In the heart of Northern Greece, you will find one of best places to visit in summer. Halkidiki is the ultimate summer destination with many amazing places to explore. Dreamy beaches, picturesque villages and a lively atmosphere make it one of the most popular destinations. So, if you are planning a trip to Greece, you should definitely add it to the top of your list ! In this article, you will find the best places to visit in Halkidiki this summer.
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Things to know before visiting Halkidiki
Halkidiki or Chalkidiki consists of 3 peninsulas and is located near Thessaloniki which is the second largest city in Greece. The first peninsula is closer to Thessaloniki and the third is the furtherest. Because Halkidiki is a diverse region, it has it all ! You will find everything from stunning beaches, fancy beach bars, beautiful seaside towns to secluded villages and spiritual places. Once you arrive, we can assure you that you will have an unforgettable summer vacation. 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 cuisines).
The capital of Halkidiki is called Polygyros, but we are not included in this list. For us, it is one of the least interested towns compared to other incredible places. To help you plan your trip, keep in mind that Halkidiki is generally crowded during the peak season (from early July to mid August). We therefore strongly 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 ! In case you need mobile data, it is not the easiest job to find free Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in small places.
If you are an outdoor or ocean lover, Halkidiki is one of the best places for hiking, diving, snorkeling, kayaking etc. There are also many remote beaches and entire areas. So, to be fully covered from risky situations, we highly recommend getting a travel insurance. As we always say, while you are on the road, even in protected areas, it is best to be covered to get the most out of your vacation.
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 a charming seaside city, we suggest you spend 2 days there and then head to Halkdiki. Without a car, there are 2 convenient ways to visit most parts of Halkidiki, either by local buses (KTEL buses) or by taxi. These buses are the most affordable option. But, of course, if you want your comfort on vacation, you can easily take a taxi from Thessaloniki. If you do not have time, we recommend taking organized day trips from Thessaloniki to various places and peninsulas of Halkidiki.
However, the best way to enjoy your time in this unique Greek region is definitely by car. You will have the absolute freedom to visit as many places as you want, on your own in an affordable way ! Even if you do not have your own car, you can rent one in Thessaloniki or in any town of Halkidiki to explore it properly. However, we recommend that you rent a car directly at the airport to travel to Thessaloniki and then go to Halkidiki. You will get more options available at much better prices. The road trip to the peninsulas of Halkidiki is a unique travel experience.
How to get around Halkidiki ?
The easiest way to get around Halkidiki is again by car. It will give the flexibility to visit any place even the remote ones without any difficulty. But, the most economical way is by KTEL. Using these buses will allow you to only visit the main towns of Halkidiki. You can buy your tickets either at local shops or online (KTEL website). Another great way to get around the peninsulas is by boat. There are many tours and cruises available all over Halkidiki !
Where to stay in Halkidiki ?
As you can guess, Halkidiki has many extraordinary 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. Of course, if you need all the amenities and comfort, you will find some epic hotels and resorts (i.e. Sani Resort). Obviously, you can choose to stay on all peninsulas to enjoy them to the fullest ! 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”
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 can visit it only in 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. Obviously, the same goes for prices. If you want to have a relaxing holiday without crowds, you can easily visit in low season. So, you will still have a good weather, but quieter places and beaches ! Chances are you will have more accommodation options available.
Best places to visit in Halkidiki in summer
1-Kallikrateia
Just 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 with an amazing beach with clear waters and the mountain of Gods, Olympus in the background ! It is actually the largest mountain in Greece, so what is better than swimming in deep blue waters while admiring the mountain views. Kallikrateia is a great place to have as a first base, because it has many 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. Of course, 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 alleys, colorful houses and breathtaking ocean views. You will also find adorable places for lunch and dinner and amazing bars for drinks with a view. Since Afytos is a hilltop village, it is the perfect place for walks to admire the panoramic views of the sea. However, you should get off to take a dip in the beautiful beaches. Like all parts of Halkidiki, its beaches are something else !
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. But, 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 the most luxurious parts of Halkidiki with a large marina, boutiques, elegant restaurants and bars and of course 5-star hotels and resorts. It also 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. Additionally, most hotels offer direct access to private beaches which is a huge plus for summer getaways. If you do not want to stay at the resort, you can easily spend a day in Sani enjoying the beautiful atmosphere, views and facilities. That is why we highly recommend having a lunch or dinner there !
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 lively atmosphere with many waterfront restaurants, beach bars, rental houses and hotels. So, you could easily stay in Siviri and take day trips to the other gems 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 there hit different.
