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Greece Chalkidiki where to relax with children. Is it worth going with children to Halkidiki? Sea water temperature

30.12.2023

If the thought of definitely visiting Greece with your children has crept into your head, it’s time to start choosing a vacation spot.

This time I propose to consider the Halkidiki peninsula, which annually attracts thousands of families with large and small children with countless magnificent sandy beaches (many of which are awarded the Blue Flag), shallow sea, mountain slopes with green dense forests and lush vegetation, numerous attractions and an abundance of children's clubs.

It is located in the northern part of Greece and belongs geographically to Central Macedonia. And this is the main resort place on the mainland.

The Halkidiki peninsula, which resembles a three-pronged fork on the map, is divided into three areas: the left “tooth” is the Kassandra peninsula, beloved and often visited by tourists, the middle tooth is Sithonia, also a popular resort region, but quieter, and the third “tooth” of the Halkidiki peninsula is the purely masculine and sacred Agion Oros (or Athos) is a place for reflection and peaceful relaxation.

Athos is a peninsula with 20 monasteries and the only male monastic republic in the world. Only men can get there and only with special permission. Women can only admire Athos from afar from pleasure boats or yachts.

Climate of the Halkidiki Peninsula

Average water temperature by month: May +19°C, June +23°C, July +26°C, August +27°C, September +25°C, October +21°C. June, July and September are the best months for families with children, with the total season lasting from May to September.

The best resorts and beaches of Halkidiki for families with children

Almost all the beaches in Halkidiki (they, like throughout Greece, are municipal) are awarded the Blue Flags, and most of them are located in the resorts of Kassandra and Sithonia. The beaches are predominantly sandy or a mixture of sand and small pebbles. The peninsula also has many wild beaches in beautiful secluded bays.

Resorts and beaches of Kassandra

One of the “fingers” of Halkidiki is the Kassandra Peninsula. According to ancient myths, this peninsula was in ancient times called "Phlegra" ("burning land") and it was the birthplace of the Greek Giants. It is unlikely that you will be able to meet one of the mythical Giants today. But you will definitely be able to relax with children on a beautiful peninsula with a mild Mediterranean climate, clear and warm water of the Aegean Sea, and excellent beaches.

Kassandra is a party and fun place, resort life is in full swing here day and night and, accordingly, there is less peace and quiet here than in Sithonia. But still, for an active holiday with children who want to not only spend days on the beach, but also study the history of Ancient Greece, the coast of Kassandra is better suited (by the way, with a more developed infrastructure and more densely built up with hotels).

And if you wish, you can find a quiet place here too. For example, this could be the “compromise” Pefkohori or the resort village of Afitos.

The resorts of Kassandra are 50 kilometers of well-equipped, well-maintained beaches, a gentle sea, secluded picturesque bays, and grandiose water parks. There are the most hotel complexes and entertainment centers in all of Halkidiki. Excellent clean sandy beaches, warm clear water, shallow depth, hot but dry climate, which makes it easy to tolerate even forty-degree heat - an excellent reason to come here with children.

By the way, by visiting a thermal spring in a pine forest in the village of Agia Paraskevi, whose waters have healing properties, you can also get rid of some diseases.

Kallithea is a lively resort town (party town, with vibrant nightlife) with kilometer-long beaches of amazing cleanliness and turquoise sea. The distance to Thessaloniki is 90 kilometers.

This option is more suitable for young people. Although you can find a suitable place with children. For example, the village has a clean sandy beach (the disadvantage is the descent and ascent along steep and long stairs).

The resort of Nea Fokia (west coast of Halkidiki) is located on the site of an ordinary fishing village in a picturesque bay with a Byzantine watchtower near the sea. Nea Potidea is a small resort with amazing sandy beaches with the blue warm water of the Toronic Gulf in a beautiful small town built on the ruins of a Corinthian colony.

Afytos is a quiet resort town in a small village with buildings that have preserved the national architectural style (white 2-3 storey houses with vines climbing up the walls and cobbled streets). The sea here is clean, warm and beautiful, there is a beautiful beach with turquoise water in Kassandra Bay. Not much greenery. But there are not many people. If we don’t count as a minus the location of the resort on a hill, along a steep slope of which you have to go down to the sea, then in all other respects this beach is an ideal option for families with children.

One of the magnificent beaches, well-groomed, surrounded by palm trees, coniferous forests, eucalyptus trees with snow-white sand, is located on the territory of the Alexander The Great hotel.

Hanioti is a resort in a small village surrounded by flowers and greenery with small cobbled streets, which can be walked in just 10 minutes. There is a sea with clean sand and blue water. There are many water sports to choose from, many taverns serving traditional cuisine and a lively nightlife.

Pefkohori (“Sosnovka”) is an ecological resort that maintains a reasonable balance of civilization and nature. Located almost at the southernmost point of the peninsula in a mountainous area with pine forest. It is notable for its extraordinary climate and beautiful landscapes, combining the azure sea, mountains, pine trees, incredibly clean air, saturated with the aroma of coniferous trees and resin.

The resort's beaches are constantly awarded the Blue Flag for their amenities and ecology. The best of them are Kanatitsa, Glarokavos and Kira Maria.

Resorts and beaches of Sithonia

The middle “finger” of the trident is the Sithonia peninsula with the ancient cities of Toroni, Galipsos, Sarti, Singos and Derra. There are a lot of hotels of different classes here. From the airport in Thessaloniki to the desired location (70-100 km), regular buses deliver guests.

Sithonia is not as noisy as neighboring Kassandra. It is much calmer here, the resorts are located far from each other. If you wish, you can relax without leaving the village at all. It is more popular with those who want to relax away from large crowds of tourists.

