Overview
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and the lively capital of the north, curving around a waterfront on the Thermaic Gulf. It rewards travellers with Roman monuments, Byzantine churches, one of the country's best food scenes and easy access to the beaches of Halkidiki. For UK visitors it works beautifully as a long-weekend break or as a gateway to northern Greece, and demand for cheap flights to Thessaloniki rises sharply from spring onwards.
Best time to fly to Thessaloniki
The sweet spots are May to June and September to early October, when days are warm, the sea is swimmable and the crowds are thinner. July and August are hot, often above 30C, and the busiest period for flights from London to Thessaloniki. Winter is mild but cool and can be wet, and many low-cost routes pause between roughly November and March. Check the When to book chart above to see how fares move through the year.
Airlines and routes
Direct flights are mostly seasonal. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI run summer services from bases including London Stansted and Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, while Aegean Airlines and British Airways link London Heathrow with Thessaloniki. Typical flight time from London is around 3 hours 30 minutes, and from Manchester about 3 hours 40 minutes. Outside summer you will usually connect through Athens, or a European hub such as Amsterdam, Munich or Vienna.
Things to do in Thessaloniki
The centre is compact and walkable, with centuries of history a short stroll apart.
- White Tower: the waterfront's emblem, with a museum inside and wide views from the top.
- Rotunda and Arch of Galerius: striking Roman structures at the heart of the old town.
- Church of Agios Dimitrios: the vast basilica honouring the city's patron saint, with an atmospheric crypt.
- Ano Poli (Upper Town): Ottoman houses, Byzantine walls and the finest sunset views.
- Archaeological Museum: gold and treasures from the ancient Macedonian kingdoms.
At Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG)
The airport sits about 15 km south-east of the centre, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road. Bus 1X runs day and night to the seafront, Aristotelous Square and the main railway station for a low flat fare. Taxis wait outside arrivals, and pre-booked transfers or hire cars are useful if you are heading straight to Halkidiki. The city's new metro serves the centre but does not yet reach the airport.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Thessaloniki
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for summer; shoulder-season fares often appear even earlier.
- Fly midweek, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, and steer clear of school holiday peaks.
- Use flexible date search to compare a few days either side, then check the price charts on this page.
- Weigh low-cost carriers against Aegean via Athens, as a connecting fare with luggage included can work out cheaper.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in Greece, currently up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. Your passport should be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after you plan to leave. The currency is the euro; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for kiosks and tavernas. Bring a GHIC or EHIC card for state healthcare and comprehensive travel insurance; no special vaccinations are required.
