White sandy beaches & crystal clear waters of beaches in Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki holidays

Halkidiki is home to beautiful beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and spectacular ancient ruins – a hidden gem in northern Greece. With 3 peninsulas to choose from, you’ll discover everything from popular beaches and secret coves to clifftop Byzantine monasteries. That means you get to lay back and work on your tan, or explore to your heart’s content – ​​the choice is yours. In Kassandra, you’ll find the resort towns of Kallithea and Hanioti – both offering white, sandy beaches and a wide choice of hotels including family-friendly all inclusives and exclusive spa retreats. In neighbouring Sithonia, you’ll discover dozens of unspoiled beaches away from the crowds, while the wonderful cliff-top monasteries of Athos can be seen on a boat tour from either peninsular. Wherever you base yourself in Halkidiki, you’re in for a real treat. Even in the summer months, you’ll always find a place to lay down your towel and enjoy the area’s Caribbean-like beaches. The hotels are well-equipped for families and couples alike, so whether you’re after an action-packed beachside hotel with world-class amenities, or a tranquil escape for adults-only – it’s all here.

Halkidiki information

Plane

Average flight time

3h 15m

Clock

Time difference

GMT +2h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Greek

A guide to Halkidiki holidays

Food & drink in Halkidiki

Honey is a big deal in Halkidiki – the area is home to around 6,500 beekeepers, producing 40% of Greece’s honey. Try yours mixed with some Greek yoghurt, or drizzled over pancakes at breakfast. Don’t forget to bring a couple of jars home with you – they make great souvenirs. Seafood fans will be in heaven in Halkidiki with fresh shellfish, prawns and calamari on every taverna menu. Mussels saganaki is a local speciality, a tasty combination of fried mussels, feta cheese and tomatoes. Try it with a chilled glass of Assyrtiko, a white wine produced locally. Halkidiki is famous for its apricots, grown throughout the region. You’ll find them in jams and marmalades, baked in cakes, and served at breakfast. They also go well with local cheeses, including feta and graviera – grab a baguette from your local bakery for a tasty DIY lunch.

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Beautiful beaches in Halkidiki

One of our favourite Halkidiki beaches is Kallithea on the Kassandra peninsular. This Blue Flag beach boasts a lovely stretch of soft sand and irresistible aqua-marine water. The ocean is shallow a good way out, making it ideal for families with little ones. Another firm favourite is Sani Beach on Kassandra’s west coast. A Caribbean-esque strip of white sand and turquoise water, Sani Beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your Halkidiki holiday. It’s a popular spot in the summer months – arrive early to grab your sun bed! A little further north, Nea Moudania offers a stunning coastline with crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling.

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Amazing history in Halkidiki

Monastery: Mount Athos on Halkidiki’s eastern peninsular boasts no fewer than 20 clifftop monasteries. The Holy Monastery of St Gregory is perhaps the most famous, a 14th century structure perched on the edge a low cliff, just metres from the ocean – see it on a boat tour leaving from Ouranapolis peninsula.

Tower of Profsorio: For a bit of amazing history on the beach, head to Ouranapolis village and the Tower of Profsorio. Built by monks in the 14th century to protect against invaders, this castle on the sand is an impressive sight – plus you get the added bonus of a day at the beach!

Ancient Stagira: High in the Halkidiki hills, you’ll find the Ancient Stagira, birthplace of Aristotle. Starting life in 655 BC, the Stagira has been subject to wars and earthquakes through the years, but there’s still plenty of interest to see here, including the ancient wall, acropolis and 6th century temple.

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Fun things to do in Halkidiki

Waterpark: Everyone loves a water park, and in Halkidiki you’ll find the biggest – and best – in Greece. Waterland comes with an impressive number of slides and rides for all ages. Take on the thrilling twists and turns of the Multi Slides, and hold on tight as you wind your way down Crazy River. There’s even a wave pool for extra splash-about fun.

Boat tour: A glass-bottom boat tour is a great way to see the colourful marine life of the Aegean, and learn about Halkidiki’s amazing history. From the port in Ouranoupolis, you’ll sail out to sea, looking for dolphins as you pass by the area’s famous clifftop monasteries – a top day out for the whole family.

Historic cave: Don’t pass up a visit to Petralona Cave in Nea Moudania. The cave, formed over 1 million years ago, features jaw-dropping rock formations and underground pools. Kids and adults alike will love the maze of tunnels and museum full of prehistoric remains.

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Map of Halkidiki

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