Tourists about which spread all over the world, annually invites guests. The convenient location of resorts and infrastructure allows everyone to go to Greece at any time of the year to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
Where is?
The peninsula with a large number of hotels, beaches and other tourist infrastructure is located south of the famous city of Thessaloniki. The resort consists of three luxurious peninsulas: Sithonia, which has a beautiful landscape and views, Athos, filled with attractions, and Kassandra, popular due to its warm climate.
Every year, thousands of travelers from different parts of the world come to Greece to enjoy the local hospitality, cool winds and scorching sun. Everyone can read, before going to Halkidiki, the reviews of tourists who independently visited the resorts and were satisfied.
Holiday impressions
Holidays on the peninsula are very popular among tourists. After the usual bustle of work, it seems to them that time stops here, the atmosphere is so peaceful. It is here that you can find 500 kilometers of sand and the purest water- this is the total length of all beaches available in the resort.
Halkidiki, reviews of the rest on which are only positive, is always crowded with tourists in the summer. The 30-degree heat does not stop visitors to the beach, since the proximity of the sea allows you to smooth out temperature loads and enjoy your vacation. The resort has a fairly mild climate, which allows you to relax here even with the whole family.
Attractions
If you decide to head to the Greek peninsula of Halkidiki, you should definitely set aside at least a little time to visit the local villages, which have a unique flavor and long history. In the settlements you can find a relatively inexpensive overnight stay if you can’t afford a hotel, as well as visit restaurants, taverns, and relax in bars.
Another attraction of the peninsula is the Byzantine Museum, which contains a huge number of exhibits from the ancient era and is able to send tourists on a distant historical journey, where they can get to know Greece. It is simply impossible to miss such a spectacle and the proposed excursions.
You should definitely visit and on Olynthos, excursions go there every hour. If you want to appreciate the beauty of Greek nature, you can visit the forests of Holomont. Four hours away is Meteora, recognized as the eighth wonder of the world - a monument of ancient rocks, which several hundred years ago played the role of a haven for monks.
Peninsula of Halkidiki
The Halkidiki resort includes three islands, the first of which is Kassandra. All mini-resorts located on this peninsula have excellent ecology, which is why they are among the most popular in Greece. If you like outdoor activities, it is best to go to this peninsula, because it is here that you will find something to your liking, as well as new acquaintances who share your hobbies.
If you want peace and quiet after noisy cities, then there is such a place in Halkidiki - Sithonia, reviews of tourists about which have long been spread among top managers and heads of large enterprises. It is this resort that is often called the Greek park, because the local forests are very picturesque and suitable for long walks. It is Sithonia that is very often recommended by managers of travel agencies to families with small children.
And, finally, you should definitely visit Athos (Holy Mountain), which is the center of monasteries erected in the era of Byzantium and keeping innumerable riches. However, there small flaw: the path to the sacred land is allowed only for men, therefore, the entrance to the Holy Mountain is closed for ladies.
How to relax at the resort?
It does not matter where exactly you arrange your holiday in Halkidiki, reviews of which have already spread all over the planet, the main thing is to get acquainted with the culture and nightlife of Greece. It is in this resort that you can find a huge number of musical institutions where you can hear national music and traditional songs.
There are also discos in the resort, which begin their work at 5-6 pm and last until the morning, and nightclubs work in the same way. If you don’t like outdoor activities, you can constantly go on excursions with a guide or just walk around the peninsula, admiring the local attractions.
The opportunities for entertainment infrastructure here are very high, so you can relax the way you want. Gambling enthusiasts can head to any casino, of which there are a lot. For athletes, there are mini-stadiums where they can keep fit, in addition, there is an opportunity to go surfing on the beaches.
Do not be afraid that you will not have enough money at the resort. Despite the difficult economic situation in Greece, resort prices are very affordable. Holidays in Halkidiki, reviews of which will help to make an impression of the resort, will be pleasant and memorable.
Peninsula Hotels
According to tourists, it is difficult to single out the best hotels in Halkidiki, each of them has both its advantages and disadvantages. The four-star department of Potidea Palace, which is located between two bays, from where you can see the famous Mount Olympus, enjoys great popularity. The hotel is located one kilometer from the Potidea Canal and 55 kilometers from Thessaloniki.
The 5-star Porto Carras Sithonia is located on the peninsula of Sithonia and is also popular for its rich fauna and flora. Ecologically clean beaches, swimming pools, sports clubs and entertainment organizations - all this attracts tourists from all over the world here, to Sithonia.
On the peninsula of Kassandra, 70 kilometers from Thessaloniki, is the Pallini Beach Hotel, which has the whitest sandy beaches in all of Greece. Here you can find a large number of entertainment establishments. A distinctive feature of the hotel is that here you can book deluxe rooms at relatively inexpensive prices.
Assa Maris Bomo Hotel
If the purpose of your trip is Greece (Halkidiki), the hotel "Assa Maris", reviews of tourists about which are purely positive, can become a stopover. The hotel complex is located in a quiet place where tourists can admire the beautiful nature and picturesque scenery of the sea.
The hotel offers you excellent service, a relaxing and serene atmosphere, a relaxing holiday that will be remembered for a long time. An amazing feature - the institution works only from the beginning of May to the end of October, all other months it is closed and does not serve tourists. The total area of the hotel is twenty thousand square meters.
Sixty-six rooms are relatively few for such a luxurious complex, but even they manage to be taken apart in a matter of hours, so getting there is quite difficult. The hotel is located one hundred kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki, from where it can be reached by bus or taxi.
