11 Best Things to Do in Halkidiki (The Ultimate Guide)

Things to Do in Halkidiki

Halkidiki offers travelers an abundance of wonderful beaches, from more tourist-friendly ones to wild and natural ones, as well as old villages scattered around the peninsula, where everything is bursting with authenticity and seems to take you back to the distant past.

Halkidiki consists of three parts: Sithonia, with its idyllic beaches, Athos, which is popular with history buffs, and Kassandra, which offers a wide range of entertainment and nightlife. So, what are the best things to do in Halkidiki? Read on below to find out!

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It was founded in 315 BC and has maintained its importance and influence throughout its existence. Today, Thessaloniki welcomes tourists as a major city immersed in greenery. Unlike most cities of its size, modern buildings, large shopping centers, and dining spots blend harmoniously with nature.

This extremely dynamic, bustling city that offers an active nightlife is a contrast to the idyllic beaches of Halkidiki, which are drenched in tranquility. The city is famous for its art and cultural events, with festivals happening year-round. There’s a good chance that during your visit, you’ll be able to participate in at least one, offering a unique cultural experience.

Museum lovers will not be bored in Thessaloniki – travelers can visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the different art galleries. When visiting Thessaloniki, be sure to check out Aristotle Square, often called the heart of the city. Also, don’t miss Saint Demetrius Church, the Roman Forum, the White Tower, the Acropolis, and the Rotunda building, which stands out for its distinctive shape.

Additionally, visit a local market, such as Modiano – this is a great place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, become familiar with the cuisine, taste traditional dishes, and buy local products and souvenirs. 

Kalamitsi Beach

Kalamitsi Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Halkidiki, stretching along the Sithonia peninsula. The coast has a lot of lovely bays that invite you to enjoy the tranquillity surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The beach features a wide stretch of clean sand, washed by the crystal-clear waters of the sea. Incidentally, this beach rarely has any waves, so it is perfect for a leisurely swim. The fine sand is soft and comfortable for both walking barefoot and relaxing on a towel. The water deepens gradually, making it a good place for families with children.

The rich underwater world also makes it a good place for people who like snorkeling. For a romantic time, you can rent a boat and admire the beach and its surroundings from the water.

Practical Information: Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented on the beach, and there are several beach bars.

Stageira

Another things to do in Halkidiki is to visit Stageira. This was an ancient city on the eastern coast of the Halkidiki peninsula, founded by the Ionians around 655 BC. At that time, the strategic position determined that the city was extremely important for trade relations and the economy, and also as a center of science and culture. When talking about Stageira, it is often emphasized that it was the birthplace of Aristotle. By the way, right nearby Stageira is Aristotle’s Park, which both adults and children love for its wealth of interactive and other exhibits.

Today, Stageira is a well-preserved archaeological site where you can explore the remains of the ancient city. It offers insight into Greek architecture and the urban planning of that era. After all, it really is interesting to take a glimpse so far back in time, isn’t it? On the archaeological site, tourists can see ancient temples, the acropolis, classical and Hellenistic style houses, city fortifications, and so on.

Stageira is surrounded by nature typical of Halkidiki, with hills and quiet coasts, so after an eventful day at the archaeological site, you can take a walk on the beach or go hiking.

Olynthus

Another ancient city in present-day Halkidiki is Olynthus, which was built on two hills in the 7th century BC and became an important regional center. Like Stageira, it is now an archaeological site that offers visitors a glimpse back in time.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered relatively well-preserved remains of buildings, public spaces and residential houses, as well as a theatre, an agora, and other finds. Some of the most interesting discoveries were mosaics that once decorated the houses of the wealthier residents. The finds are testimony to the former grandeur of the city.

Olynthus has a local museum where you can see most of the artefacts found in the area, including pottery, jewelry, tools and fragments of mosaics.

Since Olynthos is located on the stunning Halkidiki peninsula, you’ll not only discover its rich history but also have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking nature.

Ouranoupoli

This seaside town features stunning nature, idyllic beaches and an azure sea. Travelers can see the Tower of Prosforion – built back in the 14th century, it is the oldest on the Halkidiki peninsula, but is still quite well-preserved to this day. The city also has beautiful sandy beaches for relaxing leisure, family time, and enjoying the sun and the waters of the Aegean Sea.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to taste locally produced wine and honey, and to purchase olive oil and other natural products. Those looking for more active recreation can try out the hiking trails, the boat tours, or one of the many water activities, such as kayaking, diving or snorkeling.

