Nea Plagia is the last village before Kassandra "opens" — and the first discovered by anyone after a close swim without the full drive to the peninsulas: ~1,500 residents, Portes beach 600 metres away, and the Potidea canal a breath further.
Beach and sea
Portes (600 m) is the village beach: a long band of sand with shallow calm water and a mixed character — beach bars in places, free space in between. At 2.8 km, organized Nea Potidea with a lifeguard; at 4.6 km, free Agios Mamas. All options: beaches near Nea Plagia.
Things to do
- Potidea canal (3 km): The channel that has "cut" Kassandra since the 1st century BC — a walk on the bridge and coffee watching the boats pass.
- Moudania (4 km): The market, the harbour and its museums — Folklore and Fishing Vessels.
- Wine tasting (9 km) towards Olynthos.
Food and stay
Tavernas on the Portes seafront and in the village; Moudania next door covers everything else — from bakeries (the area's speciality strip) to a cinema. Stay in rooms and holiday homes — browse stays in the area.
Practical
- Distance: ~58 km from Thessaloniki (55m).
- Parking: Easy at Portes except summer Sundays.
- Best period: June-September.
Practical notes for international visitors
Nea Plagia is the last town before the Kassandra canal — and for the spontaneous the fastest "beach from the airport" fix (55 min). Portes beach at the door, Moudania's infrastructure next door: unspectacular, but genuinely handy.
Frequently asked questions
Why Nea Plagia instead of Kassandra?
Time and money: you arrive 30-40 minutes earlier than the peninsula resorts, pay less, and keep Kassandra across the canal for day trips whenever you like.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes — Portes and Nea Potidea have shallow calm water, and the distance from Thessaloniki is friendly even for babies in the car.
More: the Nea Plagia page.