Nestled on the east coast of the Kassandra Peninsula, Chaniotis is a laid-back beach town in northern Greece. It’s backed by forested mountains that descend to coastal farmlands and a string of sun-drenched beaches that come to life during the summer months.
Things to do in Chaniotis
Stretching the length of the town is Paralia Chanioti, a Blue Flag beach that fronts the warm waters of the Aegean Sea. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent and there’s a water sports club with jet skies and paddle boats. Backing the beach are a handful of waterfront tavernas serving locally caught fish and cocktails.
Spend an afternoon wandering the whitewashed streets of Chaniotis, which are lined with stores selling hand-painted tiles and traditional souvenirs. Watching over the coastline is the atmospheric Church of St. John Chrysostom with its red-tiled roof and dome-topped tower. Surrounding the church is a picturesque park with paved walking trails and shaded benches.
A short drive inland from Chaniotis is Mavrobara Turtle Lake, a pine-fringed lake home to two species of endangered European turtles. You can follow the easy three-kilometre-long walking trail or rent mountain bikes to explore along the cycling trail, with both routes passing through an olive grove dotted with 400-year-old trees. Combine your visit with a stop at the stone-built Holy Trinity & Procopius of Scythopolis Church to ring its bell.
Getting around Chaniotis
Chaniotis is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Thessaloniki and one hour from Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Chaniotis and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.