Families with children often choose this place. Also because the cleanest beaches of Sithonia, where it is always comfortable and warm, are hidden by mountains covered with pine forests from the winds. The nature of the peninsula is extremely beautiful. There are many unique caves, monasteries and historical sites.

The beaches of Sithonia are on the list of the cleanest beaches in the world. A large number of small bays protect them from strong winds and storms. It is very quiet here, the water is clear and always calm. And the soft sand and small pebbles invite you to sunbathe without any sun loungers.

The places from Nikiti to Neos Marmaras (western shores of Sithonia) are considered the best on the peninsula. Nikiti and Metamorfosi are villages with sandy beaches and pine groves.

The beach in Metamorfosi - the natural pearl of the peninsula - is located in a very small village without nightclubs or discos. The water here is calm, warms up well, excellent fine sand, water sports are available, and even in high season there are few tourists. A great place to relax with children.

The resort village of Neos Marmaras is located on the slope of a mountain, the descent from which leads directly to the sea. Everything in the town is provided for tourists. It is equally well suited for those who like to lie on the sand and for those who dream of walks in the pine forest, which in some places approaches the water itself.

The beach in Toroni is not remarkable for anything special, except for silence and a small number of tourists. The water is always clear, the sand is quite coarse. A local attraction is the river where turtles live.

The beach at the resort of Vourvourou in a bay with 9 islands covered with olive groves is considered the most exotic and natural pearl of the peninsula. Each small island, accessible by boat, has a secluded tiny beach with very white and very fine sand. The coast of the bay is indented with small picturesque bays. Behind the beach there is a pine forest on a mountain range.

Nea Kallikratia is a resort town located, as it were, on the “palm” of the Halkidiki peninsula. Its attraction is its proximity to Thessaloniki airport (25 km), small cozy hotels, a wide beach (sand and pebbles), many shops, taverns, clubs and cafes.

Hotels for families with children in Halkidiki

Hotels on the peninsula are presented in large number and variety. These can be traditional boarding houses, cheap apartments, and the largest hotel complexes.

Almost every hotel offers a variety of activities for children, temporarily freeing parents from the need to supervise children and go about their business.

Almost every hotel has a swimming pool for swimming and water games. Most of the hotels (especially high category ones) are located on the coast and away from the resort towns themselves.

On the peninsula of Halkidiki (Kassandra), tourists will be pleased with the warm sea, beautiful beaches, and a variety of entertainment for adults and young guests of the Sani Resort hotel chain. They are located on the territory of an ecological private reserve:

  • Sani Beach 5* is a hotel with snow-white beaches and a high level of service, recognized in 2015 as one of the best for family holidays in Europe and Greece.
  • Sani Club 5* is an ideal place for the whole family. Located among greenery and gardens in the secluded and quietest place of the resort.
  • Porto Sani 5* is an elegant luxury hotel located near the beautiful Sani Marina. Ranked among the 25 best family hotels in Greece in 2015.
  • Sani Asterias 5* is a boutique hotel with luxury relaxation in new suites for large families. It was also among the winners among family-friendly hotels in Greece in 2015.

Sani Resort beaches for children include a shallow seabed and a seven-kilometer golden beach with crystal clear water, free umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach towels. In addition, the Babywatch service is available for childcare. For teenagers, all spa centers offer special spa treatments, a nursery, a mini-club, and a club for teenagers.

The Xenios Hotels hotel chain is another opportunity for a serene and comfortable stay. It includes hotels of different stars and different levels: 3*, 4*, 5*, apartments, each of which is individual and at the same time they are all united by a developed infrastructure, strict requirements for service and, accordingly, the cost of living.

  • Modern Xenios Anastasia Resort & Spa 5* (Kassandra) with a beautiful designer design and a large area. Of all the hotels in this chain, it best suits the Family category for a quality family vacation (participant in the project for children under 4 years old - “Mom and Baby”)
  • Hotel Xenios Theoxenia 4* is located on the third peninsula near Mount Athos (2 km from Ouranoupoli)
  • Xenios Possidi Paradise 4* (Kassandra) – a good choice for family guests with children
  • Xenios Dolphin Beach 3* (Kassandra) – well located in the resort town of Possidi, but with a lower price and less expensive holiday
  • Inexpensive three ruble Xenios Port Marina 3* (Kassandra) recommended for families with children
  • Xenios Faros Apartments (Kassandra) – for the category of vacationers who like to relax in conditions close to home. This is a complex with fully equipped apartments among an orchard 100 meters from the sea.

Popular hotels for families in Halkidiki

Hotels in Kassandra Peninsula:

  • Istion Club and Spa 5*
  • Possidi Holidays 5*
  • Kassandra Palace 5*
  • Pomegranate Wellness Spa Hotel 5*
  • Ammon Zeus 4*
  • Flegra Palace 4*
  • Simantro Beach 4*
  • Grecotel Pella Beach 4*
  • Pallini Beach 4*
  • Portes Beach 4*
  • Potidea Palace 4*
  • Macedonian Sun 3*
  • Daphne Holiday Club 3*

Hotels in Sithonia:

  • Anthemus Sea Beach Spa 5*
  • Athena Pallas Village 5*
  • Porto Carras Sithonia Thalasso & Spa 5*
  • Danai Beach Resort & Villas 5*
  • Assa Maris Bomo Club 4*
  • Village Mare 4*
  • Blue Dolphin 4*
  • Lagomandra Beach 3*
  • Acrotel Elea Village 3*
  • Simeon 2*

In addition to hotels and inns, there are many family-friendly, inexpensive apartments and separate apartments in Halkidiki.

Entertainment and attractions in Halkidiki

Much time has passed, but the ruins of the temples of Dionysus and Zeus in Kallithea, the Likythos fortress and the Church of St. Athanasius in Sithonia will eloquently tell about the past history of the peninsula. But, no matter what resort you vacation at, it’s worth going to Athos, Thessaloniki, climbing Olympus, visiting Meteora.

