In this guide, we will describe the journey to Mount Athos, including all route options from the fastest route via Egnatia Odos to multiple options of main roads (without tolls) that you have when entering Greece.
Route through North Macedonia
Our impression from the journey: Although this is a transit route, driving through North Macedonia is the most picturesque part of the journey for us. The Vardar Valley, vineyards, and mountains make the journey rich, and since there are no complicated junctions (just follow the main direction south), the drive is very relaxed. An ideal opportunity for a break or lunch before entering Greece.
Documents and Regulations - Important before departure
North Macedonia:
- For traveling through Macedonia, a (still) green card is necessary.
- Daytime lights are mandatory and strict compliance with speed limits (cameras and radars are common).
Greece:
- An international driver’s license is not required.
- A green card is not required.
Overview of routes to Mount Athos if entering from North Macedonia
After entering Greece, it is important to pay attention to two junctions that are significant for your journey to Mount Athos:
- Oreokastro - if you are going from Evzoni via the bypass in Thessaloniki\, at the Oreokastro junction\, follow the direction KAVALA exclusively. This is a shortcut that takes you to the Egnatia Odos highway. If you only follow the sign “Halkidiki,” the road will lead you into city traffic towards Kassandra and Sithonia.
- Lagadas - this junction is where you choose which way to go towards Athos.
Option 1: Main recommendation - Egnatia Odos highway - fastest and easiest
Evzoni/Dojran → Oreokastro → Lagadas → Egnatia Odos (direction Kavala) → Stavros → Olympiada → Athos
- From the Evzoni border (via the bypass) or Dojran (via Kilkis), at the Lagadas junction, you join the highway and drive towards Kavala.
- At the Rendina junction (by Lake Volvi), turn towards Stavros.
- From Stavros, drive along the coast through Olympiada to Ouranoupolis.
- The coastal road is winding but of very good quality and leads you straight to Athos.
Option 2: Coastal road below the lakes - Savings and tranquility (no tolls)
This road leads along the southern side of Lake Koronia and Volvi (through the villages of Nikomidino and Nea Apolonia) → Stavros. (Straight road, parallel to the highway).
- If you want to avoid the highway and tolls, at the Lagadas junction, take the main road that leads along the southern side of Lake Koronia and Volvi. Pass through Nikomidino and Nea Apolonia. Pass through the village of Rendina and reach Stavros, where you continue along the coast. The road is fairly straight and in good condition.
- If you want to visit the famous village of Arnea (and buy quality honey), you can turn off at Apolonia and continue on a mountain road through Arnea and onwards to Athos.
Option 3: Mountain route through the heart of Halkidiki via Arnea
This is the route for those who are not in a hurry. At Lagadas, you turn towards the mountainous part.
- Arnea: Be sure to visit this village. It is famous for its celebrated honey (from heather and pine), wine, and distinctive architecture. Watch the video from Arnea here, on our Facebook page, or on TikTok here.
- The road then takes you through Paleohorija and descends directly to Jerisos and Ouranoupolis.
Option 4: Through Sithonia - longer route with heavy traffic
Circling around the second finger and then continuing towards Athos. This route is longer and experiences heavy traffic. We recommend it only if you want to stop by a beautiful beach (such as Sahara) or do some shopping in the large shopping malls in this part of Thessaloniki.
Option 5: Route to Athos via Bulgaria
Gradina → Sofia (bypass) → Promahonas (Greece) → Serres → Rendina → Stavros → Athos When entering through Bulgaria (at the Promahonas border crossing), head towards Serres, then follow the direction to Skutari or Aretusa and the coast, where you merge onto the road to Stavros. This route is excellent if you want to avoid the entire area around Thessaloniki. From the Gradina - Kalotina border crossing, you have a 5-hour journey. This route is a good alternative to avoiding congestion at Evzoni.
The fastest route is through the Dojran border crossing
If you are traveling during the peak season (July/August), the Dojran border crossing is a “lifesaver”. The road from Dojran through Kilkis leads you directly to the Lagadas junction. There is less traffic, and the journey through Greece is more relaxed.
Traffic regulations and fines
Both in Macedonia and Greece, more and more traffic monitoring cameras are being rapidly installed, and the system for collecting fines is becoming more efficient. To avoid unpleasant surprises, adhere to the prescribed speed limits and we also advise you to read articles about
Useful links:
- Toll booths, tolls, and other travel costs to resorts in Greece
- For toll payment, we recommend that you have change ready if you do not have a TAG device for Greece. Here you can read how to order a Greek TAG.
Safe travels and enjoy the journey to Athos!
If you have not booked accommodation, check out a wide selection in Athos by clicking HERE.
Bon voyage!
