Things To Do
in Epanomí
Epanomí is a coastal town in Central Macedonia, about 20–25 km southeast of Thessaloniki, known for its long sandy beach, shallow clear waters and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The town blends small-scale agriculture—olive groves and vineyards—with fishing and a growing summer tourism scene of tavernas and beach bars. It’s an excellent base for birdwatching at nearby wetlands, watersports along the long shoreline, and day trips to Thessaloniki or Mount Olympus.
Visitors will find a low-key local life, family-run eateries, and easy access to natural and cultural attractions without the crowds of bigger resorts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the charming village of Epanomí, nestled along the coast of Thessaloniki. Settle in at your accommodation and take some time to freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while soaking in the picturesque views of the Aegean Sea.
Explore the village's quaint streets and discover its traditional architecture and vibrant local shops. Visit the nearby archaeological site of Ancient Templum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Stop for lunch at a tavern to savor authentic Greek dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
As the sun sets, stroll along the beach and witness the beautiful colors of the Mediterranean sky. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and other local specialties. Wrap up the evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of Epanomí.
Begin your day with a visit to the local farmer's market, where you can interact with friendly vendors and taste delicious produce. Gather some picnic supplies, including fresh fruits, cheeses, and bread, to enjoy later in the day. Experience the vibrant energy of Epanomí as locals go about their morning routines.
Take your picnic to one of the nearby beaches, where you can relax under the sun with the gentle sound of waves. After your meal, spend some time swimming or exploring the shoreline, discovering hidden coves and stunning landscapes. Consider renting a kayak to explore the coast from a different perspective.
Return to the village and visit a traditional taverna for an authentic dinner experience. Try local delicacies like moussaka or souvlaki, accompanied by a glass of local wine. Enjoy live music and traditional dancing, immersing yourself in the vibrant Greek culture that fills the air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (local caf?) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $3-5 |
| 🚖Taxi short ride (in-town) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Long sandy beach with shallow waters ideal for families
- Close to Thessaloniki for culture, dining and transport connections
- Lovely natural areas nearby for birdwatching and low-impact outdoor activities
- Friendly, low-key local atmosphere and authentic tavernas
- Limited nightlife and fewer amenities outside summer season
- Public transport is less frequent than in a city; a car is helpful
- Some businesses close in winter, reducing options for dining and activities
- Beach can get crowded on peak summer weekends
- "Kalimera" - Good morning
- "Efharistó" - Thank you
- "Parakaló" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Poso kostizei?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pou einai to paralia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Ygeia" - Cheers / To your health
Places to Visit in Epanomí
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy stretch with shallow waters—excellent for sunrise and sunset shots, reflections on wet sand, and candid beach life photography.
Colourful boats, nets and fishermen provide authentic maritime scenes and good golden-hour compositions.
Rolling groves near the town give textured rural landscapes, especially evocative in late afternoon light.
A rich birdlife habitat with marshes and reed beds—ideal for wildlife photography and landscape views of the delta.
Traditional architecture, tiled roofs and the local church offer cultural and portrait photography opportunities among daily village life.
Food in Epanomí
Epanomí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught fish, calamari or shrimp served simply grilled with lemon and olive oil—available at most seaside tavernas and the fishing port restaurants.
Must-Try!
Classic Greek street food that’s widely available and convenient—pita filled with grilled meat, tzatziki, tomato and onion; easy to find at casual spots in town.
A local staple: tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives and feta with oregano and olive oil—ideal with grilled fish or as a refreshing light meal.
Epanomí’s surrounding countryside produces olives and table grapes; small producers and family estates offer tastings and simple purchases.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical Greek outdoor market (laiki) sells fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, cheese and baked goods—great for sampling local produce and seasonal treats.
Small stalls and vendors near the port or beach sell freshly caught fish and prepared seafood—look for the most-local catch and ask when it was landed.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings—'Kalimera' (good morning), 'Kalispera' (good evening). A friendly hello and a handshake are common; close acquaintances may kiss once on each cheek.
Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches: shoulders covered and avoid shorts; remain quiet and respectful during services.
Meals are social—accept offers of food and drink, try a little of each dish, and it’s polite to leave a small portion if you are full rather than clearing your plate immediately.
Deference to older residents and local customs is appreciated; be mindful of noise late at night in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Epanomí
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in tavernas is common for good service; small change for caf? and bars is fine.
Cash (euros) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and some tavernas. Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are accepted at larger restaurants and businesses; ATMs and bank branches are available but may be limited outside peak areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season runs July–August: hot, dry weather, lively beach bars and watersports. Expect crowds on weekends, especially from Thessaloniki, and book beachfront accommodation in advance.
September–November brings milder temperatures and calm seas—good for swimming early in season, olive harvest activities, and bird migration viewing at the wetlands.
December–February is quiet and cool with occasional rain; many seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. It’s a good time for off-season walks, local life experience and lower prices.
March–May offers blooming countryside, comfortable temperatures and increasing watersport activity—ideal for hiking, cycling and photography before peak tourist season.
Epanomí at Night
Hiking in Epanomí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walks along the shoreline and through dune areas ideal for short hikes, sunrise walks and beachcombing.
Low-difficulty nature trails for birdwatching and wetland exploration—bring insect repellent and binoculars.
Gentle paths through cultivated countryside and vineyards around Epanomí, offering pleasant walks and rural scenery.
Not a local trail but accessible as a day trip from Epanomí—offers a range of hikes from easy to strenuous with dramatic views; allow a full day and check conditions.
Airports
How to reach Epanomí by plane.
Main regional airport serving Thessaloniki, about 25–35 km from Epanomí (30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic); offers domestic and international flights and good ground transport links.
Greece’s largest international airport in Athens—an option for international connections but a long drive or a short domestic flight to SKG is required to reach Epanomí.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in fishing, agriculture (olives, grapes) and local services—central to village life.
People who live in Epanomí and commute to Thessaloniki for work, benefiting from proximity to the city while enjoying a coastal lifestyle.
Domestic and regional visitors who come for the summer beach season, day trips, and weekend escapes from Thessaloniki.
Visitors drawn by the wetlands, nature trails and watersports, often present in spring and autumn migration periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide—local clubs and youth teams are active and many locals follow Thessaloniki’s major clubs.
The coast near Epanomí offers conditions suitable for wind and kite sports, especially when wind picks up in late spring and summer.
Common informal and organised games on the sand during the summer months.
Both coastal and small-scale boat fishing are traditional local activities and popular among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Epanomí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are easy to find: vegetable moussaka, gemista (stuffed vegetables), Greek salad, spanakopita and cheese-based dishes. Ask for olive oil and request no meat; many tavernas are flexible.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible—order salads, legumes and vegetable-based dishes; carry snacks for remote areas and confirm butter/cheese-free preparations.
Fresh grilled fish and salads are naturally gluten-free; many bakeries use wheat heavily, so alert staff about cross-contamination and prefer plain grilled or boiled items.