Villa George Hotel
If you are a creative person and decide to go to Halkidiki (Greece), the Crousso Villa Hotel, which has mostly positive reviews from tourists, is ideal for you. The hotel is located between the pine forest and the small town of Kassandra, on the seashore. From the airport in Thessaloniki to the hotel you need to drive only 85 kilometers.
It is here that you can rent a double studio at a relatively inexpensive price, where you can calmly engage in creativity or just relax. For those who travel to the resort with a large group, the hotel offers top-class apartments, which have a special priority in service.
The hotel rooms are fully equipped with everything you need (air conditioners, heating, telephones, etc.), there is also Internet access via wifi network. The room rate includes breakfast, but tourists will have to order lunches and dinners additionally or eat outside the hotel.
The hotel offers currency exchange at any time, as well as car rental, so for those who like to travel by car, this is an ideal place to relax. Tourists who are fond of sports can use the swimming pool, and private table tennis lessons can be provided at the hotel for an additional fee.
How to choose a cheaper option?
If your budget is modest enough, and you want to have a good rest, then you should carefully examine all possible places of rest. Pay attention to the hotels of Halkidiki, reviews of tourists the hotel "Bellagio" is very praised. A small three-star hotel will satisfy even the most demanding guest, largely due to low prices.
Blue sea, golden sand, green hills - all this creates a perfect harmony, which is like a small paradise, which not everyone manages to get into. The hotel is surrounded by a pine forest on one side and the sea on the other, next to it is one of the largest beaches in Greece - Fourka.
In total, the three-story hotel has eighty-four rooms, each of them is designed for three guests. All apartments have air conditioning and satellite TV. At the first request of the guest, the hotel administration provides him with a hairdryer, mini-bar, as well as a safe in which you can store jewelry, documents and other valuables.
Children can spend time on a special playground and in the pool under the supervision of instructors, while parents, meanwhile, can use the massage room, tennis court or visit a local restaurant where the chef prepares one new dish every day, thereby constantly changing the menu.
Transport
The most common modes of transport in the resort of Halkidiki, the reviews of tourists about which are mostly positive, are buses and taxis. In five-star hotels, tourists can take advantage of free shuttle buses that travel between the resort towns.
If we talk about regular buses, then they run with enviable regularity and an acceptable interval. In order to stop the bus, you just need to vote at the stop, otherwise it will surely pass by. However, anyone can rent a car, but for this you need to have a sufficient amount of money with you.
Climate
The peninsula of Chalkidiki, whose climate is ambiguous, is the focus of travelers from May to October, when the holiday season lasts. The average air temperature on the peninsula in May during the day is +24 degrees, in June it is +29 degrees, in July and August - +31, in September it drops to 27 degrees, and in October - to 21.
Cases have been repeatedly recorded when in July and August the temperature rose to 35 degrees Celsius. The climate is dry, which is why tourists can easily endure the heat. A distinctive feature of the resort is that the peninsula is protected by mountain ranges from cold winds, thanks to which the sea behaves as calmly as possible and warms up perfectly. The water temperature in summer ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Beaches on the peninsula
If you are thinking about a vacation in Greece, be sure to check out the Halkidiki resort, which has very positive reviews from tourists. Beaches - distinguishing feature all the peninsulas that are part of the resort. Approximately 80% of all beaches are municipal, they can be used for free, there are also private beaches where an entrance fee is charged.
Pure sand with small pebbles, clear sea - all this attracts tourists to the beaches every day. Outdoor enthusiasts can rent the necessary swimming equipment and vests), as well as ride on yachts, boats and water attractions. Among other things, on the peninsula you can find a large number of beaches where no one has ever been.
Local kitchen
Many tourists go to Greece just to try the local cuisine. This can also be done in Halkidiki, reviews of the peninsula have long been spread around the world as the culinary capital of Greece. Despite the fact that there are not many fruit and vegetable farms here, local restaurants always offer their customers the freshest dishes.
The most popular dishes here are those containing natural olive oil, olives and black olives, as well as seafood - what Greece is famous for. Halkidiki has a large number of restaurants specializing in fish and other seafood dishes.
You can also find a large number of cafes and taverns on the peninsula, where you will be served a real Greek salad and a cup of coffee brewed according to a special recipe. All tourists must buy real olive oil, a liter of which costs about ten euros.
It's time to go!
Since reviews of Halkidiki have long spread around the world, it is best to book tickets and hotels in advance. Experienced tourism managers advise doing this in early March, before the start of the tourism boom. It is at this time of the year that you can buy vouchers to hotels at relatively cheap prices. You can also try to wait for the "burning" offers to appear, but the likelihood of this is quite small, the resort is so popular. If last-minute deals don't appear in May, most likely there won't be any for the entire season.
The peninsula of Halkidiki, the reviews of which inspire the trip, is a real Mecca for travelers who are eager to relax and get a lot of impressions. The main thing is not to forget to take a camera or camcorder with you, as well as all the necessary accessories. In the event that you suddenly need to transfer information to any medium, you will be happy to come to the rescue in the hotel where you stay. Have a nice rest!
- Tours for May to Greece
- Hot tours to Greece
The Halkidiki peninsula is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea and is distinguished by a very interesting “three-pronged” shape, which is formed by three thin elongated “finger” peninsulas. These are Kassandra, Sithonia and Agion-Oros (Athos). Halkidiki is the main resort of mainland Greece. Unlike the southern islands, they are buried in bright greenery even at the height of summer. The resort as a whole offers a calm and comfortable rest, including family. There are hotels of all categories, from five-star hotels to cheap apartments.
Halkidiki is famous for its clean beaches and calm seas, but apart from relaxing on the coast, there is something to do here. The ruins of several ancient cities have been preserved, there are archaeological and anthropological museums. The main religious attraction - the monastery complex on Athos - is not accessible to everyone, so a sea excursion around the closed peninsula is in demand.
