The Ultimate Halkidiki Guide

From a recent trip, told with a personal touch…
You asked for it, so I put it into words! Don’t forget to save and share it with your friends!
Oh, and if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them — I’ll add them to my notes for the next time I hit the road. :)
As I left Thessaloniki and drove along the coast, I felt that “Now the holiday truly begins” moment.
At every turn, the scent of the sea, the pine trees, and the sound of Greek melodies filled the air.
Halkidiki gave me more than I expected: peace, flavor, surprising beauty, and plenty of “oh no, not enough time” moments.
Below you’ll find what to do in Halkidiki in three days — my experiences, where to eat, beaches to visit, and places to stay.
Ready? I’ve wrapped the whole trip up for you 🌞

1. Getting to Halkidiki
* The most common route from Turkey is by plane + road: fly to Thessaloniki, then take a bus (KTEL) or rent a car to reach the Halkidiki peninsulas.
I drove from Turkey — more comfortable and easier on the budget.
* There are buses from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki, but you’ll need a car to get around once there. Beaches, coves, and villages are often far apart, and public transport doesn’t always match ideal travel times.
(My tip: if you fly, rent a car from Thessaloniki to explore.)
* If you’re planning to drive like I did: cross at the İpsala border, take the highway, and turn toward Halkidiki after Thessaloniki. You can also go via Kavala or along the coast — scenic options if you want to explore on the way.
* October tip: tourist crowds fade, some places close, but if you’re after peace and good prices, it’s the perfect time.

2. Three Days in Halkidiki: What to Do and Where to Go
Three days might sound short, but this route left me thinking, “I have to come back.”

Day 1 – Enter Kassandra Peninsula and Start the Dance
* Morning: Leave Thessaloniki and head to Kassandra — focus on Kallithea, Afitos, and Pefkohori.
* Lunch: Pick a seaside taverna for light meze and seafood. Let the feast begin.
* Afternoon: Explore around Kallithea; hit the beaches, take a seaside walk. (Kallithea is lively at night with bars and restaurants.)
* Evening: Move on to Afitos, wander among its stone houses, and take photos from panoramic viewpoints. Have dinner with a sea view.
* Night: If you still have energy — Kassandra’s beach bars and parties await.

Day 2 – Discover Sithonia, the Middle Peninsula
* Morning: Start with breakfast (I’ve listed spots below).
* Lunch: Head toward Sithonia’s coves: Portokali (Orange Beach) is the scene — go early (I was there at 9 a.m.) to grab a quiet spot.
* Afternoon: Visit Vourvourou or Karidi bays for the full sea–sand–forest harmony.
* Evening: Stroll around Neos Marmaras, watch the sunset by the harbor, pick a taverna and settle in.
* Night: If you’re near Sarti, take a peaceful beach walk — the sea breeze will put you right to sleep.

Day 3 – Hidden Coves, Last Beach Stops & The Journey Back
* Morning: Choose your route toward hidden beaches (Kavourotripes or Trani Ammouda are great).
* Lunch: Try a small beachside restaurant you spot on the map — local meze and fresh seafood never disappoint.
* Afternoon: One last swim — maybe at Kalithea or Sani on your way back.
* Evening: Return to Thessaloniki or enjoy a quiet dinner near your hotel.
* If time allows: A short Thessaloniki walk, a sunset view, and dinner in the city make a perfect finale.

Thessaloniki Before Dinner
Start with a local classic: the pre-dinner ouzo or wine hour.
Sit at a café near the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos), order a meze plate (calamari, tarama, eggplant salad, cheese rolls), watch the sunset — then head to dinner.

🍽️ Modiano & Kapani Market Area (Historic Markets – Authentic Flavors)
This is the heart of Thessaloniki.
It livens up in the late afternoon, then quiets down for dinner as music begins.
* To Diavatiri: A true local taverna. Meze, seafood, ouzo. Try gavros marinatos (marinated anchovies) + saganaki (fried cheese).
* Rouga: A TripAdvisor favorite. Traditional dishes with a modern touch. Try giouvetsi (baked beef with orzo) with homemade red wine.
💡 Bonus: Don’t leave without trying galaktoboureko (custard pastry with syrup) for dessert.

