Where to Stay in Halkidiki: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Heading to the Greek peninsula of Halkidiki this year? Here’s where to stay in this beautiful coastal region in the north of Greece: including all the best beach resorts, beaches, and hotels in the area.

This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover:

the difference between the main areas of Sithonia and Kassandra
an overview of the the best hotels and resorts in Halkidiki
Halkidiki’s main resorts; the best places to stay for nightlife, cheap packages and a younger crowd
a rundown of quieter resorts and villages in Halkidki; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature

Halkidiki Overview

It’s easy to overlook the Greek mainland and head straight to the Greek islands when in search of summer sun. But the region of Halkidiki is loved by locals and is one of the best places in Greece for beach-lovers. You’ll find it in the north of Greece, not far from Thessaloniki. Halkidki occupies a peninsula that has three smaller peninsulas branching off it, often referred to as its ‘prongs’ or ‘fingers’. The prongs, left to right, are called Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos.

With its unusual shape providing so much coastline (over 500km), there are countless sandy beaches and some of the most exotic-looking turquoise seas in the country. And there’s a great selection of accommodation right by the sea. Be warned though that some beaches (especially on Kassandra) have sharp shingle and/or rocky bottoms – and sea urchins are common so best bring water shoes.

The scenery is lush and green, with a mix of flat and hilly resorts. Although you can find package holidays to Halkidiki through the usual suspects (TUI, Loveholidays, Jet2, Olympic, Easyjet) and there are many purpose-built resorts, it hasn’t been swallowed up by mass development in the way that the Spanish coast has. Halkidiki is popular with the domestic Greek crowd, particularly being so close to Thessaloniki, and also with visitors from the rest of the Balkans. There are a few resort towns that have a more international (i.e. British, Scandinavian, and German). Even the larger resorts are really more medium-sized and the nightlife tends to cater to the locals.

GETTING AROUND

Airport: The closest is Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) .

Bus: Bus services in the area are run by KTEL Halkidiki and although there are some buses between resorts – particularly on Kassandra – car hire is preferable if you intend to do a lot of exploring.

There are no major ferry connections in Halkidiki although you may find water taxis in high season and smaller ferries to Ammouliani island.

Which is the best part of Halkidiki?

CENTRAL HALKIDIKI: Before you reach its prongs, the central region of Halkidiki is mountainous and forested, with a traditional villages inland and a few small beach resorts on its coasts.
KASSANDRA: This is where you’ll find the biggest hotels, marinas, the busiest resorts, and more package tourists from abroad. There are long expanses of Blue Flag beach although sand is course (and a bit sharp) in places, and some parts can feel a bit scruffy. If you like activities, waterparks, international cuisine, and a lively nightlife though, then Kassandra is the right place for you.
SITHONIA: This is true unspoilt Greece – the scenery here is beautiful and more rugged, with small villages and a more relaxed and simple way of life. It has more forest and less people. There are plenty of campsites and walking trails, as well as the best beaches in the region – the sand here is finer than Kassandra but the beaches are smaller, with many rocky coves and small islands to discover.
ATHOS: The eastern prong is most off-limits to holidaymakers (and women) as it houses Greece’s biggest monastery, but there are a few villages before you reach the holy part.

Best Places to Stay in Halkidiki

BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Sani Asterias, Ekies All Senses Resort, Eagles Palace, Ikos Olivia, Acrotel Athena Pallas, Porto Carras Meliton
BEST INFINITY POOL: Ikos Oceania, Sani Beach
BEST HOTELS ON THE BEACH: Sani Beach, Danai Beach Resort, Ikos Oceania
BEST BUDGET BEACH HOTEL: Antigoni Beach Resort, Lily Ann Beach
SWANKIEST VILLAS: Eagles Villas, Avaton Luxury Villas
BEST FAMILY RESORTS: Sani Club, Ikos Olivia
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS: Afitis Boutique Hotel, Rigas Boutique Hotel
BEST PLACES FOR NIGHTLIFE: Kalithea, Sani, Hanioti, Pefkochori, Neos Marmaras
BEST QUIET UNSPOILT RESORTS: Kalamitsi, Armenistis, Possidi, Paralia Sykia, Elia
BEST APARTMENT: Art Boutique (Pekfochori)

KASSANDRA

Sani

Sani (also spelt Sane) is a luxury resort village located on a beachfront family-owned eco reserve. One of the best 5* star resorts in Greece, the complex encompasses 5 different hotel zones across several beaches. Interiors and facilities are stylish and up-to-date, with good attention to detail and plenty of space to spread out.

