How can Halkidiki, a sensationally different part of mainland Greece, promise three amazing experiences in one holiday? Because it has a three-legged peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea creating a wonderful 500-mile coastline and a trio of contrasting opportunities.
Halkidiki has breathtaking scenery, endless sandy beaches, rugged mountains, waterfalls, lakes, charming villages, castles, forests, monasteries and ancient sites. It also has stylish restaurants with international gourmet cuisine, five-star hotels, friendly tavernas, laid-back beach bars and the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. And historic, modern, lively Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city isn’t far away.
Sithonia, the middle of the three legs, has pine-clad hills hiding secluded beaches and quaint villages oozing with old-fashioned Greek charm.
Mount Athos towers over the spiritual eastern leg, home to 20 monasteries and 1,400 monks and is the preserve of the Orthodox Church. Women were banned from going there more than 1,000 years ago, men need permission to visit, but everyone can enjoy seeing its rugged beauty.
Kassandria, the western leg, is so different. Great beaches, some buzzing with watersports, others tucked away in small coves.
Modern resorts such as Sani have a great choice of bars, restaurants, tavernas and shops. Traditional, busy Hanioti has tavernas around its square and a long beach. Atmospheric Afitos is a village with paved streets, stone-houses and a fishing harbour and white sandy beach at the bottom of the hill.
Great places for families and couples, for those who want to chill-out in a holiday hideaway and for those who want adventure. Halkidiki offers an amazing number of activities, all-kinds of watersports plus climbing, biking, riding and off-road driving.
Take a boat trip to enjoy the views or hire a car, take an excursion or catch a bus to discover the true Greek gem that is Halkidiki.
