Halkidiki is a stunning peninsula in northern Greece, known for its turquoise water, lush pine forests and golden beaches. As a perfect blend of nature, history and relaxation, it has something to offer every traveler.
Where is it located? Halkidiki? Halkidiki is a peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki , the second largest city in the country. It is a geographical part of the region Macedonia and is easily recognized on the map by its three "arms" stretching into the Aegean Sea: Kassandra (the westernmost and most developed area, known for its resorts and nightlife), Sithonia (the middle peninsula, more rugged and natural) and Athos (the easternmost part, a monastic community and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible only to men, although boat trips are available to all).
Interactive map of Halkidiki
Places, beaches, sights and arrival points are marked on the map. Click on a point for a short description and a link to our article about that place. You can turn categories on or off in the upper right corner of the map.
Places and beaches in parts of Halkidiki
Cassandra – first leg
The closest to Thessaloniki and the most developed, with the most content and nightlife. A detailed itinerary is in the text Cassandra in 7 days.
- Places: Nea Potidaea, Nea Fokea, Afitos, Kallithea, Cassandria, Hanioti, Pefkohori, Nea Skioni
- Beaches: Sani, Siviri, Skala Fourkas, Possess
Sithonia – the second leg
Greener and wilder, with bays, pine forests and less crowds. It is best explored by car. See also great guide to Sithonia.
- Places: Nikiti (with nearby Agios Nikitas), Ormos Panagias, Vourvour, Neos Marmaras, Parthenon, Toroni, Porto Koufo, Sarti
- Beaches: Banieres, Armenistis, Kavurothrips, Plane trees, Kalamiki, Vourvour
Athos – the third branch
Mount Athos is a monastic community that only men can enter, with special permission. Everyone else can see it from a ship sailing along the coast from Ouranopolis. There is also an island nearby. Amulian, with beaches and a peaceful environment.
West coast and interior
- Coast towards Thessaloniki: Nea Flogita, Nea Moudania, Gerakini
- Interior: Polygyros (capital city), Arnea i Petralona cave
For more beaches, see the list 30 beaches of Halkidiki, and for mountain villages the text Villages of Halkidiki.
Distances from Thessaloniki Airport
Driving time is approximate and calculated without crowds. In the summer, especially on Saturdays when the shifts in accommodation change, count on significantly longer.
| Place | Distance | Driving (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Nea Moudania | 51 km | 50 minutes |
| Polygyros | 57 km | 1 hour |
| Nea Potidaea | 58 km | 55 minutes |
| Afitos | 74 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Kallithea | 77 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Cassandria | 77 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Siviri | 82 km | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Nikiti | 88 km | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Hanioti | 92 km | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Pefkohori | 96 km | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Vourvour | 105 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Neos Marmaras | 108 km | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Ouranopolis | 121 km | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Toroni | 128 km | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Sarti | 131 km | 2 hours 10 minutes |
Between the arms, you go overland, because there is no bridge or ferry: from Kallithea on Kassandra to Neos Marmaras on Sithonia is about 82 km, about an hour and a half drive.
Where to stay in Halkidiki
- Kassandra, east coast (Kalitea, Hanioti, Pefkohori) - the most content, restaurants and nightlife, and the closest to Thessaloniki.
- Kassandra, west coast (Siviri, Skala Furkas, Nea Skioni, Posidi) – quieter, with longer beaches and sunsets.
- Sithonia - Neos Marmaras has the most content, Nikiti is good for families, and Vourvourou, Sarti and Toroni for peace and nature. A car is almost essential here.
- Ouranopolis and Ammouliani - for those who want peace and boat trips along the coast of Mount Athos.
You can compare accommodation offers for all places at Booking.
How to get to Halkidiki
Frequently asked questions
How far is Halkidiki from Thessaloniki?
It is about 50 km from Thessaloniki airport to Nea Moudania, about 77 km to Kallithea on Kassandra, and about 108 km to Neos Marmaras on Sithonia. Without crowds, it's a 50-minute to two-hour drive.
Which arm is best for families?
Kassandra, due to its proximity to Thessaloniki, shallow beaches and the most facilities. In Sithonia, Nikiti is the most practical for families.
How long is the drive from Kassandra to Sithonia?
From Kallithea to Neos Marmaras, it is about 82 km, that is, about an hour and a half drive, because you go around the bay by land.
Can women visit Mount Athos?
They cannot enter the peninsula, but they can see the monasteries from a ship sailing along the coast from Ouranopolis.
