Northern Greece beaches
Sykia Beach in Sithonia, Halkidiki. (Credit: Nicolas Hadjidimitriou /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Top beaches in Northern Greece to head to this summer

Halkidiki, Pieria, Kavala, Thasos, Alexandroupoli and Samothrace have no shortage of gorgeous beaches, famed for their clear bathing waters

682 views

Greece has some of the most awe inspiring beaches in the world, each with its own unique charm and character. From powdery white sand to sheltered coves, small or large, organized or facility free, with shallow waters or wild ones with deep waters, with beach bars and loud music, or with only the sound of the waves on the sand and pebbles, there are thousands of fascinating beaches in the country to suit everyone’s tastes. Any list with the word “top” is naturally subject to debate – a function of personal preference and subjective taste. As the majority of the Greek beaches are undeniably spectacular, choosing a favorite one is a challenge so here are our Northern Greece beach suggestions. Discover their beauty and enjoy swimming and endless fun in their waters.

Halkidiki

Sarti beach, Halkidiki (Credit: Ioannis Houvardas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Welcome to the stunningly beautiful peninsula of Halkidiki famed for its pristine natural environment 550km of coastline, emerald and turquoise-coloured waters, Blue Flag-awarded beaches. The peninsula is divided into three smaller peninsulas (Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos). Any beach on Halkidiki will be a magical experience. Kassandra’s Sani, Fourka, Possidi, Paliouri, Kallithea, Pefkohori, Polychrono, Hanioti, and Kriopigi will fascinate any visitor. Sithonia’s Armenistis, Kavourotripes, Karidi, Nikiti, Elia, Kalamitsi, Platanitsi, Toroni, Porto Koufo, Vourvourou and Sarti will become your treasured little secrets. Situated 77 km southeast of Poligiros (Halkidiki’s capital), the beach at Sarti is a wide strip of white sand that stretches for 3 km. It offers beautiful, sheltered coves, crystal-clear blue waters as well as Mount Athos views. If you are a water sports enthusiast, you will find a wide assortment here.

Sarti Beach
Distance: 77km from Poligiros
Access: By road
Amenities: Sun beds, umbrellas, blue flag facilities (toilets, lifeguards, first aid during peak hours, and disabled access). taverns, beach bars, cafes, clubs, and shops nearby.

Click on map to find out more

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 23710 22229 Tourist police: +30 23710 21646
Port Authority: +30 23750 71933 Fire department: +30 2371 022644 General Hospital Poligiros: +30 23710 20101


Pieria

Olympic beach, Pieria (Credit: Alina Zienowicz Ala z, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Endless stretches of superb golden sandy beaches, crystal clear seas, mountains with history, natural beauty and you know you’re in Pieria. Thousands of tourists choose this region every summer due to landscapes, the beach being bordered by the Aegean Sea and the mythical Mount Olympus. Olympiaki Akti (Katerinoskala), Skotina, Leptokarya, Korinos, Nei Pori, Methoni, Makrygialos and Pydna offer beaches perfect for couples, families and friends. The lively seaside town of Paralia Katerini (actually translated “Beach of Katerini” ) is also a very popular tourist destination, and is the closest beach to the capital city of Katerini. The beach has soft golden sand and shallow crystal clear waters. It is very well organized with facilities like water sports, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, hotels and shops.

Paralia Katerinis
Distance: 8km from Katerini
Access: By road
Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas for rent, cafes, restaurants, hotels, water-sports

Click on map to find out more

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 23510 46620 Tourist police: +30 23510 46654-5
Port Authority: +30 Fire department: +30 23510 46274 General Hospital : +30 2351350200


Kavala

Tower beach Kavala
Apollonia Tower beach, Kavala, Greece (Credit: DocWoKav, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

A long and rich history, beautiful heritage monuments, delectable cuisine and a huge coastline are some of the reasons for visiting Kavala also know as the “Blue city.” The beaches of Paleo, Toska, Batis, Kalamitsa, Rapsani, Perigiali, Keramoti (Ammoglossa), Aspri Ammos, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, Vrasidas, Psatha, promise refreshing dips. If you are looking for a peaceful beach, Apollonia will enchant you with its calmness and serenity. It is one of the most picturesque beaches near Kavala thanks to the view of the medieval hilltop Tower of Apollonia above the beach. The beach boasts white sand and blue-green water. The 14th century tower is in the middle of the old national road from Asprovalta to Kavala, between Amfipoli and Nea Peramos and dominates the coastline at that part of the road. You will be rewarded with breathtaking sea views.

Apollonia Beach
Distance: 40km from Kavala
Access: By road and dirt road
Amenities: No facilities, only parking

Click on map to find out more

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 2510 622200 Tourist police: +30 2510 622243 Coast guard: +30 2510 223716 Fire department: +30 251 024 3143 Kavala General Hospital: +30 2513 501100.