Resorts and areas of Halkidiki
Each peninsula of Chalkidiki has something special. On Kassandra you can see the Byzantine observation tower in Agios Pavlos, the monastery of Mount Athos in Nea Foki, the old traditional village of Afytos, the thermal spas in Agia Paraskevi. On Sithonia - excavations of ancient Olynthos from the very old mosaic in the country (5th century BC), the old villages of the Parthenon, Sikiyu and Nikiti, the vineyards of Porto Carras, the ancient ruins of Toroni and its old harbor of Porto Koufo. Mount Athos is an amazing sight from the rocky cape of Kartalia. And, of course, the famous Athos with his 20 Orthodox monasteries and numerous hermitages, the largest and most important monastic community in Greece.
Tourists often ignore the northern part of Chalkidiki, the one that has no access to the sea. And in vain: there is also a lot to see here. For example, the traditional mountain villages of Arnea, Taxiaris, Agios Prodromos; the cave of Petralona with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the oldest traces of human presence found in Greece; Archaeological Museum in Polygyros, ancient Stageira, where Aristotle was born, or the forest on Mount Holomontas.
There are excellent beaches along the entire coast of the peninsula. When choosing an area for recreation, you need to consider some features. Kassandra is fun and noisy, mostly young people come here - in many towns there are beach discos at night, and housing is cheaper. In Sithonia, the price tag is twice as high, the rest there is more calm and respectable.
How to get to Halkidiki
There is no airport on the peninsula, it is convenient to get to Halkidiki through Thessaloniki. Planes from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Irkutsk, Tomsk, Salekhard and others run to Macedonia Airport. Most flights are connecting, only Muscovites can fly without transfers.
From the regions it is cheaper to first get to Moscow, and from there fly to Greece.
The planes of the Aegean Airlines, Ellinair, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot and Es Seven depart from the capital's airports. The first one offers the most good option- direct flight, the journey will take about 3 hours. Aeroflot, Es Seven and Ellinair also fly direct. The remaining flights with transfers in Istanbul, Athens and Vienna, the flight may take more than a day.
For residents of the Northern capital, the trip will cost almost 2 times more. Lufthansa, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot and others fly from St. Petersburg airport. The most budget route is from Turkish Airlines, you will have to spend about a day on the road. Can be reached with Lufthansa in 6-7 hours.
From the airport to Halkidiki
The nearest settlement of the peninsula is about an hour away. Halkidiki is large, the distance from the airport to cities and towns is 60-150 km. It is cheaper to get to the hotel by buses of the KTEL ChalkidiksS SA company (off. site in English). They depart from the bus station of Thessaloniki (you will have to take a taxi to it for 25 EUR), the routes cover 32 settlements of Chalkidiki. The fare is 3-20 EUR, the journey will take 1.5-3.5 hours. A taxi will be a little faster - up to 2.5 hours, the trip will cost 30-120 EUR, depending on the destination. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Search for flights to Thessaloniki (nearest airport to Halkidiki)
Transport
With public transport in Halkidiki, things are not very good. There are bus stations in many more or less large settlements, but they are mainly focused on routes to Thessaloniki, traveling around the peninsula itself by bus is problematic - it is often impossible to get from one town to another without transfers. In addition, they rarely go - only 3-7 flights a day, but regularly (at the bus stop you need to vote for the bus to stop). The fare depends on the distance - from 2 to 20 EUR. 5 * hotels have free shuttle buses to the nearest resort towns.
Local taxi companies and companies of Thessaloniki operate on the peninsula. The car can be ordered by phone, taken at a special parking lot or stopped on the street. In small remote villages, it is worth going to a tavern or cafe - there will definitely be a car there. In Halkidiki, there are uniform rates for the entire mainland Greece - 0.70 EUR per km during the day and 1.20 EUR - at night (plus 1.20 EUR for landing), the minimum cost is 3 EUR. The trip is paid strictly according to the meter, which is equipped with all cars without exception.
There are bike rental points in many cities of the peninsula - Neos Marmaras, Hanioti, Nea Moudania and others. Prices are moderate - 1 EUR per hour, 5 EUR per day and 30 EUR per week. In some hotels you can take it for free. Given the poor state of public transport, a bicycle is a good way to get around at least the nearby villages and beaches.
Rent a Car
Those who do not plan to spend their entire vacation on the beach should consider renting a car. It is more convenient to move between the sights scattered throughout the peninsula by car. Roads in Halkidiki are well paved, with the exception of a few small sections - there is a primer. There are practically no serious traffic jams, on weekends the traffic is more intense. There are enough parking spaces, including free ones. The main thing is not to leave the car in places with yellow markings and under prohibition signs.
In Thessaloniki you will have to use paid parking lots - 3.50 EUR per hour, in Halkidiki they are also found - 1.50 EUR per hour or 2-3 EUR without time limit.
It is better to rent a car at the airport - big choice and savings on transfers. However, you can find a rental point in any major tourist center of the peninsula. There are international companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz and others) and local rental offices. The latter are usually cheaper, but the service is worse. Prices per day of rent in large companies start from 30-50 EUR, in small ones - from 15-20 EUR.
Communication and Wi-Fi
For calls to Russia, it is better to use a local SIM card. There are 3 major mobile operators in Greece - Vodafone, Q-Telecom and Cosmote. The best rates are offered by Vodafone and Frogmobile (a Cosmote subsidiary). The cost of a SIM card is 5-10 EUR (together with the connection of a package of international calls), a minute of conversation with the house will cost 0.15-0.25 EUR. Tariff plans and recharge cards are sold in mobile phone stores and Germanos (Frogmobile) stores.
