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Welcome to Chaniotis—locals call it Hanioti—on the first leg of Kassandra in Chalkidiki. This is one of Greece’s favorite summer villages, where sandy beaches meet lively streets full of taverns, cafés, and shops. In this walk, we’ll show you the best places to swim, where to enjoy fresh seafood or a late-night gyros, and the cozy square that comes alive after sunset. Let’s dive in!
THE BEACH
If
you’ve come to Chaniotis—Hanioti as locals say—the beach is
probably why. Standing here on the Toroneos Gulf, the main strip runs
for roughly one and a half kilometers, an easy, level walk with soft
sand that slides between your toes and water so clear you can count
the ripples on the seabed. From morning until sunset, this shoreline
is the village’s heartbeat: families unfolding towels, friends
staking out sunbeds, and that low, continuous hum of summer that
says, “You made it to the coast.”
Now, about space. We were there in August, peak season, and you can tell by the crowd—finding an open spot can feel like musical chairs. The setup is a mix of free beach and organized sections. You’ll spot rows of loungers under those big, almost parachute-style umbrellas. They’re fantastic for full shade, but here’s the catch: if you’re not in the front row, they block a lot of sun, so you may feel like you’re sitting in late afternoon, even at noon. Love the shade? You’ll be in heaven. Craving sun? Aim for the front or slide closer to the waterline on the free beach.
The sea is the star. It stays shallow for quite a distance, which makes it friendly for kids and relaxed swimmers—just remember, little ones still need supervision. Chaniotis beach holds a Blue Flag distinction for water quality and services, and it shows: the water is typically clean, calm, and that brilliant Chalkidiki mix of turquoise and deep blue. Check the details here https://www.blueflag.gr/en
If you walk east along the coast, you’ll come to a couple of well-known beach bars. Expect a step-up in comfort—thicker cushions, attentive service, food and cocktails delivered to your lounger—and yes, prices that reflect the upgrade. The vibe is more curated here, often a touch quieter than the free sections, and depending on the day you might catch soft background music or a mellow DJ set.
On this main beach though, there are practical touches too. Up at the north end you’ll find a public WC with a small entrance fee—keep some coins handy. Every now and then a street vendor pulls up in a van and sells fruit straight from the fields: grapes, melons, watermelons, sometimes sliced on the spot. It’s the perfect reset between swims. Just behind the beachfront you’ll notice a line of café-bars and taverns, so you’re never far from an iced coffee, a cold beer, or a quick bite. If you’re planning a full beach day, that easy access really matters.
A few timing tips: Mornings are serene and photogenic—the sea often looks like liquid glass. Midday is the busiest and the brightest; if you burn easily, that deep shade from the big umbrellas will be your best friend. Late afternoon is pure comfort: the heat eases, families take one last swim, and the sky starts warming into color. If the breeze picks up, the tiny chop near shore is usually friendly rather than rough; most days remain calm enough for a gentle paddle.
Footwear? Mostly soft sand, but there are occasional pebbly patches, so if you like reef shoes, bring them. Families roll strollers along the back edge without much trouble, and beach toys are everywhere—buckets, masks, and inflatable rings dot the shallows like confetti.
TAVERNS / FOOD
Just north of the beach, a row of cafés and taverns lines the street, offering a mix of local and classic Greek flavors. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood like grilled sardines or calamari, try a plate of moussaka, or savor souvlaki and gyros. Don’t miss traditional specialties from mousaka to freshly caught fish. For breakfast, grab a bougatsa—a warm pastry filled with sweet cream or cheese, perfect with coffee. Most taverns open later in the day, but the cafés and bakeries keep mornings covered.
VILLAGE – HOW TO GET THERE
Chaniotis is about 95 kilometers from Thessaloniki, the nearest airport and major city. If you’re driving, you’ll take the highway all the way to Kallithea, which is fast and straightforward. From there, you turn left onto the old coastal road that leads directly to Chaniotis. This road is only one lane in each direction, so on busy summer weekends, traffic can get slow and even jammed at times. Take your time and enjoy the scenery—it’s a lovely drive along the Kassandra coast, with pine-covered hills and glimpses of the sea. The best part? There are no tolls, so the whole route is free. Once you reach the village, everything is compact and easy to explore on foot—the beach, square, and shops are all within a short stroll.
