For travelers of the early 15th century, reaching Thessaloniki could be accomplished either by land or sea:

• By Land: Most travelers coming from Western Europe or other parts of the Balkans would journey via the Via Egnatia. This road was still a major artery for merchants and pilgrims, linking cities like Durazzo (in modern Albania), Skopje, and Constantinople. Caravans, horsemen, or walking pilgrims would pass through rugged mountainous terrain, with stops at fortified waystations along the way.
   

• By Sea: The Aegean Sea was a busy maritime route, with Venetian and Genoese merchant ships frequently docking at Thessaloniki’s harbor. Travelers arriving by sea would sail from ports in Italy or the islands, experiencing the vibrant traffic of goods like spices, silk, grain, and precious metals.
   

Travel conditions could be unpredictable due to weather, banditry, and ongoing conflicts in the region, so journeys required preparation, local knowledge, and sometimes armed escorts. shutdown123