Walk around Holy Mount Athos

You can go on an exciting sea voyage with your whole family on a boat and learn a lot of interesting things about the life of Athos and its monasteries.

Adventures at Waterland Waterpark

If you find yourself with the whole family on a hot day in Thessaloniki, you can go to the water park. Of course, this is not an azure sea with soft warm sand, but you will enjoy it anyway. In Northern Greece it is the only water amusement park and the largest in Europe. It is located in the suburbs, 8 kilometers from Thessaloniki.

You can spend time with kids in the children's pool, and with older children you can go on all sorts of attractions, of which there are a lot. Where there is no water there is a children's playground, a football field, and sports grounds for volleyball and basketball.

Amusement park Magic Park

This is another entertainment place for children of all ages near Thessaloniki with attractions and a botanical garden on 28 hectares.

Zoo in Thessaloniki

The zoo is located on Kedrinou hill among a green island of cedar forest. In its luxurious gardens you can find a wide variety of animals and waterfowl in the ponds.

Other attractions

There is something to see with children in the ancient city of Thessaloniki, walking along its streets and embankment. The main attractions of the city are the Arch of Emperor Galerius (Roman period, 3rd century AD). This place in the city center is usually used for appointments and meetings.

Not far from the Arch of Galerius there is a rotunda-tomb, the Basilica of Demetrius of Thessaloniki (the main patron of Thessaloniki and a saint), the Roman Agora and Forum, a 15th-century defensive fortress, the White Tower with an observation deck, and a statue of Aristotle in the city center.

Thessaloniki has interesting museums - the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Archaeological Museum, the Olympic Museum. Or you can visit the birthplace of Aristotle in the city of Stagira or the ancient city of Olynthos.

Or go to the Petralona cave (50 kilometers from Thessaloniki). In a cave unique in natural beauty, the skeleton of an ancient European was discovered, which dates back 700 thousand years. This is interesting to everyone, but especially to children and adults who are interested in all sorts of archaeological antiquities. The Anthropological Museum is also open here.

It is interesting to take a trip with children to the floating monasteries of Meteora. Orthodox monasteries are built on top of giant cliffs in the Chasia Mountains (northern Greece, Pindus mountain range), which were once the rocky bottom of a prehistoric sea.

How to get to Halkidiki?

The closest airport to Chalkidiki is in Thessaloniki (the capital of Central Macedonia, the second largest city in Greece, a major seaport). From this city it is very convenient to get to Halkidiki and go on excursions around Northern Greece.

Flight time from Moscow is 3 hours 20 minutes. Flights are direct or with transfers in European cities.

You can order from the airport (distance and time depends on the location of the resort). The most common type of transport is buses, taxis, etc.

Holidays with children require special preparation and planning. It is almost impossible to go at random, intending to settle where you like. Both the resort and the hotel must be chosen with special care: so that the baby is not hot and not tired, and the teenager is not bored.

The Chalkidiki Peninsula is the most suitable place for this. We offer an overview of the best hotels in Halkidiki for families with children, where your family will surely spend an unforgettable time on their summer vacation.

OceaniaClub & Spa 5* (Kassandra)

This hotel is part of the Sani hotel chain, which unites five-star complexes operating on the Ultra All Inclusive system and is located in Kassandra.

Everything here is designed to prevent and satisfy any desire of the guest, and it doesn’t matter what age he is - a baby or a pensioner.

It is not for nothing that in 2013 the hotel was recognized as one of the best luxury hotels in the country and received the Traveler’s Choice 2013 award.

For families with babies and older children, literally every little detail has been thought out at Oceania Club Spa:

Oceania Club Private Beach awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness, there is a shuttle bus from the hotel to it.

The sand here is fine and pleasant, the entrance to the sea is convenient, and on the beach there is a fenced children's area under an umbrella. Sunbeds, umbrellas and towels are free.

However, many tourists in their reviews call the descriptions of the beach embellished: the road to the sandbank in the sea is lined with sandbags, and at the entrance to the water there are sea urchins, whose needles can damage your legs.

The hotel offers 10 bars and restaurants for guests. There is always something to feed a child, judging by the reviews of tourists. There is plenty of fruit at any time of the day, milk porridges are prepared every morning, and soups for lunch.

Hotel location It’s also quite convenient: the village of Nea Moudania is only half a kilometer away. Thessaloniki airport is 35 minutes by car.

Accommodation at OceaniaClub & Spa 5* largely depends on the category of the selected room and the view from the window. For a week in June, a family with a 5-year-old child will pay:

  • for accommodation in a standard room – from 90 thousand rubles;
  • for placement in JuniorSuite – from 125 thousand rubles;
  • for accommodation in a Suite – from 135 thousand rubles.

In general, all hotels of the Sani system can guarantee a wonderful holiday with children, for example, the complex, which is also located on the Chalkidiki peninsula.

Reviews from tourists:

“There is nothing to complain about at the hotel, everything is almost perfect! There are a lot of vacationers with children, 80 percent of them, the rest are foreign pensioners" ( Karina, Kazan)

“Friends recommended this hotel to us, but we were dissatisfied with some things. Firstly, the all-inclusive food is modest to say the least. There were no problems feeding our three-year-old son, but we didn’t like it ourselves. Secondly, the beach is inconvenient. Walking on sandbags is still a pleasure!” ( Sergey, Stavropol)

“We traveled as a family with our 5-year-old daughter. She liked everything, she loved going to the mini-club, the only thing that alarmed me there was the air conditioner working at full power. Swimming pools, sea, food - everything without complaints. But I wouldn’t recommend families with teenagers to go here - children aged 12–15 will be bored at the Oceania Club.” ( Svetlana, Barnaul)

Porto Carras Sithonia Thalassotherapy & Spa 5* (Porto Carras Sithonia)

This hotel is located on the Sithonia peninsula, famous for its beaches and stunning views of the neighboring “prongs” of Halkidiki.

