Halkidiki is a gem that rivals some of the most beloved Greek islands, with its stunning seaside spots drawing in locals and travelers from around the globe.
You’ll find the majority of resorts in the area’s first two “legs”, offering everything from peaceful retreats to lively vacation experiences.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to stay in Halkidiki, each with unique features to help you choose the perfect spot for your holiday preferences.
1. Nea Potidea, a resort close to Thessaloniki
Nea Potidea, nestled on the first leg of Halkidiki, acts as the gateway to the Kassandra peninsula. It’s uniquely positioned at the isthmus that connects the Thermaic Gulf to the Toroneos Gulf, earning its nickname as the “Gateway of Kassandra.”
Just about 57 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport, this coastal village is a prime choice if you’re looking to stay close to the city. It boasts all the amenities necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
The town is bustling with life, hosting an array of taverns, restaurants, bars, shops, and plenty of accommodation options.
Over on the east side, Nea Potidea beach faces the second leg of Halkidiki and is a favorite among families. The sandy shores and shallow waters make it perfect for children, complete with sunbeds, umbrellas, and facilities for water sports.
Best Hotels in Nea Potidea
- (€€€) Portes Beach Hotel: a 4-star beachftont hotel with spa and swimming pool
- (€€) Elpiniki Luxury Apartments: apartments with kitchen and private beach
- (€) Flamingo View Suites: fully equipped suites and breakfast
2. Sani, a luxury resort in Halkidiki
Sani is a picturesque seaside village approximately 72 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport, nestled on the western coast of Halkidiki’s first leg. It’s internationally recognized for the luxurious Sani Resort, which features top-tier five-star hotels and mainly opulent villas.
The area includes a charming small marina, a few lively bars, and numerous restaurants.
Bousoulas Beach is the crown jewel of Sani’s beaches, accessible through the resort’s premises. This sandy beach is well-organized and particularly suitable for families with children.
For those seeking a quieter spot, Stavronikita Beach is an excellent alternative. It’s sandy and significantly more tranquil than its bustling neighbor.
If camping is more your style, the Blue Dream Camping offers a well-maintained site. Sani also boasts a range of activities including spa facilities, tennis courts, water sports, and a diving center, ensuring there’s always something to do.
Best Hotels in Sani
- (€€€) Sani Polyastron Hotel & Spa: a 4-star hotel with spa and swimming pool4 αστέρων με σπα και πισίνα
- (€€) Sunny Hill: a 3-star hotel with swimming pool and breakfast
- (€€) Simantro Resort: a 5-star beachfront hotel with spa and swimming pools
3. Kallithea, where to stay in Halkidiki for nightlife
Kallithea is a hotspot in Halkidiki, drawing the largest crowds. Positioned on the eastern edge of the first leg of the peninsula, it’s about 76 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the cosmopolitan heart of Halkidiki—nothing is missing here.
In Kallithea, you can opt for cozy budget-friendly rooms or splurge on luxury hotel stays. The main pedestrian street is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide array of shops that cater to every possible need during your visit.
The vibrant nightlife in Kallithea is not to be missed. With its beach bars, nightclubs, and live music venues featuring famous DJs and local acts, the town is renowned for its energetic evenings.
Just 3.5 kilometers north, you’ll find the village of Afitos. It’s also quite popular and brimming with accommodations, eateries, bars, and cafes, making it a perfect extension of your Kallithea adventure.
Best Hotels in Kallithea
- (€€€) Kallithea Village hotel: villas and suites with swimming pool
- (€€) Olvion Luxury Living: elegant rooms and apartments with swimming pool
- (€) Oscar hotel: studios with kitche, 500m from Kallithea beach
4. Possidi, best area to stay in Halkidiki for students and young people
Possidi is more than just a popular student hangout during the summer. It’s a vibrant seaside village on the southwestern tip of the Kassandra peninsula, bustling with activity during the warmer months.
While many flock here for the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s camping site, there’s a variety of hotels and rental rooms available too. Whether you choose to stay at the university campsite or opt for private camping, you’re set for a memorable stay.
The beach in Possidi is expansive and sandy, featuring shallow waters that are mostly safe, although you’ll want to watch out for a few rocky spots in the sea.
The local entertainment scene centers around the student beach bar and the Cocus Beach Bar, both of which are hotspots for lively parties that attract a youthful crowd looking to have a great time.