3. Eating & Drinking in Halkidiki – Taverns, Restaurants, Cafes & Bars
Halkidiki cuisine is rich with olive oil, lemon, and sea salt — full of homemade flavor and surprises.
Breakfast Ideas
* Try a local café for bougatsa (Greek pastry) and coffee.
* In Nikiti, start your day at a seaside café — yogurt with fresh fruit, local pastries, coffee, and a sea view (that’s how I started my mornings — perfect!).
* If your hotel offers breakfast, go for the classic Greek style: olives, honey, jams, and fresh bread.

Lunch Suggestions
* Go light with meze: tzatziki, dolmades, and fried calamari.
* Pick a seaside taverna — “To Kanoni” has a lovely menu by the water.
* “5 Steps in the Sand” offers unforgettable lunches with tables almost in the sea.
* “Gorgona / Pullman” (recommended by my hotel) had great seafood rice and meze — worth a stop.

Dinner & Nightlife
* Barbouni (Ormos Panagias): My favorite dinner spot. Fresh red mullet, meze, sea breeze — perfection.
* Thea Thalassa (Afitos): Amazing view, stuffed calamari and mussels saganaki.
* Taverna Sonia (Sithonia): Great seafood; book ahead.
* Taverna Makis (Agios Nikolaos): Family-run, simple, delicious.
* Ouzeri Tsitsanis: Classic Greek taverna vibe — ideal for meze and ouzo.
* Sousourada: Elegant but relaxed, one of the most balanced dining experiences I’ve had.
* Kritikos: Modern takes on traditional Greek dishes — a refined choice.

💡 Tip: Dinner by the sea, under streetlights, with meze and fish — everything tastes better that way.

4. My Top 3 Beaches in Halkidiki
There are countless beaches, but these three stole my heart:
1. Portokali (Orange Beach) / Sithonia:
Go early (around 9 a.m.). Shallow waters, then deep blue; space is limited, so claim your spot.
2. Vourvourou / Karidi Bays:
Peaceful, surrounded by nature. The blend of sand and turquoise sea is stunning.
3. Possidi Beach (Kassandra):
Long coastline with a sand spit reaching into the sea — crystal water, wide beach.
Bonus: Kavourotripes for a quieter, rocky escape.

5. Where to Stay in Halkidiki (October Picks)
Full list: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/halkidiki-hotels 

Even off-season, some boutique hotels stay open and offer great prices. My choice: Om Living.
🏡 Mageiras Boutique Hotel – Afitos, Kassandra
Stone-house surroundings, romantic and elegant. Sea-view balconies, homemade jam at breakfast. Around €100–130/night in October. Perfect for couples.
🌿 Villa Naiada – Nikiti, Sithonia
Modern boutique stay near the beach and restaurants. Rooms with kitchenettes and balconies. €80–110/night in October — ideal for explorers who want comfort.
🌊 Om Living – Sithonia
Minimalist, peaceful, and close to Afitos and the beach. Great for those seeking quiet, comfort, and authenticity.
Note: Some hotels close in October, so book ahead. Prices are usually 20–40% lower than in high season.

6. Make Your Holiday Real – Practical Tips
* Pack light: one dress, one swimsuit, comfy sandals (or fill the suitcase if it’s autumn 😄).
* Best rhythm: breakfast + beach between 8–10 a.m. — start early, enjoy long evenings.
* Every sunset deserves a seaside dinner.
* After every swim, take a short walk — hidden coves and forest trails often hide magic.
* And when you return home, you’ll proudly say: “I fell in love with Greek cuisine.” Try something new at every meal!

7. A Little Joke (Why Not?)
At Portokali Beach, the water was so clear that when I stepped in, I said, “Oh, there’s water here!” — but it wasn’t water, it was the sky!
And when I argued about the price of a beach umbrella, the local guy laughed and said, “Here, shade equals gold.” He wasn’t wrong.

