Trip to Thessaloniki region

Road to Asprovalta, Vrasna, and Stavros – routes and tips (season 2026)

One can travel to the Thessaloniki region from Belgrade via three proven routes. Each has its advantages in terms of mileage, traffic, and driving simplicity. Below are clearly separated routes, key turning points, and practical tips – as they are most useful to drivers on the road.

In Brief – a quick guide through the routes (2026)

Additional recommendations and notes:

• Fuel: Fill up the tank in N. Macedonia or Bulgaria (saves 20–25% compared to Greece).
  
• LPG: Last pumps before Greece: Valandovo (MK) or near the border Kulata (BG).
  
• Vignette: Mandatory for Bulgaria.
  
• TAG devices: Supported through Serbia and N. Macedonia; in Greece, a special Egnatia Pass is needed.
  
• Safety: The highest risk of driver fatigue is between 05:00 and 07:00 – plan a break.
  
• We care about you! Before the trip ensure internet for travel: Nikana eSIM.
  

Route 1: Via Dojran (≈ 716 km)

Belgrade – Preševo – Dojran – Kilkis (Liti) – Asprovalta / Vrasna / Stavros
A route suitable for drivers who want to avoid traffic at Evzoni and the stressful bypass around Thessaloniki.

Key points and turns

Detailed description

After entering Greece, follow the signs for Kilkis and Thessaloniki. The road is good and leads you to Thessaloniki. After 53 km from the border, at the village of Liti, you join the highway Egnatia Odos towards Kavala.
Two options to join the highway:

• Through Liti (Lete): Direct entry at the village.
  
• Easier option (bypass Liti): At the intersection with traffic lights where the sign indicates right for Kavala, you go straight (follow the green sign for Thessaloniki). After 8 km, as soon as you pass the hill, exit the highway (sign for Serres), pass under the bridge, and join the opposite direction towards Kavala.
  

Exits for Stavros and Asprovalta
Exactly 73 km after the major intersection (Liti/Serres/Thessaloniki), you will see the first sign for Asprovalta and Nea Vrasna.

• Final destinations:
  
  • Asprovalta and Vrasna: Exit left off the highway and follow local signs.
    
  • Turnoff for Stavros: When you exit the highway (exit Asprovalta/Vrasna), the road leads straight to the sea. The first traffic light is at the turnoff for Vrasna, and at the second (main intersection), continuing straight leads directly to Stavros.
    

Route 2: Via Evzoni and bypass around Thessaloniki - Ring Road (≈ 707 km)

Belgrade – Preševo – Evzoni – Thessaloniki – Asprovalta / Vrasna / Stavros
The fastest route under normal conditions, but requires full concentration around Thessaloniki, especially due to construction work on the Flyover during 2026.

Key points

Detailed passage

The goal is to bypass Thessaloniki from the north and continue east towards Kavala.
The main junction on the bypass around Thessaloniki (Ring Road / A24 Inner Ring Road) is where traffic separates for directions towards Egnatia Odos (A2) to Kavala and towards Halkidiki / the airport.
When approaching from Evzoni, follow the green signs for “Kavala / Thessaloniki” and stay in the appropriate lanes to continue east on Egnatia Odos towards Asprovalta and further destinations.

• Left lanes lead to Egnatia Odos for Kavala,
  
• Right lanes lead to Halkidiki and the airport.
  

If you miss the exit for Kavala, you will have to turn back through the eastern suburbs of Thessaloniki.
Useful link: How to order a Greek TAG device to your home address.

Route 3: Via Bulgaria (≈ 680 km)

Belgrade – Dimitrovgrad – Sofia – Serres – Asprovalta / Vrasna / Stavros

• The highway is completed, as well as the bypass around Sofia.
  
• The only section that is not a highway is the Kresna Gorge, about 30 km long.
  
• A route that completely bypasses Thessaloniki and descends to the sea from “above”.
  
• One border crossing.
  
• How to buy an e-vignette online.
  

Key points

From Belgrade, drive on the A1 highway towards Niš, then continue on the A4 highway towards Pirot and Dimitrovgrad.

