8 must-visit beaches in Halkidiki
It's not just the Greek islands that have outstanding beaches. Halkidiki, part of mainland Greece to the south of the country's second city, Thessaloniki, also boasts its fair share. In fact, Halkidiki received an impressive 93 Blue Flags in 2025, more than any other Greek region.
Comprising three stunning peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, all surrounded by a sparkling Aegean Sea, Halkidiki has a diverse coastline that stretches 550 kilometres in total, making it perfect for exploring.
Getting to Halkidiki: find affordable breaks to Halkidiki with TUI*, which offers holidays to various resorts on this popular part of mainland Greece.
Kavourotrypes Beach, Sithonia
For those looking for a rustic beach day, Kavourotrypes Beach, also known as Orange Beach, on the southeast coast of the Sithonia peninsula, is surrounded by verdant pine trees and tends to be more peaceful than other beaches.
Expect little coves, white sand, calm turquoise waters and distinctive orange and white rock formations. It's more off-grid than other beaches, so bring a packed lunch and an umbrella if you're looking to stay the day.
Possidi Cape, Kassandra
Possidi Cape, to the west of Halkidiki's Kassandra peninsula, lends its name to the Greek God Poseidon and the ruins of a monument, constructed in his honour, can also be found here. This striking and sandy spit of land juts out into the water, offering plenty of places to pitch up with towels and umbrellas.
You'll need to watch out for rip currents, especially at the tip of Possidi, but it's a great spot for snorkelling and sunset watching, and boasts amazing views of Mount Olympus across the water. It's a remote set-up, but there are beach bars further along Possidi beach, offering refreshments with a view.
Kriaritsi Beach, Sithonia
With its peaceful waters and breathtaking views of Mount Athos, if you get up early enough, you might catch the sun majestically rising above it. It's no wonder this flat and sandy beach on Halkidiki's middle prong is popular with bathers, sunbathers and campers.
Being away from the main road, it's also not as busy as some beaches; head to the smaller coves rather than the main stretch for a more secluded spot. The water does become deep quickly, so do be aware if you have a family in tow.
Glarokavos Beach, Kassandra
To the south of the Kassandra peninsula and along a bumpy dirt track, you'll find Glarokavos, a pine tree-flanked sandy beach that attracts locals and tourists alike.
There's a giant inflatable water park that will keep kids busy for hours, a couple of beach bars dotted along the sand and the chance to book boat trips and private boat hire from the neighbouring lagoon. Getting in and out of the water can be slightly rocky underfoot, but the water is calm and clear and ideal for snorkelling.
Paliouri Beach, Kassandra
Also in the southern reaches of the Kassandra peninsula is Paliouri Beach, a small bay with fine sand and shallow waters that's popular with families by day and party goers by night.
Home to beach bars handily providing lounge chairs and parasols for a small fee, this pretty beach comes alive with parties, DJ sets, live concerts and more. It's a beautiful stretch of sand, and it's easy to see why it has earned itself the moniker 'Golden Beach'.
Ouranoupoli Beach, Athos
At the gateway to Mount Athos is Ouraoupoli, a historic village with a 3 mile/5 km sandy stretch of beach. It marks the beginning of the Athos peninsula and is the last settlement before the border.
The sandy beach is marked by the striking Byzantine Prosforios Tower, as well as several delicious tavernas. Make the most of a boat trip over to the Drenia archipelago to experience the idyllic beaches of Penna.
Pefkochori Beach, Kassandra
Buzzy Perkochori on the east coast of Kassandra has a vibrant 1.8 mile/3 km sandy strip packed with restaurants, cafés, shops and beach bars.
You'll find a range of laid-back, chic and more party-like beach bars depending on your tastes, and you can either pay a sum to access their beds and umbrellas for the day, or find a quiet strip of sand and bring your own towels and umbrellas. It's a great option for families who need access to amenities, plus there are plenty of options for lunch, dinner and refreshments.
Karydi Beach, Sithonia
Sandy Karydi on the eastern coast of the Sithonia peninsula is a popular beach for families and is widely regarded as being one of Sithonia's most beautiful. Given its tranquil, shallow turquoise waters and the soft sand underfoot, it's easy to see why it's such a popular draw.
Characterised by its stunning natural rock formations, Karydi also offers some fantastic opportunities for snorkelling; look out for cuttlefish, octopi and more. While there, why not also book yourself onto a boat trip to nearby Diaporos Island to catch a glimpse of the surrounding cerulean waters, which locals call the 'Blue Lagoon'.
Climate in Halkidiki
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °F |  48 |
52 |
 55 |
 64 |
 73 |
 81 |
 86 |
 84 |
 77 |
68 |
 59 |
52 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
 5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
| Sea temperature °F |  57 |
 55 |
55 |
57 |
 64 |
 73 |
 77 |
 79 |
75 |
 70 |
 63 |
59 |
The above guide shows the climate in Pefkohori. Find out more about conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in Halkidiki.
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