Over 500 km of coastline, clear sea, healing climate and historical monuments made the peninsula of Chalkidiki the most popular destination for recreation of the Greece mainland.
Halkidiki is a peninsula, which is not the first tenithelia among the most popular places for recreation in Greece. In addition to the mainland, which is rich in picturesque villages, resorts and attractions, it includes three peninsulas. Cassandra is the choice of those who prefer active recreation. Sithonia is famous for its unspoiled nature and calm atmosphere. Athos is a holy place for piligrims and believers. Each of the peninsulas has its own character and offers something special and unique.
Resorts and beaches of the Halkidiki
The most popular and visited resorts of the Halkidiki are concentrated in Cassandra. Nea Potidea is located on the narrow isthmus, in the place where Cassandra is separated from the mainland only by a canal,. The resort is well-known for its nice sandy beaches and the Potidea Canal, which is one of the most photographed places in the Halkidiki.
The combination of traditional architecture, magnificent views and beautiful beaches – these are all special features that makes Afitos so famous. In this town (where, the life does not stop inspite of the end of hot season) you can admire the ancient buildings, dine in a tavern overlooking the sea and spend time on the coast, which is washed by the turquoise sea.
Kallithea, which is the most lively village resort of Halkidiki, is located next to Afitos . There are many nightclubs, bars, taverns, many shops, which are opened in summer. Kallithea is famous for its observation area, which provides a spectacular view of the sea and Sithonia in neighbourhood.
One of the most popular resorts is Kriopigi. The narrow but well-groomed beaches are waiting you here. They are surrounded by a lush forest and washed by clear sea. The beaches of Kriopigi were awarded with the Blue Flag for their cleanliness. The village is perfect for a family vacation. The same can be said about Polychrono - a town with a developed infrastructure. There are shops, playgrounds, taverns, as well as a lively beach with a wide range of entertainments for every taste.
Pefkochori is never empty, a city that received its name because of the abundance of coniferous trees in the area. The air in Pefkochori is literally impregnated with coniferous aromas. The nature itself has turned it to a paradise to relax. The Pefkochori coast is awarded with the Blue Flag and is washed by a shallow, clear sea. All water activities, bars and traditional taverns are available.
Sani should be chosen from all the resort areas of Cassandra by real connoisseurs of comfort. It is famous for an incredible natural beauty, chic sandy beaches that stretch for several kilometers, and some of the best hotels in Northern Greece. You can make purchases in Sani, go on a boat trip, relax in spa or visit any of the recreational activities that are held here regularly.
The resorts on the second "finger" of Halkidiki, Sithonia, are considered one of the best in the whole peninsula. Really amazing landscapes are waiting you in Vourvourou - an area with picturesque bays, in which there are no waves. There are small cozy hotels, specially designed for family rest. Resting in the area, you cannot omit visiting the famous beach of the Caridi. Its landscapes are a harmonious combination of white rocks and light sand. The sea in the bay is shallow, perfect for children's safety during the holiday. There are many hotels on any budget and a lot of taverns located nearby of the Caridi.
You can find calm atmosphere in another popular place in Sithonia - Metamorfosi. There are no clubs and noisy bars: only clean sand, protected from the wind of the bay and the nature that is pleasant to your eyes. In addition, Metamorfosi is famous for its high-quality honey and taverns, which serve seafood dishes. You can go to Toroni and Porto Kufo to escape from the noise and just to have a beach holiday away. There is all the necessary infrastructure here, but clear sea and golden sand are the most important. Also the famous hotel complex Porto Carras can be found in Sithonia. In addition to hotels, it has its own winery, a thalassotherapy center, a casino and many kilometers of beaches. Fans of outdoor activities adore the Neos Marmaras as the most lively resort of Sithonia. It has bars, nightclubs, water sports centers. Two famous beaches of Lagomandra and Porto Carras are nearby.
Part of the peninsula of Athos is occupied by a monastic state. But there are several resorts closer to the mainland of the Halkidiki, where a pacified atmosphere is present. The largest city on Athos is Ierissos, known for its good fish taverns, historical monuments and an 11-kilometer clean beach, which has a cafe, attractions and bars. Nea Roda is another resort of Athos, where you can enjoy a holiday on the picturesque coast, and then climb the hill with a small church to explore the neighborhood from a height.
The city of Ouranopolis is often called the "gateway of Athos". Not only pilgrims who continue the journey to the shores of the monastic state stay here in summer, but lovers of a quiet rest also stay here. Ouranopolis is famous for its clean and fully equipped sandy and pebble beaches. It has all the typical features of the resort: there are shops, taverns, a spacious promenade. The atmosphere in Ouranopolis corresponds to its location.
Historical monuments and architecture in Halkidiki
There is the Ancient Stagira - the birthplace of Aristotle In the north-eastern part of the Halkidiki. Here you can see the ruins of the fortress and public buildings. And the interactive park of Aristotle can be seen nearby, which is visited with interest by both children and adults. Its exhibits clearly demonstrate the phenomena that the great philosopher referred to in his treatise "Physics".
The Cave of Petralona is one of the most visited sights in the Halkidiki. In 1959, villagers accidentally made a discovery that turned out to be important for the whole history of Greece. The skull of a prehistoric man was found here, near the village of Petralona, and then the fossils of animals. In Petralona, you can admire stalagmites and feel the atmosphere of a distant past.
Lovers of antiquities certainly need to go to Olinfos. Here is a large archaeological zone with ancient mosaic floors and buildings, dating back to the Neolithic period. Many exhibits are kept in Polygyros, the capital of the Halkidiki, which attracts by ancient architecture. Some archaeological zones on the peninsula are easy to get to: next to the Possidi is the ancient city of Mendi, and in Kalife you can see the sanctuary of Zeus-Ammon.
Men are allowed to access the Athos, a sacrefied land for every Greek. Here you can find both incredible natural beauty, and the beauty of the majestic monasteries, and many rare artifacts. About a quarter of the wealth of the Orthodox world are concentrated on the Athos: valuable priceless relics, icons, relics and manuscripts. Women can have a look at Athos from the sea during the cruise.