It is part of the entire resort area of ​​Porto Carras Grand Resort, covering an area of ​​almost 2000 hectares, next to the very beautiful town of Neos Marmaras.

Porto Carras Sithonia is positioned as a hotel designed specifically for family holidays.

And the number of services for children differs even from other hotels in this resort complex:

However, the greatest advantage of the Porto Carras hotel, all guests without exception consider its green territory and crystal clear sea with a sand and pebble beach and views of the bay.

Porto Carras Sithonia 5* is located in a pine forest, and the air here itself has a beneficial effect on children.

There is animation in the hotel complex, but rarely any of its employees speak Russian. The level of entertainment for children is not bad for European hotels, there are evening programs.

Older children will be more interested in the sporting events that take place every day on the seashore and by the pool.

In general, teenagers have something to do here, as there are several sports centers on site (some of which are paid):

Unique entertainment options include water slides in Laguna Sithonia, as well as a road train that runs daily throughout the Porto Carras Grand Resort.

Hotel accommodation is possible according to any system - from BB to UAI.

In June a week for a family of two adults and a child will cost (all inclusive):

  • accommodation in StandardRoom – from 46 thousand rubles;
  • accommodation in Familyroomseaview – from 75 thousand rubles;
  • placement in ExecutiveSuite – from 80 thousand rubles.

Reviews from tourists:

“The hotel area is huge and wonderful! Everything is clean, tidy, the lawns are trimmed, there is no garbage anywhere. The sea is great too! But there are a lot of families with kids, some of them scream and act up all day, so I don’t advise young people to go here.” ( Anna, Moscow)

“Yes, the hotel is not new, it could use some renovations, in some places there is broken furniture and the carpet is dirty. But the purity and beauty of the sea is what makes it worth going to Porto Carras! The food is tasty, but it cannot be called varied.” ( Igor, Kolomna)

“Our two sons (4 years old and 14 years old) really liked everything. The younger one could endlessly play with the sand on the beach, and the older one almost immediately found friends, together they rode bicycles, played football and volleyball, twice he even went to horse riding lessons, but this is an expensive pleasure.” ( Ksenia, Arkhangelsk)

Kassandra Palace

The location of the hotel is indicated by its name: Kassandra Palace 4* welcomes guests on the busiest “finger” of the Halkidiki peninsula in the village of Kriopigi.

The hotel grounds are planted with tropical trees and have its own Blue Flag-awarded beach.

Children's animation here is somewhat more modest than in previous hotels, but children are also honored guests.

Attention, care and various activities will be provided to your children at a high level.

Infrastructure for children includes:

  • Children's swimming pool;
  • children's playground;
  • club for children under 12 years old;
  • a crib in the room;
  • babysitting services on request.

Kassandra Palace Hotel operates both on an all-inclusive and half-board basis, but guests will not go hungry - the complex has two restaurants, several bars and a real Greek tavern.

However, if this is not enough, then a free shuttle bus runs regularly from the hotel to the village of Kriopigi, and there is a much larger selection of cafes and taverns.

Tourists, as a rule, have no complaints about the food; sometimes they only mention the monotony of breakfast and the sluggishness of the waiters.

The hotel's beach is clean, the views from it are wonderful, umbrellas and sunbeds are provided to guests free of charge.

The beach is covered with sand and large pebbles, sometimes there are also large stones, so small children may need special shoes.

Accommodation prices in the Kassandra Palace Hotel during the season for a family with a child, approximately the following:

Standard accommodation – from 35 thousand rubles,

Deluxe accommodation – from 45 thousand rubles,

Executive placement – ​​from 50 thousand rubles.

Reviews from tourists:

“The food at the hotel is quite normal, but it remains a mystery to us why there is no seafood at all. But they provide champagne for breakfast! There are lines at the restaurant in the evenings and it doesn't look very good. There is a charge for drinks at the beach bar, even if you have an all-inclusive package. ( Christina, Kemerovo)

“Everything in the hotel is very clean and tidy, the staff is friendly, but there is nothing special, no designer delights, not even paintings hanging anywhere. There was no cereal for the child's breakfast, but delicious pancakes were fried several times. We found a cafe in Kriopigi with a Russian owner, she makes excellent chicken soup, there is also a playground for children - in general, we are used to having dinner with her.” ( Marina, Omsk)

Blue Bay 4*

A more budget-friendly and, accordingly, more modest holiday is offered by the BlueBay 4* hotel. It is located in Halkidiki on the Kassandra peninsula near the village of Afitos (1 km) and 4 km from the beautiful, lively town of Kallithea.

This hotel is small and quite cozy, a few meters from it there is an amazing sandy beach.

For kids, there is only a playground and a children's pool, but a large number of tourists with children of all ages suggests that the quiet and measured life of the hotel and proximity to the clear sea are also an important component for a successful family vacation.

Cost of sunbeds on the beach– 4 euros per day. But if you buy any drink right there at the bar, they are provided free of charge. Prices are approximately as follows:

  • cocktail – 5.5 euros;
  • fresh – 5 euros;
  • water – 0.5 euros.

As for food, you can buy only breakfast or eat half board.

A family with a child in one of the summer months week's stay(half board) at BlueBay 4* will cost the following amount:

  • from 25 thousand rubles for standard placement;
  • from 46 thousand rubles. when staying in Suite rooms.

What to take
How to feed
Where can I buy
What to see

Traveling with children is interesting: in the first year of life, a child needs few things, food is carried “in the mother”, you can live in a hotel and sleep three in one wide bed. I took a stroller for the city and a sling for rough terrain, and go wherever you want.