To connect, you need a passport and a Greek address (a hotel is suitable for tourists).
Free Wi-Fi is rare in Halkidiki. Many hotels are equipped with access points, but in in public places will not be able to connect. The exception is some cafes and restaurants. It is worth looking at the tariffs of cellular companies for mobile Internet. Most often, when buying a SIM card, the price already includes 200-500 Mb. On Frogmobile you can activate a daily package - 20 Mb per day for 1 EUR. There are internet cafes.
The beaches of Halkidiki
The coast of Halkidiki is one of the best places in Greece for a beach holiday. The largest number of EU Blue Flags in the country is concentrated here. The total length of the beaches is more than 500 km, to travel around everything - a two-week vacation is not enough.
All the beaches of Halkidiki belong to the state, the entrance to them is free. But for the use of umbrellas and sunbeds you will have to fork out - from 2.50 to 7 EUR per set. Some sites are managed by coastal bars and restaurants. To sit on a sun lounger, it is sometimes enough to order a drink. Others have a fixed amount, if the order is less than it, the rest must be paid.
Almost on the entire coast there are sports equipment rentals and water activities - bananas, catamarans, boats, jet skis and much more.
The most popular beaches are located on the western peninsula of Kassandra. Among them there are sandy and sandy-pebbly ones, most of them have a gentle entry into the water and are safe for families with children. Only on Hanioti, 3 m from the shore, there is a concrete slab overgrown with algae, on which you can slip. A favorite place for family tourists is Kallithea with fine white sand and calm sea. Young people prefer the beaches of the village of Nea Kallikratia, where the fun begins at sunset.
Tourists go to Sithonia for a more relaxed and elite vacation. It is quiet, not crowded, and all the same beautiful beaches - white fine sand, turquoise clear water and green vegetation. Those who want complete privacy should choose one of the small bays of the Kavourotripes beach (it is better to take an umbrella with you). A more civilized holiday on the beach in the town of Neos Marmaros - there is all the infrastructure, bars and restaurants.
Holidays in Halkidiki
Diving and snorkeling
Dive sites near Halkidiki are not as interesting and diverse as those on the Red Sea, so it’s definitely not worth going here for the sake of scuba diving. However, it will work to dilute the beach-excursion program with active recreation in the form of diving. Along the coast of Kassandra there are about a dozen good places for diving. There you can see the inhabitants of the Aegean Sea - sponges, scorpion fish, tuna, octopuses, cuttlefish, starfish and many others. Moray eels, eels, lobsters and groupers are found in the crevices. Not far from the town of Agia Paraskavei there is a cave and a tunnel, which are only partially under water, people often go there for snorkeling.
Despite the low popularity of diving in these places, there are many centers and clubs on the peninsula, there is even a Russian one at the entrance to Halkidiki. The range of services is standard - dives for beginners and pros, snorkeling, daily safari and PADI training. One swim for a beginner diver will cost 50 EUR, for an experienced diver - 45 EUR. You can dive with a mask and snorkel for 40 EUR. Training programs lasting from 1 to 10 days and certification will cost 200-400 EUR. Many diving clubs rent equipment - about 20 EUR per day.
Halkidiki Hotels
There are a lot of accommodation options in Halkidiki - apartments and hotels, hostels, boats, guest houses and villas. Most of them focus on the "fingers" of Cassander and Sithonia. Many hotels have swimming pools, some have breakfast included, and some offer free bike rentals.
It is better for economical tourists to look for accommodation away from the sea - prices there start from 20 EUR for a double room per day. On the first coastline between the "fingers" you can find a hotel for 30-35 EUR per night. The cost of living in Kassandra and Sithonia is very different. If on the first one it is not a problem to find a hotel for 40-50 EUR per day, then on the second one the rooms cost from 60 EUR.
There are about 40 3 * hotels on the peninsula, a stay in them will cost 40-100 EUR. "Fours" are much smaller, the price range is 60-140 EUR. There are only 10 5 * hotels, in order to relax according to the “luxury” program in one of them you will have to pay from 120 to 400 EUR, and the price tag per day in villas reaches 900 EUR.
shopping
Shopping in the usual sense exists only in large cities - Nea Kallikratia, Poliiros, Nea Moudania and others. Boutiques and shopping centers are open there, in the assortment - goods of world brands Max Marra, Mex, Mango, Zara, Levi's. The sales season falls on the second half of the summer, and items from last year's collections with discounts of up to 80% can be found at the J&K Outlet in Fourka and Haniot. In search of inexpensive products, you should look at the market, they are in almost every resort village. They usually work from early morning until lunch, but everything is fresh, and prices are good. For a fur coat, it is better to go to Thessaloniki, on the peninsula there is a risk of overpaying 500-1000 EUR. If the check for a fur coat is more than 1000 EUR, you will have to pay a tax at customs - 30% (usually sellers agree to indicate a smaller amount in the document).
Olive oil and olive oil-based cosmetics are brought as gifts to relatives and friends from Halkidiki, as well as products of local craftsmen - ceramics and antique painted figurines, home textiles made of wool and cotton with traditional Greek ornaments, and much more. Of the edible, in addition to butter, Greek honey, raki vodka and metaxa cognac are in demand.
Cuisine and restaurants of Halkidiki
Thousands of tourists come to Halkidiki to taste the Greek cuisine. It contains many fresh vegetables, meat and seafood. Sauces occupy a special place in the culinary culture - they are added to almost all dishes here. Among tourists, "tzadzyki" is in demand - yogurt sauce with garlic and cucumbers. The famous Greek salad is to be found on the menu called "rustic". Shrimps and octopuses are served as separate grilled dishes and added to salads.
