The Halkidiki peninsula is often called the "trident". Moreover, each of the "fingers" - Kassandra, Sithonia and Ayon-Oros - is able to satisfy the needs of vacationers, both in terms of comfort and in terms of the entertainment component of the vacation.
It is difficult to find a beach on the peninsula that is not marked with the Blue Flag - a symbol of cleanliness and well-being. Almost in any settlement, guests will be offered honey and olive oil produced here. Taverns and restaurants serve local cuisine with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Differences in resorts most often relate to specialization. For example, Possidi is traditionally considered the center of youth recreation, people come to Loutra Pozar to improve their health, and to Athos - to purify themselves spiritually.
The best places to stay in Halkidiki
List of major towns and villages with sandy beaches and beachfront hotels.
Neos Marmaras
The remains of the fortress indicate that an ancient settlement existed here earlier. The resort received a boost to development after the construction of Porto Carras, a large hotel complex. On its territory there are restaurants, a casino, a diving school, golf courses, and the adjacent coastline stretches for 10 km. It is also worth taking some time to explore the Parthenonas - an abandoned village, the Karras estate and the island of Kelyfos.
Pevkohori
One of the most popular resorts in the eastern part of the peninsula. The village was built in a pine grove, which is what the translation of its name says. The local beach receives the Blue Flag every year - a sign of cleanliness and comfort. Water sports are available on the coast. The presence of nightclubs and restaurants for every budget attracts a motley audience. The attraction is a church dating from the 19th century.
Nikiti
The areas near the Kassandra Bay are famous for antiquities and archaeological finds. More than a dozen ancient settlements have been discovered in the area. Attractions: windmills, early Christian temples and religious sites built a couple of centuries ago. The well-equipped beaches provide an endless stream of tourists. Nikiti also makes money by selling olive oil and honey.
Sarti
The settlement in the east of Sithonia is interesting because of the cozy bays and the contrast between the clear sea and picturesque mountains. Entertainment: water skiing, surfing, boat trips, including long-distance ones, allowing you to see the sights of Athos. The fishermen's taverns offer fresh fish dishes. You can stay both in hotels and in houses near the water, or use the camping sites.
Vourvourou
The village is spread along the bay. The color of the sea changes depending on the season and the weather from aquamarine to azure. The resort is protected from waves by the island of Diaporos located off the coast. There are 8 more small islands nearby. The beach stretches along the entire coastline. Sightseeing: the ruins of Singos and the ruins of monasteries, the fortress wall, as well as churches built in different centuries.
Afitos
As in most resorts, there is picturesque nature, but architecture is also added to it. Cobbled streets, some have fountains and other decorative elements. The houses have retained the imprint of past eras, and the temples are built in different styles. The exhibition of the sculptor Pavlis works on a permanent basis. Afitos is suitable for family vacations: there are no large entertainment establishments, but the infrastructure is at a high level.
Hanioti
From here, the city of Thessaloniki is about an hour's drive away. The resort has many shops selling decorative and souvenir products, from paintings by local artists to ceramics. From the central square, streets with cafes, taverns and bars diverge in different directions. The hotels have their own beaches. The peak season is between spring and summer, and only a few hundred people live in Hanioti in winter.
Callithea
It belongs to the eastern resorts of the peninsula and is located in the Gulf of Toroneo. In good weather, the summit of Athos is visible from here. In the evening, vacationers stroll along the cobbled embankment. White beaches are framed by centuries-old pine trees. There are practically no storms here due to the terrain. The main archaeological attraction is the remains of the Temple of Zeus, discovered during the construction of a hotel by the sea.
Polychrono
Located 90 km from Thessaloniki. There are restaurants and cafes on the embankment for every taste and budget. The sand and pebble beach stretches for 7 km. Sun loungers and parasols are chargeable, but you can get them on load if you buy something at the beach bar. There are many archaeological sites in the vicinity of Polychrono, including the Greco-Roman sundial and the acropolis of the ancient city.
