Chalkidiki is a peninsula in the northern part of mainland Greece. The peninsula is said to resemble a hand with three fingers, or legs, as the Greeks call them. This unusual shape creates an expanse of coastline covering almost 560 km.
With beautiful beaches, wild forests and numerous well-placed villages and towns, Halkidiki is a rich and beautiful land that deserves to be explored. Or, to paraphrase one of the ancient sons of this great earth, Aristotle, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Holidays in Greece in Halkidiki will appeal to everyone, you just need to choose the direction and location.
Attractions
The forests and mountainous areas of Halkidiki make it an ideal place for walks and hikes, and its beaches offer a good selection of water activities, sailing and diving. Many operators offer to rent a car and explore the surroundings of the resorts to visittraditional villages and authentic taverns.
Mount Athos, on the easternmost peninsula, has the largest collection of monasteries in Greece, some dating back to Byzantine times. Although tourists cannot visit the monasteries, they can be seen from a distance from sightseeing boats that run daily from Ouranoupolis.
Siviri has an amphitheater where summer concerts are held, and many archaeological sites such as Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. For those looking to get a taste of the islands, some resorts offer boat trips to nearby options such as Skiathos.
1. Thessaloniki. They are about an hour away from the main resorts and are the second largest city in Greece. It is a historical city with Byzantine churches, but at the same time very modern. This is a good place to shop.
His position in Europe has been controlled by many different factions for centuries. It has churches and mosques - a religious representation of the influences of other Balkan states that have been linked to its history, but with a modern attitude that makes it a truly exciting city to explore.
With a population of 300,000, the city has such a diverse architecture, where the old meets the new, and the unique cuisine, which still has the influence of Constantinople, is the gateway to Eastern Europe for the whole world.
2. Sithonia is a peninsula within a peninsula. Many consider Sithonia the mostpicturesque place. And it's hard to argue with that. Numerous beaches are dotted along its coastline.
Vourvourou is especially popular, according to tourist reviews of holidays in Halkidiki (Greece). This is the perfect beach for relaxing, where there is no blaring music coming from the bars, no nightlife. Directly off the coast of Vourvourou lie nine small islands that can be reached by sea kayak.
For adventurous backpackers, it's a great idea to gather some food for a picnic and find some quiet, deserted cove to swim and eat.
3. Mount Athos. Tourist information about Halkidiki has a lot of information about Mount Athos. Not only does it refer to the actual mountain that is the highest point of the peninsula, but it is also the name of the northern peninsula of Halkidiki. It is also next to Ouranoupoli where the Eagles Palace resort is located.
This wonderful peninsula is, in fact, a large living religious site, including 20 vast monasteries. These buildings offer a place of contemplation and solitude for the many Christian Orthodox monks who live and pray within their walls. The area is considered a monastic republic, and the peninsula can control the movement of people and goods within its jurisdiction.
Interesting towns and villages
The administrative capital of Chalkidiki is Polygyros, a city and municipality in the center of the region. The population is about 6000 people. This is a good place togo for a walk and buy some souvenirs from your holiday in Harkidiki in Greece.
The blue-eyed decorative glassware used in traditional jewelry items is believed to ward off any evil thoughts.
Ormos Panagias is a great little port village. This is the location for two regattas that take place in July and late September. The Diaporos Regatta allows amateurs to take part in a hot race along the coast. The winner is awarded at the prize-giving ceremony at the end of the regatta.
Sailors come from all over the Mediterranean to join this fun event. The whole village teems with life during these holidays.
Greece has a reputation for producing fine wines and is hard at work to renovate its vineyards and use grapes from all over the world to expand and improve its wine offerings. The largest collection of vineyards in Greece is located near the village of Neos Marmaras.
Kassandra Peninsula, Chalkidiki
Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula of Halkidiki, is known for its nature, nightlife, annual festivals and endless entertainment opportunities.
Crossing the coastline of Kassandra, which is covered by the aquamarine waters of the North Aegean Sea, tourists will be captivated by everything they see between the unspoiled and wild beauty of northern Kassandra, a sea of greenery in the east and entertainment facilities in the western part. Numerous bars dot the coastline, whose blue flag beaches and woodedcaps penetrate the wonderful sea.
The Kassandra Festival in Siviri is another fun and educational event. The highlight are concerts and performances based on modern and ancient Greek drama.
On the west coast of Kassandra, you can enjoy beach parties and other nightlife at the beaches of Pefkohori, Polichrono and Fourka, Sit on the east side. Seaside taverns, lounges and clubs abound here.
A must visit Afytos, the traditional and most beautiful village of Kassandra. Located on the northeastern side of the peninsula, overlooking a wonderful sandy bay, Afytos is rich in Orthodox Christian churches, stone houses and cobbled streets.
