Best beaches in Greece & places to visit in 2026
This is what I have to say about Halkidiki beaches:
I have travelled a lot — not only around Greece but to Croatia, Italy, Portugal and other European destinations, and as far afield as Mauritius, Dubai, Hawaii and, in 2019, Cuba.
If anyone asks me:
Christophoros, where are the best beaches in the world?
I have to be honest: Greece — and more specifically Halkidiki beaches — are right up there for 2026. In the North Aegean the mix of minerals, wind and weather creates a near-island feel along Chalkidiki: crystal-clear water, soft sand that doesn’t cling to you or your swimsuit, and beaches to suit every traveller, from family-friendly shallow bays like Hrouso beach at Paliouri to the wild, alternative feel of Goa and the windy kite-surfing spot at Kalamitsi.
One of Halkidiki’s points of interest is the beaches and beach bars
But first: what is Halkidiki, and how do you get there?
Halkidiki is a trio of long, narrow peninsulas in northern Greece, part of Central Macedonia. The north is mountainous (Mt. Holomontas) while the south is full of forests and beaches. Try local produce such as olive oil, honey, excellent cheese and wine. There are magical coastal roads that run through pine forest beside turquoise sea. The gateway to Halkidiki is Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, and its Macedonia International Airport (SKG) effectively serves the region.
For a long time Halkidiki was mainly known to Greeks, especially people from Thessaloniki. The economic crisis changed that, and now more visitors are discovering this hidden paradise.
I assumed the question of where to stay and which are the top beaches would be easy to find online. I Googled it and, to my surprise, most guides repeat the same places — often written by foreign contributors or tourist businesses promoting the obvious spots.
10 best beaches in Halkidiki according to TripAdvisor:
- Kalogria Beach (Nikiti)
- Kallithea Beach (Kallithea)
- Kkavourotripes & orange beach – Sarti, Sithonia
- Lagomandra beach (Neos Marmaras)
- Karydi (Vourvourou)
- Afytos Beach (Afitos)
- Kalamitsi beach (Sarti)
- Trani Ammouda Beach (Ormos Panagias)
- Sarti Beach (Sarti)
- Toroni Beach (Toroni)
And the runner-ups are:
- Glarokavos beach
- Agios Ioannis beach Sithonia
- Armenistis beach
Honestly — I wouldn’t swim at half of those places in high season. They can be lovely in May or late September when they’re quiet, but in summer many become overcrowded with weekend visitors, and there’s often a sheen of suntan oil on the water.
After all, most people have read the same TripAdvisor 10 best Halkidiki beaches list or the same Greeka.com article. Even some local guides get it a little wrong, as on gohalkidiki.
So I decided to write a different list: beaches for the traveller who wants to mingle with locals, avoid the crowds and find secluded gems.
Here is my list of best beaches in Halkidiki with reviews (some are secluded)
Best Halkidiki beaches in Kassandra, Greece
- Posidi beach at the lighthouse
It’s a little tricky to reach. A long spit of land juts into the sea — one side is always calm. The beach drops off fairly steeply, so two steps and you’re deep enough to swim. - Golden beach South of Glarokavos beach
I love this spot. Excellent sand but few people — mostly locals know it. Sheltered from the usual breeze, the shallow water is calm and there are plenty of trees near the shore. - Chrousso or Xenia beach at Paliouri
I had my best time here in late September. It’s a long gulf where you can party at beach bars (they rival Mykonos’ offerings) or find a quiet stretch of sand, probably near the campsite at the north end.
Now book a day trip on a sailing yacht and visit several of these amazing beaches
Top Halkidiki beaches in Sithonia, Greece
I won’t repeat myself: the beaches mentioned above are mostly white sandy beaches with bright turquoise water that deepens to intense blue.
- Spathies beach South of Kalogria near Nikiti
A small beach mainly used by people from nearby villas. There’s an incredible 10m drop on the north side of the cove if you swim out — one of my favourite spots when the Meltemi wind blows and we’re on a sailing day trip. - Kamenos at Porto Carras grand resort
Heaven on earth. Porto Carras has secluded coves reached by a three-mile walk or by yacht. You’ll often see many sailboats and motor yachts enjoying this peaceful haven. - Ethnic @ Tristinika Halkidiki beach
One of my favourite beaches in the world. The sand is perfect — dense but soft. The beach bar atop the rocks plays great music, a mix of alternative and classic rock, and attracts a relaxed, tasteful crowd. The water has an unforgettable blue and the light is beautifully clear, so photos practically take themselves. - Marathias at the southwest tip of Sithonia
Not accessible by land — you need a boat. Raw, wild and unspoilt; beyond it lies some 60 nautical miles of open sea to the Sporades Islands. - Kriaritsi Halkidiki beaches near Sarti
It’s camping-country. Welcome to the Seychelles — in Greece. Smooth grey boulders contrast with white sand and turquoise water. I love spending the night on a yacht here: it’s sheltered and swimming after dark makes the plankton sparkle. - Kavourotrypes trademark Halkidiki beach near Platanitsi and Sarti
Possibly the best beach in Halkidiki. Access is tricky — no signs, dirt tracks — but the place looks like it belongs on a tropical postcard. - Kryfo at Diaporos Halkidiki island
A deep, narrow fjord on Diaporos. Sheltered in all conditions, with three small sandy coves around the anchored boat. Reachable only by boat — stay overnight to enjoy the early-morning swim. - Karagatsia at Amouliani Halkidiki island
A small concrete pier and the atmosphere of an old Aegean island beach. Very few people know this place — visit if you rent a boat from Ouranoupolis, after Drevia islets and Alykes beach. - The Kavantza
Fifteen metres of beach by two metres wide, backed by a small cliff. No mobile coverage. Just heaven — probably the most romantic spot in Halkidiki. I won’t tell you exactly where; it’s for friends and me.
