Family Holidays to Halkidiki
Keep things as low-key or active as you like, with a sun-soaked escape to this fantastic family destination. From watersports at the beach to soft-play parks and walks in the countryside, or just enjoying the Greek cuisine, the whole family are kept happy in welcoming Halkidiki.
Halkidiki Family Holidays
Other popular holidays in Halkidiki
Plenty of other family-friendly resorts reside within Halkidiki. For a traditional Greek venture surrounded by pine trees amid a maze of authentic streets, try Kriopigi where you’ll find All Inclusive resorts and tranquil beaches. If you’re looking for a livelier seaside resort, Kalithea has a vibrant selection of bars and restaurants in its charming old town and a long stretch of Blue Flag beach to boot. Check out our top selection of Halkidiki hotels below and start planning your dream trip.
Best family activities in Halkidiki
Bordering Mount Athos on the third prong in the peninsula, Ouranoupolis is a low-key affair with few tourists. Take a boat trip around the spectacular coast, wander through nature reserves or climb the Byzantine watchtower for impeccable views of the ancient hilltop monasteries. In nearby Stagira, little ones are invited to follow in the footsteps of Aristotle and test out interactive physics instruments at Aristotle’s Park.
As the regions hub for activities with children, you’ll have no trouble keeping the kids busy in Hanioti with mini-golf, go karting and soft play areas, not to mention all the fun to be had on its white sand beach. On the outskirts of Thessaloniki, around half an hours drive from Nea Moudania, Waterland Waterpark is another exciting venture. The enormous park is one of the largest in Greece offering exhilarating slides, splash pools, restaurants and a small zoo.
Best family friendly beaches
Wrapped in white sand beaches that gently slope into warm, transparent water, Halkidiki offers idyllic beaches for those travelling with younger children. Offering a variety of watersports and beach games, Nea Moudania’s golden beach also includes striking views across the Aegean to Mount Olympus and plenty of tavernas serving up authentic eats.
The five-kilometre long beach in Hanioti is incredibly popular with families and with good reason. Its Blue Flag status, multitude of watersports – from relaxing pedalos to windsurfing and scuba diving – and shaded area of pine trees offer plenty to do plus some welcome shade from the midday sun.
Another Blue Flag number, Sani Beach is part of an ecological reserve boasting pristine sand and uncompromising views across the sea. Lined with sunloungers and parasols, all the usual watersports happen here as well, along with excursions to the Mytilene ship wreck.
Escape the crowds and visit tranquil Halkidiki
In just over three hours from UK airports, you could be sunning yourself under a thatched parasol on the white sand beaches of Halkidiki while the kids splash around in the delightful Aegean Sea.
The most developed of the three-fingered peninsula is its first digit, Kassandra, where you’ll find the plush resort of Sani. Sani boasts an upmarket marina, plenty of watersports along its Blue Flag beach and spectacular areas of natural beauty to run wild. Further along the peninsula, if you’re looking for a laid-back family break close to an authentic Greek Village, Kalives serves up king-size beaches backed by rolling hills and the town is full of rustic charm.
Head south from Kassandra and you’ll find the more lively resort of Hanioti. The picturesque village’s narrow streets are lined with restaurants and an abundance of family-friendly activities away from the beach.
Cruise with a view
Although you can stay in Ouranoupolis at the tip of the eastern Athos peninsula, access to the rest of the peninsula is highly restricted.
That’s because this is the world’s only monastic republic, with some 2,000 monks living in 20 ancient monasteries that perch on the cliffs. But never fear, you can hop on a boat for an interesting guided tour around the Holy Mountain.
Other options for boat trips in Halkidiki waters include a galleon cruise on a traditional vessel or dolphin-spotting excursions. And most trips allow for stop-offs to swim and snorkel, as well as supplying a delicious Greek picnic.
Underground archaeology
If you want to end your trip with an educational adventure, this will be just the ticket. Sitting north of the Kassandra peninsula, about 15 minutes’ drive from Nea Moudania, are the Petralona caves.
A warren of underground chambers, The Great Hall has some seriously impressive stalagmites, and younger kids will love the stone bear and cavemen sculptures dotted about. They depict some of the animal and human fossilised bones found in the caves by archaeologists.
Other popular family holidays
Rhodes | Ibiza | Costa Del Sol | Majorca | Algarve
Blue Lagoon Princess
There’ll be no squabbling over swimming pools at this family retreat which showcases an impressive five, including a splash pool with slides. Located behind a beautiful stretch of sand, dip your toes in the inviting Aegean or enjoy a relaxing yoga class back at the hotel. Pack your little ones off to the kids’ club and enjoy some well deserved relaxation in the opulent spa.
Ikos Oceania Club
While your little ones are off making new friends at the kids’ club, creating havoc in the soft play area or enjoying entertainment in the garden, grown ups are invited to enjoy waiter service by the infinity pool or lessons in Greek cooking, dancing and language. Across the road you’ll also find a private sandy beach which is home to an exciting array of watersports.
Eagles Palace
For a sublime family holiday with views of the Aegean Ocean, look no further than this 5* retreat, which is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Club. Manicured gardens, stylish decor and a luxury spa might not immediately scream family friendly, but the action-packed kids’ clubs, Blue Flag private beach, enclosed playground and babysitting service will change your mind.