Mid-Sept: 7 relaxing days near Thessaloniki - where?

Any ideas for a relaxing, warm spot near Thessaloniki (< 3 hrs) where we can spend a week swimming, reading, breathing, eating fresh fish & rent somewhere with a kitchenette? Somewhere we can rent bikes where there is not too much traffic would be fantastic.

We're not sure whether to stick to the mainland (my hunch is that it is less touristy than an island, hence less touristy than Thassos?) or drive up, take the ferry and go to Thassos island.

Previously we have enjoyed holidays on other islands (leafy French islands & south Corfu - lots of cycling) and lesser-known places in Eastern Europe - we don't need huge tourist infrastructure.

We are happy to drive a little bit/ take the bus/short taxi trip but would like to get to one place and then be able to walk or cycle.

The Pelion peninsula is my only suggestion but others may be able to suggest something closer to Thessaloniki. Volos, which is the arrival point for the Pelion, is 2 and a half hours by bus from Thessaloniki. The peninsula itself (NOT Volos) is very lovely - famous place of beauty - mountains, interesting villages, walks, etc - with rooms to rent in the villages (Kala Nera is a nice base, on the Gulf side of the peninsula but there are many others). There is a reasonable bus system around the peninsula emanating from Volos (same bus station as the long distance buses arrive at). I imagine you must be able to rent bicycles but possibly only from Volos. Anyway, it is worth a thought if no-one else comes up with anything nearer.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.