“It’s not like Halkidiki”, say the people of Northern Greece and they know what they are saying. Get ready to succumb to the charm of its three beautiful peninsulas – Kassandra, Sithonia and the third “leg”, which includes the seaside town of Ouranoupoli and the famous monastic state of Mount Athos.
Turquoise waters, dense pine forests, dreamy hotels, small bays with fish taverns and cafes, beach bars, archaeological sites, traditional villages and the famous Petralona Cave in Kassandra: a microcosm of wonders. Made to be explored with all your senses.
What to do in Halkidiki
Swim under the pine trees in turquoise waters
Pine trees reaching the edge of the sea, white sand, beautiful bays, crystal clear waters, hidden coves. The beaches of Halkidiki are so large in number that you can’t count them all, but get a map and give it a try anyway: Kavourotrypes, Mikro and Megalo Karidi, Kalogria, Kryopigi, Agios Mamas, Sani… You better not have given up. You’ve just started.
Indulge in five-star luxury and a wealth of experiences
Halkidiki is tempting you to live a luxurious life in one of its many seaside resorts. High-quality services and a wealth of unique experiences await you, from relaxing spa treatments to fine dining and discovering fantastic new wines and wine routes.
Discover the cave of Petralona and the 700,000-year-old man
Get ready to be impressed by this masterpiece, carved over the centuries by the hand of nature itself. With glow-in-the-dark stalactites and ‘dwarf stalagmites’, it is one of Europe’s most impressive caves. It also tells a very old story. Here, hidden among the stalagmites, the 700,000-year-old skull of an early man (Archanthrapus) was discovered. At the age of 30-35 years, he was considered old for the time.
Admire the advanced urban planning of Ancient Olynthos
A lesson in how a city is built from scratch, here at this archaeological site you will see how the famous Hippodamian grid plan (considered the basis for modern urban planning) was organised. Houses, avenues and public spaces have been excavated on the site, which also has panoramic views of its surroundings.
Anchor in Porto Koufos and experience ancient Greece
What lies behind the rocks to the south of Sithonia? A secret harbour through an opening just 300 metres wide. It is the ancient port of Toroneion, mentioned by Thucydides as the largest and safest port in ancient Greece. The ancient port of Halkidiki was nicknamed the “deaf port” because you can’t hear the sea if you stand in the bay.
Travel to the birthplace of Aristotle and test his theories
Macedonia is the birthplace of one of the greatest Greek philosophers. So it’s only right to walk in his footsteps. Near the village of Olympiada are Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. In the village you will find Aristotle’s Grove, a park with a compass, pendulum and prism – instruments vital to the work of the mind he carried out here.
Hidden Gems of Halkidiki, Greece
The traditional villages of Arnea and Afitos
Two very different villages, each with its own traditions. With cobbled streets, traditional Macedonian architecture, restoration projects and museums, their charm will take you back to village life as it was many years ago.
The Potidea Canal, dating back thousands of years
A narrow isthmus connects the Kassandra peninsula with the mainland. The canal was begun by King Cassander of Macedonia, whose aim was not only to facilitate navigation but also to protect Thessaloniki.
Passion for the fir trees in the village of Taxiarchis
Nothing compares to Christmas in Halkidiki, a place that literally cultivates a staple of the festive season. In the village of Taxiarchis in central Halkidiki, entire families are engaged in growing fir trees on the beautiful mountain of Holomontas.
Website: https://www.visit-halkidiki.gr/
