Halkidiki is the ultimate summer destination. It is located in the heart of Northern Greece, with plenty of things to do and beautiful places to explore. Dreamy beaches, picturesque villages, and seaside towns are what you should expect from this wonderful Greek region. So, if you are planning a summer trip to Greece, Halkidiki should be at the top of your list. In this article, you will find the best places to visit in summer in Halkidiki, Greece.
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Things to know before visiting Halkidiki
Halkidiki or Chalkidiki consists of 3 peninsulas. It is located near Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city in Greece. The first peninsula is closer to Thessaloniki, and the third is the furthest. Since Halkidiki is a diverse region, it has it all. You will find everything from stunning beaches, fancy beach bars, and beautiful seaside towns to secluded villages and spiritual places. It is the perfect destination for everyone. You can visit it as a couple, family, or group of friends. If you are a foodie and want to try the famous Greek cuisine, Halkidiki has delicious food that covers all tastes (fresh seafood, traditional Greek specialties, street food, and Mediterranean cuisine).
The capital of Halkidiki is called “Polygyros”, but we are not included in this list. For us, it is one of the least interesting towns compared to other incredible places. You should be aware that Halkidiki is overcrowded during the peak season (early July to mid-August). We therefore recommend that you book your tickets, accommodation, and tours in advance. Depending on the country you come from, you may not have free European roaming. If so, we suggest buying a digital e-SIM card to save time and money.
How to get to Halkidiki?
If you are not coming by car from nearby countries, you should first take a flight to Thessaloniki. Since it is a charming seaside city, we suggest you spend 2 days there and then head to Halkidiki. Without a car, there are 2 convenient ways to visit most parts of Halkidiki, either by local buses called “KTEL buses” or by taxi. These buses are the most affordable option. However, if you want a more relaxing transfer, you can alternatively take a taxi from Thessaloniki. If you are short on time, we recommend taking an organized day trip from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki. Traveling by car is the best way to have the absolute freedom to visit as many places as you want. You can rent a car either in Thessaloniki or in any town of Halkidiki.
How to get around Halkidiki?
The easiest way to get around Halkidiki is undoubtedly by car. It will give the flexibility to visit any place. However, the most economical way is by KTEL. Using these buses will allow you to visit only the main towns of Halkidiki. You can buy your tickets either at local shops or online. Another great way to get around the peninsulas is by boat. There are many tours and cruises available all over Halkidiki.
The best time to visit Halkidiki
Since Halkidiki is a summer destination, most tourist spots are empty in winter. Only a few hotels and restaurants remain year-round. So, you should visit it during the shoulder season (spring or fall) or summer. However, if you visit in the high season (July to late August), you should expect overcrowded places and beaches. The same goes for prices. If you want to have a relaxing holiday without crowds, you can easily visit during the low season. So, you will still have good weather, but quieter places and beaches.
Where to stay in Halkidiki?
Halkidiki has many pretty places to stay. They cover all needs and budgets. Thus, you will find countless accommodation options from neat rental apartments and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. Depending on your available time in Halkidiki, we suggest you look for holiday homes for rent for longer periods. In case you are looking for all the amenities and comfort, you will find amazing hotels and resorts. To help you decide where to stay, we will give you some details about each peninsula.
- Kassandra (First Peninsula): ideal for luxury holidays with many 5-star hotels and resorts
- Sithonia (Second Peninsula): more secluded beaches, ideal for ocean lovers
- Athos (Third Peninsula): one of the most spiritual places in the world, thanks to “Mount Athos”
Best places to visit in summer in Halkidiki – Greece
1-Kallikrateia
About 30 kilometers from Thessaloniki, you will find the first beautiful place to visit in Halkidiki. Kallikrateia or Nea Kallikrateia is a small town of 6000 inhabitants. It has an amazing beach with clear waters and the backdrop of Mount Olympus, the largest mountain in Greece. What could be better than swimming in deep blue waters while admiring the view of the mountains? Kallikrateia is also a great place to have as a first base. There are beautiful surrounding villages where you can easily find an apartment or guesthouse to rent. It has a lively atmosphere with many cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, etc. You can visit it as a day trip from Thessaloniki for a quick swim on hot summer days.
