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Sani Dunes, Halkidiki

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Halkidiki

Updated 1 October 2026 · 12 things to do

Pictured: Sani Dunes

Halkidiki is a hand with three fingers reaching into the Aegean. Kassandra is the busy one, with long beaches and resorts. Sithonia, in the middle, is wilder, all pine forest and hidden bays. And Mount Athos, the last finger, is a monastic republic that sits in a world of its own, with a mountain peak rising straight from the sea.

That is the geography; the holiday is swimming, eating fish by the water and sleeping late. You don't need much more. But a boat trip along the Athos coast, a wander through a stone village and a day in Thessaloniki turn a beach week into something richer.

Don't miss

  1. 1Mount Athos coast cruise
  2. 2Ouranoupoli Tower
  3. 3Vourvourou and Diaporos
  4. 4Sarti
  5. 5Thessaloniki

Mount Athos and Ouranoupoli

The most unusual sight in Greece.

  1. Mount Athos coast cruise

    Day trip

    Simonopetra monastery on the Mount Athos coast
    Photo: Gabriel from Bucharest, Romania, CC BY 2.0

    Mount Athos is a self-governing monastic community, home to 20 monasteries, and women aren't permitted to enter it. But boat cruises from Ouranoupoli sail along its coast, so everyone can see the great monasteries perched on cliffs above the sea, with the mountain looming behind.

    Tip: Cruises run in the warmer months. Take a hat and sun cream, as there is little shade on deck.

  2. Ouranoupoli Tower

    Landmark

    The Byzantine tower on the waterfront at Ouranoupoli
    Photo: TheTower-Ouranopolis-Athos-Greece.jpg: Plamen Agov as MrPanyGoff derivative work, CC BY-SA 2.5

    A Byzantine tower on the waterfront in the village of Ouranoupoli, built to protect the lands of the Athos monasteries, and now a handy landmark and a small museum. The village around it's a lovely, relaxed place to eat fish by the sea.

  3. Ammouliani

    Day trip

    The island of Ammouliani off the Athos coast
    Photo: NASA, Public domain

    A small island off the Athos coast, reached by a short ferry from Tripiti, with sandy beaches, clear water and a laid-back fishing village. It's a quiet and calm day trip from the mainland.

Kassandra

  1. Afitos

    Neighbourhood

    A traditional stone village on a clifftop above the sea, with narrow lanes, old mansions, craft shops and sunset terraces. It's the prettiest village on Kassandra and comes alive in the evening.

    Tip: Go in the early evening, find a terrace table and stay for sunset.

  2. Possidi Cape

    Beach

    The sandy cape at Possidi on Kassandra
    Photo: Paul Gilmore paulgilmore_, CC0

    A long sandy spit at the tip of the Kassandra peninsula, with a lighthouse and shallow, calm water on both sides. It's a sandy, windswept place that feels a long way from the resorts.

Sithonia

  1. Vourvourou and Diaporos

    Beach

    Vourvourou beach seen from Diaporos island
    Photo: M sotirov, Public domain

    A sheltered bay on the east coast with small islets and a larger island, Diaporos, lying just offshore. Hire a boat or take a water taxi to the coves around the islands, where the water is clear and the beaches are quiet.

  2. Sarti

    Beach

    Mount Athos seen across the water from Sarti
    Photo: Kritzolina, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A long sandy beach on the east coast of Sithonia, facing across the Singitic Gulf towards Mount Athos. It's an easygoing beach village with tavernas and, on a clear day, a view of the mountain.

History and cities

  1. Petralona Cave

    Nature

    The entrance to the Petralona Cave
    Photo: Sven Dittmar, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A large cave with stalactites and stalagmites, where the remains of a prehistoric human were found, a famous site in the archaeology of Greece. It's cool on hot days and a good rainy-day trip.

  2. Stagira

    Landmark

    The ancient site of Stagira, birthplace of Aristotle
    Photo: Dimitris Siskopoulos, CC BY 2.0

    The birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle, an ancient site on a green headland near the sea, with ruins, walls and a view of the coast. Nearby is a park dedicated to the philosopher.

  3. Thessaloniki

    Day trip

    The White Tower on the Thessaloniki waterfront
    Photo: Annatsach, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Greece's second city is the gateway to Halkidiki, and a great day trip. Its seafront is dominated by the White Tower, with a lively old town, Byzantine churches, markets and some of the best food in the country.

    Tip: It is close to the airport, so you can add a day at the start or end of your trip.

Eat and drink

  1. Halkidiki olives

    Food

    The peninsula is famous for its large green olives, stuffed or plain, and for its olive oil. They turn up at every meal, and make a good thing to take home.

  2. Tsipouro and meze

    Food

    Northern Greece has its own way of eating: tsipouro, a clear grape spirit, served in small glasses with a spread of small plates, grilled octopus, mussels and fried fish. It's a long, leisurely lunch.

Where to stay in Halkidiki

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Halkidiki →

Getting around

Halkidiki is big, so a hire car is the best way to explore. Thessaloniki airport is the gateway, and transfers to the resorts take an hour or more. Boats and water taxis reach the bays and islands in summer.

When to go

The beach season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest sea in summer. July and August are busiest. May, June and September are warm, quieter and ideal for exploring.

Questions about visiting Halkidiki

What is Halkidiki best known for?
Sandy beaches and pine forests across three peninsulas, plus the monastic community of Mount Athos, which you can see from the sea.
Can you visit Mount Athos?
The peninsula has restricted access, and women are not permitted to enter. Boat cruises sail along the coast from Ouranoupoli so everyone can see the monasteries from the sea.
What is there to do in Halkidiki with kids?
Shallow, sandy beaches, boat trips to the islands around Vourvourou and easy days out to Thessaloniki.
Do you need a car in Halkidiki?
Yes, it makes a big difference. Halkidiki is large and the best beaches and villages are spread out.

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