There's nothing like Halkidiki! , Places, beaches and activities in Halkidiki

How much truth is hidden in the phrase "There's NOTHING like Halkidiki"?

For all Thessalonians, Halkidiki resembles an oasis during the summer. That's why they don't miss an opportunity to head to Halkidiki's unique beaches, almost every weekend.

In recent years, tourism has been steadily increasing, and thus Halkidiki is flooded with thousands of tourists, with July and August being the months with the highest demand.

Halkidiki's tourism largely comes from Balkan countries and Russia.

Here we will discover the three best destinations to combine relaxation and entertainment in Halkidiki Prefecture.

To reach Halkidiki, if you cannot drive directly, you will be served by Thessaloniki Airport "Macedonia". The ways to get to Halkidiki after this are specific. You can head to the Halkidiki KTEL (intercity bus station) in Thessaloniki, by taxi or by OAΣΘ bus line 79A from the airport, or by line 45, which also passes through the city centre.

From the KTEL, you will take the bus to your destination.

On the website http://www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr/ you can see all the Halkidiki KTEL routes in detail.

Alternatively, you can rent a car from Macedonia Airport. Having your own vehicle will allow you to move around Halkidiki with ease and visit many places, discovering more of it. If this is not something that interests you, you will certainly be able to use the local buses that operate in Halkidiki.

On the following map, see the most famous places on all three 'legs'. 1^st Kassandra, 2^nd Sithonia and 3^rd Ouranoupoli. Below Ouranoupoli on the 3^rd leg is Mount Athos.

Halkidiki Map

Kallithea, the entertainment capital of Halkidiki

On the first 'leg', on the side facing the second one, and roughly in the middle, lies Kallithea. Kallithea is famous for its vibrant nightlife, as it hosts the most well-known clubs, and also for its magnificent sandy beaches. Throughout the summer, the area attracts young people who want to have fun, spending their time on the beaches from early morning and continuing with dancing at the local clubs in the evening.

Kallithea beach is incredibly beautiful with clear blue waters and fine, white sand. It is almost always full of people, both on the beach and in the bars and tavernas in the area. Young people will also find facilities for many water sports.

The most famous beaches near Kallithea are Pefkochori – a busy beach which, like the village of the same name above it, attracts many young people during the summer.

The beach is beautiful and you will be able to swim in clear, blue waters and enjoy many water sports.

Other nearby beaches include Hanioti, Kryopigi, and Polychrono.

In Possidi, you will find many water sports facilities, and it is one of the most organised beaches in the area.

Also excellent choices for their beautiful waters are Fourka, Mola Kalyva, Siviri, and Paliouri – a beach full of pine trees and crystal-clear waters.

After morning visits to the beaches of the area, it's essential to rest so you're ready for the night-time adventures in Kallithea's clubs. Every evening they are packed with young men and women dancing non-stop until the early morning hours.

Neos Marmaras – the most beautiful beaches

Neos Marmaras is the most cosmopolitan and touristy spot on the second 'leg' of Halkidiki, Sithonia.

It is located just 120 km from Thessaloniki.

Marmaras combines many beautiful elements, which is why it is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation combined with entertainment.

The main beach of Neos Marmaras is almost always full of holidaymakers, especially during July and August.

Of course, it is organised with many beach bars to serve you, while there is also plenty of free space if you want to sit with your own umbrella!

The sand is golden, and the sea is crystal clear – you will enjoy carefree moments!

If you want a beach that is not so bustling, we suggest you go to Paradise, a very close beach with shallow waters.

Other options if you want to enjoy the sea and all water activities include Lagomandra, where Elia ends, a beach full of pine trees that makes you feel like you are in an exotic place.

 

Nearby you will find Tristinika, a truly large beach, and there are also Tripotamos and Azapiko.

Other beaches include Spathies, Koviou Beach, and Kalogria Beach – a particularly popular beach among young people!

If you want to do something more active, head to the Porto Carras hotel complex.

You will find many water sports to choose from.

We recommend you set aside a day and head to Vourvourou, located on the other side of the second 'leg' and facing the third 'leg'.

There you can find boat rentals where you can hire a small boat for the whole day (you can do so without a boat licence) and visit all the nearby beaches as well as the island opposite.

Bring your masks and flippers, and even your fishing rods if you enjoy fishing, and enjoy a wonderful day cruising around the surrounding islands in a small boat.

There will be a map on the boat so you know where you can and cannot go. Find the small island of Diaporos opposite Vourvourou and enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

To rent a small boat with low horsepower, you do not need a licence. Larger boats can accommodate up to 6 people.

However, you must be careful, especially the person who will be driving the boat.

Many tourists who rent similar boats drive recklessly and often cause accidents.

After your day is complete, you will usually end up at a taverna either in Marmaras or in the surrounding areas.

In the evenings, a stroll through the centre is ideal.

You can find ice cream and frozen yogurt (we definitely recommend trying the frozen yogurt offered by Happy Cow, made from 100% Greek yogurt) and then sit at a quiet bar to enjoy your drink.

Armenistis – the alternative choice

Armenistis is also located in Sithonia, on the side facing the third 'leg', and boasts wonderful beaches.

In the wider area, you will find excellent beaches such as Sarti beach, which is crystal clear with fine sand, Achlada, and Platanitsi, 5 km from Sarti, which also has its own campsite and beautiful turquoise waters, as well as a unique view of Mount Athos opposite.

Kavourotripes, a unique beach located within the forest, is characterised by the rocks on the sand and the famous mermaid that was carved into the rock in the sea.

At the beach, where the rocks begin, the nudist beach also starts.

There is also Aktis Oneirou or Manassu, and Rodia, Porto Koufo and Toroni – all equally beautiful and crystal-clear beaches.

For most, Armenistis is synonymous with camping life.

A way of holidaying that you will love! It's the most carefree side of summer in Greece.

It boasts a Blue Flag and is one of the most organised campsites in Greece, with many Greeks spending their summer holidays there every year.

Experience a few days at a very relaxed pace, spending your entire day on a beach.

The blue waters and fine sand of Armenistis will make you never want to leave this place.

At the campsite, you can stay for as many days as you wish, provided there is availability.

You can book a pitch to set up your tents or rent a caravan or mobile home.

If you're wondering how you can manage for many days in a tent, don't worry. It just requires a little preparation.

One thing is certain: the camping experience is unique, and especially younger people will enjoy it like nothing else.

Whichever part of Halkidiki you visit, you are sure to have an amazing time and enjoy unique swims in crystal-clear waters and entertainment until the morning!