Mount Athos Cruises

Yes, and it is the most-booked excursion here, but it is a long day. The monasteries are roughly three hours away by road and the bus tours are listed at about 11 hours. If that sounds too much, there are two-day versions that include a night near Meteora.

Not the peninsula itself on a standard tour: it is closed to women, and men need a separate permit. What the offers sell is a boat trip along the coast past the monasteries, which leaves from Ouranoupoli, about 140 kilometres from the city.

It depends on what you want. Meteora has by far the most reviews and the most dramatic scenery. Edessa with the Pozar thermal baths is the relaxed one, Vergina and Pella are for people who like history, and Dion with Mount Olympus is the shortest drive. All are 8.5 to 11 hours.

The city is a waterfront promenade rather than a beach destination. If you want to swim, the options are on Halkidiki – beach and Blue Lagoon trips start from Thessaloniki, but they are long days, so staying on the peninsula is simpler if beaches are your main aim.

Not for the main excursions: Meteora, Olympus, Vergina and Edessa are all offered as organised trips starting in the city. A car gives more freedom for Halkidiki and for the Athos boat, which leaves from a different town, but it also means long drives of your own.

The monasteries enforce a dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and women are asked for a long skirt (often available at the door). Each monastery is closed on a different weekday, so what you can enter depends on your date.