PARKING
Parking in Chaniotis is mostly free, especially near the beach and central areas, though in high season you might need to circle a bit to find a spot. There are also some paid open-air lots if you prefer guaranteed parking close to the sand or the square. All are simple, without covered spaces, but convenient for a short stop or a full day. Just remember, spaces fill quickly in August, so arriving early can save time and frustration.
OTHER DESTINATIONS
Once you’re done exploring Chaniotis, the main road connects the village to several nearby spots worth visiting. Heading south, you can continue to Pefkohori or further to Glarokavos Lagoon and Paliouri, each with its own beach charm and local flavor. If you go north, destinations like Polychrono, Kriopigi, Kallithea, Afitos, and Potidaia are all within reach. Just a heads-up: the road can get crowded on weekends, so allow extra travel time. For nature lovers, a short drive inland takes you to Mavrobara Turtle Lake, a quiet spot with turtles swimming in shaded waters, or up into the hills to Kassandrino, a small mountain village with traditional stone houses and a completely different pace of life.
CENTRAL SQUARE
Leaving the beach behind, we walk up to Chaniotis’ main square—no more than 400 meters from the sand. Don’t expect grand architecture; it’s a simple village center, but full of life. Here you’ll find souvenir shops, travel agencies, cafés, and taverns. Two streets branching to the left and right lead to even more dining options, from casual bites to sit-down meals. The square is the social hub: locals meeting friends, tourists enjoying coffee, and in the evenings, it comes alive with music and chatter. It’s compact, welcoming, and gives you a true feel of the village heartbeat.
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WALKING HANIOTI
Exploring Chaniotis is simple—you can wander without a map and never get lost. To the north is the main road, and to the south, the beach; the distance between the two is no more than 800 meters, so even a slow walk takes about 10–12 minutes. As we stroll, you’ll notice a wide variety of dining options: from comfort food like gyros and sandwiches to traditional Greek taverns serving fresh seafood, moussaka, or regional specialties. There’s even a handful of Asian cuisine restaurants for something different.
Shops line the streets as well—souvenirs, beachwear, small supermarkets, and ice cream parlors. Don’t miss the pastries and breakfast spots, especially bougatsa, a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet cream or cheese, often paired with a strong Greek coffee. Opening hours vary: many restaurants only open in the evening, but supermarkets tend to stay open late, sometimes until 11 PM, making it convenient if you’re returning from the beach or a day trip.
Walking
here is relaxed. The streets are narrow but manageable, often shaded
by trees or awnings, giving you moments to pause, take photos, or
watch locals go about their day. The village exudes charm, and the
pace feels unhurried—even in the height of summer, there’s space
to breathe. Small alleys lead to hidden cafés or tucked-away
souvenir shops, making each turn feel like a little discovery.
Chaniotis’ character shows best on foot: the mix of local life, welcoming taverns, and casual shopping makes this stroll feel more like exploring a friend’s neighborhood than a tourist stop. Whether you’re popping in for a snack, grabbing a cold drink, or simply watching the village rhythm, walking Hanioti is the perfect way to soak in its charm.
DRIVING TO THE NEXT VILLAGES
Leaving Chaniotis behind, the main road becomes your pathway to other destinations on the Kassandra peninsula. Head south and you’ll reach Pefkohori, or continue further to Glarokavos Lagoon and Paliouri, each offering unique beaches, taverns, and scenic spots. Heading north, you can visit Polychrono, Kriopigi, Kallithea, Afitos, and Potidaia, where quaint villages and historic landmarks await.
A word of caution: on summer weekends, this road can get very busy. Expect delays, especially if you’re traveling toward Thessaloniki, and plan extra time for traffic jams. Despite the crowds, the drive is scenic, with glimpses of the Aegean on one side and pine-covered hills on the other. It’s a great way to continue your Chalkidiki adventure, discovering both coastal beauty and traditional mountain villages along the way.
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