Of alcoholic beverages, you should pay attention to the "retsina". It is a white wine aged in Chalkidiki pine barrels with a characteristic resinous aftertaste. It costs a little - 3-5 EUR per bottle.
Street food is widespread in Halkidiki. Local fast food establishments (“souvlaki gyros”) serve the usual Greek homemade food, adapted for the fast food format. This is one of the most budgetary ways to have a tight bite - “souvlaki” (small skewers) or “gyros pita” ( bread cake with meat, vegetables and yogurt sauce) with a drink will cost 7-10 EUR. Breakfast in a small cafe will cost 10-15 EUR per person.
It is believed that the tavern is an inexpensive cafe for local residents, however, in Halkidiki, the average check in them ranges from 20-60 EUR for a dinner for two with wine. It all depends on the popularity of the establishment, location, as well as the set of dishes - exotic lobsters significantly increase the amount of the bill.
The best photos of Halkidiki
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In the center of the peninsula is the Petralona cave - the oldest human site in Europe. Under the stone vaults, a labyrinth of passages winds, there are underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological museums have been opened in Olynthos and Polygyros. The first contains materials about the city itself and the course of excavations, the second contains finds and artifacts found on the territory of the ancient settlements of the peninsula - Stagira, Afitos, Toroni.
lovers fishing worth a look in the town of Nea Moudania. The Museum of Fisheries has an extensive collection of exhibits that tell about the ways of catching fish.
Of the 20 monasteries of the Athos peninsula, the most interesting are the Great Lavra, Vatopedi and the majestic Dionysiat. Women are not allowed to visit these holy places, the only monastery where they are allowed is Zigu - the monks have not lived there for a long time, and only ruins remained of their former greatness. admire active monasteries ladies can while cruising around the peninsula.
There are also many interesting places outside Halkidiki. Mount Olympus is especially popular among tourists. There are no ancient gods there, outdoor enthusiasts are attracted by nature and a picturesque view. Meteors compete with Olympus - high rocks, on top of which there are monasteries. They store valuable religious relics - manuscripts, books, icons and much more.
5 things to do in Halkidiki
- At least from the boat to admire the monasteries of St. Athos.
- Go around all the beaches of the peninsula.
- Try a lobster or other seafood delicacy.
- Feel yourself ancient greek god on the Olympus.
- Try to see Poseidon in the waves, who came for his trident.
Halkidiki for children
Halkidiki is great for families with small children. The hotels offer additional options for little travelers - a children's menu, high chairs and cribs, nurseries, nannies and animators. Some have swimming pools with mini water parks.
For interesting activities for children, you will have to go to Thessaloniki. A 1.5-2 hour drive towards the capital of Macedonia is a large water park Waterland. The territory is equipped with 4 extreme attractions with several slides and a descent along an artificial river. There is also a children's area and a wave pool. On a separate site there is a zoo where you can see llamas, camels, ostriches, pheasants and other animals.
In 15 minutes from Waterland there is a land amusement park Magic Park. There are 23 attractions on its territory and a dozen more shooting galleries and other games for skill and accuracy. There are carousels for the little ones and real extreme monsters that will take your breath away, as well as a fear room and a Ferris wheel.
Weather
Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water
There are very few tourists in Halkidiki from November to April, but some still come to visit Athos, see the ancient ruins and enjoy Greek cuisine. In winter, there is practically no snow, and heavy rains are not uncommon. For the sake of sightseeing, it is better to go in late spring or early autumn.
The peninsula of Halkidiki is one of the most accessible Greek destinations for Russians who travel on their own. Company Aegean Airlines performs regular flights (if taken in advance, quite inexpensive - 7000-8000 rubles per person) from Moscow to Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki - the nearest airport to the peninsula, the road to the main resorts will take a little over an hour. I advisebook an apartment on the peninsula (from 2699 rubles/night) and (average price- 3600 rubles / day). If suddenly a car is not included in the plans, you can arrange a transfer with the owner of the apartment, and move around the island by bus. This option is more complicated, because you have to constantly check the schedule and clarify routes.
Of course, you can spend your vacation in one place and not use transport at all, but in Halkidiki this is a clear omission. Riding around the peninsula is very exciting: around any turn you can find a wild beach with a breathtaking combination of white sand and azure water or a cozy cove with boulders and sprawling pine trees - park your car and jump into the water.
Where to stay
Halkidiki has an unusual shape. It consists of three peninsulas-fingers: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos . If you do not plan to sit in one place, it is better to book accommodation between the "fingers" - for example, in Gerakini, Psakoudia, Agios Nikolaos or in any other village in the neighborhood. So it will be more convenient and faster to move around the peninsula.
The third "finger" - Athos - is only partially accessible to the public, most of it belongs to the autonomous monastic state of the Holy Mountain. They can come here special permission only male pilgrims.
Afitos
When driving along Kassandra from the side that faces Sithonia, do not miss the turn for Afitos . This cozy and picturesque village is located on a rocky shore: stone houses gently nestle one against the other, paved paths wind around them and all this is buried in lush greenery and neat flower beds. You can walk along the old streets, look into shops with souvenirs, leather goods, clothes, local cosmetics, spices, or relax in restaurants, savoring huge portions of Greek salad, gyros or souvlaki.
The architectural dominant of the central part of Afytos is the stone church of St. Demetrius built in the 19th century with a dome, a bell tower, a rich iconostasis and an impressive crystal chandelier.
To get to the main beach, you will have to go down the path down the mountain (and climb back, respectively), but this is perhaps the only inconvenience. The second beach - Liosi - is a little further away. Both of them are with fine sand.
A traditional lunch on the peninsula necessarily includes seafood (shrimp, octopus, squid - often grilled), stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki (garlic yogurt and cucumbers), eggplant caviar.
