Kassandra Beaches: Sani, Possidi & the Blue Flag Sands

Kassandra edges both coasts of the peninsula with long sandy beaches, several of them Blue Flag, from the 7-kilometre golden strand at Sani to the sandy spit of Possidi. The north-east coast on the Gulf of Toroneos holds the Blue Flag sands of Kriopigi, Polychrono and Chaniotis and the busy beaches of Kallithea and Pefkochori, while the south-west coast on the Gulf of Thermaikos runs the beaches of Sani, Possidi, Kalandra, Nea Skioni, Loutra and Skala Fourkas. Most beaches are shallow and pine-backed, and Aristoteles beach below Afitos, the coves of Siviri and Cape Paliouri keep quieter sand.

Longest

Sani, 7 km

Blue Flag

Kriopigi, Polychrono, Chaniotis+

Sandiest spit

Possidi

Quietest

Paliouri & Mola Kalyva

Sani Beach

Sani beach runs 7 kilometres of golden sand along the north-west coast of Kassandra, the longest beach on the peninsula. The sea is shallow and blue, so Sani suits families with small children, and the sand carries sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports from water-skiing and catamaran sailing to paragliding and scuba diving. Luxury resorts, villas, boutiques and a marina of expensive yachts line the beach, set among olive and pine woods, with an ATM and supermarkets in the resort.

Possidi and Kalandra

Possidi beach runs a sandy spit hundreds of metres into the clear sea at a triangular point in the south-west of Kassandra. The beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas, tavernas and beach bars among the pines, and plenty of room to swim in the crystal water. Just south, Kalandra beach is broad golden sand backed by olive groves and pine, in sight of the castle of ancient Mende, with sunbeds and the four-star Hotel Mendi on the sand.

Polychrono Beach

Polychrono beach is a 1-kilometre Blue Flag strip of fine white sand on the Gulf of Toroneos, one of the best beaches on Kassandra. The sea is shallow and clear, good for snorkelling and for families, with some pebbles in places and pines, olive groves and orange trees behind the sand. Canoeing, jet-skiing, pedal boats and diving run from the beach, and tavernas, bars and cafes gather at its edge.

Chaniotis Beach

Chaniotis beach is a long Blue Flag beach of fine white sand and some shingle on the south-east coast of Kassandra. Pines grow to the shore and tamarisk trees stand on the sand, and part of the beach carries sunbeds and umbrellas, some free with a drink at the beach bars. The water suits snorkelling, diving and jet-skiing, and a short walk brings a quieter stretch of sand.

Kriopigi Beach (Pigadakia)

Kriopigi beach, called Pigadakia, is a Blue Flag beach of white sand in the north-east of Kassandra, just south of Kallithea. Pine-covered hills ring the sand down to the water, and the beach is widest on its southern side, with sunbeds and umbrellas on some stretches and water sports on offer. Cafes, tavernas, banks and a medical post stand nearby, and several small quiet bays lie around the village.

Skala Fourkas Beach

Skala Fourkas beach is a large Blue Flag beach of white sand on the west coast of Kassandra, in one of the biggest villages of the area. The beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas, a small harbour of local fishing boats, good fish tavernas and a large car park by the sand. Low green hills surround the shore and the sea is shallow, so Skala Fourkas suits families with small children.

Loutra Beach

Loutra beach is a Blue Flag beach of sand and pebbles in the south-west of Kassandra, in the village of Loutra Agias Paraskevi. Cliffs and forest surround the shore, and some of the nearby coves sit below high rocks, with sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach in the village itself. Loutra is known as much for its 39-degree sulphur springs, discovered after the war, which draw visitors seeking a cure alongside the beach.

Pefkochori Beach

Pefkochori beach is a long lively beach of white sand and small pebbles in the south-east of Kassandra, in front of the largest resort on the coast. Pines shade the sand, cafes and restaurants line the back of the beach, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or take to water sports. Quieter bays lie within walking distance, and the village pier sends excursion boats to other Halkidiki beaches and to Sithonia and Athos.

Chrousso and Glarokavos, Paliouri

Chrousso and Glarokavos are the best-known beaches at the southern tip of Kassandra, below the hill village of Paliouri on Cape Paliouri. Chrousso is really three beaches, Chrouso, Xenia and Alonaki, with sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports, and above them lie Chryssi Ammos (golden sand) and the sheltered Glarokavos. The 1-kilometre beach of Agios Nikolaos, sand and small pebbles by a fishing harbour, stays quiet, with only a few luxury villas at Tsagkari Pigadi and no hotels.