The Kassandra Peninsula in Halkidiki, northern Greece, was a summer playground for ancient Macedonians and is still beloved for its pine-fringed sands, turquoise coves, and slow village rhythms. Kassandreia sits at the heart of it all, a practical hub for buses, bakeries, and markets that feed days of beach-hopping to Afytos, Sani, Possidi, Hanioti, and Pefkochori.

Expect a relaxed pace: stone alleys and cliff views in Afytos, the photogenic sandbar at Possidi Cape, and birdsong on the Sani Wetlands boardwalks. Food is honest and affordable—grills and fish tavernas, gyros for a few euros, and fluffy tsoureki from famous Thessaloniki bakeries on your city day. Coffee culture is strong: order a Greek coffee or a freddo espresso and watch the Aegean glitter by.

Practical notes: Fly into Thessaloniki (SKG), then ride the KTEL bus 1.5–2 hours to Kassandra. Sunbeds are often free with a drink, and village buses connect major beach towns. Summer is busy; shoulder season (May–June, Sept–Oct) is cheaper and still warm. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and cash for small tavernas.

Kassandreia (Kassandra Peninsula, Halkidiki)

Kassandreia is your budget-friendly base: central buses, supermarkets, and access in every direction. Ten minutes gets you to popular Kallithea Beach; another ten to the stone-built beauty of Afytos.

• Top nearby highlights: Afytos village balconies and Folklore Museum, Sani marina and wetlands, Possidi Lighthouse and Cape sandbar, Hanioti’s long sandy beach, Glarokavos lagoon near Pefkochori, and the thermal baths at Loutra Agias Paraskevis.
• Food & coffee picks (local faves): In Afytos, try seaside seafood at Thea Thalassa (grilled octopus, fish soup) and classic Greek plates at Strouboulis. In Nea Fokea, Rementzo by the harbor serves fresh catch with a sea breeze. For sweets and snacks across Kassandra, look out for Lemonis Bakery (great for bougatsa and cheese pies).
• Photo spots: Afytos cliff viewpoints at golden hour; the aerial-like spit of Possidi Cape; the boardwalks and dunes around the Sani Wetlands; and the Byzantine Tower of Nea Fokea.

Where to stay (budget to mid): Base yourself in Afytos for village charm, Kallithea for convenience, or Hanioti for easy, wide beaches. Browse stays on VRBO (Afytos), Hotels.com (Afytos), VRBO (Kallithea), Hotels.com (Kallithea), VRBO (Hanioti), and Hotels.com (Hanioti).

Getting there: Fly to Thessaloniki (SKG). For Europe-based travel searches, use Omio (flights). From Thessaloniki, take the KTEL Halkidiki bus to Afytos/Kallithea (about 1.5–2 hours, ~€9–12 one-way). For ground options, compare Omio (trains in Europe) and Omio (buses in Europe). Taxis from SKG to Kassandra are ~€90–120; rental cars in shoulder season often start around €30–50/day.

Thessaloniki (Gateway & Easy Day Trip)

Founded in 315 BCE, Thessaloniki blends Roman forums, Byzantine churches, and boulevards lined with cafes. It’s the cultural foil to your beach time and a smooth launch pad for flights.

• Don’t miss: The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture (excellent labels, cool in summer), the White Tower promenade, and Ladadika’s neoclassical blocks.
• Eat & sip: Grab trigona panoramatos (custard-filled phyllo cones) from Elenidis, tsoureki from Terkenlis, and mezze platters in Ladadika (try Full tou Meze for grilled meats and saganaki).

Transport: KTEL buses run ~2 hours from Kassandra to Thessaloniki. For intercity travel and your flight home, compare Omio (flights) and Omio (buses).

Day 1 — Arrival: Kassandreia Base + Afytos Sunset

Morning: Fly into Thessaloniki (SKG). If arriving early, fuel up with coffee and a koulouri at the airport kiosk.

Afternoon: Ride the KTEL Halkidiki bus to Afytos/Kallithea (1.5–2 hours, ~€9–12). Check into your stay. Stroll Afytos’ stone lanes to the clifftop viewpoints; the Toroneos Gulf is a painter’s palette in late light.

Evening: Dinner at Thea Thalassa in Afytos—order grilled octopus, tomato-caper salad, and a carafe of house white. Nightcap at Notos All Day Cafe Bar overlooking the water.

Day 2 — Afytos Village Life, Beach & Folklore

Morning: Coffee and bougatsa at a local bakery, then descend to Varkes Beach (clear, shallow water—great for easy swims). Sunbeds often free with a drink; bring cash.

