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All the tourist info you’ll ever need for Halkidiki

Emergency telephones just in case you need any:

Halkidiki is an easy place to relax, but it is still a real destination with real roads, real sea and real weather. Save the key numbers below in your phone before you head out, especially if you plan to explore remote coves on Sithonia, hike above Polygyros, or spend the day offshore on a boat.

On the water, reception is usually OK near the coast, but it can drop behind capes and in small bays. If you are boating, keep your location handy (a pin on your map helps) so you can explain where you are quickly.

If you are calling from a foreign phone and you cannot get through, try again with Greece’s country code (+30) where needed, or ask a local to call from their line. For Europe-wide emergencies, 112 also works in Greece and is useful if you do not know which service you need.

Taxi services telephones:

A taxi is the simplest backup when buses are limited or when you are returning late from a taverna. In peak season, especially July and August, call a bit earlier than you think you need to, since cars get tied up around beach bars, weddings and evening promenades in Neos Marmaras and the busy parts of Kassandra.

  • Polygyros +30 23710 22460.
  • Moudania +30 23730 21371.
  • Kassandria – Kassandras peninsula, +30 23740 22295.
  • Neos Marmaras – Sithonias peninsula, +30 23750 71500.
  • Agios Nicolaos – Sithonia, +30 23750 31324.
  • Sykia – Sithonia, +30 69420 17183 and +30 6947 897777.
  • Arnea village – northern mountain Halkidiki area – +30 23720 22212.
  • Megali Panagia – Mount Athos peninsula – +30 23720 31111.

A small local tip from the skipper: if you are meeting a boat at a marina or small port, tell the driver the exact spot (for example “inside the marina by the fuel dock” or “at the lighthouse”), because some waterfronts have more than one parking area and in summer it gets confusing.

Public Bus Station ( KTEL )

KTEL is reliable for travelling between Thessaloniki and the main towns of Halkidiki, and onward to popular villages. It is not a metro, so expect fewer routes late at night and fewer connections to tiny beaches. If you are planning a day cruise or a dive day, arrange your transport with a bit of buffer time. Traffic into and out of Thessaloniki can be slow, and on Saturdays the road toward Nea Moudania and Kassandra can crawl.

Start times and routes can change with the season, so always check the official site or call the station before you commit to a connection.

Timetables, opening hours and routes can change without notice. Always double-check locally before you travel.

  • Thessaloníkis central station for all villages to Halkidiki: tel +30 2310 316555, 316565, 316575 or visit their web site:
    www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr.
  • Polygiros Bus Station: tel +30 23710 22309.
  • Nea Moudania Bus Station: tel +30 23730 21228.
  • Kassandra Bus Station: tel +30 23740 23714.
  • Kallithea Bus Station: tel +30 23740 23714.
  • Nea Kallikratia: tel +30 23990 21048.

Where everything is, in simple words. Halkidiki sits southeast of Thessaloniki and is split into three “legs”. Kassandra is the western peninsula and the busiest. Sithonia is the middle peninsula with more nature and more small bays. The Athos peninsula is the eastern one and access is restricted because it includes Mount Athos. Most visitors explore the “Athos coast” (the mainland side facing Athos) from villages like Ouranoupoli and Ierissos, without entering the monastic state.

How to reach the area: most people fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), then drive or take KTEL to Nea Moudania, Kassandra or Sithonia. If you are staying deep in Sithonia, a car is usually the most comfortable option, because distances are longer and the best coves are not on a bus line. If you are coming for a boat day, we can also help you plan the easiest meeting point depending on your accommodation.

Not sure where to start? Contact our local travel agency for friendly, personalised advice, seasonal offers and travel options.

Travellers’ health – Hospital and health centres.

As Greece is a member state of the E.U., the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted and covers you for most medical care in public and private hospitals. The same applies for Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. In Thessaloníki you can find many private clinics. Halkidiki has a large, well-organised public general hospital located in the regional capital Polygyros, tel: +30 23710 201001, website: https://goo.gl/maps/VQ3h5827L3L2.

You will also find other health centres for first aid in villages such as:

Nea Kallikratia, tel +30 23990 22245, web site: https://goo.gl/maps/YswBWqcEQMEcRBXD6

Nea Moudania, tel +30 23733 50000, web site: https://goo.gl/maps/dDpSHTZsb9SftT4t5

Kassandra, tel +30 23743 50000, web site: https://goo.gl/maps/bpjvNzb85ZVG89dR7

Agios Nikolaos, Sithonia, tel +30 23753 50000, web site: https://goo.gl/maps/hJSdNCTnuHf5Zv2M8

Mount Athos, Karyes, tel +30 23770 23217.

On a boat day, the most common issues are sunburn, dehydration and small cuts from rocks or snorkel fins. Bring your regular meds, plus something for motion sickness if you are prone to it. If you have children, pack a hat they will actually keep on. Also, please tell your skipper about allergies and any medical conditions before departure — it helps us plan the day calmly.

Sea and outdoor activities depend on the weather and your own fitness level. Always follow local safety advice and skipper instructions.

Region tourist offices and associations in Halkidiki:

If you want official local information about events, road works, beach rules or municipal announcements, these contacts are the right direction. They also help when you need permits or guidance for cultural visits. For broader planning, you can also check the official Greek tourism portal at https://www.visitgreece.gr/ and the Region of Central Macedonia at https://www.pkm.gov.gr/.