For dinner - new delights: souvlaki (Greek kebabs), moussaka (lamb and eggplant casserole with béchamel sauce), gyros (pita with meat), pastitsio (casserole of pasta, minced meat and tomatoes), stifado (stew with onions) , paidaki (ribs of a young lamb).
As for wines, in this part of Greece you should try retsina - a white wine with a hint of resin (wine matures in pine barrels that emit resin). Don't forget to bring a couple of bottles home!
Nikiti
Nikiti - another old village, but already on Sithonia. The sand on the coast is white and very pleasant, the descent to the sea is gentle. There is also a picturesque promenade - a walking area along the beach. The coast will please with all the benefits of civilization: sun loungers and umbrellas, taverns and cafes, showers and changing cabins.
When you get tired of swimming, spend some time getting to know the local attraction - the Basilica of St. Sophronius. This is a monument of the early Christian era (5th century), discovered during excavations in 1981.
If you see sunbeds and umbrellas on beaches that do not belong to hotels, in 99% of cases you can borrow them for free. After a while, a waiter from the nearest cafe will come up to you and offer something from the menu. According to the unspoken rule, it is enough to take at least a cup of coffee - and you can wallow at least all day.
Finding the basilica is not very easy, you should not count on street signs (I spent an hour and a half looking for it), it’s better to immediately drive it into Google mapsArchaeological Site Basilicata Sophronios .
Be sure to go up to the old Nikiti - just not in the very heat. It is located on a mountain, about a kilometer from the sea. The streets wind around ancient churches and stone houses with wooden balconies and tiled roofs. Climb to the very top, to the cemetery, and you will have a view of the whole village, the sea and the Kassandra peninsula in the distance.
Toroni
Almost in the very south of Sithonia there is a huge beach Toroni . It is quite long, wild areas are replaced by equipped ones - with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach cafes and taverns. It is worth coming here if you are tired of the calm waters at the base of the "fingers". This part of Sithonia looks at the tip of Kassandra and the open sea, so the waves here are unruly, and the bottom topography is more familiar - it quickly becomes deep. There are many tourists in Toroni during the season, so it is better to come tosouth end of the beach - There are fewer people.
Jams, marmalade and pine honey are another hallmark of the peninsula. Much is exported, which is not surprising: natural ingredients and unique production technologies are highly appreciated in the market. As a rule, these sweets are added to soft cottage cheese (that's breakfast ready) or used to make gravy and sauces. A perfect souvenir for friends or yourself.
Local olives are a separate pride. These are not those tiny olives on the shelves of supermarkets that we are used to, but the olives are fragrant and fleshy - so much so that they are served with fillings: for example, with peppers, onions, almonds, capers. In the village of Metatsigi, an original variety is generally grown - blue olives, which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Ouranoupolis
Ουρανόπολις
There are more pilgrims on Athos than ordinary tourists. Yes, and the resort life here is not so boiling. Rest here is more calm and measured than in the rest of Halkidiki. However, the sea and the beach ( Ouranoupolis beach) nothing they are inferior. City Ouranoupolis more suitable for those who are looking for solitary recreation. A Byzantine tower of the 14th century has been preserved here, it stands right on the seashore: you swim and admire this architectural rarity.
It is at Ouranoupoli that male pilgrims are issued permits to visit Athos monasteries. Women can also touch the shrines: there are many shops in the town selling Athos icons, rosaries, and incense. And the proximity of holy places is really felt.
vourvourou
Βουρβουρού
Karidi beach in Vourvourou - my undisputed leader among all the Greek beaches that I have been to (and possibly not only Greek ones). Imagine an absolute sea idyll: not an ounce of civilization, graceful pine trees, snow-white sand and the sea blue-turquoise color. True, it gets crowded during the season. Tourists with children especially like this place: it is shallow here, you can walk several tens of meters from the shore, and you will still be knee-deep. Water and sand on Karidi are just crazy. I advise you to come for the whole day, walk along the beach, climb the boulders and enjoy the views of the surroundings.
The five beach places that I talked about are only a small fraction of the natural wealth of the peninsula. beach holiday on Halkidiki is really phenomenal. If you have not yet decided on your vacation plans, I advise you to take a closer look and plan a week or two in this Greek paradise.
To understand which area to choose for a vacation in Halkidiki, it is worth dwelling a little on the geographical features of the peninsula. It consists of three peninsulas, or they are also called the "fingers" of the trident of Poseidon. If you look at the map, it looks like a trident. The first finger is called Cassandra, the second Sithonia, the third Athos. It’s worth talking about Athos right away. This is a closed peninsula for tourism. Here is a large monastic complex of Greece. It's like a country within a country where only men can enter, and then only with special visas. Tourists can see Athos from the deck of a tourist ship that runs along the coast. This is the only way to see the monasteries of Athos, among which the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon looks especially beautiful and pompous.
The two peninsulas of Kassandra and Sithonia are open to tourists. This is the most popular tourist area in mainland Greece. It has all the conditions for a great holiday on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
Which is better - Cassandra or Sithonia? Both "fingers" have their advantages. Each of them has small resort towns or villages with a large number of cozy hotels with excellent service. The categories of hotels are completely different. There are 2 stars, and there are also apartments with spa treatments, a massage room and other "charms". We actually pay for the service and location. Most of the hotels are not very big. In Greece, there are certain rules that regulate the presence of very small pools on the territory. There are also restrictions on their depth. Therefore, often the pool in three and five stars is approximately the same. The territory of the hotel is small and often does not have its own beach. For Greece, this is not an exception, but rather the rule. The beaches are urban, while they are very clean and well-groomed, and many of them are marked with blue flags, indicating the purity of the beach and sea water. And the water in the Aegean Sea is really clean. This also applies to Cassandra and Sithonia. I had a chance to rest on both peninsulas. I have never experienced such pleasure as from swimming in this wonderful sea. Being in other countries no less attractive for recreation, however, I remembered the sea here in Halkidiki.