Kriopigi
The village is located between Polychrono and Kallithea. The central part of the settlement is located just a kilometer from the sea. The main resort street runs parallel to the coast through hilly areas. The resort is one of the climatic ones, the air is filled with the scent of pine trees. There is a spring in the forest where both locals and tourists go to fetch water. There is also a hiking trail. There are also interesting excursions, including on a "pirate" ship.
Nea Moudania
Commercial center of Kassandra. People come here for shopping or a noisy party even from other resorts in the region. A large market is open on Wednesdays. Eminent DJs often perform in the clubs. The ethnographic and maritime museums, as well as the performances in the central square, are worth visiting. The main beach is to the right of the port. It is sandy, equipped with everything you need and gives you access to water sports.
Sleigh
One of the largest spa resorts in the region occupies the west coast of Kassandra. The waters of the Aegean are azure. The beaches are surrounded by olive groves and pine forest. Open-air parties and performances are regularly held. Diving, water skiing and parasailing are available to everyone. For beginners, instructors will help to get comfortable for a fee. The stores feature global brands.
Nea-Kallikratia
Thessaloniki is 40 km away from here. The coastal line, suitable for recreation, has a length of about 15 km. The beaches are distinguished by a sandy bottom and the fact that it will take a long time to get to the depth. The resort is suitable for families with small children. On the other hand, the nightlife is also active here: some beach bars do not close until early morning. Historical and cultural beauties - the temple of St. Paraskeva and the stele "Kora Kallikratia".
Toroni
One of the resorts on the coast of the Sithonia peninsula. Family fish restaurants and taverns are a local attraction. The beach is 2.5 km long. It is covered with fine pebbles and clean sand. The Blue Flag mark appears here annually. Seasonal rental villas come close to the beach. A visit to the ruins of the Likif fortress is an important part of most excursions in Toroni. Small turtles live nearby in the river.
Paliouri
The southernmost settlement on Kassandra. It is spread over a hill. The location of the streets and many houses have been preserved here since the 19th century. Tourism, olive oil production and honey farming are the main sources of income for local residents. Although there are many visitors, the Xenia hotel complex is abandoned. Entertainment: diving, cruises, Greek cuisine lessons, going out to sea in the company of professional fishermen.
Amouliani
The only island of Halkidiki that is inhabited. Until 1933, these territories were the courtyard of the Athonite monastery. You can get to Amouliani only by water through Tripiti. Tourists stay mainly in the private sector. There are also several home hotels. People come to the island for secluded relaxation, there is no entertainment here, but the nature is mesmerizing.Fishermen sell their catch at a makeshift market.
Ierissos
The ancient city of Akanfos used to stand on this site. Its ruins are cleaned up and turned into an archaeological park. Water attractions, rental of boats, the necessary infrastructure are integral attributes of each section of the 11-kilometer coastline, divided into separate beaches. Camping in Ierissos is paid, but you will not find a more comfortable stay in tents in the region.
Nea Potidea
The resort is located on a narrow isthmus. The location of Thessaloniki Airport, just 55 km away, has played a role in attracting tourists. The coast is covered with small pebbles, although there are also sandy areas. It is difficult to imagine a more measured day of rest than in Nea Potidea. And at night, a completely different life begins: campfire parties on the beach, clubs open until the morning, bars offering an extensive program.
Gerakini
The roads to Sithonia and Polygyros intersect near the resort. In addition to the beach holiday, Gerakini is famous as one of the largest magnesium deposits in Europe. The beaches themselves are contrasting: some are adjacent to hotels and villas, others are framed by "wild" greenery. Excursions to neighboring settlements, which are half an hour or an hour away, will allow you to plunge into the world of archaeological beauty. The monastery complex "Meteora" is also worth visiting.
Sit down
Occupies part of the southern coast of Kassandra. Youth resting place: children are brought here to health camps, and young people prefer the local camping and inexpensive hotels. The beaches are traditionally noisy: music plays, sports competitions are held, and it is crowded. The main beach is sandy and has a length of about a kilometer. You can have lunch or a refreshing drink right on the shore.
