Pefkohori Beaches

Overview

Pefkohori is one of the most popular coastal resorts on Greece's Kassandra peninsula, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and lively energy. Visitors often wonder if it's a destination for quiet family holidays or for a more vibrant, party atmosphere, and the answer is both. The village provides a balanced holiday experience that caters to families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Its coastline is famous for exceptionally calm and clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal and safe spot for swimming and other water activities.

The variety of beaches near Pefkohori ensures there is a perfect stretch of sand for every taste. The main Pefkochori Beach runs alongside the village, bustling with activity and lined with waterfront cafés and tavernas. For a change of scenery, Glarokavos Beach offers a unique landscape with its natural lagoon that serves as a harbor for small boats. If you're seeking a more energetic vibe, Paliouri Beach is renowned for its lively beach clubs and music. For a truly memorable photo opportunity, the stunning natural sandbar at Possidi Cape changes shape with the tides and provides breathtaking, unspoiled scenery.

Beyond these editor's picks, the coastline has even more to offer. Families with young children will appreciate the shallow, calm sea at Golden Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing day. Whether you are looking for an organized beach with sunbeds and music or a quiet cove to lay your towel, you will find it nearby. For more inspiration and to discover other local favorites, be sure to explore our complete guide to the best beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Pefkohori a good choice for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Pefkohori is considered a great destination for families. The main beach has calm, clear, and shallow waters, making it safe for children to swim and play. Many hotels in the area are family-friendly, offering amenities like swimming pools and connecting rooms. Beyond the beach, there's a small amusement park, Dinos Luna Park, on the promenade to keep younger children entertained.

Pefkochori Beach

What is the main beach in Pefkohori like? Is it sandy?

The main beach in Pefkohori is a long, but relatively narrow stretch along the village. It consists of soft golden sand and some fine gravel. The water is known for being crystal-clear and calm. The beach is well-organized with numerous sunbeds and umbrellas, usually managed by the beach bars and tavernas lining the promenade. While the central part can get crowded, the ends of the beach are often quieter.

Pefkochori Beach

Are the sunbeds on Pefkohori beaches free?

In Pefkohori, the common practice is that sunbeds and umbrellas are not free but are offered by beach bars for the price of a drink or a minimum consumption fee. You typically order a coffee, drink, or snack, and you can use the sunbeds for the day. Some hotels may offer free sunbeds for their guests. It's always a good idea to check the policy of the specific beach bar you choose.

Which is better for a holiday, Pefkohori or Hanioti?

The choice between Pefkohori and Hanioti depends on your preference. Pefkohori is often described as having a more vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a wider variety of restaurants and bars that attract both tourists and locals. Its beach is long but narrower. Hanioti is sometimes considered more tourist-focused, with a wider, sandier beach and a large park, which can be great for families. Taxis between the two villages are readily available for a short ride.

Do I need to book a hotel right on the beach?

While there are many hotels and apartments located directly on the beachfront promenade, it's not essential to stay right on the beach. Pefkohori is a walkable village, and many accommodations are just a short 5-10 minute walk from the sea. Some hotels, like the Atrium Hotel, are located slightly uphill and offer great views. Staying a little further back can sometimes offer better value or quieter surroundings.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Can you swim in the sea in Pefkohori and what is the water like?

Absolutely. The sea in Pefkohori is ideal for swimming. The waters are known for being exceptionally calm, clear, and turquoise-blue, and have been awarded Blue Flags for their quality. The seabed has a gradual slope, particularly in the main village beach area, making it safe and pleasant for swimmers of all abilities, including families with children. The swimming season typically lasts from May through October when the water temperature is comfortable.

What's the best way to get to the beaches around Pefkohori?

While you can easily walk to the main beach within Pefkohori village, renting a car is the best way to explore other famous nearby beaches like Glarokavos, Paliouri, or Xenia. This gives you the flexibility to discover more secluded spots. Public bus services exist but are not very frequent, and while taxis are available, they can be expensive for multiple trips. Parking in Pefkohori itself can be difficult in high season, so many visitors park on the outskirts and walk into the center.

Glarokavos Beach

Paliouri Beach

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches near Pefkohori?

Yes, if you're looking to escape the crowds of the main beach, there are quieter options nearby. Glarokavos beach, located a few kilometers south, is a long beach with a unique natural lagoon and is generally less crowded. You can also find more secluded coves and less organized sections of beach by exploring the coastline towards Paliouri. These spots are best reached by car.

Glarokavos Beach

People Also Ask

Is Pefkohori a party destination?

Pefkohori has a lively atmosphere, especially in the summer, but it's not solely a party destination like some other Greek resorts. It offers a balanced vibe. You'll find numerous beach bars like Elephant Beach Bar and Umbrellas that host DJs and have a vibrant, youthful energy. The promenade is bustling in the evenings with cocktail bars and restaurants. However, it also caters well to families and couples looking for a more relaxed holiday, with plenty of quieter tavernas and areas.

What are the beaches like for couples?

Pefkohori is a great choice for couples. You can enjoy the lively main beach with its stylish beach bars for cocktails, or find more romantic and quieter spots by exploring nearby. The long promenade is perfect for evening strolls, and there are many tavernas with beautiful sea views for dinner. For a special experience, couples can visit the thermal spa in nearby Loutra for a relaxing day trip.

Pefkochori Beach

Where is the best part of the beach in Pefkohori?

The main Pefkohori beach stretches for several kilometers and can be thought of in sections. The central part, near the pier, is the busiest and narrowest, but also the most convenient for accessing shops and the main promenade. For a wider and often better sandy area, locals and repeat visitors recommend the part of the beach to the right (south) of the pier, towards the end of the village, near beach bars like Elephant and Trident.

Pefkochori Beach

Are there good beach bars in Pefkohori?

Pefkohori is famous for its excellent and stylish beach bars. Some of the most well-known include Elephant Beach Bar, with its vibrant, exotic decor, and Umbrellas. These bars offer comfortable sun loungers, a wide range of drinks and food, and often have DJs playing music, creating a lively atmosphere. Further from the center, you can find other popular spots like Glarokavos Beach Bar.

Glarokavos Beach

When is the best time to visit Pefkohori for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Pefkohori is from June to September when the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the peak months, meaning the resort and beaches will be at their most crowded and lively. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting in late May, June, or September.