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Thessaloniki is a wonderful destination with many different options for entertainment and leisure. Its rich history and relaxing atmosphere inspire the desire for various excursions. During the summer days, the daily options are endless. Especially the beaches located near the city center are ideal destinations. So, grab your swimsuits and sunscreen, and let’s explore the beautiful beaches near Thessaloniki!
Peraia
Located just 25-30 minutes from the city center, Peraia is perhaps the best beach near Thessaloniki, . You can go there by car, private transportation, taxi, or by using public transit. It’s an excellent option if you want to spend the day by the sea and combine it with lunch and relaxation.
At the beach of Peraia, you will find all the necessary facilities for a great day. There is an organized section of the beach with beach bars, taverns, ouzeries, and cafes. You can make use of the umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and additional amenities provided by these establishments.
However, if you prefer a more secluded experience, you can head to the quieter side of the beach and use your own beach equipment.
The beach sandy and the sea is relatively shallow, making it a popular choice for families with young children. At Peraia Beach, you won’t find extreme water sports, but you can go hiking or cycling along the coastal road, from where you can see the views of Thessaloniki and Mount Olympus.
Peraia also offers excellent dining options. The taverns mainly serve fish and seafood, which is perfectly combined with the coastal atmosphere. You can enjoy your meal with your feet literally in the sand!
Neoi Epivates
As you walk away from Peraia, you will find the beach of Neoi Epivates. This beach is also very close to Thessaloniki. It’s ideal for a day trip away from the crowd and noise of the city. For this reason, it’s a favorite destination among the locals of Thessaloniki.
Many young people visit Neoi Epivates for swimming, mainly due to the easy access via public buses. During summer, bus schedules increase to serve those looking to reach nearby beaches.
The sea at Neoi Epivates is shallow with fine sand, making it a safe place for young children to play, always under parental supervision.
You’ll find many beach bars, cafés, and taverns along the organized beach. If you’re interested, you can play beach volleyball or enjoy water sports at various spots.
Of course, if you plan to spend the day at the beach, you can also choose one of the dining establishments to enjoy your meal. Neoi Epivates attracts quite a crowd, especially on weekends. So, during the summer months, it’s a good idea to start early. It is a good way to secure parking space for your vehicle, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds at one of the beach bars.
Agia Triada
Just 35 minutes away (by car) from the center of Thessaloniki lies Agia Triada. This area has been well-known to locals for decades for its beautiful location and calm sea. It is an excellent summer destination for those who want to spend the day at the beach and swim in the sea. It’s ideal for families, as the sea is shallow with sandy and fine pebble shores. The water is usually calm, without waves, and very clean.
The beach at Agia Triada is well-organized. There are umbrellas and sunbeds provided by the local beach bars, which also offer drinks, refreshments, snacks, and coffee. Additionally, you’ll find showers and changing rooms, which are especially convenient when spending the whole day at the beach.
If you enjoy sports, at Agia Triada you can play beach volleyball or rent a paddle boat. You can also take a walk along the sidewalk that runs parallel to the sea.
Every day, many taverns and restaurants of the area offer their delicacies to visitors. If you enjoy fish, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine, you can sit at one of the dining establishments and savor your meal with a view of the Thermaic Gulf.
Keep in mind that during the summer, Agia Triada beach attracts a lot of visitors. So, it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially if you’re planning to go on the weekend. If you choose to drive from Thessaloniki to Agia Triada, you’ll get there in about 35 minutes (without traffic jam). You can also take a public bus, but that might cause some delays.
Epanomi – Potamos
A very special beach is that of Potamos in Epanomi. The unique natural landscape and crystal-clear waters make this beach stand out among those located within close proximity to Thessaloniki. If you are someone who enjoys nature and the environment, then Potamos is likely a great choice for you.
The sandy peninsula that extends into the sea creates a stunning view of the area. The natural scenery is truly beautiful, and the waters are clean and shallow. For this reason, Potamos beach is a popular choice for many families with young children.
This beach is not organized like the previous ones, but you will find some facilities to get what you need. However, it’s a good idea to bring your own beach equipment to avoid discomfort under the hot sun.
