In Northern Greece, the sea is never far away. For us, it has always been a natural part of summer — just a few hours’ drive and you’re standing barefoot in the sand. Many people from Northern Greece spend their holidays every year in Chalkidiki or take a ferry to one of the islands — and we’re no exception.We’ve been to Chalkidiki and various islands many times, and I (Niko) spent countless summers in Chalkidiki or on Thassos — with my parents and siblings, often on the same beach, in the same tavernas, surrounded by familiar faces. These are memories that stayed — the scent of pine, salt on the skin, the first dip into the cool sea.Over the years, we’ve rediscovered many of these places — some have changed, others have stayed almost the same. In this section, we want to show you which destinations are truly worth visiting from Edessa: places close enough for a spontaneous trip, but far enough to smell the sea. Not an idealized version, but as they are today — sometimes quiet, sometimes lively.

When summer begins in northern Greece, nearly everyone heads to the sea – and most go to Chalkidiki. For families from Thessaloniki, Veria, or Edessa, the peninsula is the obvious summer destination: easy to reach, naturally beautiful, and home to some of the best beaches in the country.From Edessa, it’s about 2½ hours to Afytos on Kassandra, or around 3½ hours to Porto Koufo on Sithonia. After Thessaloniki, the land splits into three prongs: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos – three peninsulas, each with its own character.Kassandra, the westernmost, is the most developed area, with wide sandy beaches, many hotels, and a lively nightlife. In July and August, it can get very crowded – especially in places like Afytos, Pefkochori, or Hanioti, where locals and tourists from across Europe mingle. Those seeking comfort, good infrastructure, and entertainment will find plenty here but should expect the crowds that come with it.Sithonia is often considered quieter and closer to nature – and it is indeed more scenic: forested hills, hidden coves, and turquoise water. Tourism has increased here too, and popular beaches like Kavourotrypes or Karydi are busy in high season, with limited parking. But if you’re willing to drive beyond the main villages or walk a few minutes to smaller bays, you can still find peaceful spots – especially in the south between Sarti and Porto Koufo.Athos, the easternmost finger, is entirely different. Its southern part is the autonomous monastic republic of Agion Oros, accessible only to men with special permission. The northern section, around Ouranoupoli, offers beaches, small harbors, and boat trips along the stunning monastery peninsula.Overall, Chalkidiki is lively in summer – sometimes crowded, but not uniform. While the main beaches are lined with umbrellas, a few kilometers away you can swim alone in a quiet cove. The region thrives on this contrast: touristy at its core, tranquil at the edges. If you start early and look around, you can still find your own quiet piece of Greece here. 

For travelers from Edessa, the sea doesn’t just mean Chalkidiki and Thassos – Greece offers an incredible number of islands, each with its own character and pace. Many are easily reachable from the north: from ports like Kavala or Keramoti you can reach the northern Aegean islands, while Thessaloniki Airport offers regular flights to well-known destinations like Rhodes, Crete, Lesbos, Samos, and the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos).The more famous islands attract plenty of visitors in summer, but for those seeking peace, there are alternatives: islands like Lemnos, Samothraki, or Ikaria are less crowded, more unspoiled, and popular with travelers who want to experience authentic Greece.Whether it’s the green northern islands, the white landscapes of the Cyclades, or the wide bays of the Aegean – the country offers endless ways to combine sea and culture. From Edessa, you’re closer than you might think: just a few hours by car, a ferry, or a short flight – and you’re in another world.