2-Afytos
Afytos or Athitos is probably our favorite village in Halkidiki. It is very picturesque with narrow alleyways, colorful houses, and breathtaking ocean views. You will find adorable places for lunch and dinner, or beautiful bars for drinks with a view. Since Afytos is a hilltop village, it is the perfect place for strolls to enjoy the panoramic views of the sea. However, you should also get off to take a dip in the amazing beaches.
3-Kallithea
About 4 kilometers from Athitos, you will find yourself in Kallithea. It is probably the place with the most intense nightlife in Halkidiki. We suggest you visit to experience a real Greek night, as it has from Greek taverns to night clubs. However, if you are looking for beaches with turquoise waters, Kallithea is also the place to be. You can rent a boat, paddle, jet-ski, etc. So, we would say that this place caters to all tastes.
4-Sani
Sani is a seaside village that bustles with life every summer. It is one of the most luxurious parts of Halkidiki with a large marina, boutiques, elegant restaurants and bars, and of course 5-star hotels and resorts. It has amazing shallow water beaches suitable for families. In the heart of the village, it is located the world-renowned Sani Resort. Most of its hotels are all-inclusive. So, you can enjoy a worry-free vacation with food, drinks, and activities included in the price.
5-Siviri
About 20 kilometers from Sani, you will find a tiny coastal town called “Siviri”. Although it is a small place, it has a vibrant life with many waterfront restaurants, beach bars, rental houses, and hotels. So, you could easily stay in Siviri and take day trips to the other parts of the first peninsula. Since it has a large coastline, it has many private or public swimming spots. As you can see from the photo below, the beach sunsets are magical.
6-Kryopigi
You can visit Kryopigi right after Siviri. It is a seaside village with beautiful beaches ideal for family holidays. Although it is a quaint place with narrow streets and old houses, it has many hotels and rental homes. Additionally, the beach of Kryopigi is one of the best beaches of this peninsula, with clear blue waters and pine trees. You can easily spend a full day there and then enjoy an authentic Greek meal at the waterfront restaurants.
7-Hanioti
Hanioti is another coastal town that perfectly combines natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It has a long beach with white sand, but also cafés, taverns, beach bars, etc. There are various accommodation options from hotels to rental homes. So, if you want another great place to visit during your trip, Hanioti will not disappoint you.
8-Pefkochori
You cannot leave the Kassandra peninsula without making a stop at Pefkochori. It is a picturesque village with stunning beaches. We could say that it has all the vibes you need for your Greek summer. The nightlife, delicious food, and dreamy beaches are a magnet for many tourists every summer.
9-Paliouri
Paliouri is another incredible place to add to your Halkidiki itinerary. It is perfect for either a day of relaxation or an adventure day with water sports, snorkeling, etc. The clear blue waters and the beautiful surroundings create an amazing landscape. It is also known for its pine forest, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it combines this natural beauty with folk architecture.
10-Nikiti
Nikiti is the first town worth visiting on the second peninsula, connecting the first to the second peninsula. It is picturesque with a long beach, which is one of the best beaches in Sithonia. That is why it is probably the perfect place to base yourself if you want easy access to both the first and second peninsulas. Besides the beautiful beach, it has countless cafés, restaurants, and hotels. Lastly, you can visit the archeological site of Sofronios Basilica, which is an interesting place to add to your itinerary.
11-Vourvourou
Vourvourou is a small fishing village similar to the previous ones with taverns, beach bars, and a few hotels. However, it is a must-visit on your trip to Halkidiki, mainly because of its dreamy beach! It is a sandy beach with some small rock formations, shallow water, beautiful surroundings, and excellent facilities. So, it is perfect for families. You can opt for a boat cruise to explore the nearby uninhabited islands.