The overall landscape is serene, green, and private, with over 7km of Blue Flag sandy beach to boot. To the north, Stavronikitia Beach beach is long and unorganised, backed by dunes and trails in the forest and wetlands area.

The area around Sani Beach is more developed and organised, with beach bars and grills lining the promenade. There’s also a buzzing marina ringed by swanky boutiques and restaurants.

Boat trips and other excursions are available, and in the summer the resort also hosts a few concerts and festivals. Kids have everything from a football academy to a treetop adventure park to keep them occupied.

Sani is the best place in Halkidiki for couples and families on a luxury budget.

Transfer time: 50 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Stay at Sani Luxury Resort:

Sani Asterias – exclusive beachfront suites – a new opening for 2020

Porto Sani – relaxed hotel and spa with pool complex close to the marina with ideal facilities for young kids

Sani Beach – family facilities with a large pool area right by Stavronikitia Beach, ideal for older children

Sani Club – beachfront family bungalows, best for privacy and private pools

Sani Dunes – chic and sumptuous half-board with infinity pool and spa, close to the marina

Siviri

Siviri is a small village with traditional vibe and a cluster of low-key cafes and tavernas. The beach is narrow sandy with shallow seas and a few rocks. During the summer it hosts a theatre festival in its amphitheatre.

Skala Fourkas

Skala Fourkas is a small but popular resort on the western coast. It caters towards local holidaymakers and has a traditional Greek feel – with locally run small hotels, beach bars, and tavernas. The beach is sandy and Blue Flag rated, and there are forest trails nearby.

There is an inland village with Byzantine ruins and stone buildings, simply called Fourkas.

Transfer time: 1 hour from Thessaloniki airport.

Cape Possidi

Head south from Skala Fourkas and you’ll reach Possidi – after Poseidon, the god of the sea. The name is used refer to both the western-facing cape and its main village on the south side of the peninsula.

The main beach here is unusual – it runs the length of the village and extends out into the sea in a long spit of sand in shallow turquoise waters. Beyond the village, the cape has both north and south-facing beaches meaning you can switch side depending on the wind. The scenery is pine-flanked and lush, with many villas situated for great sunset views of Mount Olympus over on the mainland. There’s also a small archaeological site.

There are a few restaurants and amenities but it’s a quiet village and if you don’t intend to eat in your hotel then it’s best to rent a car.

Transfer time: 1 hour 5 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Pefkochori

Over on the east coast of Kassandra, Pefkochori (also Pefkohori) is a lively beach resort village with a traditional bucket-and-space vibe. It’s popular with young families and is a good compromise between scenery and activities, with calm seas and plenty of watersports as well as boat trips and trails. Laid-back cafes and tavernas line the beachfront promenade. The beach large and organised (with art installations dotted around), sandy but a bit gravelly in places.

There are plenty of souvenir shops to pick up a postcard, snorkel mask or inflatable. For evening entertainment there are a few late bars and places to dance but no big clubs. And you’ll find a wide range of accommodation here, from package holidays to traditional studios.

There are some beautiful beaches and a lagoon to the south of Pefkochori at Glarokavros, unfortunately it has an ongoing litter problem. Keep going until you reach the cleaner sandy beach at Paliouri instead, although sunbeds are expensive and it does get busy. James Villas have some good villas in this area.

