Halkidiki, or Chalkidiki, is a region of central Macedonia in northern Greece, located southeast of Thessaloniki. It’s well worth the detour, combining mountain landscapes with typical villages and beautiful beaches with translucent waters. The most beautiful beaches can be found on the 3 peninsulas that flow into the Aegean Sea: Kassandra to the west, Sithonia in the center, and Aktè to the east.
But what can you do in Halkidiki or Chalkidiki, that region with such a special name? Here are our top picks and must-sees to help you plan your vacation in Northern Greece.
1 – Ouranoupoli and Mount Athos
Situated on the Aktè, the finger to the east, Ouranoupoli is the last town where women and girls are allowed. To the south of this seaside resort lies Mount Athos, home to an autonomous monastic community of around 2,000 Orthodox monks in some twenty monasteries. They lead a life of seclusion, punctuated by prayer. And so as not to disturb the contemplative atmosphere, access by any female creature, including animals, is completely forbidden. Except chickens and cats! Mount Athos is a Unesco cultural and natural heritage site.
Ouranoupoli is a pretty seaside town with restaurants, cafes and a long white sandy beach. But it is above all the departure point for boats offering excursions excursions along the west coast of the peninsula. The cruise also affords lovely views of some of the monasteries on Mount Athos. And if you’re as lucky as we are, you’ll also be able to watch dolphins following and playing with the boat! For our children, it’s one of the fondest memories of their vacation in Chalkidiki (more so than the monasteries, strangely enough). There are also glass-bottom boat excursions to admire the seabed, as well as an excursion along Mount Athos with a stopover for a swim on Amoliani Island.
2 – Sithonia, a peninsula of beautiful beaches
Of the 3 peninsulas in Chalkidiki, my favorite is the one in the middle, known as Sithonia. It’s full of small beaches hidden in coves, lined with rocks that rival each other in beauty. With the different shades of blue of the sea and sky, these beaches should not leave you indifferent. Our selection of beaches to try out: Kavourotrypes (more about it below), Vourvourou, Sarti, Kalamitsi beach and Karydi …
You won’t necessarily find large stretches of sand, but that’s what makes them so charming. However, try to get to the beach in the morning before it gets crowded. What’s more, the morning light is perfect for bringing out the blue of the sea even more.
For sports enthusiasts (who also speak English), we spotted but didn’t test a kayak excursion along the coast of Sithonia.
3 – Kavourotrypes beach
This is one of my favorite beaches in Greece! It’s not a fine sandy beach, but rather a coastline of rounded rocks where it’s nice to put your towel down and admire the scenery. The water is very, very clear, a magnificent shade of blue, warm and shallow, with engravings on the rocks… An ideal place for lazing around!
At the end of the road, there’s a stretch of beach with deckchairs and parasols. They are provided by the beach bar and are free with consumption. If you don’t, like us, you’ll opt for the rock option!
Kavourotrypes beach is located on the middle peninsula of Sithonia, on the eastern side facing Mount Athos. Other names include Portokali and Orange Beach, and it’s easily accessible.
4 – The Stageira archaeological site
In the far north-east of Chalkidiki, near Olympiada, you’ll find the archaeological site of Stageira. This ancient Greek city, the birthplace of Aristotle, is located on a small peninsula on the coast of the Strymonic Gulf.
The site is quite well preserved. It’s a lovely walk with a few shady sections and, above all, a magnificent view! Free admission.
After the walk, you can take a dip in the sea in Sikia beach, a small cove just below the entrance. Or push on to the nearby seaside village of Olympiada Halkidikis. Here you’ll find a large beach with a landscaped area and numerous seafront tavernas and cafés.
5 – Aristotle Park in Stageira
A little further inland, on the road to Arnaia, you’ll find Aristotle Park near Stagire (same name, but not the same town as the archaeological site). If you’re in the area and have children, it’s sure to delight the curious. Children can test and manipulate various reproductions of Aristotle’s inventions: compass, discs with visual effects, telescope, prism, lens, pentaphone, pendulum, water turbines, inertial spheres, parabolic reflectors to hear even a whisper…
6 – The charm of Arnaia
The village of Arnaia, with its traditional architecture, is a pretty mountain village well worth a visit. A peaceful place to stroll among the colorful half-timbered houses, or to relax on the terrace of a cafe on the plateia.
7 – A day in Thessaloniki
Thessalonica is Greece’s 2nd largest city. It boasts numerous monuments, museums, churches, cafes… An attractive, lively and varied city that’s well worth spending at least a day in. Read all about it in our dedicated article What to do in Thessaloniki? Our top 10.
8 – Spend an evening by the sea
For seaside dining, here are 2 places we’ve tried (and retested), 2 styles 2 atmospheres:
- Pyrgadikia: Located to the north of Sithonia, this ancient fishing port has retained its authenticity. Along the small beach you’ll find four tavernas, including a psarotaverna and a pizzeria. Here you can sip your ouzo while the kids play on the beach. Located not far from our rental, we’ve dined there a few times and have never been disappointed.
- Nikiti: To the north-west of Sithonia, Nikiti is an ancient traditional village that has preserved some of its stone houses. Now more based on the seaside resort model, its waterfront is lined with a wide range of restaurants, taverns, cafés and bars to suit all tastes. In high season, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is not the place to come!
9 – Koufos and its port
Porto Koufo is located in the south-west of the Sithonia peninsula. It’s a small marina with several tavernas along the quay and a long beach. A little less touristy, it’s the ideal place for a quiet afternoon on the beach. Nearby bars even provide deckchairs and parasols for a fee.
10 – Kassandra
The most westerly peninsula, this is Chalkidiki’s most touristic region, with its many seaside resorts. The beaches are mostly large stretches of sand, and are also very beautiful, such as Golden Beach near Chrousou, Pefkohori, Kallitheas beach, Glarokavos beach and its natural harbor, Hanioti beach… Numerous bars line the coast, making for a lively nightlife.
A stop at Afytos village is a must, a pretty traditional village of stone houses and cobbled streets in Chalkidiki. Situated high up, it offers a beautiful view of the sea and its various shades of blue. There are plenty of tavernas and bars lining the seafront.
Manawa also offers a range of activities from the Kassandra Peninsula, such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
A little bonus…
Because we’re fans of Manawa’s activities… from Nea Roda, we also spotted these thrilling activities offered in English: wakeboarding, wakesurfing and parasailing lessons.
And now you know what to do if you’re on vacation in Halkidiki or Chalkidiki, that very pleasant region in Northern Greece. If you visit northern Greece, don’t miss the Prespes Lakes!
Article written by Virginie W.