And the best way to end a busy holiday in Chalkidiki (Greece) in 2019 is at a spa located on a hilltop overlooking the sea and surrounded by a pine forest. Isn't this a fairy tale?
Thermal resort - Agia Paraskevi, Kassandra
Traditional wellness treatments date back to ancient Greece and Hippocrates, sometimes called the "father of medicine". His famous quote, "Let medicine be your food and food your medicine" is a statement that people should follow as often as possible. From a cosmetic point of view, the great tradition of using natural ingredients for the purpose of rejuvenation has been brought to worldwide recognition by the wonderful Greek pharmaceutical and cosmetic brand Korres.
Great organic and sustainable products of good quality can be purchased atany pharmacy in Halkidiki. Hair treatments are especially renowned and can bring life to even the most lifeless strands.
Halkidiki (Greece) reviews in Kassandra advise you to use the whole wellness experience in a pristine environment on this earth and go for a day of recovery in a beautiful thermal resort overlooking the Aegean Sea. If this is the first visit to a thermal spa, the first thing a tourist may notice is the aroma. A sharp bouquet of s alts and minerals escapes from a crack in the depths of the earth. Naturally warm waters channeled into large pools and individual baths offer guests the perfect opportunity to refresh all the senses. The natural warmth of the water deeply relaxes the muscles, the minerals are absorbed by the softened skin and the balance in the human physiological state is restored.
Best time to travel to Halkidiki
It all depends on what kind of vacation is preferred. If tourists don't want to see big crowds on beaches and restaurants, then September, towards the end of the tourist season, would be the best time to visit. For those looking for more excitement, a party atmosphere and warmer temperatures, judging by tourists' reviews of holidays in Halkidiki in Greece, July and August are the best times to travel. Keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants close at the end of the tourist season. Exact dates vary by venue. Be sure to check this in advance.
Halkidiki has favorable weather in June with the advent of summer. Mediumtemperatures, average highs and lows, average sea temperatures and average hours of sunshine are all seen from May, so a holiday in June with a child in Halkidiki, Greece is perfect.
Where to stay
Choosing a place to stay, you should decide what kind of leisure activities tourists prefer. Most of the resorts ideal for holidays in Halkidiki in Greece are located on the western peninsula of Kassandra, while the central peninsula of Sithonia is also relatively touristy. None of the resorts on Kassandra is too lively, and Hanioti's nightlife with authentic taste is a typical example. Fourka is a modern resort with shops, bars, restaurants and one discotheque.
The eastern peninsula is less developed, although some tour operators offer the Eagles Palace Hotel and Bungalows, ideal for clients looking for a relaxing getaway away from the crowds.
For a traditional getaway, the Halkidiki (Greece) holiday reviews recommend staying at Olymbiada, a pristine seaside village in the northeast with good beaches and marked hiking trails.
Accommodation
When it comes to types of accommodation, Halkidiki has something to suit most pockets. The quality of the hotels is excellent in the upper range, with a number of five star hotels. But there are also plenty of self-catering villas and family homes.
Among the 5 holiday hotels in Halkidiki in Greece are Eagles Palace and Sani Resort in Kassandra. Sani Resort includes 4 hotels:The 4-star Sani Beach Hotel and three 5-star Sani Beach Club, Porto Sani Village and Sani Asterias Suites, which are popular with couples. The resort is located on the territory of an ecological reserve with an area of 4 sq. km. The complex includes a marina, 16 restaurants, 15 bars, an art gallery, sports centers, and entertainment and water sports.
There are also many options in the middle category - mostly small family hotels for holidays in Halkidiki, Greece. They also enjoy a good reputation, according to reviews.
The two-star Hotel Akroyiali in Olimpiada and the neighboring Hotel Liotopi with 17 and 16 rooms respectively offer half-board accommodation, where most of the food is organic and homemade. Mountain bikes can be rented here. Hiking maps are also provided.
Self catering property also available for budget travelers.
Reviews of the Sani Beach Club
The staff at the hotel is very helpful. The sea is crystal clear and the food is wonderful. Sani Beach Hotel is recommended as an all inclusive holiday hotel in Halkidiki, Greece.
This is a really beautiful environment, amazing views. The resort provides plenty of activity options - water sports, a marina and a variety of restaurants.
Halkidiki, Greece: holidays with children
Beautiful beaches with games and entertainment, hotels with colorful waterslides - a landscape that is ideal for relaxation of allfamily.
Here is a safe and shallow sea with sand, hotels with playgrounds, swimming pools and water slides, seaside resorts with shops, cafes, taverns and restaurants serving dishes loved by all ages. Impressive archaeological sites, the famous Petralona Cave, Taxiarchis University Forest and Aristotle Park, will increase the knowledge of the whole family. Halkidiki is a great place for fun, relaxation and adventure.
