This calm coastal village on the Kassandra peninsula has crystal-clear Aegean waters, traditional Greek tavernas, and a long sandy beach lined with pine trees.
Pefkochori lies on the northeastern coast of Kassandra, Halkidiki’s first peninsula, with dense pine forests bordering the Aegean Sea. The village’s 2-kilometer beach shifts from swimming areas by day to evening walks past bars and seafood tavernas. In the older part of town, two-story houses with iron balconies and lemon trees in their gardens line narrow streets. Nearby beaches like Glarokavos and Xenia have golden sand and music from beach bars.
Beaches and Swimming Areas
Pefkochori’s central beach has calm, shallow water ideal for children. Sunbeds and umbrellas fill the shoreline from June to August. Beach clubs such as Tridente Mare and Agistri provide shaded seating areas where you can order drinks and snacks. If you prefer less crowded spots, Glarokavos Beach, three kilometers southeast, has sections shaded by pine trees. Xenia Beach, seven kilometers south near Paliouri, hosts daytime parties at Navagos Beach Bar. Local companies rent small boats for trips to hidden bays around the peninsula. Jet skis and inflatable banana boats operate directly from the main beach during summer months.
Walking Through the Old Town
The upper part of Pefkochori contains older houses with terracotta roofs and faded green or blue shutters. Cobblestone paths twist between walls covered in flowering vines, opening into small squares with cafes. The white Agios Nikolaos Church, built in the 1800s, stands near the bus stop with its bright blue dome visible from the main road. A steep climb to the Alia Palace Hotel’s terrace rewards you with views across Kassandra Bay to Sithonia and Mount Athos on clear days. After dark, the old town’s streets close to vehicles, letting visitors browse jewelry shops and gelato stands without traffic noise.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Seaside tavernas like Bakalis prepare dishes such as octopus grilled over charcoal and mussels cooked with tomato and feta. Inland, family-owned restaurants serve stuffed tomatoes, peppers, and slow-cooked lamb wrapped in parchment paper. As night falls, Veranda Lounge attracts crowds with its cocktail menu and open-air seating facing the water. Clubs near the central square play a mix of Greek and international dance music until early morning. For a low-key evening, join residents at traditional coffee shops sipping iced coffee and sharing honey-drenched pastries.
Day Trips and Nearby Sites
The Agia Paraskevi Thermal Spa, a 10-minute drive north, fills stone pools with mineral-rich water from natural hot springs. Four kilometers inland, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rossos displays a relic of Saint John in a small chapel surrounded by olive groves. Kallithea, 19 kilometers northwest, holds the ruins of the Temple of Ammon Zeus, where stone columns and mosaic floors remain from the 4th century BCE. Hiking trails in the Panagia Forest pass through old-growth pines where foxes and hares are often spotted at dawn.
Travel Tips and Logistics
KTEL buses run hourly between Pefkochori and Thessaloniki’s airport, with tickets available at the station near the village center. Pharmacies, ATMs, and the post office cluster along the main road through town. From July to August, book hotels like Flegra Palace or Ammon Garden at least three months ahead. Arrive before mid-morning to secure parking in the free lots near the sports field on the village’s eastern edge. Visiting in October means fewer crowds, cooler evenings, and hotel rates dropping by up to 40%.
