Halkidiki is a bit of a hidden gem. A popular holiday destination for Greeks, the golden sands, pine forests, and clear waters here will fulfil your wildest beach-inspired dreams. Found in the north of the country, Halkidiki comprises three peninsulas: Sithonia, Kassandra and Mount Athos. Each has a different vibe, perfect for creating the memorable vacation you deserve. Kassandra is a bustling, buzzy destination, with plenty of restaurants and popular bars, Mount Athos is a monastic state, and Sithonia is secluded and peaceful, perfect for solo swims. And here at Plum Guide, we know the very best of each of them, especially if you want to work on that tan. Here’s our pick of the very best beaches in Halkidiki.
Kalogria Beach
An aerial view of clear blue water and people on the sand at Kalogria Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
Found in Sithonia, this beach is idyllic, and may just inspire a sigh of satisfaction upon first sight. It sits amid lush green pine forests, and has soft, golden-yellow sand with bright blue waters - not to mention the green hills rising behind the beach. It doesn’t tend to get crowded here, so venture off across the sand to discover secluded coves, and clamber over the rocks - the water is shallow, warm, and perfect for swimming. If you’re more of a land creature than a water one, there’s great hiking in the hills beyond the beach - with a view of the nearby peninsula available to those willing to climb that high.
Philomena, Plum Guide home in Halkidiki, Greece
Sani Beach
Sun loungers and parasols on the sand facing the sea at Sani Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
This beach is ideal for families, and with its almost endless amenities, is definitely one of the best beaches in Halkidiki. With a long strip of pristine sand that’s just begging for some beach cricket, Sani Beach can be found on the Kassandra peninsula - the beach is also so clean that it's been given a Blue Flag award. Sani Beach is conveniently located for local bars and restaurants, spas, and plenty of nearby upscale accommodation. If you’re on the beach during the summer, you might just overhear a festival happening nearby, as Sani plays host to numerous music events during these months.
Flying Sky High, Plum Guide home in Halkidiki, Greece
Possidi Beach
A large strip of sand jutting out into the clear blue sea at Possidi Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
Found 43 miles south of Poligiros (the main cosmopolitan centre of Halkidiki), Possidi is a charmingly small village set in picturesque surroundings, with a view of the old castle of Mende. The beach has white sand, and blue water resembling something out of a film. If you fancy a change of scenery, try visiting the ruins of the ancient city of Mende, where the village sits today. While the beach is fairly populated with small bars and beach clubs, the village is quiet and peaceful - the best of both worlds.
Galini's Heart, Plum Guide home in Halkidiki, Greece
Nea Potidea Beach
An aerial view of the large canal running through a grassy area by Nea Potidea Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
For beachgoers who really want to get their hands on a piece of the action, Nea Potidea Beach is one of the beach beaches in Halkidiki. This is one for water sports enthusiasts - or people who have always thought they had the potential to be water sports enthusiasts. The beach is dotted with different outdoor adventure centres, all of which offer equipment and lessons for various ways of exploring the water. Try your hand at stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or simply renting a boat. Afterwards, grab an aperitivo at one of the beach bars. Note that it can get crowded here in the summer, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Alenya, Plum Guide home in Halkidiki, Greece
Sarti Beach
Large straw umbrellas on the pebbly sand by the sea at Sarti Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
On the eastern side of the Sithonia peninsula sits Sarti Beach. The eye-catching views on offer puts it high on the list of the best beaches in Halkidiki. As well as the white sand and turquoise seas that magically come as standard in this part of the world, just across from the bay is the majestic Mount Athos, home to the largest monastic community in the country - there’s no better view to be had from a beach towel. If you’re visiting Sarti Beach in August, you can even join locals for the religious festival of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, held annually on the 15th.
Agios Ioannis Beach
A panoramic view of clear blue sea by a strip of sand at Agios Ioannis Beach, Halkidiki, Greece
After almost total privacy? Want to forget that the rest of the world exists? This beach on the Sithonia peninsula will provide all of that and more. Agios Ioannis Beach is known for the surrounding wilderness, making it somewhat of an isolated spot. The beach itself has tranquil waters, and the trees from the nearby pine forests almost creep onto the sand. There are no toilets or showers, but you can read, swim, and sunbathe in pure peace (unless someone else has the same idea as you). Want to get back to civilization? Head to the nearby, more formally organised Nikiti beach, which has all the amenities you could wish for.
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