Thasos

Saliara (Marble) beach, Thasos, Greece
Saliara (Marble) beach, Thasos, Greece (Credit:Gnkmver48, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The northernmost island of the Aegean Sea, Thasos, is well known for having long history, traditional architecture, amazing natural settings, and of course unique beaches. From sandy exotic ones to organized or secluded, there is something for everyone. Saliara (Marble) beach, Paradise beach, Makryammos, Golden Beach, Alyki, Psili Ammos, Pachis, La Scala, Notos, Trypiti are some of the beaches where you can spend relaxing time and enjoy swimming. Situated on the northern part of the island, Marble beach, is one of Thassos’ most popular beaches. The beach gets its name from the large deposits of marble that can be found in the area. Exotic emerald waters and small, white pebbles. The contrast between the white of the beach and the splendid color of the sea is magnificent.

Saliara (Marble) Beach
Distance: 7km away from Limenas
Access: By main road and dirt road or by taking one of the tourist boats that depart daily from Thasos’ Limenas
Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas for rent, beach bar, restaurant

Click on map to find out more

Giola

Giola Lagoon, Thasos (Credit Heiner Sollermann on Pixabay)

South of the island, in the Astris region, Giola, also known as Aphrodite’s tear, isn’t actually a beach. It’s a rock formation that creates a natural swimming pool (20 metres long and over 15 metres wide) with warmer water than the sea. The height of the rocks reaches up to 8m from where the braver ones can dive into the clear waters. Getting here requires a 20min walk. 

Distance: 9 km away from Limenaria
Access: By road & hike
Amenities: Snack bar & taverna (before the walk), parking 

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 25930 22500 Tourist police: +30 25930 23111 Coast guard: +30 25930 22106 Fire department: +30 25930 23199 Medical center: +30 25930 71100


Αlexandroupolis

Dikella Beach, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Credit: Dimitris Siskopoulos/
https://flickr.com/photos/dimsis/4917665220 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

One of the newest Greek towns ( founded just in 1875) and Thrace’s largest port, Alexandroupolis is a holiday destination that caters to every traveler. The town’s trademark is an impressive Lighthouse, standing 27m tall and tirelessly guiding seafarers. The beaches of Alexandroupolis  are all very close to the urban fabric of the city. The Municipal Beach of Alexandroupolis (former EOT beach) is located right next to the city center. Beyond, there are the beaches of Nea Chili, Makri, Agia Paraskevi and Dikella, with many smaller coves between them, offering unique summers. Dikella beach, named after the village of the same name, is a long thick-sand beach with clear waters. Partly organized (in its great length), partly rough, it becomes popular with local residents. Here, you can find sun beds, umbrellas, beach bar  that offer than cool drinks, coffee and light meals. However, there are no places for meals in the vicinity of the beach itself; the nearest taverns and restaurants are located in the village of Dikella or Agia Paraskevi.

Dikella Beach
Distance: 15 km from Alexandroupolis
Access: By road
Amenities: Sun beds, umbrellas, beach bar

Click on map to find out more

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 25510 66100 Tourist police: +30 25510 37411
Port Authority: +30 2551356200 Fire department: +30 2551 085100 General Hospital: +30 2551 353000


Samothrace

Pahia Ammos beach, Samothrace, Greece (Credit: DocWoKav, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Home to the ancient Kaverian mysteries, Samothrace is an island of the Thracian Sea where nature is still in its wilder forms. Green landscapes, mountain Saos, waterfalls and  ‘vathres’ (waterfall-fed pools), otherworldly beaches and mysterious energy are magnets for ecotourists. Vatos (with white sand and rocks rising from the water), Kipoi (the most remote beach of the island), Pirgos tou Fonia (grey pebbles and bright blue waters) are just some of the beaches with untamed beauty. One of the few sandy beaches is Pachia Ammos (‘fat sand’ in Greek), located at the southernmost point of the island. Nestled, between two arms of rock that extend into the sea,  Pachia Ammos is a rather long and wide beach surrounded by oleanders and wild oak trees with thick golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Pachia Ammos beach
Distance: 15km away from the port of Kamariotissa
Access: By road
Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas for rent, beach bar, restaurant

Click on map to find out more

Local emergency numbers: Police: +30 25510 41203 Tourist police: +30  Port Authority: +30 2551041305 Fire department: +30 2551041129 Medical center: +30 2551041156


National emergency numbers

European Emergency Number: 112 Police: 100 Tourist Police: 171 Traffic Police: 10400 Ambulance: 166 Fire Department: 199 Pharmacies: 107 Hospitals: 106 Coast Guard: 108 International Phone Assistance: 139