Thessaloniki

Balkan road trip

Thessaloniki for Serbian and Romanian visitors

The southern anchor of the Balkan corridor — flat, walkable, and packed with Roman monuments, covered markets, and Greece's most celebrated food scene.

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By Christos Petkakis. Updated June 2026.

Thessaloniki from Belgrade or Bucharest — Greece's most walkable city on the southern Balkan corridor. Roman monuments, covered markets, and the best food scene in the country.

Why Thessaloniki is the natural stop on the southern Balkan run

Thessaloniki sits at the end of the central Balkan corridor: the E-75 motorway connects Belgrade, Skopje, and Sofia to the city in a single driving stretch. From Serbia, the classic route passes through the Evzoni border crossing; from Romania, the most common approach is via Bulgaria and the Kulata–Promachonas border. Direct flights from Belgrade (BEG) and Bucharest (OTP) connect to Thessaloniki Macedonia Airport (SKG) as well. The city is flat, compact, and entirely walkable — none of the heavy tourist mass of the Aegean islands — and it repays return visits.

Getting here — by car or by air

By car from Belgrade, the E-75 reaches Thessaloniki in roughly 5–6 hours via Skopje. From Bucharest, the most direct route is via Sofia — roughly 8–9 hours total. Once in Thessaloniki, use the 24/7 partner garage steps from Loena and leave the car for the stay: the entire centre is on foot. By air, check current direct schedules from Belgrade and Bucharest to Thessaloniki (SKG) with your preferred carrier.

The best of the city — centre and food on foot

The historic core fits in an hour or two of walking: the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, the White Tower, and the Byzantine basilica of Agios Dimitrios are all within a compact radius. The Kapani and Modiano markets — a few blocks further — are among the liveliest covered market areas in the southern Balkans. For food, Thessaloniki is Greece's gastronomic capital: tsipouradika, meze houses, and tavernas in Ladadika that stay open late. The food guide covers the curated set.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Belgrade to Thessaloniki?

Roughly 5–6 hours via the E-75 through Skopje, under normal conditions. The Evzoni border crossing between North Macedonia and Greece can add 30–60 minutes at summer peak times.

Are there direct flights from Bucharest to Thessaloniki?

Direct seasonal routes between Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) and Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) operate periodically. Check current schedules with your preferred airline or flight search.

Do Serbian or Romanian citizens need a visa to visit Thessaloniki?

Romanian citizens travel freely as EU members. Serbian citizens can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays; always verify the current rules for your passport before travel.

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