Beach games
Shallow sea with white sand and crystal clear water, umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports and beach service all day long will make holidays with children in Halkidiki Greece unforgettable. After all, here you can enjoy endless hours of fun on the sand. The beaches of Halkidiki will enchant everyone. Some of them, in particular, will allow you to play in a safe, paradise landscape: Sani beach lined with Paliouri pine trees, Afytos, Kallithea, Neos Marmaras and Paradisos, exotic Kavourotrips with shallow emerald waters, Karidi fully organized Nikiti, Ierissos Beach, Kalogria with beach bars, Porto Koufo with its calm waters, Kalamitsi and the bays of Porto Carras. There are plenty to choose from! A beach holiday in Halkidiki in Greece will be filled with joy, relaxation and fun at sea. No wonder there are so many accolades!
Family hospitality in Halkidiki
Big hotels, luxury resorts, guest houses, rentals, villas. Services specially designed for children of all ages, family suites with all the comforts and amenities you need, water slides and children's swimming poolsall day long, just a few steps from the sea. Gardens with playgrounds, beach volleyball and tennis courts, basketball, 5X5, mini golf. Activities, cooking, dancing and arts and crafts. Meals specially prepared for our little guests from all over the world, as well as entertainment programs and programs designed for their enjoyment… Literally everything while you sit and enjoy the atmosphere!
Among the hotels for families with children in Halkidiki Greece, there are several excellent options: Ikos Oceania Hotel in Nea Moudania, Lagomandra Beach Hotel, Ekies All Senses Resort Porto Karras, Blue Dolphin, Αthena Palace Village Resort και Anthemus Sea Beach Resort in Sithonia, "Porto Village Sani", "Sit Holidays", "Aegean Melatron" and Istion Club Luxury Resort in Kassandra, as well as the "Eagle Palace" in Ouranoupoli.
All-inclusive hotels
It's no surprise that with the sheer number of tourists who come here every year, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Halkidiki. These include several all-inclusive hotels and resorts, which are particularly popular with families for their facilities for children. The following are considered the best of them.
1. PASHOS HOTEL. This 3-star hotel is located a short walk from the sandy beach of Halkidiki. It offers its guests an outdoor swimming pool and a separate children's pool, a table tennis table, peaceful gardens,a restaurant serving classic Greek cuisine and a separate bar and terrace. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with satellite TV, a fridge and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas. Local excursions can be arranged at the hotel's dedicated tour desk. The charming village of Kriopigi with its traditional taverns and shops is within walking distance from the hotel, while the lively resort town of Kallithea is just under 3.2 km away.
2. ATHOS PALACE. Athos Palace is a modern all-inclusive hotel that combines affordable prices with luxury. It is located on the east coast of the island, a few steps from the beach and has all the amenities: indoor and outdoor pools, games room, spa and wellness center, as well as an open-air cinema, 6 tennis courts and a special diving school offering various types of water sports. The on-site restaurant serves all-day dining, including traditional Greek dishes, as well as a separate Italian-style trattoria. Rooms are modern in style and come with satellite TV and a safety deposit box. Many rooms offer scenic sea or mountain views. For those arriving by car, free private parking is available. The bustling city of Kalithea is just a short drive away.
3. THEOPHANO IMPERIAL PALACE. The 5 Hotel Theophano Imperial Palace, overlooking the pristine and picturesque gardens, is especially suitable for families. A few steps from Kallithea beach there are 6 tennis courts,a mini golf course, several restaurants and a beautiful outdoor pool. There is also a dedicated kids club offering a huge variety of activities for kids.
Best Beach Resorts
1. Holidays in 4 star hotels in Halkidiki, Greece. Do you want to have a good and relatively inexpensive vacation? Ekies All Senses Resort is located on the perfect blue lagoon in Sithonia. It features stylish, modern designer décor and luxury.
Antigoni Beach Resort offers bright and airy rooms with great views, as well as all modern amenities for a wonderful beach holiday, spa, outdoor pool, private beach access and three restaurants to choose from.
2. Holidays in 5 hotels in Halkidiki, Greece. Danai Beach Resort & Villas in Sithonia is the place to indulge in quiet luxury. The villas and suites have their own private pools and the hotel has its own semi-private beach.
Ikos Olivia offers tastefully decorated modern rooms, a large outdoor pool and plenty of activities for the whole family (including a kids club if parents want to relax).
The Eagles Palace Hotel & Spa is a more upscale hotel with luxuriously decorated rooms in typical Greek colors, some of which even have private pools. Choose from one of the four amazing on-site restaurants and spend your days soaking up the sun on the private beach.
Afitis Boutique Hotel features stylish modern rooms, two restaurants, a private beach andbeautiful swimming pool - what more could you need? A truly idyllic and spectacular holiday in Halkidiki, Greece.
