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Welcome to Kallithea, the beating heart of Chalkidiki’s first peninsula! This is where golden beaches meet ancient ruins, where lively streets mix with hidden taverns, and where the nightlife lasts until sunrise. Join us on this tour as we explore one of Greece’s most vibrant summer destinations — step by step, street by street.
THE MAIN SQUARE - TAVERN AND SELFIE SPOT
We’ll start from this small pedestrian area, which we could call the main square.
It’s just by the main road, so it's literally impossible to miss.
There’s naturally some shade and benches to sit under the hot Mediterranean sun, but walking to the right reveals a spot that’s been there for decades. Despite having changed hands in the past, it still offers great dining options and a unique view of the Toroneos Gulf.
If you’re craving something more traditional, just step into the nearby tavern, where two charming terraces wait to welcome you. From here, the sea breeze and the smell of freshly grilled seafood are enough to awaken anyone’s appetite. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a plate of octopus or sardines while watching the waves. And don’t forget your camera—this spot is also perfect for selfies. For an even better backdrop, take a short walk to the left and down the path, where the view opens up beautifully to the horizon.
ANCIENT RUINS BY THE SEA
Now, we’ll reveal a fascinating spot that many visitors often overlook! What you’ll discover here are actually two separate sanctuaries—the Sanctuary of Ammon Zeus and the Sanctuary of Dionysus and the Nymphs—located almost right next to each other. These sacred sites date back to the 5th and mid-4th century BC, carrying with them layers of ancient history. Today, only ruins remain, but standing here still gives you a sense of their timeless importance.
Do keep in mind that access is not always guaranteed. In the past, the area was generally open daily, free of charge, except on Tuesdays. That may vary now, so it’s always best to double-check before visiting.
https://www.efachagor.gr/en/place/kallithea-iero-dionysou-kai-ammonos-dios-en-translation/
THE BEACH
Like most villages in Chalkidiki, the main reason you’re probably visiting Kallithea is during the summer months—for its beaches. And you definitely won’t be disappointed! Just take a look at that tropical shade of blue. These crystal-clear waters almost leap out of the screen, inviting you to take a refreshing dive.
Reaching the beach is easy. There’s a road both to the left and to the right that you can drive down, or you can simply walk—it won’t take you more than ten minutes on foot. Once you’re down there, you’ll find at least half a dozen lively beach bars and just as many restaurants to choose from. But if you do decide to drive, a word of warning: parking spaces are limited. Don’t worry, though—we’ll talk more about parking options a little later on.
THE MAIN VILLAGE STREETS AND DRIVING OPTIONS
We are now in Kallithea village, right in the heart of the Chalkidiki peninsula in Greece. What you see here is actually one of the two main streets of the village. If you’re driving from Thessaloniki, you’ll find this road by turning left at the end of the highway.
It’s not a very long strip—just a little over 600 meters in total—but don’t let the size fool you. Along this stretch, you’ll find practically everything you could possibly need during your stay. To your left and right, there’s an endless row of bars and cafés, supermarkets and bakeries, traditional gyros shops, ATMs, souvenir stands, and plenty of small boutiques. It’s lively both during the day and in the evenings, when the street fills with people strolling, shopping, and enjoying a drink.
eSIMania.com - Buy eSIM for International TravelWe also recommend taking some time to wander off the main street and explore the smaller vertical lanes that branch out on either side. As you get closer to the village center, many of these side streets are pedestrianised, making them perfect for a relaxed walk. Hidden among them, you’ll discover even more restaurants, cosy taverns, and additional shopping options that many visitors miss if they only stay on the main road.
The road junction we see before us signals the start of the other main road. If you turn right, you can continue driving to the other villages like Haniotis. If you continue left, you can take the old road to villages like Athytos.
Here we are now on the second main road of Kallithea, just to the left of the small square where we began our tour. This street feels a little different in atmosphere, but just as lively. If you’d like, you can make a short stop at the small Saint Nicolas church, tucked quietly to the left. As we continue walking, you’ll notice even more bars, cafés, and restaurant options, and we’ll be showing them to you in real time as we go.
Now, a bit of context about where we actually are. Kallithea is the busiest and most developed village of the Kassandra peninsula, which is the first “leg” of Chalkidiki. From Thessaloniki, the drive here takes just over an hour—around 85 kilometers in total—and if you’re coming by plane, the closest airport is Thessaloniki International Airport, which connects you directly to many European cities. Despite its small permanent population of only about 700 to 800 residents, in summer the village absolutely transforms, welcoming thousands of visitors every day who fill the streets, shops, and beaches.
This road, along with the one we walked earlier, can easily become jammed, especially on weekends or during peak season. That’s because it not only leads directly into the village from the highway, but it also serves as the only through-road if you’re heading to the other villages along the Toroneos Gulf. Don’t be surprised if you spot plenty of fur shops here too—yes, fur, even in the middle of summer! It may seem unusual, but they’re aimed at the many winter travelers from colder countries who holiday here in Greece.
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PARKING OPTIONS
This large parking area is free, yes, free, and it’s open 24/7, with no gate.
It’s also well-lit at night. There’s an entrance and exit on each side of the lot. It’s a bit over 600 meters from the main square. If you’re coming from the highway, you can find it by turning left from the main road we walked earlier. For convenience, we’re giving yo u the exact coordinates.
3CFV+W5 Kallithea
Now, if you are looking for valet parking, there’s one too. The paid parking is a bit further down, to the right of the main road. Just have in mind that it’s open air too, and you have to check the working hours with the owner.
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