12-Kavourotripes Beach
About 35 minutes from Nikiti, you will find yourself at the best beach in Sithonia. Words do not do justice to how beautiful Kavourotripes Beach is. The turquoise waters, huge rock formations, and breathtaking ocean views make it a real gem! However, it is a remote beach that is only accessible by car. Be aware that it gets very crowded during peak season. So, if you want to have it to yourself, you must visit it either early in the morning or just before sunset.
13-Sarti
Sarti is a quaint village with whitewashed houses, small alleys, and a stunning coastline. Due to its geographical location, it has an amazing sandy beach with turquoise waters. The nearby beaches are some of the best beaches in Halkidiki, such as Kavourotripes Beach, Kalamitsi Beach, Platanitsi Beach, and Armenistis Beach. All of them are real gems that get very crowded in the high tourist season. So, we advise you to try to visit them all and get there as early as possible. Driving through this area is something else, with the stunning ocean views. If you do not have enough time, you can take a private trip to Sithonia to visit most of its dreamy beaches.
14-Neos Marmaras
Neos Marmaras is the largest town on the second peninsula. That is why it is the perfect place to stay in Sithonia. It has everything from a shopping center, bars, and restaurants to a port, police station, etc. The beach of Neos Marmaras is beautiful with deep blue waters and surrounding greenery. Plus, you will find the Dragoudelis forest, which is an awesome place for nature lovers. It also offers magical beach sunsets. So, we highly recommend taking a sunset sailing tour for some epic moments at sea.
15-Kalamitsi
In the southern part of the Sithonia peninsula, Kalamitsi is a charming village. Kalamitsi Beach is a piece of paradise. Clear blue waters, soft white sand, and magnificent views of Mount Athos! There are 3 distinct beaches, which are equally beautiful. Two of them have a private and a public place where you can put your towel. You can alternatively go to the beach bar to enjoy the facilities. The third beach is a nudist beach and quite secluded. So, if you are traveling with kids or do not like such experiences, you can visit the other 2 main beaches.
16-Nea Roda
Nea Roda is the first place to visit on the third peninsula, about 115 kilometers from Thessaloniki. You can easily base yourself there, especially if you are traveling as a family. It is a family-friendly destination. We highly recommend that you visit the nearby beaches of Voulitsa, Xiropotamos, and Komitsa!
17-Ouranoupolis
About 15 minutes from Nea Roda, you will find the small town of Ouranoupolis. It is known mainly because of its busy port. It connects it to the famous monasteries of Mount Athos (only accessible to men). However, it is an awesome summer destination with many restaurants, hotels, and a long sandy beach. You will also find the largest tower in Halkidiki, the Prosforio Tower. It has Byzantine architecture and is located right on the beach. Wherever you step on this peninsula, you will feel the spiritual vibrations of Mount Athos. Lastly, in case you are looking for wild landscapes, the third peninsula will not disappoint you.
18-Ammouliani
You cannot fully experience the beauty of Halkidiki without visiting the island of Ammouliani. A short distance from Ouranoupolis, you will find the port of Tripiti. You can take a taxi from Ouranoupolis to reach Tripiti. Upon arrival at the port, you must take the ferry to Ammouliani. It is a paradise with only 500 inhabitants. So, if you are looking for a dreamy island in Northern Greece to unwind, this island should be at the top of your list. The turquoise beaches and the lush greenery create the perfect setting for various activities, like swimming, snorkeling, or romantic walks on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Your summer holidays in Halkidiki will leave you with the best impressions. It is a friendly destination for all types of travelers. We sincerely suggest that you choose some special cruises or activities to get a good taste of the unique beauty of Halkidiki! If you can spare some extra time, we recommend that you stay in at least two of the three peninsulas. We wish you a wonderful summer full of unforgettable memories.
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