They’re all wonderful: expansive, often lined with pine trees, with golden sand and turquoise waters. Whichever leg of Halkidiki you choose to visit, you’ll certainly enjoy swimming and the amenities on most beaches.
Each year Halkidiki is awarded the most Blue Flags than any other region in Greece – around 90 of its beaches receive this distinction. And how could it be any other way? Its two legs are full of beaches with deep blue waters, sandy or pebbled, with deep or shallow waters, in long stretches or small bays. Here we guide you to the top 10 beaches not to miss.
01
Possidi, Kassandra
When we say Possidi, we mean the entire area around the pointed edge on the West side of the first leg. There is both the east and the west coast, which makes it ideal for when the wind changes because you can move from one to the other and continue sunbathing and swimming. The length of the beach ensures that you won’t be crammed, and you’ll enjoy the sand and the green-blue water.
02
Armenistis, Sithonia
Thick sand that doesn’t stick to your skin, deep crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine trees. The best beach of Halkidiki draws crowds that come here both for the camping site of the same name and the beach bar – they are located at the right side of the beach. If you prefer quiet places with fewer people, go to the left side, where the rocks are ideal for diving.
03
Karidi, Sithonia
Turquoise waters and fine white sand that resembles the Caribbean, deep green pine trees and, on each side of the bay, white rocks ideal to be explored snorkelling. Karidi, in Vourvourou, is rightly included every time in the list with the best beaches of Halkidiki. It’s best if you go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
04
Kalamitsi, Sithonia
Near the Kalamitsi settlement, you can get not to one but to three impressive beaches: the one in the South, where the camping site is and where the sand is thicker; the central beach, in front of the settlement, with the fine sand and the wide selection of cafés and restaurants; and the north beach, which is wilder, unorganised, and often chosen by free campers and nudists.
05
Toroni, Sithonia
One of the largest beaches of the second leg, Toroni has something for everyone: beach bars with umbrellas and fish taverns on the one side, and a free quiet beach on the other side. Crystal blue waters, thick sand and one of the best sunsets.
06
Tristinika, Sithonia
With thick sand and deep waters, with the size of the beach being a bonus. It hasn’t been developed much, and, as a result, the biggest part of the beach is open and free. On the right side of the bay there is a nice beach bar with a few umbrellas in front of the sea.
07
Kriopigi, Kassandra
The pines literally reach the water here and this is one of the main attractions of Kriopigi beach that is near Kallithea on the first leg. The crystal-clear waters are shallow, making it ideal for families with children.
08
Glarokavos, Kassandra
Blue lagoon: that’s how this beach is known. It’s a bit further away from Pefkohori, on the East side of the first leg. The fine white sand, the fine pebble, and the shallow turquoise waters make it ideal for children. It’s a natural pool and there are many beach bars there, as well as many very instagrammable spots that will get you many likes.
09
Krifos Paradisos, Sithonia
It may not be so secret anymore (the name in Greek means Secret Paradise) as it’s in all the travel travel guides now, but the beach next to Tristinika is still a place of stunning beauty. At the edge of the bay there are tall rocks, the water is bright blue, and the sand is golden. A short trail, after a bit of dirt road, leads to it.
10
Alykes, Ammouliani
The fine golden sand and the deep blue sea will get you on the boat at Tripiti, just before Mount Athos, to cross to the island of Ammouliani. Part of the beach offers amenities like umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s also a free part if you want to bring your own provisions. On clear days, you can see the coast of the beautiful Sithonia.
