Here is how to have the best time on Kassandra, with the advice of a local, our friend and administrator of the Live From Greece group.

Stelios Koutsouris lives in Pefkohori, he speaks Serbian very well, he has a very popular accommodation that you can see here and contact him directly. You can also follow him on Instagram here or contact the owner through the Facebook profile of the accommodation at this link: https://www.facebook.com/bungalowsiphigenia
A proverb says that if you’re looking for a girlfriend, go to Kassandra, if you already have a girlfriend, go to Sithonia, and if you’ve been abandoned, head to Mount Athos!

What does life on Kassandra look like and how to spend 10 unforgettable days during the summer?

Is it only for young people or is there something for everyone? Kassandra offers such diverse content for everyone’s taste. Small fishing villages and lively towns that thrive year-round make Kassandra a favorite destination for many.
For those seeking an active vacation, rich in daytime and nighttime entertainment, the perfect choices are Kalithea and Pefkohori, and then Hanioti.
Pefkohori because it is right on the coast, with a sandy beach (the best parts are to the left of the pier towards Hanioti and to the right at the end of the village next to Tridente Mare hotel), it has some of the best restaurants, bars, beach bars, and cafes, a beautiful square that has been attracting more visitors lately and often hosts concerts (Saint John the Russian is celebrated on June 23rd). Towards the end of July, the sunset in Pefkohori is phenomenal with the sun often “bleeding” into the sea, and the sky turning purple.
Hanioti because it is also on the coast, the beach is wide and sandy (it has parts for personal equipment and parts with sunbeds), a beautiful square in the city center, large markets, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. And the biggest advantage of this place is the municipal parking, although there is not enough space for everyone during peak season.
And Kalithea primarily because of its location in the middle of the peninsula and the view of the sea. The water in Kalithea is crystal clear, and the beach is sandy, but if you want to go to the beach, you have to go down the stairs or use a vehicle.
I recommend these three places for young people and families who can tolerate noise, although Kalithea might not be the right choice for those with children who carry beach equipment every day (unless they are accommodated right by the beach and not in the town).

What if you want a quieter place on Kassandra?

Kassandra then offers small fishing villages and settlements such as Lutra, Posidi, Siviri, Skala Furka, and Nea Skioni. All these places are located on the western coast of Kassandra and are an ideal choice if you are not looking for nightlife but just want to enjoy the beach. They are perfect for families with young children and retirees who want a peaceful and relaxing vacation, without crowds and noise.
The beaches in Lutra and Siviri are sandy but significantly smaller than the beaches on the eastern coast. Lutra is the right choice for those who want to try thermal baths and two of the best fish restaurants in the region.
In Siviri, the beach is somewhat larger, the sea is very clean, and the sunset, especially in the second half of summer, is fascinating! The situation is similar in Skala Furka.
Nea Skioni is a small town with a harbor where you can feel the smell of the sea and fresh fish. On August 6th, the anchovy festival is held here.
Kassandra also has something for those who want something in between, and that is the gem of Kassandra, the beautiful Afitos. The locals of Afitos have preserved the old architecture of Halkidiki, and you will feel like you are on an island. Small, narrow streets, cobblestones and stone everywhere, charming cafes and restaurants, and an incredible view of Toroneos Gulf. The beach towards Kalithea is sandy, but you will also need transportation (scooter, car, taxi) to get there. Perfect for young couples because of its location and atmosphere. Even if you are not staying in Afitos, be sure to visit this place.Where do we swim in Kassandra?
The Greek coastline is so vast that it provides space for each one of us! Apart from the mentioned urban beaches in each village, Kassandra also has beautiful beaches outside of them.

The most renowned beach in all of Kassandra is known as Xenia beach - Ksenija beach, where the former Xenia hotel used to be located in Hruso bay. Due to its location, prices at the beach bars on Ksenija are higher and there is a high minimum consumption during the day. However, there are places available for visitors with their own equipment, so you can avoid expensive beach bars if you wish.

A similar situation can be found in Kanapitsa bay, known as Golden beach. The beach is sandy, but there are stones in the water in certain parts. Glarokavos is another popular beach for swimming. It has a wide beach, surrounded by pine trees, clear water, and several famous beach bars. Definitely visit Posidi cape (Faros) beach which changes its shape under the influence of winds, waves, and sea currents. This beach is not organized, so you need to bring your own equipment.
Another beautiful, yet hidden beach is located between Siviri and Furka near the Church of St. Nicholas. It is a wild beach with natural shade. It is marked as Agios Nikolaos Beach on Google Maps. To reach it, take a dirt road with dust and drive until you reach the beach.
Another similar beach is Koutsoupia, situated between the Sani resort complex and the Elani settlement. It is a bit difficult to find, so here are some brief instructions: at the end of the main road, in front of the entrance to Sani resort, turn left and go uphill, passing through a pine forest. At the end of this road, turn right towards the coast, park your car under a pine tree, and continue on foot.
Read more about the most beautiful beaches in Kassandra HERE.

Where to eat in Kassandra?

The best lamb you will find at Zahos restaurant in the small village of Kassandrino.
For the most delicious fish, try Villa Stasa and Kapetanios restaurants in Lutra, Diamantis in Siviri, Murmura in Polihrono, and Lemonis in Paluri.
Enjoy Greek specialties at Makis and Aknos taverns in Pefkohori, Balatsos and Anthula in Kriopigi. If you are a fan of spit-roasted meat, then visit Arhontiko in the small village of Agia Paraskevi. If you want a lovely ambience, try Mnemes in Hanioti, where the restaurant is surrounded by a garden where the vegetables they serve come from, and Mamaluka on the beach between Pefkohori and Hanioti, where the party with Greek music starts after 10 pm.
Check out the recommendations on what to buy from local products in Kassandra and further recommendations for the best restaurants according to tourists’ reviews HERE.

Where to go out? Villa Stasa cocktail bar in Lutra for its phenomenal location and sunset view, Zogia in Afitos for the island atmosphere, Veranda cocktail bar in Pefkohori for the best cocktails, and Xenios bar.
For young people, Blu in Kalithea, Eden of Shaka, Orca in Pefkohori, Libre garden bar in Pefkohori, and Paralio cocktail bar in Hanioti.

I know, there are many options and little time. So how can we combine all the best things in Kassandra in 10 days?

I recommend Pefkohori or Kalithea as a base due to the mentioned possibilities. Spend a couple of days swimming in the town itself, then rent a scooter, quad, or explore the beaches of Ksenija, Kanapitsa, Glarokavos, Afitos, Kalithea, Posidi, and maybe one day in Sani with your own car.
You could also take a boat trip to Sithonia, swim on the island of Kelifos, and enjoy the open sea as part of this excursion.
Friday or Saturday are for parties in Kalithea, in popular nightclubs, while on other days, go out in the town itself and definitely spend one night in Zogia café in Afitos and another night in Villa Stasa cocktail bar.
If you are a family, I recommend Hanioti as a base mainly because of the beach, large park, children’s facilities, and the beautiful square in the village center. Spend the first few days warming up on the beach in front of the park, and later explore the family-friendly part of Ksenija beach, Glarokavos, or parts between Pefkohori and Hanioti. In the evening, if you get tired of Hanioti, visit Pefkohori where there is a wider choice, but it is important to park outside the village and continue on foot towards the center.

In addition to the accommodation of our friend Stelios which you can see by clicking here, also search for accommodation in Kassandra on our website here.