–5 €.

The morning light is pleasant for photographing the city skyline across the gulf.

12:00

Peraia Beach

Spend a couple of hours at Peraia Beach: the shoreline is easy to reach and alternates between equipped sections and areas where you can lay out your own towel. You can swim if sea conditions allow; in high season, sun loungers and umbrellas may cost about 5–15 € per person or per set, depending on the venue and arrangement.

Bring water and sunscreen: natural shade is limited.

14:30

Lunch by the sea in Peraia

Choose a tavern on the waterfront and try fish, calamari, or meze to share, asking the price of the catch before ordering. For a simple lunch, budget around 15–30 € per person, drinks included but varying depending on the menu.

Prices for fresh fish can vary: ask the weight and the price per kilo.

16:30

From Peraia to Neoi Epivates

Reach Neoi Epivates with a coastal walk of about 25–35 minutes, or by a short taxi ride if it’s very hot. The route lets you follow the gulf and stop in the shaded areas of local spots; a taxi, when available, may cost around 5–10 €.

To walk along the waterfront, light shoes are enough, but avoid the hottest hours.

17:15

Neoi Epivates Beach and aperitif

Relax on Neoi Epivates Beach, quieter outside peak times, and take a short stroll among the sea access points. End with a coffee or an aperitif at one of the venues overlooking the gulf, expecting to pay about 3–8 € for a drink.

Before swimming, check the sea conditions and any local advisories.

19:30

Dinner in Neoi Epivates or return to Peraia

Stop for dinner at a local taverna serving Greek dishes, vegetables, and seafood specialties. A casual dinner costs roughly 18–35 € per person; after the meal, you can walk back along the coast or arrange a taxi.

If you are staying overnight in the area, book ahead for summer weekends.

Epanomi: lagoon, dunes, and Potamos Beach
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 2

Epanomi: lagoon, dunes, and Potamos Beach

09:00–20:30 Nature day with car travel

Explore the Epanomi area, alternating between the town center, protected wetland habitats, and the sandy coast.

09:00

Departure for Epanomi

For this day, a car is the most practical option: from Peraia, the drive to Epanomi usually takes about 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Rental of a small car can start at roughly 35–70 € per day, excluding fuel and specific contract conditions.

Check insurance coverage and road conditions before taking dirt roads.

09:45

Epanomi town center

Stop in the center of Epanomi for a late breakfast and a stroll through the village streets. A coffee with a brioche or a simple snack costs roughly 4–9 €; take the opportunity to buy water before heading on to the coast.

Services along the lagoon are more limited than in the seaside resorts.

11:00

Epanomi Lagoon

Spend time at the lagoon and the surrounding wetland habitats, which are important for wildlife and migratory birds. Stay only on accessible paths and watch the birds from a distance, without approaching nests or crossing restricted areas; visiting the natural area is generally free.

Bring binoculars, a hat, and insect repellent; services are not always available.

13:00

Lunch in Epanomi

Head back toward town or stop at an open venue along the road for a hearty lunch before an afternoon at the beach. A tavern meal typically costs around 12–25 € per person; on weekdays, check opening hours, as some places may keep reduced hours.

If you plan to stay on the coast until evening, stock up on water and snacks.

14:30

Potamos Beach

Reach Potamos Beach and pick a comfortable spot to swim or relax on the sand. The area is known for its open landscape, but wind and currents can change quickly: any facilities and the cost of sunbeds or umbrellas, typically 5–15 €, depend on the season.

Do not leave valuables unattended and respect the marked natural areas.

17:00

View of the Epanomi Shipwreck

Continue to an accessible viewpoint from land to see the Epanomi shipwreck, a distinctive feature of the coastal landscape. Getting close may require walking over sand or uneven ground; viewing it from the outside usually does not require a ticket, but access depends on local conditions.

Do not try to reach the wreck by swimming or climb onto it: currents and the seabed can be dangerous.

19:00

Return and dinner

Head back toward Epanomi or the place where you are staying, leaving time for traffic and for the rougher roads near the coast. For dinner at a tavern, budget around 18–35 € per person; if you are driving, plan your return in advance and do not rely on infrequent evening connections.

At sunset, visibility on secondary roads can drop quickly.

Day 3 – Agia Triada, Angelochori salt pans and the port of Nea Michaniona

09:30–20:30 Coastal exploration with short transfers

Discover the western coast of the municipality, among beach, salty landscapes, lighthouse and maritime tradition.

09:30

Agia Triada Beach

Start the day at Agia Triada Beach with a walk along the shore and, if the weather is favorable, a morning swim. The beach is a convenient stop before continuing to Angelochori; sun loungers and umbrellas, when available, may cost around 5–15 €.

Check on site which sections are equipped during the season of your visit.

11:00

Transfer to Angelochori

Reach Angelochori by car in about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. Around the saltworks and the lighthouse, roads may become narrower or uneven: drive slowly and park only where permitted.

By public transport, the connection may require changes and take longer.

11:30

Angelochori Saltworks

Admire from the outside the landscape of the saltworks and wetlands, where the reflections on the water and the birds change with the season. This is not a tourist facility with guaranteed guided visits: stay on roads and accessible paths and do not enter processing areas or fenced land.

The visit is mainly scenic; bring binoculars and sun protection.

13:00

Angelochori Lighthouse

Continue to the Angelochori Lighthouse, on the Megalo Emvolo promontory, for a panoramic stop over the gulf. The exterior area can be visited free of charge, but the lighthouse itself should not be assumed to be open inside; allow about 20–30 minutes for the stop and the walk.

Respect any gates, safety signs and private property.

14:00

Lunch in Nea Michaniona

Head to Nea Michaniona and choose a taverna for a fish- or meze-based lunch. Budget roughly 15–30 € per person, with possible variations depending on the day's catch; always ask the price before ordering fish sold by weight.

In summer, it can be useful to book ahead or eat lunch earlier.

16:00

Nea Michaniona Fishing Port

Stroll through the fishing port area and watch the boats and daily activity, staying out of the work zones. It’s an easy, free stop, ideal for getting to know the town’s connection to fishing and for a coffee break of around €2–5.

Do not obstruct loading and unloading operations, and respect restricted areas.

18:00

Evening stroll and dinner in Nea Michaniona

Wrap up with a walk along the seafront and a relaxed dinner around the port. A full dinner usually costs about €18–35 per person; for the return, factor in the trip back to your accommodation and the possible need for a taxi or car.

Check the last bus times in advance if you are not traveling by car.

Estimated budget

Meals and drinks for 3 days€90–210 per person
Local transport and taxis€15–50 per person
Car rental for days 2 and 3, fuel not included€70–140 per car
Sunbeds and umbrellas, if used€0–30 per person
Accommodation for 2 nights€100–300 per double room

Greece uses the euro (€), so no currency exchange is needed for those traveling from Italy. The figures are rough estimates, not verified rates, and vary depending on season, availability, number of people, restaurant choice, and rental conditions; flights and transfers to/from the airport are not included.

Practical tips

  • Before you leave, check the updated bus schedules for Peraia, Neoi Epivates and the coastal areas: frequencies and connections may vary.
  • For Epanomi and Angelochori, consider a car, but check road conditions and do not take unmarked tracks or access roads.
  • Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for sand and uneven terrain, especially for the lagoon, dunes, and headland.
  • Respect protected areas, the salt pans work zones, and the port; by the sea, always check wind, currents, and local warnings.