This calm seaside village on Halkidiki's Kassandra peninsula has sandy Mediterranean beaches, local tavernas, and traditional Greek stone houses dating from the 1900s.
Chaniotis stretches along a Blue Flag beach on the Kassandra peninsula in northern Greece. You can climb the 17-meter Byzantine tower for views across the Aegean Sea, eat fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas, or join the evening crowds at beach bars. The town's water sports centers rent out equipment for snorkeling and jet skiing, while walking paths connect you to small archaeological sites in the surrounding hills.
Getting to Chaniotis
Chaniotis lies 89 kilometers southeast of Thessaloniki. Buses depart from Thessaloniki's KTEL Chalkidikis terminal every two hours and take about two hours to reach the town. In Chaniotis, you can rent motorcycles or bicycles from shops near the main square. If you drive, several public parking lots in the town center have spaces available outside July and August.
The Beach Experience
The sandy beach runs the length of the town, with clear water that stays shallow for about 30 meters from shore. Beach bars set up rows of sunbeds and umbrellas from May to September, concentrated in the central area. For more space, walk 10 minutes east or west of the center. Lifeguards watch over marked swimming zones during summer months, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Water Activities
The morning water is usually calm enough for beginners to try water sports. Three rental shops along the beach rent out jet skis for 30-minute sessions and pedal boats by the hour. Two diving schools operate near the harbor, and you can spot small fish and octopuses while snorkeling around the rocky areas at either end of the beach.
Historical Sites
The Byzantine tower dates from 1407 and stands on the hill above town. While its upper floors burned in 1821, you can still climb to the second level for views across the peninsula. Next to the tower, archaeologists have uncovered pottery and tools from the 4th century BCE, displayed in a small open-air site.
Daily Life and Shopping
You'll find two large supermarkets, Masoutis and AB Vasilopoulos, on the main street. Local shops selling honey, olive oil, and handmade items open from morning until late evening in summer. The central square has benches under pine trees, with paved paths leading to the beach and shopping streets.
Evening Entertainment
After 20:00, restaurants fill with diners and bars begin playing music. Beyond and Afros bars stay open until 02:00, serving cocktails and playing current pop music. During July and August, the main street fills with people walking between venues. For a quieter evening, follow the beach paths to traditional tavernas at the edges of town.
Exploring Nearby
Walking paths run along the coast to neighboring towns. Pefkochori lies 3 kilometers south, with its own beach and harbor. You can walk 4 kilometers north to reach Polychrono, or continue 7 kilometers to Nea Skioni, where fishing boats dock at a small port. Each town has its own beach with different sand types and water depths.
