The top 10 best beaches of Sithonia, Halkidiki
Are you going to Sithonia, Halkidiki? If you’re still in doubt, just go. During our trip to Sithonia we were STUNNED by the endless amount of gorgeous beaches, literally around every corner. The color of the waters and sand are unbelievable and the fact that every beach is surrounded by pine trees gives it even more of a Maldives-feeling. We couldn’t visit them all unfortunately, but here are our top 10 best beaches of Sithonia, Halkdiki.*
*We visited these beaches in low season, at the beginning of October. Therefore we mostly experienced very tranquil places. This might be different in high season.
@tzatchickie The best beaches 🏝️ of Greece 🇬🇷 are to be found in…? Halkidiki peninsula is a big contender! 😍😍 #Sithonia #Greece #Beaches #BeautifulGreece #IslandVibes #SummerVibes #TravelGreece #GreekIslands #SeaView #BeachLife #BeachDays #Paradise #vacationmode #travelgreece #beachtok #beachtiktok #traveltiktok #griechenland #griekenland #halkidiki #halkidikigreece
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Flying in to Thessaloniki when visiting Sithonia, Halkidiki? Check out my blogs about Thessaloniki as well:
1 & 2. Kavourotrypes
Kavourotrypes is an area that consists of multiple beaches and well known in Sithonia. These beaches are located on a few minutes from the main road, after driving down a dirt road. You drive right through a forest with pine trees surrounding you, and then find small ‘hidden’ coves everywhere, of which some have been turned into organized beaches. So do not expect large and cultivated beaches here! Let me highlight two of the beaches of Kavourotrypes.
1. Portokali beach
Portokali is one of the best known beaches of the area. The name of the beach derives from the local beach bar. It is just a 2 minute drive on a dirt road from the main road. You park your car between the trees in what looks like a forest and head down 50 meter to the water.
Although it was October the parking towards the beach was quite busy with lots of cars, which surprised us. There is one small ‘main beach’ with a beach canteen that had loud music on. We saw a few other beach canteens between the trees but Although the water was stunning, the fact that it was busy even in October for us was a bit of a pity. I can not imagine how it will be in summer.
That’s why we started walking next to the coast through the pine trees. Next to the rocky coastline we discovered lots of hidden coves and inlets with tiny beaches.
So: Portokali beach might get too busy especially in the summer but the smaller bays next to it will satisfy even the needs of loners. The beach(es) is/are also perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
2. Paradise beach
Next to Portokali, you will find Paradise beach. The dirt road to Paradise beach is a bit longer than the one to Portokali, and you have to walk down 5 minute to the beach after parking your car as well.
But what you then find is SO amazing: a beach bar on the rocks with lounge chairs and hammocks to enjoy your drinks or food in. We had such a nice talk with the owner of the canteen, who kindly shared his roasted chestnuts (super fresh) with us. There are also beach chairs on the beach (you go down the stairs to reach it) to sit at. To us this place was 100 times better than Portokali. The waters are the same as in Portokali, turquoise and ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
3. Tigania beach
This beach is a true hidden gem, with its golden sand, turquoise waters and above all UNIQUE beach bar that reminded us of the (Pirates of the) Caribbean. Unfortunately it had already closed down in October, but this bamboo-house on the rocks was nevertheless great to see.
Three small beaches in a row, separated by rocks together form the stunning Tigania. The first two beaches have a small parking lot and a beach bar with palm tree umbrellas (on the sand and on the rocks) that blend perfectly with the natural surroundings. The third beach is quieter and more secluded, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. Parts of the beaches are used by nudists as well.
To be fair, the beach wasn’t so easy to find. Why? Because the area is full of little roads that lead nowhere or are looping. It is like a maze. This because once they decided to build lots of houses in the area (the roads were meant for that) but in the end they had to stop the development because there turned out to be some archeological find in the ground. While finding your way however (trust your gut feeling and do not blindly trust Google Maps) you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Karidi beach
Karidi Beach is a lively and popular beach just next to the tourist resort of Vourvourou. It has almost white sand and very shallow turquoise waters. The water is very very clear and calm and the depth of the sea increases gradually. The beach is a combination of very fine sand and rocks on the side that you can go walk on and explore. Some low hanging pine trees are providing shade and are giving it that Hawaiian feeling.
This beach does get crowded because it is next to Vourvourou, but the beauty is that it remains unorganized (no beach chairs, a beach canteen is available in high season) till today. If you take your own gear, it is an ideal beach for families with children. You best go early in the morning in high season to find a free spot with shade pot on the beach, and a parking place nearby. You can find tasty tavernas and restaurants on a walking distance of the beach in Vourvourou.
5. Kalamitsi Beach
We visited Kalamitsi beach and found it to be a small but well-arranged beach attached to a tranquil tiny tourist settlement. As all Sithonia’s beaches, it has fine sand and turquoise waters. Sunbeds with umbrellas can be rented, or visitors can use the free section to set up their own. ON the beach (in the sand), we found various restaurants. Perfect for a romantic but traditional Greek dinner!