A notable landmark of the area is the cape jutting into the Thermaic Gulf, crowned with a historical lighthouse dating back to 1864, adding a touch of historical charm to this lively locale.
Best Hotels in Possidi
- (€€) NewStory Luxury Suites Possidi: beachfront rooms with bar
- (€) Istira: rooms with breakfast close to the beach
- (€) Hotel Maria: hotel with breakfast, 200m from the beach
5. Hanioti, best area to stay in Halkidiki for families and kids
Hanioti, or Chanioti, is beautifully situated on the southeastern tip of the Kassandra peninsula, roughly 91 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport. Nestled between Polychrono and Pefkochori, it’s just a quick 15-20 minute drive from the bustling Kallithea.
This village is one of Halkidiki’s most picturesque spots, boasting a large beach, lush parks, and inviting pedestrian walkways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy rental room or a luxurious hotel suite, Hanioti offers a range of accommodation options to suit any taste.
For those traveling with kids or family, Hanioti is an excellent choice. It’s quieter compared to nearby areas, providing a peaceful retreat.
Along the beach, numerous bars offer sun loungers and umbrellas, perfect for relaxing while the kids enjoy the various water sports available.
Best Hotels in Hanioti
- (€€€) Ostria Sea Side Hotel: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, close to the beach
- (€€) Athinais Luxury Apartments: apartments with breakfast, 300m from Hanioti beach
- (€) Nereides Hotel: a 2-star hotel with swimming pool, 500m from Hanioti beach
6. Pefkochori, a cosmopolitan spot to stay in Halkidiki
Pefkohori could easily claim the title of the most cosmopolitan spot on the first leg of Halkidiki, right after Kallithea. Positioned on the southeastern edge of the peninsula, just past Hanioti, it’s about 95 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport.
The area offers a broad spectrum of accommodations, ranging from simple rental rooms to luxurious hotels and villas.
During the summer months, the streets leading to the beach transform into pedestrian zones, making strolls through the village a delightful experience.
Pefkohori is bustling with shops, seafood taverns, restaurants, and vibrant beach bars, while the nightlife in local clubs and bars keeps the party going until dawn.
The main beach stretches wide with fine sand and is well-organized, adding to the area’s charm.
What’s great about Pefkohori is its proximity to other stunning beaches like Glarokavos with its lagoon, and the scenic Hrousso and Xenia beaches at Paliouri.
Best Hotels in Pefkochori
- (€€) Hotel Pilalidis: a 3-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pools, 150m from Pefkochori beach
- (€€) Agnes Deluxe Hotel: a 3-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pool, 200m from Pefkochori beach
- (€) Hotel Akritas Pefkochori: hotel with swimming pool and breakfast
7. Nikiti, a charming area to stay in Halkidiki
Nikiti is a charming seaside town located on the second leg of Halkidiki, 88 kilometers from Thessaloniki Airport. Facing the Toroneos Gulf to the northwest, this town blends a well-developed urban area with a stunning beach, making it a favorite among visitors.
Accommodations in Nikiti cater to all budgets, offering everything from rented rooms and hotels to luxurious villas.
The town is fully equipped with amenities, including quaint taverns, restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and supermarkets—ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
One must-visit is Old Nikiti—an enchanting neighborhood perched on a hill around the 19th-century Church of Saint Nikitas. Nearby, you’ll find the ancient Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in the 14th century, showcasing Macedonia’s architectural heritage.
For beach enthusiasts, Nikiti presents several options: the main Nikiti Beach, Agios Ioannis, Akti Koviu, Spathies, Elia Nikitis, and Lagomandra. Each offers a unique seaside experience, perfect for a refreshing swim or just lounging by the azure waters.
Best Hotels in Nikiti
- (€€€) Miroes Suites: elegant suites with breakfast and swimming pool
- (€€) Dandelion Suites: apartments with swimming pool
- (€€) Theano Luxury Suites Nikiti: fully equipped suites, 500m from the beach
8. Vourvourou, a charming resort of Halkidiki's second leg
Vourvourou is a charming tourist destination on the northeastern side of Halkidiki’s second leg, about 103 kilometers from Thessaloniki Airport and just 9 kilometers from Ormos Panagias.
This scenic village is wonderfully suited for families, offering a variety of accommodation options, primarily in the form of rented rooms and hotels.
The village is well-equipped with amenities including restaurants, bars, cafes, and supermarkets, ensuring everything you need is within easy reach.
