Thessaloniki has a beautiful waterfront but nowhere to swim. However, just across the Thermaic Gulf are the beach communities of Peraia and Neoi Epivates, popular with locals and foreigners alike. It’s not Halkidiki, but nice enough if you just need a day to unwind from the city and don’t have a car. Getting to them by bus, though, can be a bit slow, especially if traffic is bad. Luckily, there are two ferry companies, Karavakia and Thessaloniki Waterways, that shuttle bathers between Thessaloniki and the beaches daily.
You can take the ferry from the White Tower or the Port of Thessaloniki at the end of the pier just past the Kitchen Bar (a lovely place to have a freddo espresso while you wait).
Boats from Karavakia generally leave from the port first before stopping at the White Tower while those from Thessaloniki Waterways start at the White Tower and proceed to the port (unless otherwise noted below). Return trips begin at Neoi Epivates and stop off at Peraia before heading to Thessaloniki. On weekends and holidays its a good idea to come early so that you are assured a ticket.
The trip costs €5 and takes about 50 minutes. You can also buy 10 trips in advance for €25. Below is the complete schedule for both ferry companies. Note that it is subject to change based on demand so its a good idea to confirm return times.
From White Tower / Port of Thessaloniki
09:30 – Karavakia
10:00 – Thessaloniki Waterways (Port)
11:30 – Thessaloniki Waterways
12:00 – Karavakia
12:30 – Thessaloniki Waterways
14:00 – Thessaloniki Waterways
14:30 – Karavakia
15:00 – Thessaloniki Waterways
16:30 – Thessaloniki Waterways
18:15 – Karavakia
17:30 – Thessaloniki Waterways
18:45 – Thessaloniki Waterways
From Neoi Epivates / Peraia
11:15 – Thessaloniki Waterways
10:45 – Karavakia
12:45 – Thessaloniki Waterways
13:15 – Karavakia
13:45 – Thessaloniki Waterways
15:15 – Thessaloniki Waterways
16:15 – Thessaloniki Waterways
17:35 – Thessaloniki Waterways
17:05 – Karavakia
18:45 – Thessaloniki Waterways
19:25 – Karavakia
19:55 – Thessaloniki Waterways
What month does the ferry stop going to the beaches from thessaloniki
The current schedule should be accurate through September. They may have limited service in the winter months. I think it depends on demand. I will update the schedule if there are any changes.
Does ferrys run in october. Actualy from 11 to 13 october?
Hi Dejan,
Yes, the ferries should be operating on those dates.
Thanks
Is the Price for round trip?
Hi Nikolche,
No that’s just one way. But there is a student discount (€3).
Hey there,
Does ferrys run in November. Actualy from 3 to 6 November?
Thank you
Hi Ben,
Most likely yes, but it will depend on the weather and demand.They may also scale back the number of departures. I’ll update this page if I hear of any changes to the schedule.
Hi Ben,
Just received confirmation that the ferries are shutting down for the Winter, so there will be no service in November.
Sorry,
The Travelingi
Is ferry from peraia to thessaloniki for 10.11
Hi Gabriela,
Unfortunately, no. The ferries have shutdown for the winter.
Hi, is there an exact date when the ferries resume service after winter? Thanks
Hi Josh,
Unfortunately, it depends on the weather. They should begin service sometime in April, though.
Does ferrys run in may. From 15 to 18 may?
Thanks
Does ferrys run in october. Actualy from 11 to 13 october?
Hi Ljupka,
The ferries should be running in May but may not be running in October. It depends on weather and demand.
Hello, I need to ask, is the ferry dog friendly?
Yes, it is!
Hi,
is the ferry still running through september or already suspended ? Thanks!
Hi Tamara,
Regular service was suspended at the end of August.
Regards,
The Travelingi
Hi, why is it suspended ? COVID-19?
I booked hotel in Peraia hopping to commute to the city by ferry. are all ferries suspended? What are my option ?
Hi Jacob,
They suspend service in the Winter because of lack of demand as they cater mostly to beachgoers. Peraia though is well connected by public buses so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting to the city. It’s just that traffic can be pretty bad during rush hour. Depending on where exactly you need to go, your hotel should be able to give you the correct bus numbers. Hope that helps.
Regards,
Chris
Have the ferries started running? I’m thinking of going tomorrow, just arrived from abroad.
Hi Lori,
It’s my understanding that they will begin sometime in June as I haven’t heard of any official reopening.
Regards
Have your ferries started running for this season? We intend to use them next week. Do we have to fulfill some application before, concerning Covid 19 ?
Hi Mihajlo,
Karavaki should be running four times a day now. I’ll post an updated schedule shortly.
Hello,
We arrive sunday by ferry at the port of Thessaloniki at 20.50 in the evening. Is the little ferry still going to Perea after 21.00 hours?
Thanks in advance. Melina.
Hi Melina,
Unfortunately, the last ferry is Just before 7PM.
Regards,
Chris
Hello, is the ferry running in 18th of June, and is it a necessity to book it before ?
Hi Timea,
Yes, Karavakia is running ferries four times a day. Not sure about Thessaloniki Waterways at them moment.
You can get information on times here: https://www.karavakia.gr/en/daily-routes/
You don’t need to book, but I would recommend it as the boat can fill up fast.
You can book tickets online here: https://karavakia.proxess.gr//WebTickets.aspx?BoatID=1
Hi ,
Is it possible to get in ferry from Peraia? Or starting station only Thessaloniki?
Hi Tetiana,
Yes there are multiple departures a day from Peraia.