The second year is terrible. Tens of kilograms of luggage: diapers, a potty, cans of food. Carrying a baby is difficult, he can no longer sit in a stroller, he needs complete comfort for sleep, a separate bed, a separate room, a separate mother.

By the third year, everything became much simpler: food on a common table, diapers only for sleep, walks on his own, sleeps separately in an adult bed.


And now the question “how to make it so that the child has an INTERESTING rest” has come to the fore. There are no museums, water parks, or attractions for two or three year olds, so entertainment should not be external, paid, but free, but with great parental involvement.

How to organize a holiday with children in Kassandra


Holidays with children, reality.


Of course, the sea itself is a powerful attractor for children, but we must take into account that:
1) children are different, some are so afraid of water even at 4 years old that the parents together carry the baby screaming in horror into the water,
2) sand and making Easter cakes in themselves are of little interest to anyone, you need molds (more and different ones, and they will still get boring in the first week) and active parental participation,
3) it is harmful to be at sea from 11 to 16 hours (actually from 10 to 17), and even during the “allowed” time it is better to hide in the shade,
4) you need panama hats, rash guards, sunscreens,
5) you need clothes made from natural fabrics that cover as much skin as possible,
6) you need means to move through the water, constant parental supervision and, oh horror, inventing games in the water.

No, of course, we saw naked babies splashing in the surf while their parents sipped juices in sun loungers, but... In general, the sea is the same “work” for parents as the house, adjusted for the fact that the child is a little larger can keep itself busy, but there are also more difficulties and dangers.


A stroller in Greece (on Kassandra) will rather be a burden. The beaches are sandy or stone, the roads in the cities are cobblestone, narrow, with a large flow of cars and scooters. If the child is already walking, let him train, but for kids it is better to take an ergo backpack.


What to feed a child in Greece, Halkidiki

It is easy to feed children who do not have specific food allergies and who consume a more or less varied diet in restaurants and apartments. There is always pasta, risotto, bread, soups. Moussaka and stuffed peppers go well.


Even Caesar, it turns out, is a very childish salad: croutons, chicken, cheese, corn, cucumbers. The child is busy picking out cheese for 10 minutes!


In the apartment we prepared porridge for breakfast and soups for lunch. It's all very simple: pasta, frozen vegetables, meat or fish, the fresh air goes great. And if the kitty came to the smell of food, then it’s not a problem at all to eat yourself and feed the kitty some pasta (poor kitties, how much pasta flew right into their heads).

I paranoidly took porridge and dried fruits for compotes with me; in principle, I could have done without it. The stores have oatmeal, raisins, and dates. There is no buckwheat or buckwheat flakes, prunes, or apricots.


There is clearly a Peppa Pig cult in Greece and that worked to our advantage. Pasta with pig, ice cream with pig. About canned food, I can say that it is very meager: there are fruit and meat-vegetable mixes, there is no single puree at all.

Also, there are no kefir or curds, but there are wonderful yoghurts: the consistency is similar to very thick sour cream, but with less fat content.


What diapers are there in Greece, Halkidiki

There are diapers, Pampers and Huggies. We use Japanese Goons at home, and we also take them with us. It is more important that the child does not have allergies or irritations due to the humid climate and new hygiene products.

Diapers are sold only in large chain stores: Mazutis, Lidl.


It is better to take toys to a minimum: the stores have everything, and the child will be more interested in playing with new ones. Obviously, there are no books in Russian, so for those who like to read, it’s worth taking a few thin books from home.

We also had several compact games and a tablet with cartoons. In our family, cartoons have a very utilitarian task: to make everyone’s time on the road (on a plane, in a car) easier.


Apartments with children's beds were rare in Afitos, so the child slept on an adult bed by himself, covered with pillows. A very interesting experience for both him and his parents: in Greece you didn’t have to call “mom and dad,” but just get out of bed and come to your parents.

By the way, cold tiled floors are very common in hotels and apartments in southern countries, so slippers would be very appropriate.


Hotels provide cribs upon request, most likely it will be a playpen bed. Once again, I will not be too lazy to recommend the super-hotel in Meteora Archontiko Mesochori Suites & Apartments: food, location, attentiveness of the owners, equipment and design of the room - everything is excellent.


Unfortunately, the children's railway in Afitos and the trampoline park in Hanioti were closed in June. For other activities for kids, I looked at trains to Petralona and horse riding near Nea Moudania, but we didn’t get there.


According to Greek traffic rules, a child in a car must be in a car seat or other restraint device in accordance with age. A car seat from car rental companies costs 5-6 euros per day.


The best beaches of Kassandra for children

Since we lived in Afitos, we started exploring the beaches from here. Having looked at most of the beaches of Kassandra, we can say with confidence that the left beach in Afitos (there are 2 of them) is perfect for families with children.


A gentle entrance, a sandy bottom, a slow increase in depth - the little ones have no freedom here.

Once we noticed that local children were swimming in wonderful circles with rudders and holes for legs, and found the same one in Scala Furcas. The joy knew no bounds, and the parents also had a blast - they could swim around and not worry about the child taking a sip of water.


There are rocks and waves on the right beach. We were there too, but at the end of the holiday we only went to the left in the first half of the day and somewhere new after a nap.


Next to civilized beaches, wild ones begin. We always occupied the sunbeds on the edge so that there was freedom of movement (in Afitos the sunbeds are very close to each other). But, since we arrived at 9 am, all the sunbeds were free - people arrived at 10-11.


The first time we went to the new beach in Kriopigi. Wide coastline, shade in the afternoon, bar, parking in the forest - a good place for swimming with a baby.


Wonderful beach to the right of Possidi: sand, comfortable area with sun loungers and gazebos, few people. The entrance to the water is steep and pebbly.


As elsewhere in Greece, a sun lounger or cabana on the beach is free if you order at least one drink at the bar.