Each village or town where you will rest is good in its own way. They are small but very comfortable. Everything is somehow at home here. The locals are very welcoming and friendly. They do not impose their services in any way, they do not invite them to shops for shopping. A lot of them are Russian-speaking, since there are many immigrants from the countries of the former USSR.
What is the difference between Cassandra and Sithonia? Where is better? Kassandra is more of a party place. Young and active tourists mainly spend their time here, for the reason that there are many nightclubs and discos on the peninsula. There are many of them in Neo Kallithea, Chanioti. By the way, the village of Hanioti is one of the popular holiday destinations on Kassandra. I really liked this village. Been there three times and got to know him almost thoroughly.
I have stayed in different hotels. For those who want to get good service, I can recommend the snow-white hotel Elinotel Apolamare.
Good hotel for honeymooners and those who want to spend a romantic getaway. There is a beach, a bar and a disco on the territory. True, locals often come here. The hotel is open from the sea side. If you plan to travel around the country, then you should not overpay for the service. You can stop in the "treshka". I liked "Olympic Cosma".
This is a family hotel, the owners themselves work in it and very strictly monitor the order, cleanliness and quality of service. No complaints. Had a great time. I came here to spend the night and eat, and the rest of the time either at sea or on trips. It is located three minutes from the sea. The beach is municipal, clean. Nearby was the rental of boats, scooters, catamarans. All the pleasures for spending leisure time at sea. From the beach you can see the coast of Sithonia. I think that the hotel is very suitable for young people. Other good options for relaxing in Hanioti are Hanioti Grand Hotel, Sursuras and Pegasus. "Treshki" and "fours" are very worthy both in quality and price. Choice of food type. Full board or half board is your choice. The first time I took full board and realized that for me it was superfluous. By the way, all of Europe switched to HB a long time ago. No one goes on vacation to eat off, like most Russian tourists. If you will not be at the hotel and often plan to leave, then feel free to take HB. Well, if you get hungry, you can have lunch in a cafe. The cost per person is about 10-15 euros, or you can buy groceries at the supermarket in your town.
A very good stay on Kassandra in Neo Kallikratia. Unlike Chanioti, the beaches here are sandy. In addition, the city is famous as a "fur coat paradise". If you want to relax and buy a Greek fur coat - you are here. There will be no need to make long trips to Kastoria or Paralia Katerinis for a fur coat. You can buy it here, while combining a pleasant stay and no less pleasant purchase.
On Sithonia, rest is more relaxed. Usually this part of Halkidiki is recommended for those tourists who want peace and solitude. Here you will get it. The most popular town is Metamorfosi. There are excellent sandy beaches. On Sithonia, nature is a little richer than on Kassandra. That, in fact, is the whole difference. I can't say where I liked it more. Maybe on Kassandra, because I rested there three times, and on Sithonia only once.
The advantage of Kassandra is also that if you have planned excursions, for example, to Meteora, Dion, Mount Olympus, Athens, Thessaloniki, then going from the first "finger" is closer than from Sithonia. Only Athos is the closest to Sithonia.
In Halkidiki, the choice with a place to spend a vacation is huge. In many ways, the quality of rest depends on ourselves and our attitude towards it. It is good to relax here for both adults and children. Excellent climate, interesting and eventful trips that will allow you to get to know the history of ancient civilization even better, see the famous architectural monuments that date back to the period of antiquity. Indeed, Greece has everything!
It is impossible to be in Halkidiki only once. Those who have been here will definitely come back. I've been coming back for over a year now. Decided to change direction. I went on vacation to another country and spent the whole vacation remembering Greece. This speaks volumes.
The so-called "first finger" is closest to Thessaloniki, and therefore Kassandra is the most densely populated and visited cape of Chalkidiki. From the eastern, inner side, it is washed by the calm waters of the Gulf of Toroneos, from the outer, western side, by the waters of the Thermaic Gulf.
6 km from Mudanya is the "gate" of the peninsula, the village of Nea Potidea, built on the site of an ancient settlement. There is a canal connecting the two bays. The first mention of the canal dates back to the 1st century BC. e. The advantage of Potidea is the proximity to Thessaloniki and the opportunity to swim in both bays. Along the road leading to the Kassandra Peninsula, there are hotel complexes such as Portes Palace Hotel, Istion Club Luxury Resort. The village itself is located on the right side of the road, and on the left - the beach (Paralia) Potidei with many small hotels and apartments.
Sled
On the side of the Thermaikos Gulf is the most elite place in Halkidiki - Sani. A whole fashionable village of Sani Resort awaits guests here. Beautiful marina with luxury yachts, modern hotels, spa center, clothing stores and jewelry, restaurants and bars. And all around it are white sandy beaches and a piercing turquoise sea.
From July to September, the famous Sani Arts Festival is held against the backdrop of the medieval tower.
Along this side of the coast is the resort village of Siviri, which organically combines mountains and sea. Many try to get to the performances of the Kassandra Festival in the famous Siviri amphitheater, and admire the unique beauty of the sunsets.
The next resort is Fourkas Rock, a beautiful beach surrounded by pine forests and olive groves. Two kilometers from the beach is the old village of Fourka, with chapels decorated with frescoes from the 16th century.
Quiet place Nea Skioni, built on the site of ancient Skioni, founded by soldiers returning from the Trojan War and settled in this wonderful land.