Afytos

Afytos is a traditional Greek village that left me with very warm memories. The area is charming, with its examples of traditional architecture, tranquility, quaint atmosphere and fabulous views. The stone buildings and narrow streets are a feast for the eyes, and the vast majority of residential houses are well preserved or rebuilt in order to preserve their traditional style.

While walking around the village, you will have ample opportunities to purchase authentic, unique items from local artisans. Incidentally, this is also a good place to find souvenirs. Go to the village square with all of its cafes and shops, visit the folklore museum, and be sure to go inside Saint Demetrius Church, which has an abundance of incredible frescoes. The town is perched on a hill, making it a wonderful spot to take in the views of the surroundings.

Afytos is the perfect place to try the local cuisine – just sit down in a cafe or taverna and try the delicious Greek dishes. For more active recreation, you can try water sports like diving or kayaking.

Parthenonas

Halkidiki is home to many villages rich in ancient history, and I recommend visiting at least a few of them. Even if you’re short on time or not usually a fan of villages, I encourage you to explore Afytos and Parthenonas. The unique, authentic atmosphere is truly incomparable.

Many of the buildings in Parthenonas have been rebuilt in an effort to preserve the traditional architecture, so travelers are greeted by charming stone houses, a network of narrow streets, and a unique, old-fashioned village atmosphere. The village has several cozy taverns and a museum.

The olive groves invite you to take a walk along the footpaths, and those who want something more active can go on a mountain bike outing. Climb up Mount Itamos – from there you can see Mount Athos to the east and Mount Olympus to the west.

Kavourotrypes Beach

Located on Halkidiki’s Sithonia peninsula, Kavourotrypes Beach is one of the most picturesque in these areas. It is perhaps most famous for its crystal-clear water and gleaming white sand – a duo that people who like idyllic beaches love. The shores also have some quaint bays and cliffs that provide more privacy, so people who want to avoid crowds will find a place to relax as well.

Those looking for something more active can try snorkeling, hiking along the coast, or strolling along the tree-lined paths. Keep in mind, though, that this is a bit of a wild beach that will amaze you with its natural beauty, but you won’t find any highly developed infrastructure here.

Nea Fokea

This is another charming village located in Halkidiki, on the Kassandra peninsula. Visitors especially like it for its traditional architecture, which only enhances the authentic atmosphere, as well as for its history and, of course, its gorgeous beaches.

One of the main places I would recommend visiting here is Saint Paul’s Tower, which was built in Byzantine times as a defensive structure and lookout post. Today, the tower provides visitors with magical views of the vastness of the sea.

Near the village, there are clean, well-kept beaches with sparkling clear water that just begs you to jump in. Those who know how to operate a boat can rent one at the village pier. There are also opportunities to try diving. For some fun on land, Nea Fokea also has hiking trails that take you through some extremely beautiful areas.

Fava Beach

This is a beach on the Sithonia peninsula. Both locals and tourists are drawn here by the clear sea water, soft white sand, and tranquil atmosphere. This makes it an ideal spot for those looking for quiet, as well as for families with children. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and trees that enhance its natural beauty.

The clear water that gets deep very gradually is ideal for swimming, and will reward diving enthusiasts with spectacular images of the colorful underwater world. The beach is surrounded by walking paths through scenic areas. Fava Beach won’t have crowds of people, rows of sunbeds, or the other infrastructure that we are used to seeing, but it will be a true idyll for those who want to enjoy peace, the sea, the sun, and the sounds of nature. Visiting Fava Beach is one of the best things to do in Halkidiki!

How To Get To Halkidiki

The Thessaloniki International Airport is the main airport serving the region of Halkidiki in northern Greece. The Greek national airline, Aegean Airlines, offers an extensive network of international flights across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Additionally, many other major international airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates, operate flights to Thessaloniki Airport. From Europe, Halkidiki can also be reached affordably with low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air.

Climate In Halkidiki

The climate in Halkidiki is generally mild and warm, with little rainfall. The weather starts to warm up in spring, around May. In June, the average temperature reaches 23°C, in July – 26°C, and in August – 25°C. During the summer, the chance of rain is very low. In autumn, temperatures begin to drop, but those who don’t enjoy intense heat often choose to visit the region in September and October. Winters in Halkidiki are also mild, with daytime temperatures ranging between 12°C and 15°C.

I visited the Halkidiki region with my family in May. The sun shone every day, and the temperature ranged between 20°C and 24 °C. Although I didn’t sunbathe, the weather was perfect for slow-paced travel.

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