Honourable mentions for Halkidiki beaches
- Galazia nera (Blue lagoon) at Diaporos Halkidiki island
- Hawaii at Diaporos
- Agia Kyriaki
- Potidaea beach North of the bridge
- The Cave at Kartalia Southern tip of Sithonia
- Miraggio beach at Kanistro Kassandra
- Unnamed long beach between Kryopigi and Polyhrono just south of Kassandra Pallas
- Goa Beach bar
Halkidiki beaches map
Here is a map with all the places marked. You can find information about the beaches above and some beach bars. I also show some of the routes we do with our sailing and motor yachts from Neos Marmaras, Miraggio, Pefkohori and Ormos Panagias. I’ll add more details in future.
Now book a day trip on a sailing yacht and visit some of these amazing secluded beaches
Vourvourou Greece Halkidiki beaches
Vourvouro! What an area — the leeward-side beaches sit in the narrow channel between Diaporos Halkidiki island and the mainland. It’s beach after beach, with lovely small coves like those on Diaporos. One of the best ways to explore is by boat. Options include:
- by kayak, if you like sport
- by a small motor dinghy for hire. Companies rent 4.6–5m fibreglass boats with 20–30Hp engines, often without the need for a licence. If you don’t know boats, don’t assume it’s straightforward — you risk damage or worse if you aren’t careful
- by traditional kaiki with 30–40 others
- by private motor yacht with a skipper (and crew, if you prefer)
- by private sailing yacht with a skipper — probably the most cost-effective private option; expect around 400-500euro for a group of 4–6 people
Halkidiki resorts
Many people like staying at a resort, and there are some significant ones in Halkidiki. A few caveats:
- Resorts aim to provide everything on site so you don’t go elsewhere. That’s fine if you want to relax by the pool, but Halkidiki is vast and full of places worth exploring. Rent a car, take day trips, drive through the forest, discover secluded beaches, charter a boat and enjoy sailing or fishing. The area is safe and locals are friendly; many speak English.
- Some resorts look good on paper but disappoint with outdated hotels or poor service
- Some offer reasonable room rates but charge heavily for extras
- Some resorts are isolated, making trips away feel long and inconvenient
Best places to stay in Halkidiki
When choosing where to base yourself in Halkidiki, the main decision is between Sithonia and Kassandra.
- Kassandra is more developed and usually busier. Choose it if you want clubs and lively beach bars.
- Sithonia is less developed and feels more unspoilt, with fewer hotels and clubs.
Wherever you stay you’ll find a range of accommodation.
Best beach bars Kassandra & Sithonia Halkidiki
Four must-visits:
- Ethnic Beach bar at Tristinika beach — alternative crowd, mostly Greeks, fantastic beach and incredible sunsets
- Riviera beach bar at Agios Ioannis near Nikiti — modern, on a par with Mykonos beach bars; weekend afternoons party like nowhere else in Greece
- Goa beach bar near Sarti — dramatic cliff scenery, a pretty cove and a relaxed, fun atmosphere
- Lefki ammos (White sand) beach bar at Chrousos Xenia beach, Paliouri — an all-time favourite with young Greeks; its Saturday-night parties are legendary
Why my list is different
My list comes from experience. I’m a sailing-boat skipper and for more than ten years I have spent six months each summer working in Halkidiki and the Northern Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Alonnisos and smaller islands in the national marine park protecting Monachus monachus). I have spent summers of my life in Halkidiki, visited the monasteries of Mount Athos from the west side, had a holiday house in Hanioti for nearly 20 years and volunteered at the Agios Nikolaos YMCA camp. I’m local — genuinely — with many friends in the area and first-hand knowledge of these places by land and sea.
I thought carefully about what to include. Greece constantly reveals new beautiful corners, so I aimed for top spots that are less known to foreign visitors.
Why you should charter a sailing boat in Halkidiki for a day to visit the best Halkidiki beaches
Sometimes I explain to nervous travel agents why sailing in Halkidiki on a sailing or motor yacht makes people so happy — it’s different from everyday life back home:
- The sun shines
- The water is warm
- You can see the sandy seabed
- You sail with no engine noise
- We take care of you so you can relax on your own yacht
- We frequently see dolphins
- We often try a little fishing
- We stop at places you can’t reach by car
- Yachts are meticulously maintained and undergo state-required safety checks
- Skippers are serious about seamanship and guest safety, and relaxed about everything else
- Tell the skipper what you prefer and he will help make it the highlight of your holiday
- One of the best parts is the taverna stop — a fresh, whole grilled fish is an experience