Transfer time: 1 hour 10 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Hanioti

Hanioti is one of the most popular resorts in Halkidiki, particularly with Brits. The main appeal here is the 5km of Blue Flag beach with bright mix of sand and shale with crystal clear waters – though it’s worth knowing that it does feel sharp in places.

It has a lively evening scene – the promenade and square is lined with bars, grill restaurants, and tavernas. It’s has plenty of amenities but still has a village feel. It’s not a big party place – if you’re looking for drinking or dancing past 2pm you’d be better off at larger Kallithea (though the taxi fare is reasonable if you fancy an occasional night out out).

Water sports are available and there are some activities and playgrounds. The landscape here is flat and you can get around on foot or bicycles. There are pine forests with trails surrounding Hanioti too.

Transfer time: 1 hour 10 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Polychrono

The beach at Polychrono is similar to that at Hanioti – Blue Flag and long with a mix of sand and small shingle. It’s a smaller village with traditional architecture, compared to Hanioti which feels more modern. The surrounding area is lush and green, with wetlands, lakes, and trails. It gets busy in July and August – when the narrow beach can feel absurdly crowded with local families and Balkan holidaymakers.

Transfer time: 1 hour 5 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Kryopigi

Kryopigi (or Kriopigi) combines hilly forested surroundings with traditional stone architecture. The main part of the village is up in the hills, with some amenities down by the beach which is small pebbles with crystal clear water. It’s one of the prettiest resorts in Halkidiki and is a good spot for foodies and couples looking for relaxation in scenic surroundings.

Some of the hotels located up the hills run shuttles down to the beach in high season. It’s a short drive to Kalithea.

Transfer time: 1 hour from Thessaloniki airport.

Kalithea

Kalithea (also spelt Kallithea) is the biggest and busiest beach town in Halkidiki and it’s around here that you’ll find the majority of all-inclusive hotels and large aparthotels served by tour operators. Don’t confuse it was the resort of the same name on the island of Rhodes though, or indeed the suburb of Athens. Parts of the town are hilly.

The beach is mostly sand but it is narrow and gets very busy in July and August.

Kalithea has the best shopping and nightlife in Halkidiki, with several clubs on the outskirts of town. There’s also a bowling alley and a go-kart track. It attracts weekenders from Thessaloniki as well as foreign holidaymakers so you’ll find a mix of Greek and international cuisine.

Transfer time: 55 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Afitos

Afitos (or Athitos) is a short drive up the coast from Kalithea, and the name refers to both the historic hillside village and its adjoining beachside area. It’s one of the most unique destinations in Halkidiki – more intimate and upmarket than Kalithea, with an arty vibe, colourful cafes, and incredible views from its traditional stone buildings.

There are two beaches down by the sea, with a mix of sand and shingle. It’s a steep climb back up to the village though.

Transfer time: 55 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Nea Fokia

Nea Fokia is a small fishing village with an old Byzantine tower and a beach of sand and small pebbles. It’s popular with locals and the accommodation is mostly traditional studios and family-run hotels.

Transfer time: 45 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Nea Potidia

Nea Potidia sits at the top of Kassandra and historically controlled access to the peninsula. It’s flat and green and the roads and canal here date back to ancient times. Its rich history contrasts with the popular modern-day town.

There are beaches on both the west and east sides of the town, with a cafe-lined promenade and a few small parks. The east beach is wider and organised whereas the west is narrower and feels a bit scrappy. The water on both sides is shallow and calm, making it popular with local families. Some watersports are available, as well as camping, many restaurants, and some nightlife but it has the feel of a local resort rather than international.

Transfer time: 50 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

SITHONIA

Sithonia has the prettiest scenery and the best sandy beaches, but it’s primarily a place for people looking to get lost in nature and who are happy to entertain themselves. The villages are small, amenities few and far between, and accommodation tends to be either campsites or new resorts scattered amongst the scenery. The atmosphere is less commercial and you’ll pay less for your sunbeds. A rental car is a must to make the most of the area.

