Halkidiki's best beaches: Kassandra, Sithonia and Ammouliani (2026)
A guide to the beaches on Halkidiki's three fingers: where the water is clearest, where it's shallow for kids and where it's still quiet.
- Kassandra suits organised beaches; Sithonia suits coves and clear water.
- Karydi, Kavourotrypes and Glarokavos are among the best loved.
- You reach the beaches by car from Thessaloniki airport, one to two hours' drive.
If you're flying to Thessaloniki in summer, hire a car and pick a base by holiday style: Kassandra for families and nightlife, Sithonia for nature and quiet.
Where are Halkidiki's best beaches?
Halkidiki has three "fingers" reaching into the sea: Kassandra in the west, Sithonia in the middle and Athos in the east. Kassandra is more developed, with resort towns and organised beaches. Sithonia is wilder and greener, with coves, white rocks and especially clear water. On the third finger, Athos, the coast is only partly accessible, but just offshore lies the small island of Ammouliani with beautiful beaches.
Kassandra's best beaches
| Beach | Why go |
|---|---|
| Possidi | Long beach at the western tip, with an east and a west side to choose depending on the wind; rarely crowded |
| Kriopigi | Near Kallithea, pines down to the water and shallow, clear sea. Good for families with kids |
| Glarokavos | Near Pefkohori, a "blue lagoon" with white sand and shallow turquoise water, plus beach bars |
| Sani | Resort area with organised beaches in north Kassandra |
Sithonia's best beaches
| Beach | Why go |
|---|---|
| Karydi (Vourvourou) | White sand, pines and white rocks at both ends of the bay, good for snorkelling. Arrive early |
| Kavourotrypes (Orange Beach) | Small coves between white rocks and turquoise water |
| Armenistis | Coarse sand, deep clear water and pines. Camping and a bar on one side, quiet on the other |
| Kalamitsi | Three beaches: one by the campsite, a central one with cafés and restaurants, and a wild one |
| Toroni | One of Sithonia's largest beaches: a side with bars and tavernas and a quiet free side |
| Tristinika | Coarse sand and deep water, largely undeveloped and mostly free |
| Krifos Paradisos | Next to Tristinika, tall rocks and blue water, reached by a short path after a dirt road |
| Lagomandra and Platanitsi | Popular, easy beaches along Sithonia's west coast |
Ammouliani: small-island beaches
Ammouliani is reached by a short ferry from Tripiti, at the entrance to the Athos finger. Its best-known beach is Alykes, with golden sand, partly organised and partly free. In summer the island gets busy, so arrive early or stay a night.
Which beach suits you?
- Families with young children: Kriopigi and Glarokavos in Kassandra, and organised beaches with shallow water near the towns. See also our Halkidiki guide.
- Couples and snorkelling: Karydi, Kavourotrypes and Krifos Paradisos in Sithonia.
- Peace and quiet: Tristinika, Possidi and Ammouliani outside August.
- Bars and parties: the organised beaches in Kassandra, near Kallithea and Pefkohori.
When is the best time for Halkidiki's beaches?
The swimming season runs roughly from late May to the end of September, and in warm years into early October. July and August are the busiest months: the famous beaches fill up early, parking is hard and accommodation prices are high. In June and September the water is still pleasant, there are fewer people, and it's easier to find space at Sithonia's small coves. Outside the season some beach bars and tavernas are closed, so bring food and water.
Tips for Halkidiki's beaches
- Car: the easiest way to reach the beaches is a hire car from Thessaloniki airport. See car rental in Greece.
- Timing: at popular beaches like Karydi, arrive before 10am in August.
- Sunbeds: at organised beaches you pay for a pair of sunbeds and an umbrella, or order a drink. At wild beaches bring your own shade.
- Wind: if one side of a finger is windy, try the other side.
- Flights: you reach Halkidiki via Thessaloniki. See flights to Thessaloniki from Israel.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Halkidiki? There's no single answer, but Karydi and Kavourotrypes in Sithonia and Glarokavos in Kassandra are among the most photographed and best loved.
Kassandra or Sithonia for beaches? Kassandra suits those who want organised beaches and resort towns. Sithonia suits those looking for coves, nature and clear water.
Which Halkidiki beach is good for kids? Kriopigi and Glarokavos in Kassandra, thanks to shallow water and beach facilities.
How do you get to Halkidiki's beaches? By car from Thessaloniki airport. Kassandra is about an hour's drive, and Sithonia about an hour and a half to two hours.
