Gerakini, Halkidiki: Beaches, Olynthus and Where to Stay
Gerakini is a seaside resort in Halkidiki, Greece, on the coast between the Sithonia and Kassandra peninsulas, 85 kilometers from Thessaloniki and 13 kilometers south of the regional capital Poligiros. Long sandy beaches backed by pine-covered hills, with mountains behind, have made Gerakini one of the oldest holiday spots in Halkidiki, so today it offers hotels, all-inclusive resorts, studios, apartments and campsites.
- Region
- Halkidiki
- From Thessaloniki
- 85 km
- Poligiros
- 13 km north
- Ancient site
- Olynthus
Gerakini, Halkidiki
Gerakini is a seaside resort in Halkidiki, on the coastal strip between the Sithonia and Kassandra peninsulas. The town is small, but thousands of tourists fill the region each summer. Thessaloniki lies about 85 kilometers away, and the regional capital Poligiros is 13 kilometers to the north. Tourism began here in the 1960s because of the beautiful sandy beaches, and there are now many places to stay, including some all-inclusive resorts. Larger hotels sit mostly just outside the village where the beach continues, alongside studios, apartments and a few campsites. Before 1960 Gerakini was a tiny settlement whose residents worked a nearby granite mine, now closed; many locals work in tourism today. Gerakini Beach itself is long and well equipped: you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are restaurants, fish tavernas, shops and bars.
Ancient Olynthus
Olynthus is an ancient site on two hills north-west of Gerakini, dating to the 7th century BC. In myth Olynthus was the son of King Strymonas of Thrace, killed on a lion hunt, after which his brother Vraggas built the city in his honour; another version makes him a son of Hercules. The historical city was founded by people expelled from Macedonia. In 432 BC King Perdiccas II of Macedon merged several Halkidiki towns into Olynthus to form a strong, defensible capital, and it grew into a major military power. That growth led to a three-year war with Sparta from 382 BC. When Olynthus later opposed Philip II of Macedonia, he besieged and completely destroyed the city in 348 BC, and it never recovered. The sudden destruction preserved many objects, now shown in the Archaeological Museum of Olynthus. The site lies just north-east of the modern village of Olynthos and can only be reached by your own transport.
Where to stay in Gerakini
The hotels, studios and apartments below sit on or near Gerakini Beach, most with sea-view balconies or verandas.
Kostas House
Paralia Gerakinis
Kostas House stands 150 metres from the Gerakini seafront, reached by a private path through an olive grove. The air-conditioned apartments have free WiFi and a spacious veranda over the Aegean Sea. Each has a kitchenette with cooking facilities, an electric kettle and a fridge, plus outdoor furniture, a TV and a hairdryer. The lively Nikiti is 20 kilometers away, and Thessaloniki Airport is a 60-minute drive.
Check availability & bookAlkinoos Beach Hotel
3 km from Gerakini
Alkinoos Beach Hotel sits 30 metres from the sea and 3 kilometers from Gerakini village, with an outdoor pool and pool bar. WiFi and on-site parking are free. The air-conditioned apartments each have a spacious balcony or terrace with sea or garden view, a kitchenette with fridge and a bathroom with hairdryer. A buffet breakfast includes fresh fruit, homemade jams and vegetables from the owner's garden. Children have a large green area with a playground, and there is beach volley and a basketball court. The hotel is 80 kilometers from Thessaloniki and close to ancient Olynthus, Petralona Cave and the Athos peninsula.
Check availability & bookMaistrali Beach Studios
On the beach
Maistrali Beach Hotel stands at the water's edge in Gerakini, set among pine, palm and olive trees. The air-conditioned studios have free WiFi and views over the sea and gardens. Each spacious studio has a TV, a kitchenette with hot plates and a fridge, and a bathroom with shower. The resort centre of Gerakini is 700 metres away, with plenty of nightlife, and free parking is available on site.
Check availability & book