10:00

Arrival in Nea Apollonia

Spend your first stop in the village center, ideal for a coffee and to plan the day’s visits. If you’re coming from Thessaloniki, allow roughly an hour by car, depending on traffic and your starting point.

Park in the village and ask for up-to-date information on the thermal baths before heading there.

10:45

Loutra Neas Apollonias

Head to the thermal complex to find out about the services available and, if it’s open, consider a stop in the pools or wellness facilities. Offerings and opening status can change: treat this as a flexible stop and budget roughly from 0 to 20 € or more, depending on the service you choose.

Check opening hours, reservations and prices in advance; don’t assume all services are operating.

12:30

Lunch in Nea Apollonia

Stop at a village taverna for a simple lunch, choosing Greek dishes, salads and seasonal specialties. For a casual meal, expect around 12–25 € per person, depending on dishes and drinks.

In low season, some venues may have reduced hours.

14:00

First exploration of Lake Volvi

Head to an accessible point on the western shore and take time to admire the lake, the reeds and the outline of the hills. This visit is mainly about the scenery: choose safe stops along local roads and do not cross private land or protected wetlands.

Bring water, a hat and binoculars, especially in the warmer months.

16:00

Nature watching along the shore

Dedicate a couple of hours to short walks and photo stops in the lakeside area, without straying from the usable paths. The lake is an important wetland: with a bit of patience you may spot water birds, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Keep your distance from wildlife and do not leave any litter.

18:30

Return and dinner in the area

Head back to Nea Apollonia or choose accommodation around the lake to avoid long evening transfers. For dinner, budget roughly €15–30 per person at a taverna, depending on your choice of dishes and wine.

Restaurant options are more abundant in the towns than along the shoreline.

09:00

Departure for Rentina

After breakfast, drive to the Rentina area, checking the route and road conditions before setting off. Allow for variable travel times depending on your accommodation: the terrain can be steep, and the hike should be planned with proper footwear.

Avoid the walk during the hottest hours and after heavy rain.

09:45

Walk in Rentina Gorge

Explore the accessible section of the gorge by following the trails and signs on site. Allow about an hour for the walk and scenic stops, without venturing onto unmarked paths or into conditions you are unfamiliar with.

Access is generally free, but the ground, signage, and walkability may vary.

11:15

Byzantine Castle of Rentina

Continue to the remains of the Byzantine castle, which dominates the gorge landscape. Take in the surviving structures and the site’s strategic position; allow about an hour for the climb and visit at a leisurely pace.

Bring water and check on site whether access to the ruins is permitted: conditions may change.

13:15

Lunch in Stavros

Head down to Stavros and stop at a taverna or a beachfront spot. A casual lunch costs around 12–25 € per person; in summer it’s wise to arrive early or book ahead.

The drive between Rentina and Stavros takes time: allow extra for parking and traffic.

15:00

Afternoon at Stavros Beach

Relax on the beach and go for a swim if sea conditions are favorable. The shoreline offers both equipped areas and free sections: sunbeds and umbrellas can cost around 10–25 € for the set, depending on the beach club and the season.

Always check the flags, currents, and the lifeguards’ instructions.

18:00

Stroll along the seafront

Spend the late afternoon walking through the center and along the waterfront, with a stop for ice cream or coffee. It’s a pleasant time to take in the local pace, especially lively in the summer months.

In peak season, expect more traffic and longer parking times.

19:30

Dinner in Stavros

Wrap up the day with a seafood dinner or Macedonian dishes at a local taverna. Expect to spend around 18–35 € per person, depending on the menu and drinks.

If you’re staying overnight in Asprovalta or Nea Vrasna, plan your return before dinner.

09:00

Morning at Asprovalta Beach

Start the day on the long beach of Asprovalta, choosing either an equipped stretch or a free area. A swim and a walk along the shoreline are the easiest way to enjoy the coast before the hottest hours.

Beach access is free; any sunbeds or refreshments are paid separately.

10:45

Walk to Nea Vrasna Beach

Depending on where you're staying, head by car or on foot to Nea Vrasna beach, adjacent to the tourist area of Asprovalta. Spend your stop by the sea or on a walk along the seafront, following local guidance.

In summer the two resorts can be very busy: arrive early to find parking.

12:30

Lunch on the coast

Have lunch in Asprovalta or Nea Vrasna before setting off for Amphipolis. Budget around 12–25 € per person for an informal meal and leave some time for the drive, which can take about 35–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your departure time.

Keep water and sun protection with you for the afternoon visits as well.

14:00

Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis

Start the visit at the museum to put the city's history into context and see finds from the archaeological site. Allow about an hour; any ticket can range roughly from a few euros to around 10 €, but opening hours, prices and weekly closures should be checked before you go.

Check the latest information: opening times may follow seasonal schedules.

15:30

Lion of Amphipolis

Reach the lion monument, one of the region's most recognizable symbols, and take a closer look at the sculpture and its setting. The outdoor stop is brief and generally doesn't require a ticket, but it's best to respect any barriers.

Don't confuse the monument with access to the actual archaeological site.

16:15

Archaeological Site of Amphipolis

Spend the rest of the afternoon among the remains of the ancient city, following the open paths and the information on site. The visit takes about one to two hours: for admission and opening times, check the official communications, as accessibility and fees may change.

Wear comfortable shoes; in summer the site offers very little shade.

18:30

Return to the coast and dinner

Head back toward Asprovalta or Nea Vrasna for one last stroll and dinner. Budget €18–35 per person for a tavern meal, with variations depending on season, menu, and drinks.

If you're driving back to Thessaloniki in the evening, check the route first and allow extra time for traffic.