Greece is North Macedonia's closest southern neighbor, and Thessaloniki — Greece's second city — is just 170 km from Skopje. This makes northern Greece one of the most accessible cross-border destinations for travelers renting a car in Skopje, suitable for a day trip or a longer Aegean weekend. Here is everything you need to know.
The Border Crossing: Gevgelija/Evzoni
Gevgelija is the main Macedonian border town, 170 km south of Skopje on the A1 motorway (2 hours' drive). The crossing into Greece happens at Evzoni/Polykastro.
- Documents: Passport required (EU ID cards accepted for EU nationals). Greece is in the Schengen Area, so once you enter you're in the Schengen zone.
- Green Card: Your rental car's insurance should cover Greece — confirm with Relax Rent a Car when booking.
- Wait times: 15–30 minutes on weekdays. Summer weekends (July–August) can reach 1–2 hours. Best crossing times: early morning (before 08:00) or evening (after 20:00).
Gevgelija: Macedonia's Southernmost City
Before crossing, Gevgelija itself is worth noting. It's a border town with a casino industry (several large casinos attract Greek visitors), thermal baths (Negorski Banji, 7 km from town), and a pleasant waterfront on the Vardar River as it approaches Greece.
The Negorski Banji thermal springs are one of Macedonia's most accessible spa experiences — the water emerges at 40–43°C and the complex has both indoor and outdoor pools. A good stop on your way back from Greece.
Thessaloniki: The Essential Destination (60 km from Border)
Thessaloniki is the cultural and culinary capital of Greek Macedonia. It's been continuously inhabited for 2,300 years, and layers of history — Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman — are visible everywhere.
What to See
The White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos): Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century on the city's waterfront. Now a museum of Byzantine history. The rooftop terrace offers views over the harbor and the city. Entry fee €4. Open Tuesday–Sunday.
Rotunda: A 4th-century Roman rotunda that served successively as a Roman mausoleum, a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a museum. Remarkable architectural evolution in one building.
Ano Poli (Upper Town): The old Byzantine walled city above the modern center. Narrow streets, traditional wooden-balconied houses, the Byzantine walls (partially walkable). Quieter than the center. Drive up and explore on foot.
Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum: Greek Macedonia's most important collection. Goldwork, mosaics, and everyday objects from prehistoric through Byzantine periods. Budget 2 hours.
Roman Agora and Galerius Arch: In the city center — the ruins of the ancient forum and the Arch of Galerius (built to celebrate a Roman victory over the Persians in 298 AD).
Ladadika neighborhood: Former Jewish commercial district, now the city's main restaurant and bar quarter. Excellent for lunch or dinner.
What to Eat in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is considered Greece's food capital, with a heavier Anatolian influence than Athens.
- Bougatsa: Cream-filled pastry, eaten warm for breakfast. Best at dedicated bougatsa shops (bougatsatzidika). Try Bougatsa Bantis or Freska Bougatsa near the White Tower area.
- Gyros: The Thessaloniki version uses a wider flatbread (pita) with more sauce. Standard price: €2.50–3.
- Soutzoukakia: Spiced meatballs in tomato sauce — a distinctly Thessaloniki dish with Smyrna origins.
- Local olives and cheeses: The covered market (Kapani/Bezesteni) sells excellent local produce.
Thessaloniki Practical Info
- Parking: Use the central paid parking at the port area or the underground garage near Aristotelous Square. Expect to pay €2–3/hour.
- Cash: Greek businesses are required to accept cards but some market vendors prefer cash.
- Budget: Thessaloniki is cheaper than Athens. A good lunch with wine costs €15–25/person.
Vergina: Royal Tombs of Ancient Macedon (40 km from Thessaloniki)
The most significant archaeological detour in northern Greece. Aigai (modern Vergina) was the first capital of ancient Macedon, and the site's royal tombs include the burial of Philip II — father of Alexander the Great.
The main tomb was excavated in 1977 by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos, and its contents — gold wreaths, armor, a golden larnax (ossuary), painted hunting scene — are displayed in the Museum of the Royal Tombs below the burial mound.
- Entry fee: €12 (2026 rate; verify current prices)
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–17:00 (check for seasonal changes)
- Drive from Thessaloniki: 40 km west on the Veroia road, approximately 45 minutes.
Mount Athos Region (Driving Along the Coast)
The Athos Peninsula (Halkidiki region) is visible to the east of Thessaloniki. While Mount Athos itself requires a special permit (only men, only Orthodox pilgrims), driving along the coast of Halkidiki is accessible to all.
The Sithonia and Kassandra peninsulas (Halkidiki) have some of Greece's most beautiful beaches — clear water, pine forests to the shoreline, good infrastructure. About 80 km from Thessaloniki.
Veria (80 km from Border)
Veria (Veroia) is a small city in Greek Macedonia with:
- An unusually well-preserved Ottoman neighborhood (over 50 mosques/former mosques, now churches or converted buildings)
- A Bema of the Apostle Paul — where Paul preached in 50 AD (Acts 17:10)
- The Baroque Jewish neighborhood (Beria had a significant Sephardic Jewish community until WWII)
A quiet, undervisited alternative to Thessaloniki.
A Practical Day Trip Itinerary
From Skopje:
- 07:00 — Depart Skopje on A1 motorway
- 09:00 — Cross border at Gevgelija/Evzoni
- 10:00 — Arrive Thessaloniki. Breakfast on Aristotelous Square (bougatsa from a nearby shop)
- 10:30–13:00 — White Tower, Rotunda, Ladadika neighborhood
- 13:00 — Lunch in Ladadika (seafood or traditional Greek mezze)
- 14:30 — Drive to Vergina (45 min)
- 15:00–17:00 — Museum of Royal Tombs
- 17:30 — Drive back north toward Thessaloniki
- 19:00 — Cross border (expect 30–60 min wait)
- 21:00 — Back in Skopje
Required Documentation
When renting from Relax Rent a Car, confirm that your rental agreement covers Greece. The vehicle will need:
- Vehicle registration certificate (Registration) in the car
- Green Card (insurance for international travel) — confirm Greece is listed
Ready for a Thessaloniki day trip? Rent a car at Skopje Airport and make the most of being 170 km from Greece. Also consider the full Athens drive for a longer Greek adventure.
