Olympiada, a picturesque small village on the eastern coast of Halkidiki, is renowned for its stunning beaches that attract visitors with natural beauty, serene ambiance, and crystal-clear waters. Among the most beautiful beaches in the area worth visiting are Proti Ammoudia, Zugla, Babylon, and Balkonaki – each with its unique charm.

Proti Ammoudia Beach

One of the most famous beaches in this part of Halkidiki, just 2 km from Olympiada, Proti Ammoudia is a hidden turquoise paradise surrounded by rocks and nestled in lush greenery.

Behind the beach, there is a partially shaded parking area accessible via a short dirt road that is not in the best condition. If you’re driving a low-clearance car, it’s recommended to park at the roadside pullout along the main road. Since this is the most popular beach in the area, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Proti Ammoudia is mostly organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds belonging to the beach bar available for use with a purchased drink or meal. Wooden sunbeds and umbrellas are also available for an additional fee. For visitors with their equipment, there’s a designated area where you can set up your towel or umbrella and enjoy the beauty of this Athos gem. If you prefer quieter surroundings, it’s best to settle on the far-right side of the beach when facing the sea. The beach bar provides showers, toilets, and changing cabins for all beachgoers.

The combination of fine golden sand with coarser grains, turquoise waters, and a shallow entry that quickly deepens makes this beach ideal for families with older children, couples, and individuals seeking a peaceful retreat.

Surrounded by pine trees, the beach offers natural shade, making it a great choice for a full-day stay. The rocks at its edges make it a favorite spot for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.

You can watch a video of this beach on our YouTube channel HERE.

Located just after Proti Ammoudia, Zugla Beach is a small cove nestled in greenery, with clean waters, a gradual depth, and fine sand both on the shore and the seabed. In the 2024 season, it was designated only for visitors with their equipment, as the beach bar was closed.

Babylon Beach

Babylon Beach, situated about 5 km from Olympiada, is a hidden oasis of tranquility, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds, enjoy unspoiled nature, and swim in crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush greenery and a rocky landscape that provides privacy and seclusion, it’s less known to tourists, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful and serene environment.

Behind the beach, there is a large unpaved parking area that is usually sufficient for all visitors. If no spaces are available, you can park at the roadside pullout along the main road.

Babylon Beach is partially organized, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for a fee at the beach bar. The larger portion of the beach is for visitors with their equipment, offering plenty of space to set up your towel and umbrella in solitude.

There are no additional facilities such as showers, changing cabins, or toilets, so it’s recommended to bring everything you need for your stay.

With its long and wide stretch of fine golden sand, some areas near the water featuring small pebbles, a shallow entry, and exceptionally clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the beach offers a comfortable setting for sunbathing, family fun, and creating cherished memories.

If you want to spend the day in harmony with nature, away from urban distractions, Babylon Beach is the right place for you. Its simplicity and authentic beauty will delight every visitor who values peace and pristine nature.

Balkonaki Beach

Balkonaki Beach, located in a lovely cove just 3 km from Olympiada and surrounded by pine trees, is an ideal spot for those seeking peace, privacy, and natural beauty.

From the main road, a short dirt path leads to the parking area. The road is in poor condition with a few larger potholes, so you might prefer to park at the roadside pullout along the main road. The parking area is close to the beach and just behind the tavern after which the beach is named. Although the parking spaces are usually sufficient, they may fill up during the summer months, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

The beach is partially organized, offering ample space for visitors with their equipment.

Visitors can refresh themselves at the beach bar or enjoy the charming ambiance of the tavern, shaded by numerous trees providing natural cover.

Balkonaki Beach, nestled in a green environment, is a small and intimate beach known for its clear and transparent waters with a gradual depth. The golden, coarse sand on the shore transitions to a narrow band of pebbles at the water’s edge, followed by sand again, making it perfect for those who enjoy nature, sunbathing, and swimming in a peaceful setting without many tourists.

On some parts of the seabed, there are rocks, so caution is advised.

Nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy exploring hidden coves will find Balkonaki Beach a perfect spot for relaxation.

On the left side of the beach (facing the sea) is the **Totos **beach bar, offering a livelier atmosphere with louder music. This section features more rocks in the water but remains uncrowded, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to avoid the tourist bustle.
You can watch a video of this beach on our YouTube channel HERE.

Each of these beaches offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, an adventurous excursion, or a place to unwind, Olympiada and its surroundings have something for everyone.

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