• Border: Gradina–Kalotina crossing.
  
• Vignette: Immediately after entering Bulgaria, make sure to buy a vignette. How to buy an e-vignette online.
  

Is the bypass around Sofia completed?

Yes. You do not need to enter the city.
After entering Bulgaria, follow the highway towards Sofia.

• Northern tangent: When you reach Sofia, follow the signs for Kulata (Northern tangent/Northern long bypass). This is a modern highway that takes you around the city without entering the center.
  
• Struma Highway: After the bypass, join the highway that leads directly south towards Greece (direction Blagoevgrad – Sandanski – Kulata). The section through the Kresna Gorge is the only part that is not a highway (about 20 km), so drive carefully.
  

From Serres to the sea – route options

From the city of Serres, you can choose one of two routes to the coast:

• Through the village of Nigrita (≈ 65 km): a shorter, but more winding route that leads directly to Stavros.
  
• Through the village of Nea Zichni (≈ 75 km): a flatter and more straightforward route, more convenient if you are heading to Asprovalta or the eastern part of Vrasna.
  

Tolls: For updated and detailed prices for all routes, check out this article:

• Toll booths, tolls, and other travel costs to resorts in Greece
  

Safe travels and drive carefully!

Explore our rich selection of verified apartments and villas.
Choose the perfect place for your vacation and enjoy the warm sea.

Complete accommodation offer: Stavros, Asprovalta, and Vrasna

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do tourists take a break in Dojran?

Yes. Dojran is one of the most popular places for a lunch break and overnight stay. You can check some suggestions in our article here: Overnight stay and lunch breaks on the way to Greece

Are there tolls from entering Greece to Asprovalta, Vrasna, and Stavros?

• If you are traveling from the Evzoni / Thessaloniki direction, the total toll to Asprovalta / Stavros / Vrasna is approximately 6.5 € for passenger vehicles, depending on the exact segment and entrance to the highway.
  
• If you avoid the area around Thessaloniki (e.g., go via Dojran), the total toll to the same resorts is usually lower, often around 4–5 €, as you bypass part of the toll booths around Thessaloniki.
  

Find detailed information about tolls here: How much do tolls cost in Greece – complete overview of prices by road directions.

How does the Ring Road work?

When approaching Thessaloniki from the border (either Evzoni or Dojran), you are actually coming from the northwest. Your goal is to bypass the city from the north and head east towards Kavala.
More details: Flyover and Thessaloniki Ring Road - how to avoid traffic on the way to Halkidiki and Thassos .

Can I rejoin if I miss the turn on the bypass?

If you miss the turn for Kavala and head towards Halkidiki, you will have to return through the eastern suburbs of Thessaloniki. Therefore, it is important to stay in the left or middle lanes when you see the sign for Kavala at that large junction.

How many border crossings do I have if I go via Bulgaria?

One. The Kulata–Promahonas crossing was abolished since Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone. From Serbia to Greece, if you go via Bulgaria, you have only one border crossing.
These are Gradina or Strezimirovci. We described the Strezimirovci crossing in the article here:
Travel to Greece via Vlasina Lake and Bulgaria

Can I reach Stavros, Asprovalta, and Vrasna by bus?

If by any chance you wish to, you can reach this region by regular bus lines.
The main bus station is in Thessaloniki (on the west side of Thessaloniki, near the train station where the last metro station is).
K.T.E.L. N. THESSALONIKI
Address: Menemeni 546 28
Website: http://www.ktelthes.gr

From this station, regular lines depart to the following resorts:
Thessaloniki - Asprovalta (many daily departures - about ten)
Thessaloniki - Vrasna (many daily departures - about ten)
Thessaloniki - Olympiada (very few daily departures - only 2)

Before traveling, check the timetable on the KTEL Makedonias Bus Station website HERE.
During the season, we recommend securing tickets in advance due to heavy traffic.

Safe travels!

Check out the wide selection of accommodation in the Thessaloniki region by clicking HERE.