The area is suitable for walking and cycling, while you can also enjoy water sports in the sea. There is a wetland nearby where you can encounter various species of birds and animals. Overall, the beach area is considered very interesting by nature lovers.
You can reach Potamos by car, and you’ll find enough parking space. However, the last part of road to the beach is a dirt road, but it is not particularly difficult to navigate.
The public transport system of Thessaloniki does not get to this area. Therefore, if you want to visit, you’ll need to have your own vehicle, or you can use a taxi or one of the transfer services available in Thessaloniki.
Like any good beach near the city, Potamos attracts many visitors, especially on weekends. However, its size will allow you to find a spot to set down your belongings and enjoy your swim, even on the busiest days.
Nea Kallikrateia
A bit further away, approximately 40 to 45 minutes from the city, you will find Nea Kallikrateia. This small town is evolving into a popular tourist destination. The beaches, both within and outside Nea Kallikrateia, are organized. They have beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as showers and changing rooms. The easy and quick access, along with the area’s facilities, make this destination suitable for day trips.
Although it attracts many visitors, the infrastructure of the area can accommodate a significant number of people. The organization of the beach and the provided services are quite satisfaying and they can meet the expectations of the visitors. However, on weekends it can be more challenging to maintain the same quality on the provided services. This also applies to the first two weeks of August when the visitors are too many.
The sea in Nea Kallikrateia is sandy and shallow, making it a favorite choice for families with children. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for the clean sea waters and the provided services.
In addition to the beaches and the sea, you will find many restaurants, taverns, and ouzeries where you can taste countless of seafood meze dishes. Additionally, there are more budget-friendly food options like gyros shops and street vendors.
As you can see, Nea Kallikrateia is a destination that offers more than just a good beach. It has many tourist shops selling souvenirs, beach items, and local products. Access to Nea Kallikrateia is easiest by private car, transfer service, or taxi. There is also the option of intercity buses (KTEL Halkidiki bus station), which run many routes daily, especially in the summer.
Afytos
Just 83 kilometers from the center of Thessaloniki lies Afytos. The drive to get there is easy, and it won’t take more than an hour. if you want to avoid weekend traffic, you can take advantage of weekdays to visit Afytos.
For many, Afytos is the most picturesque and traditional village in Halkidiki. Built on a hill, it offers stunning views of the Toroneos Gulf, with the second leg of Halkidiki, Sithonia, visible directly across.
The beach features crystal-clear blue waters and a sandy shoreline. There is an organized section of the beach with beach bars, sunbeds, and umbrellas, but you can also use your own equipment in the beach bar free area.
Afytos is an ideal destination for those seeking a day excursion. It combines traditional charm with natural beauty and modern amenities.
Kallithea
A little further south in Kassandra is Kallithea, an amazing vibrant village. It attracts countless visitors and especially young people. It is located just 87 kilometers from the center of Thessaloniki, and it takes about an hour and a few minutes to get there by car. You can park your car in the parking area near the beach.
Kallithea beach is well-known for its clean, blue waters and beautiful sandy shore. It is organized and can cater to the needs of its visitors. Umbrellas, sunbeds, and countless drinks, refreshments, and coffees are served throughout the day.
On the beach, you will also find rental equipment for water sports and activities. There is even a beach volleyball court and various other facilities.
Possidi
On the western side of Kassandra lies Possidi. It is known for its unique beaches and is about an hour and twenty minutes away from Thessaloniki (by car). If you want to enjoy swimming in the sea and escape from the bustling city, Possidi is an excellent choice.
Its not far from Thessaloniki and this allows you to spend many hours by the sea. You will return refreshed to your daily routine after a rexaling day. Even if you’re visiting Thessaloniki for tourism, you can make a day trip to Poseidi to relax and rest.
In Poseidi, you’ll find three beaches, one of which is unorganized. If you’re willing to walk a bit, at the tip of the cape, you’ll discover Ammoglossa Beach. This beach is unorganized but features crystal-clear waters and changes shape depending on the wind. However, caution is advised on days with strong winds.
All of the above beaches are ideal for day trips by the sea. You can easily and quickly reach them, and their sea and sandy shores are exceptional. If you want to spend a beautiful day at the beach without the hassle of time-consuming travel, then each of these beaches is an excellent choice.
