Varkes Beach, Afytos, Kassandra, Halkidiki: The Sandiest and Calmest of the Three Afytos Beaches, 900m Long, Reached by Stairs Next to Notos Bar or a Careful Path Behind Fortuna Bar

Greece | Afytos | Kassandra, Halkidiki, Central Macedonia

Afytos is a unique place in many ways on the peninsula of Kassandra, and perhaps even in the whole of Halkidiki. It is located on the northeastern coast of the peninsula, between Nea Fokea and Kallithea. Located on a hill with a unique view of the bay and the blue sea, this place exudes a Mediterranean spirit and, due to its narrow streets and stone facades, reminds one of Dubrovnik and Dalmatia.

Afytos offers a unique blend of traditional Greek village charm, stunning cliffside views, and beautiful beaches below. The 3 Afytos beaches closest to the village each have their own personality. If you like a party, head to Afytos Beach. If you are a family with small kids then Varkes Beach is best for you. And if your thing is snorkelling, then head to Liosi Beach.

Varkes Beach is located to the left when facing the sea, not large, sandy on the shore and in the water, and the sea is extremely calm. It consists of two parts. One is organised, with sun loungers and umbrellas in front of the bar on the cliff. The other part of the beach also has a sandy approach but is free for those with their own equipment. In this part, there are a large number of anchored boats due to the extremely calm sea. During the peak season, both parts of this beach are full of visitors.

The anchored boats are the specific visual detail of the free section. The calm geometry of the cove is the reason — when the sea stays flat, boats anchor close to the shore, which gives the free end of Varkes a working-harbour feel alongside the beach towels.

Getting There: 73km From Thessaloniki, Village Then Stairs Next to Notos Bar or Path Behind Fortuna Bar

Varkes beach is situated on the Aegean Sea and the distance to Thessaloniki is 73 km. The nearest locality is Afytos, the centre of which is 0.7 km away.

From Thessaloniki, follow the main highway toward Nea Moudania, then take the Kassandra exit and continue south toward Afytos. The drive takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

There is a path behind Fortuna Bar that goes down to the beach, but it requires caution. Alternatively, you can use the stairs next to Notos Bar in order to reach Varkes beach.

The stairs beside Notos Bar are the recommended approach — the safer and more reliable of the two options. The path behind Fortuna Bar is navigable but requires attention. Both routes start from the village level and descend the cliff to the beach — the walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

For visitors arriving by car, park in the village and walk down. Narrow streets in the historic core make driving to the beach level impractical.

The Beach: 900m, Sandy Throughout, Two Sections, Boats Anchored in the Free End, Cafes and Snack Bars Close

Varkes beach stretches for about 900 metres along the coast. The bottom decreases gradually, aqua socks are not needed. Varkes beach has developed infrastructure, which includes: showers, changing cabins, toilets, cafes, umbrellas and sunbeds.

The beach is sandy both on shore and throughout the seabed, which is the specific quality the source article correctly emphasises and which distinguishes Varkes from the main Afytos Beach immediately below the village — the central part of the beach in Afitos is very long and less crowded because there are mostly rough rocks in the water.

The free zone at Varkes is genuinely free. Arriving early enough to claim a spot under a tree or at the less crowded eastern end is the practical approach in peak season.

Afytos Village: The Stone Facades Above the Sea, Restaurants, the Panoramic View

Afytos is one of the best-preserved historic villages on Kassandra — narrow stone-paved streets, Venetian-style stone architecture, a central square with shade trees, and the specific elevation (the village sits on a cliff approximately 80 metres above sea level) that gives every evening meal a panoramic view of the Toroneos Gulf.

Afytos is ideal as a base for exploring both the eastern and western parts of the peninsula, with its major advantage being the proximity to Kallithea (2–3 minutes drive) and its beautiful beach. Polichrono is only 13 km away, and Thessaloniki is 80 km away.

The Three Afytos Beaches: Choosing the Right One

The practical summary from Afytos base: Afytos Beach directly below the village has crystal clear water but rocky entry; better for adults and confident swimmers. Varkes to the north is sandier, shallower, calmer, with anchored boats — better for families. Liosi to the south toward Kallithea has crystal clear water but rocky entry — better for snorkelling.

The Sani Beach Halkidiki Greece resort is 20 to 25 minutes north along the coast from Afytos — the luxury eco-reserve end of the same northeastern Kassandra coast.

Varkes Beach at Afytos, Kassandra, Halkidiki is the sandiest and calmest of the three Afytos beaches — 900 metres long, two sections (organised with sunbeds in front of the cliff bar, free end with anchored boats indicating the calm), stairs beside Notos Bar the recommended descent from the village (path behind Fortuna Bar needs caution), 73 kilometres from Thessaloniki, the stone-facade village and its panoramic Toroneos Gulf view directly above, and Kallithea 2 to 3 minutes by car for anyone who wants the livelier end of the same peninsula.

Park in the village. Take the stairs by Notos. Walk down to the sand.