Psakoudia
A village in the southwest of Sithonia. The beach is covered with coarse sand and small pebbles. Although it is awarded the Blue Flag, this part of the coastline is inferior to the neighboring resorts in terms of grooming. But here there are very beautiful sunsets, and during the season it is crowded on the coast even late at night. The café tables come close to the sun loungers. There is almost no third-party entertainment. The hotels are mostly three-star.
Nea Skioni
In the past, these territories became the first Greek colony in Halkidiki. The current settlement has inherited the name, but with the prefix "nope" - a new one. Around - olive groves, filling the sea air with special aromas. The beaches of Nea Skioni have been awarded the Blue Flag. From the shore you can watch dolphins. The best hotels are located outside the village. Fish and seafood dishes are the basis of the national cuisine.
Rock Furkas
Fourka village is located at a distance of about 3 km from the sea. Furkas Rock is its coastal part. There are hiking trails in the nearby forest. Pines prevail among the trees. A nightclub is open, there are shops with national goods. Architectural beauties - several temples, including the Church of St. Paraskeva, erected in 1857. Cruises to Mount Athos and the island of Skiathos depart right from the beach.
Agios Nikolaos
Locals call the city "Greek Saint-Tropez". The main traffic on the streets begins in the evening: the lights of numerous bars, restaurants and clubs come on. There are beaches, both belonging to hotels, and relatively "wild", surrounded by trees. Lake Voulismeni adds beauty to the landscapes. Tourists leave here not only with olive oil, but also with more expensive purchases, such as fur coats and jewelry.
Siviri
The resort in the Thermaikos Gulf is a quiet place for family or solo leisure. For entertainment you will have to go to the neighboring Possidi or Polykhrono. The length of the beach is about 2 km. The shallow water allows you to swim here with small children. This is followed by rocky hills covered with dense greenery. To the south of the settlement, there are also little-visited wild beaches. Some of them were chosen by nudists.
Metamorphosis
The location in a series of small bays in the north of the country provided the resort with almost complete absence of waves. Cuisine is the national treasure of Metamorphosis. Despite its modest size, the village is rich in fish restaurants and taverns. Service at a high level, but no frills. You don't have to leave the beach even at night: the sunbeds are not removed, lanterns are installed everywhere, even the paths are illuminated at dusk.
Nea Fokea
Location - north-east coast of Kassandra. The sandy beach is rich in additional services. Any little things are rented. Accommodation is available both at the hotel and at the campsite. Tours along the coast are organized, with the possibility of making stops at other resorts. Sightseeing: the Byzantine tower, the chapel and the adjacent holy spring, where the Apostle Peter performed the secret rites of baptism.
Porto Karas
One of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. The length of the beach is 9 km. The resort acquired its present appearance in the 70s. In addition to villas and mini-hotels, there are 2 five-star hotels here. They have pools with sea water. Park areas smoothly turn into well-groomed forests. An extensive yacht dock has been built. Sailing boat races are held regularly. For sports enthusiasts, there are golf courses, courts and a soccer field.
Loutra Pozar
Even while resting at other resorts, dedicated tourists try to visit the thermal springs of Loutra Pozar. They are available all year round. There is a large spa nearby. A paleontological museum was also opened. Several hydropathic establishments offer clients a similar range of services. The water in their pools is running, so it is constantly being renewed. Agia Paraskevi is located 5 km from the springs - a village where many stop when they come to the springs.
Athos
The third finger of Halkidiki, after Kassandra and Sithonia, is called Ayon-Oros. Its length is about 60 km. The main theme of Athos is religion. This is a self-governing part of Greece, where special orders and traditions operate. Mount Athos dominates the peninsula. Monasteries and other religious objects have been built around it. Excursions are sent here from almost all resorts in the country. The pilgrims arrive at the port of Daphne, from where their journey to the holy places begins. In the immediate vicinity there are two full-fledged resorts - Neo-Roda and Ouranoupoli. The service here is top notch and a standard set of entertainment is also present.