🍴 Halkidiki Food Guide: From Sea to Table
Halkidiki is not just about beaches — it’s a culinary journey.
White tablecloths by the sea, plates full of fresh seafood, and glasses of ouzo that taste like the ocean breeze…

Here are my favorite food stops — a mix of local classics and personal favorites:
🐙 Greek Taverns
: Five Steps in the Sand – Sykia
Just above Pigadaki Beach. Fresh fish, stuffed calamari, sea-salted potatoes — simple and perfect.
Reserve ahead for sunset tables.

Taverna O Dimitris – Metagkitsi
: Family-run, shaded under trees. Homemade meze, grilled eggplant, saganaki, stuffed squid. Feels like mom cooked it. Don’t refuse the post-meal liqueur!

Stou Thanasi – Neos Marmaras
: A Halkidiki classic. Famous for grilled octopus and shrimp saganaki. Locals love it.

Klimataria Tavern – Afitos
: Hidden in the stone alleys with a sea-view terrace. Feels like visiting friends at home.

Taverna Nikos – Sarti: 
Simple seaside taverna with lemony fish and olive oil meze.

The Marigoula – Nikiti
: Elegant but casual. Try the mussel saganaki, shrimp risotto, and house wine.

Taverna Sonia – Ormos Panagias
: Small fishing-village gem. Stuffed squid, lemon potatoes, fresh catch daily.

Marathos Gastro Tavern – Kassandra
: Modern fine-dining twist on traditional Greek dishes.

Taverna Vasilis 1985 – Nikiti
: Family taverna since 1985. Chargrilled sardines, octopus, homemade bread.

Taverna Zambakos – Kallithea
: Colorful seaside spot — mussel saganaki and Greek salad are must-tries.

Gorgona / Pullman – Ormos Panagias
: Upscale feel, but loved by locals too. Mussel pilaf, shrimp linguine, sunset views.

Kritikos Gallery & Restaurant – Panorama (Thessaloniki): 
Refined Greek cuisine with a view. Perfect for a “city meets tradition” dining experience.

🍔 When You Crave Something Else
* Saloon Crazy Horse: American-style burgers and rock music.
* Skara: Great grilled meats and homemade sauces.
* Kantina Ladokolla 2: Late-night gyros & burgers.

Italian Vibes
* Capri Nuovo: Seafood pasta, stone-baked pizza, Italian wine.
* Mozzarella Gastro Wine: Modern Italian with fine wine pairings.

Gyros & Street Food
* El Greco: Classic pita gyros, fast and tasty.
* Ovelix Gyros: Generous portions, great prices.
* Snack Bar Giannakis (Sarti): Sea-view fast food — quick and cozy.

🍹 Bars, Cafés & All-Day Spots
* Briki Kitchen Bar: Coffee by day, cocktails by night — chill-out tunes by the sea.
* Soboro Beer Bar: Big beer list, pub food, live sports.
* Barcarolla: Romantic seaside setting with soft music and wine.
* Notos All Day Bar: Morning coffee to evening cocktails.
* Anchor Foodbar: Great sunset spot by the harbor.

🥐 Bakeries & Coffee Breaks
* Fayaz: Fresh bread and pastries every morning.
* Bakery Kalafati: Perfect for a breakfast stop.
* La Farine Bakery’n Coffee: Elegant patisserie — for a sweet pause.
* Mikel Coffee: Greece’s famous coffee chain — reliable for frappes and espresso.

🏖️ Beach Bar Fun
* La Luna: Sunbeds + cocktails + music. Smoothies by day, mojitos by night.

🫒 Every corner of Halkidiki has a story told through food.
Whether it’s a simple taverna or a modern restaurant, every plate carries the warmth of the locals.
Just make sure that at sunset, you’ve got ouzo in your hand, a few meze on your table, and the sea in front of you — the Greek wind will take care of the rest.