  • Region of central Macedonia – Region of Halkidiki.
    Tel: +30 23713 51240, E-mail:

Seasonal feel, so you know what to expect. May and early June are great for clear water and quieter anchorages, with mild temperatures and less traffic on the peninsula roads. July and August are hot, lively and crowded, with the busiest beaches in Kassandra and the highest demand for tavernas and taxis. September stays warm and the sea is still beautiful — often the best mix for couples and groups wanting calm coves and good swimming.

Wind note from the skipper: in summer we often see an afternoon sea breeze, and sometimes stronger northerly winds that can make certain open bays choppy. If you are planning to be on the water, check an official forecast like HNMS at https://www.hnms.gr/ before you go. It saves headaches and helps you choose the right side of the peninsula for the day.

Halkidiki Hotel Association:

Tel +30 2310 424020, +30 2310 424022, website: www.halkidiki-hotels.gr, E-mail: .

Federation of Holiday Rooms and Apartments in Halkidiki:

Tel +30 23710 24492, website: www.halkidiki-holidays.gr. E-mail:

Camping Association of Halkidiki:

Tel +30 23750 22042, web site: www.campsite-halkidiki.gr, E-mail:

Credit cards, ATMs, and banks:

You won’t have any trouble finding a bank branch or an ATM in the main towns across the three peninsulas, wherever you stay. Credit cards are widely accepted — hotels, villas, campsites, shops and restaurants take them. Be cautious at small beach bars that are independently run; they sometimes take cash only. Some taxis have card machines, but always ask the driver before you get in if you plan to pay by card. Buses and water taxis usually require cash.

One practical note: in small harbours and busy beach areas mobile signal can be weak and card terminals sometimes fail when everyone is trying to pay. Keep a little cash for coffees, parking and quick snacks, especially when moving around Sithonia where ATMs are less frequent.

If you are planning a special day on the sea, tell us what style you want and we will suggest the right boat and route. Some guests want calm swimming and shade; others prefer a faster motor yacht with more stops.

If you’d like to explore the coast, ask us about day trips at sea and sailing boat options.

Information that is used every day but is nonetheless vital

These are the small details that make your holiday smoother, whether you are staying in a resort in Kassandra, a quiet studio in Sithonia, or a mountain village above Polygyros.

  • Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink in many villages of Sithonia and in the Polygyros area, including hill and mountain communities. In busier areas, such as parts of Kassandra, many visitors prefer bottled water.
  • The electric current is 220 volts at 50 hertz.
  • Tipping depends on the bill, the atmosphere and the level of service; a typical tip is 5–10% of the bill.

What to do, depending on your mood and who you travel with. Families usually enjoy easy beach days and short drives, so Kassandra works well, plus a few boat hours for swimming without lugging umbrellas and toys. Couples often prefer Sithonia for the coves, sunsets and slower evenings in places like Neos Marmaras and Nikiti. Nature lovers and hikers do well around Polygyros and the mountain villages, finishing with seafood by the sea. Groups of friends usually mix it all: beach bars in Kassandra, quiet bays in Sithonia, and one big day on a yacht.

If you are around during Greek holidays, plan ahead. Weekends and long breaks fill the roads and beaches fast, and marinas get busy. For Orthodox Easter dates, check

Sun, Apr 12 2026

. For Agiou Pneymatos holiday planning, check

Monday, June 1 2026

.

Pets

Some guesthouses, rooms, studios and apartments are dog-friendly. A number of charter boats will also accept pets — check carefully when booking. Dogs are generally allowed on organised beach areas but rules vary about dogs in the water and in beach bars, so always confirm the situation locally.

If you bring a dog to the beach, carry their health certificate, ensure they wear a collar with identification, and keep them on a lead near your chair unless local rules state otherwise.

Although some high-end resorts allow dogs in bungalows, apartments or villas, pets are often not permitted on resort beaches, in beach bars or in pool areas. Always ask accommodation in writing before you book, as rules can change and may depend on room type.

A pet-friendly yacht day can be a wonderful experience: swimming with your dog, exploring hidden coves and small islets that are only accessible by boat. Some unorganised beaches allow dogs to swim freely.

Onboard etiquette for pets: bring a towel for the dog, fresh water and a shaded spot. Most dogs settle after the first 10 minutes, but the initial excitement can surprise them. If your dog is anxious, tell us early so we can choose the calmest route and anchorage. Remember that hot decks in July can burn paws, so we manage movement carefully.

Boat days, diving days, and meeting points

If you add a boat trip to your holiday, consider where you are staying. From Kassandra you can do lovely coastal cruising and swimming, but expect more traffic and busier beaches in peak season. From Sithonia you get classic turquoise bays and pines to the water, with better clarity on many days. The Athos coast gives you special views towards Mount Athos and a different, often calmer, vibe.

For scuba and sea activities, check local conditions and choose the right operator and day. To see what’s available locally, have a look at portoscuba.com and then plan your transport and timing around it.

If you want to book a private yacht, a sailing boat or a motor yacht for a day or a few days, send us your location, group size and the vibe you want — quiet coves, beach-hopping, snorkelling, or a sunset cruise with drinks. We will reply with realistic options that suit the sea state and the season.

call us: +306980700070

send a message via WhatsApp

call or text us on Viber

send a message via Messenger

Don’t forget to mention:

  • Number of persons, possible dates
  • The hotel you’ll be staying
  • The activity you are interested in

Our local team of skippers, travel agents and scuba instructors with over 20 years of experience in Halkidiki is here to help you.