Gerakini and Psakoudia

You’ll find the seaside resorts of Gerakini (also spelt Yerakini) and Psakoudia on the stretch of coastline between Kassandra and Sithonia. Both are small villages with good strips of beach, clear waters and an appealing array of cafes and tavernas. The location ensures popularity with Northern Greeks and there are several campsites in the area. The beaches are very busy during the Greek summer holidays (July-Aug).

Of the two, Gerakini has the prettier location with a pine-shaded beach. There are more international hotels too – the luxury resort Ikos Olivia is located here, and up the road is the TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess.

Transfer time: 50 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Nikiti

Nikiti is the first real tourist destination in Sithonia. It has both an old inland stone village and an attached beach which beach is sandy, part-shaded and organised. Nikiti is small and charming with good tavernas and an authentic feel. Shaded bars and cafes line the main beach, which is pretty narrow and feels densely packed in the summer. However there are several more beaches in the wider area to explore such as Kastri, Agios Ioannis, and Kalogria to the south.

The Danai Beach Resort & Villas is the top place to stay in Nikiti.

Transfer time: 1 hour 5 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Elea

It’s not quite a village but the area of Elea (or Elia) is home to several hotels making the most of some very pretty coastal scenery. Think pine-drenched hills, silent but for the sound of the cidadas, and hidden golden beaches.

The hotels are all owned by the Acrotel Group, some have direct beach access, and there’s something for every budget. The beach is a mix of course sand and small pebbles, narrow in parts and with organised sections in front of the hotels. Generally the beach is quiet, the water is clear and shallow with a rocky bottom in some parts. Overhanging pines make for an idyllic feel.

You can also find a few hotels and apartments not belonging to the group in the area and also at the excellent Lagomandra and Tripotamos beaches to the south of Elia.

Stay with the Acrotel Group:

Athena Pallas – flagship 5-star beachside hotel

Athena Residence – smaller 5-star with luxury maisonettes

Athena Villas – four maisonettes and villas with a secluded feel

Elea Beach – intimate and friendly 4-star hotel

Lily Ann Beach – crisp cool rooms in a 3-star with beachside pool

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Neos Marmaras

Neos Marmaras is one of the larger towns in Sithonia and is home to the best nightlife on the peninsula. Set around a hilly harbour, it also has two extensive beaches on either side of town. Neos Marmaras bustles in a low-key kind of way. Many boat trips are on offer from the harbour and there’s a good selection of eateries and shops. It makes a good base for those looking for self-catered accommodation but not wanting to be somewhere two quiet.

The newly-refurbished 5-star Porto Carras Meliton is a long-established luxury beachfront hotel with its own marina and vineyard.

Transfer time: 1 hour 25 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Toroni and Porto Koufo

Toroni is a small and sleepy resort with a beach of course golden sand. There’s no real centre here, but a collection of laid-back traditional hotels and tavernas behind the beachfront. It’s quiet but feels a bit scruffy and the water gets deep quickly (great for swimmers). There is camping around at Tristinika Beach to the north is better.

To the south, Porto Koufo is a small fishing village with excellent seafood tavernas, set in a natural harbour with steep cliffs.

Transfer time: 1 hour 45 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Kalamitsi

Kalamitsi has one of the most beautiful beaches in Halkidiki – a gorgeous crescent of fine golden sand. Sure, it gets busy in the summer, but it’s a traditional and free-spirited kind of tourism with low-rise buildings and a few souvenir shops and watersports. Behind the beach is a a car park and a quiet village with hotels, studios, tavernas, and campsites. There’s a dive shop here too – some of the best diving in Greece is found in the waters around here,.

Transfer time: 2 hours from Thessaloniki airport.

Paralia Sikia and Sarti

There’s an inland Sykia (or Sikia) and its beach outpost known as Paralia Sikia, which is a few miles away and set in scenic bay on the east coast of the peninsula. The area has a few beautiful sandy coves with incredible turquoise seas and beachfront tavernas. It’s something of a hidden treasure, and although it’s busier than it used to be the beaches are still comparatively quiet and the overall air is one of tranquility. Klimataria is the busiest and most organised of the beaches.