On a short walk through nature from Kalamitsi beach, you will find Kalamitsaki beach, which is a wilder beach and the place to be for nudists!
6. Porto Koufo Beach
At Porto Koufo beach, we loved the beautiful green and nature scenery. The beach is surrounded by two mountains which makes the sea look like a lake, or like a fjord in Thailand. The long, sandy beach is not very wide, but the water is crystal-clear and goes very deep. Within no time you’ll be swimming above a depth of around 5 meters.
Of course the deeper part of the water is colder, but the shallow part is way warmer than other beaches of Sithonia because the beach is ‘locked in’ like a lake. There were also several places to get coffee, other drinks, and food at reasonable prices. And some sunbeds for rent. We liked that in October it was very quiet with a beautiful view of the mountain.Porto Koufo beach is also a great spot for snorkeling. Parking is easy to find on the side of the road, behind the beach.
7. Destenika Beach & Ema Beach
Destenika Beach, Ema Beach and Tristinika beach are 3 sandy beaches that are right next to each other. The sunsets here are enchanting, and there is lots of space for parking.
Destenika
We were pleasantly surprised by the charm of Destenika beach, which is not amongst the top well known beaches of Sithonia, but definitely could be! It was deserted in October, which made it even more stunning. Both on the left and right side of the beach you can see the white beach and Maldives-like waters from above meaning it’s a great photo spot as well.
On one end of the beach, there is a taverna and beach bar that offer sunbeds and umbrellas, perfect for relaxing and enjoying some kalamari and beer. The sand is fine and the water is shallow, making it an ideal spot for families with children. Snorkeling around the rocks by the taverna is also a great activity.
Ema Beach
Ema beach is a smaller beach on the right side of Destenika, that stands out because it has a modern beach bar and a swing on the beach, making it a perfect swim stop en photo spot in one!
8. Tristinika beach
Tristinika beach is a very long, sandy beach on the left side of Destenika. This beach is the perfect spot for people that love camping, own a camper, or like the hippie vibe.
You’ll find lots of campers and parking space here because there is an actual camping. And a large and colorful beach bar called Ethnik that has adopted the ‘flower power theme’ completely. Here you can have a drink or food with your feet in the sand, while you are looking out on the full Tristinika beach but also on the stunning cliffs on the other side of the bar. You can also enjoy the gorgeous sunset here while drinking a beer or cocktail.
9. Lagonisi Beach
Lagonisi beach is located in somewhat of a lagoon, because two stretches of land on either side of the area make it quite closed off from the open sea. Thus, the water is calm, extremely clear and blue and shallow as well.This makes it a perfect beach for relaxing times as well as for families with kids. But it also has some rocks on the side that allows for snorkeling around. Additionally, there is Lagonisi Beach Bar that belongs to the resort that offers comfortable loungers, food and drinks as well as a boat rental service and other watersports.
Even though the road to the beach is not ideal, it is definitely worth the visit. One important tip for visitors is to turn right on a small dirt road after entering the Lagonisi Beach Bar parking lot to reach the free beach. Additionally, parking can be a bit challenging but if you’re patient, you can usually find a spot as someone is leaving every 5-10 minutes.
10. Diaporos island: Myrsini beach and the Blue Lagoon
A MUST DO when in Sithonia, Halkidiki is renting a boat to discover Diaporos island. The waters around this tiny island are the bluest and clearest of all. The absolute highlights are Mysrini beach (where you can dock your boat, stop for a swim and relax a bit on the beach) and the Blue Lagoon opposite of it.
But when you’re making full tour of the island by boat, you’ll discover way more hidden gems in all the inlets such as Kryfto and Natural bay!
Personally, we used Queen Boat Rental and were super content with their service. The boats were spotless, clean and looked brand new. Also, their explanation on how to use them was great. In high season they rent boats from € 120 in high season for 2 persons (excl. fuel).
@tzatchickie One of the best places in Greece to rent a boat 🚤 at is definitely Vourvourou, Halkidiki. 😍 Around Vourvourou and Diaporos island are so many STUNNING beaches and waters 🏝️💦. We rented at Queen boat rentals where prices 💶 start from €120 per day in high season. In low season you might be able to negotiate a lower price. The boats were brand new and the service was great. You don’t need a license, and the sea bed is clear so easy to anchor ⚓️. My favorite beaches to visit by boat👇🏻 📍Blue lagoon, Diaporos island 📍Myrsini beach, Diaporos island 📍Lagonisi #vourvourou #halkidiki #sithonia #sithonia_greece #halkidikigreece🇬🇷 #vourvouroubeach #queenboatrentals #beachlife #bestbeaches #traveltiktok #travelaccount #traveltips #grece #grecia #unanistan #griechenland #griekenlandtips #greecetravel #greecetrip #greecetraveltips #rentaboat #maldiveswater #europetravel #rentaboat #tzatchickie #χαλκιδικη #σιθωνια #chalcidice #greecetravelguide
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I hope this blog on the top 10 best beaches of Sithonia, Halkidiki was useful and that you will enjoy your visit!
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