Loutra
Settlement of Loutra, 5 km from the village of St. Praskeva, famous for hot thermal springs and a modern spa center.
At the southernmost point of Kassandra is the quiet village of Paliouri, a favorite place for fishing enthusiasts.
There are also many popular resort towns on the east coast:
Pefkohori. Pevko, in Greek - pine, and this picturesque village is really immersed in fragrant pine forests. The pride of Sosnovka is the cleanest beaches with modern tourist infrastructure.
Chanioti is a large, very picturesque resort village, offering its guests wonderful conditions for recreation. Numerous hotels, various water sports sports, horseback riding, many taverns, bars and cafes. At the end of summer, a traditional folklore festival is held in Chanioti.
Seven-kilometer sandy beach, a lot of hotels, lost among coniferous forests mountain lake with a rare species turtles, attract numerous tourists to Polychrono.
Kallithea
A modern resort that justifies its name - "beautiful view". In addition to the wonderful beaches, Kallithea is famous for its nightlife: discos, clubs, bars are open until the morning. For lovers of archeology - the ruins of the ancient temples of Dionysus and Zeus.
Afitos
Narrow cobbled streets, interesting architecture, fountains create the unique flavor of Afytos. On the central square you can visit the Church of St. Demetrius and the Museum of Folk Art.
A former fishing village, now a well-maintained resort village. Attraction - the tower of the Athos courtyard of the monastery of St. Paul. From the chapel there is an underground passage to the miraculous spring, where the Saint secretly baptized the inhabitants.
Unlike the noisy and crowded Kassandra, Sithonia offers a more relaxing holiday in a truly paradise. There are many wild stunningly beautiful beaches, secluded coves, secluded between, overgrown with pines and junipers, mountain slopes.
On the way from Kassandra to Sithonia, the resort villages of Metamorfosi are located - quiet and calm, and Nikiti, where you can visit ancient churches and taste the best honey in Macedonia.
The most popular town in Sithonia, a neat amphitheater going down to the emerald sea. Opposite is a small uninhabited island of Kelifos (Shell). Here is the largest tourist complex Porto Carras, in fact, which is an independent tourist town. Luxury hotels, shops, casinos, entertainment centers, a luxurious marina, golf courses, the famous Porto Carras Domaine winery - everything for an unforgettable vacation.
Visitors to this village are attracted not only by the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of the beaches, but also by the preserved evidence of ancient history: the ruins of the acropolis in Licinthos, the remains of the fortress. Part of the ancient settlement is under water. Near Toroni is the picturesque bay of Porto Koufo, the largest natural bay in Northern Greece.
On the side of Sithonia, facing Athos, is the colorful traditional village of Sykia, founded by sailors and pirates. You can enjoy a relaxing holiday beautiful beach Krioritsi, visit the ruins of the old town, the historical church of St. Athanasius.
In the vicinity of Sykya and neighboring Kalamitsi, there are many well-maintained campsites.
A small cozy village with the famous Orange Beach. On August 15, three-day festivities are held dedicated to the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.
A popular holiday destination for Russian tourists. Unusual purity of the sea, changing color from azure to aquamarine. The nearby islet of Diaporos shelters Vourvourou from the waves. On the eastern side of the island is the beautiful Blue Lagoon.
Agios Nikolaos is a 30 km coastal zone with many amazing bays and bays with blue water framed by centuries-old pine trees. The village is an excellent example of traditional architecture, the merit of local masons. Of interest are the ancient acropolis on Vetrino hill, the monastery of St. Nicholas, the chapel of St. George.
Near the village is the harbor of Ormos Panagias (Bay of the Mother of God), from where you can take a boat trip along the coast of Athos.
Holy Athos
The third "finger" of the Halkidiki peninsula is an amazing place, the only monastic republic in the world, the earthly destiny of the Virgin. Athos retains its pristine nature, untouched by civilization. There are 20 monasteries on Athos, one of them is St. Panteleimon, Russian. Orthodox relics - icons, books, manuscripts - are carefully stored in the monasteries.
A visit to St. Athos is allowed only for men and this requires a special pass - diamonitirion. It can be of two types - general, allowing you to visit all the monasteries, and private, for staying in one of them. You need to order a pass in advance, agreeing on the date of the visit, because 110 pilgrims are allowed in a day, and only 10 of them are foreigners. You can order it at the pilgrimage center of Athos in Thessaloniki (109 Egnatia Street) or call one of the monasteries directly. You can get the ordered pass at 7.30 in the morning at the pilgrimage office in Ouranoupoli, paying a tax of 25 euros. Then purchase a ticket for the ferry, which leaves at 9.45 am. Clothing must be appropriate - trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. Video filming is prohibited, photos - with the permission of the rector.
Women are not allowed to enter Mount Athos. There is even a 12-month prison sentence for violating this rule. You can only admire the Holy Place from a cruise ship. 
Ouranoupoli in translation means "heavenly city" - a quiet resort town, connecting link mainland with Saint Athos. In the center, at the pier, from which ferries leave for Athos, there is an ancient Prosphoria tower. On the border with Athos - the Frankish castle. Intercity buses run to Ouranoupoli from Thessaloniki.
From Ouranoupoli, as well as from the neighboring village of Tripiti, you can get to the only inhabited island of Chalkidiki, Ammouliani.
Climate of Halkidiki
The climate on the peninsula is Mediterranean subtropical. The average air temperature is 28 degrees, in the hottest months - July and August it rises to 35C, but the dryness of the climate makes it easy to endure the heat.
The peninsula is well protected from the wind by the mountains, so the sea is usually calm, with a water temperature of about 25 degrees. The holiday season starts in May and ends at the end of September.
