Halkidiki with kids: shallow beaches, things to do and where to stay (2026)
Halkidiki is one of the easiest Greek destinations for families: a flight to Thessaloniki, shallow sandy beaches and plenty of family hotels. Here is how to choose where to stay and what to do with children.
- Kassandra, the first "finger", is the most convenient for families: closest to the airport and full of services.
- Shallow, child-friendly beaches include Kavourotripes, Kalogria, Porto Koufo, Nikiti and the organised Kassandra beaches.
- You need a car: Halkidiki is large and the drive from Thessaloniki airport takes about one to two hours.
With small children, pick a hotel in Kassandra with a shallow beach and a kids' pool, and plan only one or two outings a day. From about age 8, add a day in Sithonia, a cave and a boat trip.
Why is Halkidiki good for families?
Halkidiki is a peninsula in northern Greece, south-east of Thessaloniki, with three "fingers": Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. For Israelis it is easy: fly to Thessaloniki, rent a car and you are on the beach within one to two hours. The sea is relatively calm and many beaches slope gently, which suits small children.
See also our complete Halkidiki guide.
Kassandra or Sithonia with kids?
| Kassandra | Sithonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from the airport | Closest | Further |
| Character | Resort towns, promenades, restaurants | Quiet, green, coves |
| Best for | Small children, everything close by | Older children, nature and quiet |
| Crowds | Busy in July–August | Less busy |
According to Kids Love Greece, Hanioti in Kassandra is well equipped for families and has a large playground. Sithonia suits those who want quiet, but has fewer children's services.
The best beaches for kids in Halkidiki
- Kavourotripes (Sithonia): shallow emerald water between white rocks. Beautiful, but arrive early because parking is limited.
- Nikiti (Sithonia): a long organised beach with umbrellas, restaurants and easy entry to the water.
- Porto Koufo (Sithonia): an enclosed bay with calm water.
- Kalogria (Sithonia): soft sand and beach bars.
- Sani, Afitos, Kallithea and Paliouri (Kassandra): organised beaches close to hotels and restaurants.
Tip: on days with a northerly wind, the western side of each finger is usually calmer. Ask at your hotel.
Things to do with kids in Halkidiki (besides the sea)
- Petralona Cave: stalactites and stalagmites, and the site where an early human skull was found. Good for school-age children.
- Aristotle's Park: a theme park with interactive physics instruments outdoors, near ancient Stagira.
- Boat trip to Ammouliani: Halkidiki's only inhabited island, with light sand and shallow water.
- Traditional villages: Afitos and Old Nikiti, great for an evening walk and ice cream.
- Summer festivals: the Sani Festival and the Festival of Kassandra, with evening performances.
Where to stay in Halkidiki with kids
Most Israeli families choose a family hotel in Kassandra with its own beach, a children's pool and a kids' club. Those who prefer an apartment look in Nikiti or Neos Marmaras in Sithonia, near a supermarket and a shallow beach. For July–August, book several months ahead.
Halkidiki with babies and toddlers
- Choose a hotel on the beach: no carrying a pushchair and gear to a distant beach.
- Shade: organised beaches rent umbrellas. On wild beaches such as Kavourotripes, bring your own.
- Supermarkets: the larger resort towns (Kallithea, Hanioti, Nikiti, Neos Marmaras) have supermarkets with nappies, baby food and water.
- Doctors: resort towns have private clinics, and the nearest hospital is in Thessaloniki. Make sure you have travel insurance.
Tips for Halkidiki with kids
- A car is essential: public transport between beaches is limited. Book a child seat in advance. See renting a car in Greece.
- Heat: July–August middays are very hot. Beach in the morning and late afternoon, rest at midday.
- When to go: June and September are pleasant, cheaper and quieter. See Greece with kids month by month.
- Kosher food: we have not verified a kosher restaurant in Halkidiki. Thessaloniki has a Jewish community and Chabad. See Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Halkidiki with young children? Kassandra, for example around Hanioti or Sani. It is closest to the airport and has many family hotels and organised beaches.
Does Halkidiki have shallow beaches for children? Yes. Nikiti, Porto Koufo, Kavourotripes and the organised Kassandra beaches slope gently. On windy days choose a sheltered beach.
How long is the drive from Thessaloniki airport to Halkidiki? About an hour to Kassandra and about one and a half to two hours to Sithonia, depending on where you stay and traffic.
When is the best time to visit Halkidiki with kids? June and September: the sea is warm, it is less crowded and prices are lower than in July and August.