For beach lovers, Vourvourou boasts the beautiful Karidi Beach, with its shallow, turquoise waters and soft sands—perfect for children—and the smaller, equally serene Mikro Karidi to the right.
A fantastic way to spend your day here is by renting a boat to explore the nearby islets or the larger island of Diaporos—an adventure that’s hard to pass up.
If you enjoy hiking, the lush slopes of Mount Itamos offer breathtaking trails with views over the Aegean Sea and Mount Athos. This area provides a perfect blend of beach relaxation and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for those who love to explore nature.
Best Hotels in Vourvourou
- (€€) Alexandros Hotel Apartments: apartments with swimming pool and bar, 300m from Karidi beach
- (€)Kamares House Apartments & Studios: apartments with private beach
- (€) Pefka Studios & Apartments: apartments with mitchenette, 50m from Vourvourou beach
9. Neos Marmaras, a popular spot to stay in Halkidiki
Neos Marmaras is a captivating seaside area on the second leg of Halkidiki, located on the western edge about 108 kilometers from Thessaloniki Airport.
It’s one of the most popular spots in Sithonia, drawing a lively crowd. From its port, you can catch a boat tour around the stunning Mount Athos.
The town offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels and studios to rental rooms. You’ll also find a good selection of restaurants and some cool beach bars.
With its stunning seaside vistas and mountainous surroundings, Neos Marmaras has a romantic charm that makes it one of Halkidiki’s most enchanting destinations.
For a swim, you have choices ranging from the main beach of Neos Marmaras to the luxurious Porto Carras.
Nearby, you can also enjoy the vibrant beach bars at Ai-Yiannis, the serene Lagomandra, the secluded Spathies, and the scenic Akti Koviou. Each beach offers its own unique slice of seaside bliss.
Best Hotels in Neos Marmaras
- (€€€) Amyntas Seafront Hotel: a 3-star hotel with breakfast and swimming pool
- (€€) Thetis Boutique Apartments: apartments with breakfast, 200m from Neos Marmaras beach
- (€) Sole A Mare: apartments with breakfast
10. Sarti, where to stay in Halkidiki for the most beautiful beaches
Sarti is a picturesque seaside resort at the southeastern tip of Halkidiki’s second leg, about 130 kilometers from Thessaloniki’s airport.
It’s my personal favorite spot in Halkidiki, known for drawing large crowds each year and offering a plethora of rental rooms and quaint hotels.
The resort boasts a stunning 3-kilometer-long beach awarded the Blue Flag for its clean, sandy shores and shallow turquoise waters.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find a vibrant mix of restaurants, taverns, beach bars, cafes, and bars, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available for a comfortable day by the sea.
What makes Sarti my top pick is its proximity to some truly magical beaches within 8-15 kilometers, like Kavourotrypes, Armenistis, Kriaritsi, and Kalamitsi. The waters at these beaches are heavenly and definitely worth dipping into at least once.
Best Hotels in Sarti
- (€€€) Onar Sarti Luxury Living: elegant apartments, 100m from Sani beach
- (€€) Athos Thea Luxury Rooms: suites with breakfast, 400m from Sani beach
- (€) Villa Ulyana Sarti – Ancient Greece in Center: elegant studios, 100m from Sani beach
11. Ouranoupoli, where to stay on third leg of Halkidiki
Ouranoupoli sits on the third leg of Halkidiki, serving as the last village before the monastic community of Mount Athos. It’s 117 kilometers from Thessaloniki Airport and is the launching point for ferries heading to Dafni, the port of Mount Athos.
This seaside village offers a variety of accommodations, from simple rental rooms to large hotel complexes. It’s a quieter destination that still offers plenty of charm.
Ouranoupoli beach is sandy with crystal-clear waters and is partially organized, providing spots for comfortable lounging. The sunsets here are truly mesmerizing, painting the sky with breathtaking colors.
A key attraction in Ouranoupoli is the Byzantine tower of Prosforiou, majestically perched near the seafront.
Just across from Ouranoupoli lies the island of Ammouliani, the only inhabited island in Halkidiki. To visit, you’ll take a short boat trip from Trypiti, offering a lovely escape to explore its beautiful shores.
Best Hotels in Ouranoupoli
- (€€) Arxontariki Suites: elegant suites, 100m from Ouranoupoli beach
- (€) Sunset Hotel: a 2-star hotel with breakfast, close to the beach
- (€) Hotel Filoxenia: a 2-star hotel with breakfast