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 also has many hotels ! So, it is another great place to have as a base during your stay on the first peninsula. The beach of Kryopigi is one of the best beaches of this peninsula with clear blue waters and pine trees. You can spend your day there and then enjoy an authentic Greek meal at the waterfront restaurants for incredible views. For us, it is one of the best places to relax and fully enjoy your summer days.
7-Hanioti
Hanioti is another coastal town that perfectly combines the natural beauty and the vibrant nightlife. As above, it has a long beach with white sand, but also cafés, taverns, beach bars etc. It offers various accommodation options from hotels to rental homes. So, if you want another great place to visit during your trip Halkidiki, 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 draw for many tourists every summer. It is the ideal place for all kinds of activities, from romantic strolls, snorkeling or chilling on the beach to authentic Greek parties.
9-Paliouri
Paliouri is another incredible place to add to your Halkidiki itinerary. The golden sand is its main attraction and 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. Paliouri is also known for its pine forest which is ideal for outdoor enthuliasts. However, it combines this natural beauty with folk architecture. Nothing beats wandering through its narrow alleys with old stone houses and then heading to the beach !
10-Nikiti
Nikiti is the first town worth visiting on the second peninsula. So, it is the point that connects the first to the second peninsula. It is a picturesque place with a long beach which is one of the best beaches in Sithonia. It also offers plenty of things to do ! That is why it is probably the perfect place to base yourself, if you want easy access to both first and second peninsulas. In addition to the amazing beach, it has countless cafés, restaurants, hotels that allow you to have a wonderful summer time. Lastly, you can visit the archeological site of Sofronios Basilica which is an interesting place to add to your itinerary. Since Nikiti has an amazing beach, we suggest you take a sunset cruise to fully experience its beauty ! It is a unique experience with spectacular views.
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. We highly suggest taking a boat cruise to explore the nearby uninhabited islands. You will have the opportunity to find amazing spots for snorkeling or diving.
12-Kavourotripes Beach
About 35 minutes from Nikiti, you will find yourself at the best beach of 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. It gets very crowded during peak season. So, if you want to have this dreamy beach 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 truly 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. You will be speechless by their beauty and views !
14-Neos Marmaras
Neos Marmaras is the largest town of the second peninsula. So, it is the perfect place to stay during your stay in Sithonia. It has everything from shopping mall, bars and restaurants to port, police station etc. Despite its size, it has narrow streets to walk through ! 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. But, as you can see from the photos below, it also offers magical beach sunsets ! That is why we highly recommend taking a sunset sailing tour for some epic moments at sea. Keep in mind that Neos Marmaras is a convenient place to access the third peninsula, as there are daily boat rides in the summer.
15-Kalamitsi
In the southern part of the Sithonia peninsula, Kalamitsi is a charming village full of beauty. Kalamitsi beach is a piece of paradise. Clear blue waters, soft white sand and magnificent views of Mount Athos ! There are 3 distinct beaches that are equally beautiful. Two of them have a private and a public place where you can put your towel. Of course, you can alternatively go to the beach bar to enjoy the facilities. The third beach is nudist and quite secluded. There are even tents where some nudists stay during the summer months (or a little longer). If you are traveling with a family or just do not like such experiences, you can visit the 2 main beaches. We highly recommend watching the sunrise or sunset there, as the colors reflect on the rock formations and waters creating a unique scenery.
16-Nea Roda
Nea Roda is the first place to visit on the third peninsula, 115 kilometers from Thessaloniki. It is accessible either by car or bus. You can easily use it as a base for your travels in this special area. It is another family-friendly destination with sandy beaches, lively atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. It has all the amenities you will need such as cafés, taverns, beach bars and many accommodation options ! If you are looking for a relaxing vacation enjoying the beach, Nea Roda is the right place. We recommend you to 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 that connects it to the famous monasteries of Mount Athos (only acceessible to men). However, it is an excellent 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. It is amazing to swim while enjoying this historical masterpiece ! Wherever you step on this peninsula, you will feel the spiritual vibrations of Mount Athos. Keep in mind that if you want to find more 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. In case you travel by bus, you can a taxi from Ouranoupolis to reach Tripiti. Once you arrive at the port, you must take the ferry to Ammouliani. It is a heaven on earth with about 500 residents ! The natural beauty of this tiny island will leave you in awe. 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 swimming, snorkeling or romantic walks on the beach. Cruising is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Halkidiki and we cannot recommend it enough.
Final Thoughts
As you can guess, your summer holidays in Halkidiki will leave you with the best impressions and memories. It is a friendly destination for all types of travelers, catering to all preferences and budgets. We sincerely suggest you to choose some special cruises or activities to get a good taste of the unique beauty of Halkidiki ! If you have enough time ahead of you, you can stay in at least one place of each peninsula to have easy access to their gems. We wish you a wonderful summer full of unforgettable memories.
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