The accommodation in Paralia Sykia is mostly in traditional guesthouses, rental homes, and a campsite at Ai Giannis which is also the largest beach.

To the north of the bay is the village of Sarti, which has comparably beautiful sandy beaches and more accommodation options. The water here can get rough though, pay attention to the lifeguards.

It’s not far from Sarti to the buzzing Goa and Platanitsi Beaches, and the famous Kavourotrypes – one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece with its orange sand and distinctive rocks.

Transfer time: 2 hours from Thessaloniki airport.

Armenistis

To the north of Sarti the scenery gets wilder. Tucked in amongst its green hills and winding roads is Armenistis, a haven for campers. It has 1km of sandy Blue Flag beach enclosed by fragrant pine forest which also separates the beach from the large well-run campsite with good amenities. Non-campers can enter the beach and make use of the beach bar, water sports, and restaurant.

Transfer time: 1 hour 35 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Vourvourou

The area around Vourvourou is one of the most picturesque in all of Sithonia. It’s a small village set with many beautiful beaches in the surrounding area, as well as the nine uninhabited Diaporos Islands. A kayak trip around the islands is not to be missed. The sea is generally shallow and turquoise and there are many rock formations carved by the wind, creating one of the most exotic coastal landscapes in Greece. Walking trails through the pines complete the appeal. Notable beaches are Karidi Beach – is an almost perfect crescent of sand – and the unusual sandbar beach at Livari.

This natural paradise is understandably popular in the summer months. There are many independent guesthouses and studios around Vourvourou, as well as the luxury Ekies All Senses Resort which is directly on the beach. The accommodation options extend up to the Lagonisi Peninsula, and beyond that the village of Trani Ammouda where the boutique Antigoni Beach Hotel is located.

Transfer time: 1 hour 20 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Athos and the East

Ouranoupoli and Ammouliani

Most of the Athos Peninsula is off-limits but one of the main places you can visit is the pleasant seaside town of Ouranoupoli and the nearby island of Ammouliani. Yes, there’s an inhabited island in Halkidiki – and it has some dreamy beaches.

As Ouranoupoli is the gateway to Mount Athos it has many amenities for pilgrims and spiritual tourists. It has a historic feel with wooden Byzantine architecture, orange tiles, and old stone tower. It’s not primarily a beach resort although it does have a beach and good showing of luxury hotels and resorts.

From the harbour at nearby Trypiti you can take boat trips around the Holy Mountain as well as frequent small ferries over to Ammouliani and the uninhabited Denia island. Ammouliani is mostly flat and green with white sand beaches and shallow waters. It’s a popular day trip, especially for families, as the ferry is cheap and only takes 15 minutes. You will need your own wheels to reach the best beaches though.

Transfer time: 2 hours from Thessaloniki airport, plus ferry/water taxi

Ierissos and Nea Roda

On the eastern side of the Athos Peninsula are two more options. The small seaside village of Nea Roda is small, traditional, and close to some excellent golden sand beaches. In the summer months it comes alive with beach bars and watersports.

Ierissos is a larger town, flat and sporting a large sandy beach, lots of green space, and a palm-lined promenade. There are a few larger resort hotels here as well as tavernas known for their fresh seafood, but the overall vibe is that of a quiet town with some local tourism. There are plenty of apartments available as well as two campsites.

Transfer time: 1 hour 35 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

Eastern Halkidiki

Olympiada

On the eastern coast of Halkidiki is the popular beach resort of Olympiada which is set in spectacularly green scenery. The surrounding area is forested and protected – it’s a peaceful place with excellent walking trails and is still quite unknown amongst foreign visitors. There are several more coves and beaches in the wider area (check out Proti Ammoudia, Vina, and Babylon), as well as the small archaeological site of Stagira (which was the birthplace of Aristotle).

To the north you will find the village of Stavros which has similar charms.

Transfer time: 1 hour 20 minutes from Thessaloniki airport.

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