Another favorite is the beach under the olive trees at Anastasia Resort & Spa.


We found it completely by accident, and now it is my favorite: shade, soft lawn underfoot, use of sun loungers for free. And olives, olives right above your head!


There you can also rent catamarans, windsurfs, ride cheesecakes, skis, and jet skis.


And this is the Sani resort, where the British Prince Charles loves to relax. Despite the number of people, the beach is simply ideal for families with children.


Very long, knee-deep - this is about Sani.


Trips to the beach were always accompanied by the purchase of ice cream. One time I even got Peppa Pig!


The beach at Nea Potidea is located on the eastern side of the city. I can’t say that it’s good for children: it’s deep and rocky, and when we arrived it was also stormy.


Well, in case of a storm, we had an excavator to shovel puddles,

and dad, who throws you so high that any waves are not scary!


Two of the most unsuccessful trips that show that Halkidiki is different. Beach in Hanioti: sea of ​​people, noisy, dirty. There are a lot of hotels in Khaoniti, so the beach is full of Sochi.


The picture is similar in Pefkohori, even on the wild beach it is very crowded. In general, there is no need to go there and, especially, to book accommodation.


We found this wild beach in Paliouri only because a dive guide took us there. A wonderful place, excellent visibility in the water, but this is not a place for a mattress rest: the entire shore is lined with diving equipment, and people in black constantly appear and disappear in the water.


There is a bar nearby with a wooden pier and sun loungers, but it will be uncomfortable there with children.


Greece loves children very much, which probably explains the huge number of playgrounds and playrooms in restaurants.


We visited this tavern twice: we have never seen such a gaming pavilion in our memory. The child was so carried away that he even had to be fed not at the table, but in the playroom.


At this age, new toys are already more interesting than gatherings with parents. Especially if there are large items that can be carried around the restaurant.


And how many swings “with a view” we visited. For example, in Meteora with a view of the Great Meteor.


Or in Nea Potidea with a view of the Temple of St. George.


If there are no platforms, then 3 sun loungers are a train.


And you can catch mosquitoes.


And throw pebbles into the puddle. In general, the Montessori method: prepare the space and leave the child behind.


But the most important attraction of the day is the sunset. The sun fell into the water, which means the day was not in vain. 15 days are not in vain - this is the end of a great family vacation in Greece.


Why is it worth going with children to Halkidiki?

The peninsula protected by mountains provides mild, dry climate with long, warm summers without sweltering heat. The beach season here lasts from May to September, in summer the average temperature is 26-28°C, and the water is 24-26°C. Comfortable and warm!

-lots of greenery, clean air, resinous pines, olive groves - the nature of the peninsula is undoubtedly impressive!

-beaches! Yes, this is where all those who are unlucky with beaches come to swim - for example, those who settled in Thessaloniki. But the coastal zone of the peninsula is included among the cleanest beaches in the European Union (these beaches somehow have 30 blue flags!). The beaches here are sandy or sandy-pebble, many have convenient entry into the water, the hotels' beaches are mostly their own, but the city ones are even better - there are rentals of boats, speedboats, water scooters, catamarans, and kayaks.

- natural wonders and historical sites. Oh, how interesting all this is for older children - the Petralon cave with the remains of the oldest man in Europe, the Kholomont forests, the Olynthos archaeological reserve, the Mendi fortress, colorful villages and, finally, the holy Mount Athos. We rent a car and admire, stare, and travel!

-family hotels. Halkidiki can offer a number of quality hotels for the whole family - with swimming pools with slides, children's animation, playgrounds, etc.

Cons of Halkidiki

I would note the distance from the airport. From Macedonia Airport, near the city of Thessaloniki, the average journey (depending on the distance of the hotel) is 1-2 hours.

Where to stay with children in Halkidiki with children?

Halkidiki includes the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos (which is why this place is often called the “Trident of Poseidon”). Probably the best peninsula of them all for families with children are the small cozy towns of Kassandra and Sithonia. And with teenagers, you can safely go to Athos (the excursions there are more interesting), although on the other hand, Athos is a very quiet and not particularly popular resort area. More information about the peninsulas of Halkidiki:

Cassandra

This is the most environmentally friendly resort area of ​​Halkidiki, and this is where I would advise you to consider for a holiday with children. The best resort towns of Kassandra: Nea Moudania, Kallithea, Pefkohori, Hanioti and Nea Fokea. The advantage of Kassandra is that it is closest to Thessaloniki, almost all the beaches of the peninsula have a gentle entrance to the sea and fine sand, there is the best tourist infrastructure (parks, playgrounds, supermarkets) and a good selection of small family hotels. The best hotels in Kassandra for families with children - Grecotel Pella Beach 4*, Porto Sani Village & Spa 5*, Simantro Beach 4*, Potidea Palace 4*, Sani Beach Club 5* and Sani Beach Hotel & Spa 5*.

Sithonia

Unlike Kassandra with its straight coastlines, the coast of Sithonia has countless coves and bays with clean sandy and pebble beaches. Here the nature is richer than on Kassandra, and the holiday is much calmer. A very green and pleasant area with deciduous and pine thickets. There are fewer shops and restaurants here, fewer parties, less noise, so it’s still better to take the most necessary things with you from home, so as not to get into trouble. The most popular resort villages in the area are Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, Neos Marmaras and Nikiti. The most exotic and incredibly beautiful beach is Vourvourou beach. The best hotels for children in Sithonia - Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel and Spa 5* and Blue Dolphin Hotel 4*.

Athos

A quiet peninsula for a secluded family holiday, without crowded beaches, bars and discos. Families who want to be closer to Saint Athos often come here. The region is the furthest from Thessaloniki airport, so the trip can be tiring for small children. One of the best resorts in Athos is Ouranoupoli (120 km from the airport): wonderful scenery, clean sandy beaches, a good selection of hotels with infrastructure for children.

