Halkidiki also known as 'Chalkidiki' is a large peninsula shaped like three fingers, found in Northern Greece. This region may be very popular with tourists but it boasts some of the most untouched and beautiful scenery in the whole of the country.
Most beaches in Halkidiki can be found in the peninsulas of Kassandra and Sithonia. The most popular beaches are in fact Nea Fokea, Possidi and Haniotis, but if you are looking for somewhere a bit more secluded try Trani Ammouda Beach or Sykia Beach, which are both found in the peninsula of Sithonia.
Lively beaches
Sani Beach is a very popular resort found just over 27 miles south of Polygyros. In the past this sandy beach has been awarded the 'Blue Flag' status for its excellent environmental quality. The Sani Resort is actually a family-owned ecological reserve stretching over a staggering 1,000 acres. There's so much to do here from scuba diving and wind surfing to archery and tennis.
Armenistis Beach is a popular, white sand beach located 40 miles away from Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki. This is one of the best camping spots in the area and is the perfect place to stop off for the day if you're hiring a car. It is also a very well equipped beach with a large number of sun loungers and umbrellas situated by the seafront.
Another option to try is Kallithea Beach, which can get very busy during the summer months as it is situated in the nightlife centre of Halkidiki. The beach is also ideal for children due to its crystal clear waters and clean golden sand. There are also many water sport facilities such as pedalos and canoes to choose from.
On the other hand Gerakini is another stunning beach found just under ten miles away from Polygyros. At one end of the bay you will find an interesting abandoned mine, which gives you a glimpse into what life used to be like when the town was a small community of miners. Today the beach is extremely popular with tourists due to the option of taking shade in the nearby pine trees or swimming in the turquoise Aegean Sea.
Family friendly
Karidi Beach is found on the eastern end of Vourvourou. This white sand beach is one of Sithonia's most attractive due to its glimmering turquoise waters and clean sand. In the summer months this beach can get very busy due to the shallow waters, which are suitable for young children and nervous swimmers.
Kalogria Beach in Sithonia is a beautiful and clean beach surrounded by shady pine trees and shallow waters. This beach is perfect for families due to its powdery sand and safe surroundings. There are also a few bars and restaurants within close proximity such as the tavern at Kalogria Beach Hotel.
However, if you are staying in the peninsula of Kassandra you must go to Hanioti Beach, which boasts sapphire waters and a long stretch of white sand. To some the sand may seem a bit rough but there are plenty of water sport activities to do here including banana boats and jet skiing. Hanioti Beach is also not far away from the village, so if you need to stock up on supplies or find somewhere to eat, Hanioti has it covered.
Water sports
Most beaches in Halkidiki provide some type of water sports such as pedal boats or canoes, whilst if you head over to the Sani resort you will be able to take part in exhilarating activities including waterskiing and scuba diving.
The Sani Beach resort is the best place to have a go at some water sports. If you're staying at the Sani Beach Hotel you can have a go at scuba diving, where you will receive the best equipment and professional PADI instruction. Also, if you head over to the Crazy Shark Watersports hut on the beachfront you can choose from a long list of water sports on offer including parasailing, waterskiing, canoeing and wake boarding.
If you're staying at the Danai Beach Resort you will also have access to water sports such as banana boats, donut rides, wind surfing, snorkeling and catamaran boats for hire. However, most of these activities are exclusive to hotel residents only. If you want to go somewhere which is free to the general public head to Sarti Beach, which is one of the largest beaches in Sithonia at 2.5 km. At the northern end of the beach you will find the promenade where many sun loungers and parasols can be found. The water here is perfect for swimming and many water sport activities take place here including banana boats, waterskiing and kayaking.
Secluded
Trani Ammouda Beach, which also goes by the name of Livrochio beach is a large sandy beach found just north of Ormos Panagias. This secluded beach is one of Sithonia's hidden secrets as it can be easily missed. This place is the perfect location for swimming and small children. It's also worth mentioning it has been awarded the 'Blue Flag' status for its clean and unspoiled sandy beach.
Kavourotripes also known as Orange Beach or Portocali are a number of small sandy coves scattered along Sithonia's coastline. These beaches are popular for nudists as they can find their own cove to bunker down in and enjoy the sun. The area can get very crowded during the summer months but there are still a number of small beaches where you are more secluded.
Last but not least is Sykia Beach found in the peninsula of Sithonia. The beach of Sykia is actually made up of three small pristine clean beaches, each measuring up to 800 meters in length. The fine golden sands and crystal clear waters make it a spectacular hidden oasis, and if you're looking for somewhere where you can escape the crowds and read a book in peace, this is the place for you!