Afternoon: Visit the Afytos Folklore Museum (local crafts, tools, photos). Browse small galleries and ceramic shops. Photography hour: stone balconies framed by bougainvillea.

Evening: Dinner at Strouboulis (slow-cooked lamb kleftiko or yemista). Grab gelato from the main square and enjoy a quiet, lantern-lit walk.

Day 3 — Sani Beaches & Wetlands

Morning: Bus or taxi to Sani (25–35 minutes). Walk the Sani Wetlands paths—look for herons, egrets, and hoopoes. Gentle, flat trails; wear light shoes.

Afternoon: Swim at Sani Beach; the water is glass-clear. Lunch at the marina—Macaroni (handmade pasta, fair prices for the setting) or Tomata (Greek-Med plates; share a salad and a fish of the day to save money).

Evening: Sunset from the dunes or marina breakwater. Picnic option: bakery pies, olives, and fruit from Kassandreia’s market keep costs low.

Day 4 — Possidi Cape & Nea Fokea Tower

Morning: Head to Possidi Cape (40–50 minutes by bus/taxi). The famous sand spit looks like a brushstroke in the sea—ideal for wide-angle and drone shots (observe local regulations).

Afternoon: Lighthouse stroll and long swims. Bring snacks and plenty of water—shade is limited.

Evening: Stop in Nea Fokea on the way back to see the Byzantine tower near the harbor. Dinner at Rementzo (sea bream, fried calamari, marinated anchovies, and village salad). Bus or taxi back to base.

Day 5 — Toroneos Gulf Cruise + Hanioti Square

Morning: From Pefkochori or Chanioti (25–35 minutes from Kassandreia), join a budget-friendly Toroneos Gulf or "Blue Lagoon" day cruise. Expect swim stops in gem-like coves and simple onboard lunch (often included).

Afternoon: More swimming and cliffside photos; pack a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen. Back on shore, lounge at Hanioti Beach.

Evening: Casual dinner in Hanioti’s square—gyros plates, Greek salads, and ice-cold beer won’t break the bank. Dessert from Lemonis Bakery (try chocolate-dipped tsoureki). Return to base.

Day 6 — Thermal Spa Day in Loutra Agias Paraskevis

Morning: Make for Loutra (45–60 minutes). The cliffside thermal baths offer indoor and outdoor pools with sea views. Entry is typically modest; bring a towel and sandals.

Afternoon: Spa, nap, sea dip, repeat. Lunch at a small harbor taverna—order whatever fish came in that morning with horta (greens) and lemon.

Evening: Easy night back in Kassandra. Stroll Kallithea’s main street for souvenirs and grab pork souvlaki and tzatziki at a classic psistaria (grill house) for a low-cost feast.

Day 7 — Thessaloniki Museums & Departure

Morning: Early bus to Thessaloniki (~2 hours). Coffee and trigona panoramatos at Elenidis. Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture (plan ~2–3 hours; combined tickets often available ~€8–15 depending on season).

Afternoon: Lunch in Ladadika—Full tou Meze is a longtime local pick for shared plates (grilled sausages, fava, tomato fritters). Walk the seafront to the White Tower before heading to SKG for your flight. Compare options on Omio (flights) or return south by bus if you’re extending your stay.

Evening: Fly out. If you have a late departure, add a final waterfront coffee on Nikis Avenue.

Optional Athens Add‑On (If Your Route Connects via ATH)

Routing home via Athens? Plug in one of these highly rated, time-efficient tours to weave history and great food into your journey:

• Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour — Beat confusion and see the highlights with a licensed guide.

  

  Book on Viator
• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour — Skip the line and add the museum’s masterpieces.

  

  Book on Viator
• Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens — Ideal for food lovers: markets, meze, and sweet treats, guided by a local expert.

  

  Book on Viator
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon (Half-Day) — Sunset views above the Aegean if time allows.

  

  Book on Viator

Money-saver tips (2025): Eat your main meal at lunch (cheaper daily specials), use KTEL buses for hops between beach towns (~€2–4), share mezze rather than ordering mains, and bring a reusable bottle—many villages have public taps with good water.

Getting around Kassandra: Buses link Afytos–Kallithea–Siviri–Sani, and down to Hanioti–Pefkochori. Taxis for longer hops (e.g., Possidi or Loutra) are often €20–40 each way depending on distance and season.

Wrap-up: In a week based around Kassandreia, you’ll slow down to the rhythm of the Aegean: clear-water swims, stone-village walks, and easy, flavorful meals. With Sani’s wetlands, Possidi’s iconic cape, and a museum-rich day in Thessaloniki, this relaxing, budget-minded itinerary balances beaches, culture, and plenty of coffee-fueled photo stops.