How to have fun with children on the Halkidiki peninsula?

1) Ancient City of Olynthos

The ancient city is located in the southern part of the peninsula, 24 km from the town of Polygyros, on the Megale Tumba hill, near the village of Miriofito. A trip to this city will be interesting for older children, especially those who are interested in history and archaeological finds. Once a major center of the Hellenic world and a trading city, Olynthos is now a famous tourist attraction. Ruins of walls, decorated with mosaics of the square, sewerage system. Most of the items found at the archaeological site are now kept in the new Olynthos Museum - at the main gate of the city. It is better to go there early in the morning or in the afternoon, since it will be hot to view these wonders during the day.

2) Mount Athos

Again, a tour for schoolchildren and teenagers. You can explore the main shrine by taking a boat trip (it will also be a sea adventure!). The Greek Vatican, Mount Athos is an independent state of monks. Women are prohibited from coming here, so dads and sons, in principle, can climb the mountain (although this is quite difficult to do), while mothers and daughters will go to admire the beauty on a yacht (which sail up to a distance of 500 meters to the mountain). After the excursion, you will most likely have the opportunity to relax in Ouranoupolis - stroll along the embankment, swim and have lunch in one of the coastal Greek taverns. A cruise around the mountain starts from many towns in Halkidiki. The most convenient options are the bays of Ouranoupolis and Ormos Panagios. The excursion is long, about seven hours, so a small child will not be able to stand it.

3) Aristotle Museum

From the coast to the museum near the village of Arneya, it takes an hour and a half to two hours by car. Along the way you will definitely be impressed by the beauty - the panoramas there are beautiful, the eagles are flying, ah! The museum itself is very small, it is essentially a park on top of a hill. In this park there are exhibits (all of Aristotle’s inventions) that can be twisted and turned (to create a three-dimensional image of figures), create a waterspout in a glass cone, etc. Children are especially impressed by the wonderful sundial, which showed not only the time of day, but also the day of the year. The museum is especially popular with children aged 4-9 years: they can twirl everything, study it, and run around. Entrance ticket - one or two for adults, children under 7 years old - free. There is a small cafe next to the museum.

4) Petralona Cave

It is located relatively close, for example, it takes about an hour to drive from the base of the Sithonia finger. Suitable for children aged 4-5 years. Petralona is a small cave with interesting scenes with figures of ancient people; children really like it all. The temperature in the cave is not very high, about 17. Car parking is quite far from the entrance to the cave, but there is a free bus from there. But you can walk back.

The outlines of Chalkidiki on the map are instantly remembered: the peninsula looks like the three-toed paw of an unknown beast. Although myths say that this is not a paw, but a trident, the god of the seas Poseidon, angry, threw it at the giants Athos and Siton. The right “tooth” was called Athos, the middle one was Sithonia, and the left one was first called Phlegra, then Pallini, and only then the current name Kassandra was assigned to it.

Today, the best resorts of Halkidiki are located in Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. Here you can find everything - respectable hotels for family holidays, clubs for incendiary youth parties, ruins of ancient cities for practical history lessons, picturesque depths for diving, taverns for getting acquainted with culinary traditions... And what will the peninsula delight its little guests with? You will get all the necessary information about holidays with children in Halkidiki from our article.

Halkidiki on the map of Greece

The peninsula of Halkidiki is located in the northeastern part of Greece and is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. The area of ​​the peninsula is 2918 square meters. km, the length of the coast is 550 km. The administrative center of the Chalkidiki region is the city of Polyyiros (Polygyros).

You will be happy to look at the map where Halkidiki is located. The peninsula is located much further north than the islands of Greece, so the flight takes much less time. Moreover, the resorts of this peninsula can be reached by car from neighboring countries.

Vacation with children

If you need to describe a family holiday in Halkidiki in one word, then the best word would be “ideal”. Judge for yourself:

  • short flight(to the islands of Greece you need to fly an hour and a half longer);
  • warm climate(although Halkidiki is in the north of the country, it is no colder here than in the south);
  • spacious beaches and calm sea;
  • plenty of greenery;
  • large selection of family hotels y.

Small flaws do not interfere with perfection and will not prevent you from having a great time with your child, but it is still better to find out about them before the trip.

Firstly, an all-inclusive system is rare in Halkidiki. But this is a good reason to get to know traditional Greek cuisine, which has many healthy and nutritious dishes. You will only have to take care of nutrition in advance if you are going on vacation with an infant.

It is best to bring baby food with you, since Greek stores have a small selection of formulas, cereals and purees.

Secondly, the resorts are located quite far from the airport. But modern, comfortable buses run between the airport and the coast, so the journey will not be a burden. Thirdly, there is not much entertainment for children in Halkidiki. But this is where hotels come to the rescue.

Family hotels in Kassandra and Sithonia have children's playgrounds, mini clubs, and swimming pools for children. Some hotels equip play areas for children right on the beach.

If you are going to Halkidiki with school-age children, then the choice of entertainment will be much wider: there are many different attractions on the peninsula and near it.

When is the best time to go?

The tourist season in Halkidiki is very pronounced: in May, charter flights appear, taking tourists to the warm sea, and at the end of September the number of charters sharply decreases. The fact is that the main type of recreation on the peninsula is beach, and the best conditions for this are from May to September.

May 1 is the opening date of the season in Halkidiki. The entire last month of spring is perfect for relaxing with a child, but you’ll have to wait a bit with swimming in the sea. But at this time you can go on excursions and walk a lot, enjoying the abundance of greenery and flowering gardens. And in May, Greek strawberries ripen, very tasty, juicy and aromatic.

In June, you can safely open the swimming season, as well as the season of cherries, apricots, watermelons and melons. These fruits are grown in Greece, so their prices are low.

July and August are the hottest and driest months. We do not recommend going to the sea with your child at this time. It is better to wait until September, when the heat subsides a little and the sea remains very warm. In addition, in September, the markets in Halkidiki are filled with apples, pears and grapes.

Since you already know the answer to when is the best time to go to Halkidiki, you can ask the following question: when to book accommodation on the peninsula? Preferably, long before the trip, since holidays in the resorts of Halkidiki are in great demand.

Weather and climate

The climate of Halkidiki is typically Mediterranean. What does this phrase mean for tourists? First of all, summer on the peninsula lasts almost six months. From the beginning of May to the end of September, the sun shines here every day, and there is practically no rain.

The Chalkidiki peninsula is protected by mountain ranges from cold winds, so the water in the sea is always warm. However, the presence of mountains determines another feature of the climate: sharp temperature changes during the day.

In May and September, night temperatures in Halkidiki can drop to +14-18°C, and in June-August - to +18-21°C. After a hot day, such a cold snap promotes sound sleep.

The beach season at the resorts of the peninsula begins in May. By this time, the air has time to warm up to +23°C, but there is no intense heat yet. Warm May days are good for traveling with a baby to Halkidiki: the baby can easily adapt to a new place.

If the best holiday in Halkidiki with children must include swimming in the sea, we recommend coming here no earlier than June. In the first month of summer, the air temperature rises to +27°C, and in connection with this, the temperature of the sea water also rises.

July and August are the hottest times. Firstly, the air at this time heats up to +30-34°C, and secondly, many tourists plan a vacation in Halkidiki in July-August. The heat on the peninsula is moderated by the sea wind, but children do not always tolerate the heat easily.

If you didn’t have time to go to the seaside in June, it’s better to postpone your vacation with your child until September. At the beginning of autumn, thermometers finally begin to show only +27°C, but the beaches are rapidly emptying. As a rule, the weather is dry and sunny throughout September.

The first rains begin only in October, although sometimes this month pleases with warmth and sun. The average air temperature is +22°C, but planning a beach holiday is risky: the weather at this time is unpredictable.

In November, there are almost no tourists left on the peninsula as the rainy season begins. Clear weather will return only in April, and olive trees will bloom in Halkidiki. The olive harvest will only be harvested in late autumn, but the large fruits of the Chalkidiki variety can be tasted all year round.

Sea water temperature

The best time to swim in Halkidiki can be determined by the opening hours of the water park. Waterland in Thessaloniki opens on June 1, and usually even by this time the sea water does not have time to warm up.

At the beginning of summer, the water in the sea has a temperature of only +18°C, and only by mid-June the sea temperature rises to +22°C. In July-August the sea warms up to +24-25°C: in the heat this water is pleasantly refreshing.

At the beginning of autumn, the water temperature in Chalkidiki remains quite high: +24°C. The sea will be very warm until the autumn rains begin. If October turns out to be dry, then the water temperature will not drop below +22°C, and you can swim until November.

Food and shopping

In Halkidiki, only a few hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. It is much more common to offer “breakfast only” or “half board”. However, many hotels provide special meals for children.

This could be a children's menu in a restaurant, the opportunity to order food for little ones who have not yet joined the adult table, the presence on the menu of dishes that are suitable for children (porridge, soups, stewed vegetables, boiled meat). Sometimes restaurants have a corner for preparing and heating baby food. Some hotels offer a bottle sterilizer for your room.

If you are planning an independent holiday in Halkidiki with children and are going to cook the usual food, choose a resort where there are grocery stores, or take care of renting a car.

At large resorts there are supermarkets “Carrefour”, “Lidl”, “Galaxias”, “Masutis”, “Arvanitidis”. In small towns there are small shops, the prices of which are usually higher than in large stores. Some stores may be closed on weekends.

Fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish can be bought in the markets. As a rule, they work on weekends in the morning.

If your child has already switched to the adult menu, you can have lunch and dinner with him in taverns. Greek cuisine is quite suitable for children's stomachs, in addition, you can agree with the tavern owners to prepare simple, light food without spices for the child.

Since the taverns open late, you can have breakfast at tiropitadiko, a bakery shop that sells traditional puff pastries with various fillings. Natural Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit is also suitable for a children's breakfast.

Transport

Buses are the main mode of transport throughout Greece and in Chalkidiki in particular. They operate between Thessaloniki airport and seaside resorts. As a rule, public transport in Halkidiki starts early in the morning.

The number of flights depends on the popularity of the destination. Buses go to the Kassandra Peninsula much more often than to Sithonia and Athos. The schedule is available on the website of the KTEL carrier, at bus stations, and in hotels.

Despite the fact that the resorts are located quite far from the airport, the journey to the holiday destination does not seem tiring thanks to the good quality of roads and comfortable, air-conditioned buses.

The fare depends on the distance. The road to Neo Moudania will cost 7 euros, to Kallithea - 9.70 euros, to Nikiti - 11.60 euros, to Agios Nikolaos - 12.70 euros, to Pefkohori - 13 euros, to Ouranoupoli - 13.70 euros. Tickets for children and adults have the same price.

The price of tickets from the driver is slightly higher than at the ticket office at the bus station.

A separate type of transport in Halkidiki is ferries and speedboats on the Athos peninsula. They are mainly used by pilgrims coming to holy places.

The most convenient way to get around Halkidiki is by car. There are several reasons for this:

  • The area of ​​the peninsula is quite large, and attractions are scattered throughout its territory;
  • buses connect the cities of Halkidiki with Thessaloniki, but there is no bus service between the resorts;
  • many family attractions are located in Thessaloniki, and a single bus trip, for example, from Pefkochori will cost 39 euros for a family of three;
  • Secluded hotels may be quite far from shops and taverns.

You can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area.