
Holidays in Halkidiki
The heavenly peninsula of Halkidiki; on the map resembles Poseidon’s trident; unfolds south of Thessaloniki and is divided into three smaller, impressive peninsulas (known as "legs") Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos (Holy Mountain). The picturesque villages, the indented coastline with golden sands, the turquoise waters and the lush vegetation make an image of indescribable beauty!
The cosmopolitan Kassandra is the most touristic "leg" of Chalkidiki. It has modern hotels whereas it is renowned for its lively nightlife. Beyond the tourist character, however, Kassandra has incomparable natural beauty: the beautiful beaches, the wetlands which are included in the Natura 2000 network, the Cave of Petralona and the dense pine forests create a place totally lovable! In the most popular tourist resorts of Kassandra, Kalithea, Polichrono and Hanioti are included. During your stay in Kassandra, you can visit the thermal baths of Agia Paraskevi, as well as Mavrobara Lake, which is a unique wetland, home to rare turtle species. If you love hiking, you will love exploring the lake, as around it there are trails unfolding in lush vegetation. However, Kassandras “leg” is of great historical interest: visit the Byzantine Tower and the holy water of Agios Pavlos in Nea Fokaia, the remains of the Zeus Ammon Temple in Kallithea and the Temple of Poseidon in Posidi.
More relaxed rhythms prevail in the middle "leg" of Halkidiki, in the romantic Sithonia, which is famous for its lush natural surroundings. Traditional fishing villages, picturesque harbors, green meadows, dense forests and beaches with pine trees reaching the sea water are the reasons why Sithonia is considered to be a paradise on earth! Those who love more cosmopolitan destinations should visit Neos Marmaras, with the luxury resorts and its famous bars, Gerakini and Sarti, whilst those who prefer small and picturesque villages will definitely love Psakoudia, Parthenon, Porto Koufo, Sykia, Vourvourou and Agios Nikolaos villages. During your stay in Sithonia, visit the Ancient Olynthus and Ancient Toroni. At the edge of the peninsula, the natural harbor of Porto Koufo unfolds; there every September the festival of Tuna Fishing is conducted. If you find yourself there while the sun sets, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking sunset! If you love adventures into the wild, the beautiful Sithonia offers many beautiful hiking or mountain biking routes, passing through lush pine forests and steep slopes, with breathtaking views.
The eastern peninsula of Halkidiki, Athos, is famous for the Holy Mountain, the famous monastic state, with its long history and unique architecture, which fits perfectly with its unspoiled nature. The wooded hillsides and the steep, beautiful coastline with the amazing colors of the water create an unpretentious and charming place.
Less popular but equally beautiful the mountainous Halkidiki, which is known for its authentic charm, is an alternative holiday destination. The beautiful forest of Cholomontas, the beautiful mountain routes through pine areas, the gravel paths, the traditional stone buildings, the cobbled streets, the small churches, the clean air and the enchanting scents of the forest create a place of authentic and casual beauty! It is worth wandering around the picturesque Paleochori, Neochori, Barbara, Stanos, Taxiarchis, Vavdos, Paleokastro, Arnea, Vrastama and Metagitsi villages.
The beautiful, green peninsula of Halkidiki with the secular resorts and the traditional villages; the crowded beaches and the secluded shores, is waiting for you to explore its secrets, in a magical journey through images and colors ...
The entire peninsula of Halkidiki, is famous for its unique, "cinematic" beaches!
At the foot of Kassandra, you will find dreamy beaches which unfold in unparalleled natural beauty. One of them is the beach of Nea Potidea, with gorgeous, turquoise waters. On the eastern side of the peninsula, there is the sandy beach of Nea Fokea; the beaches of Afytos with beautiful sand and turquoise waters; the beach of Kallithea; Kriopigi or Pigadaki beach, with white sand; the sandy beaches at Polichrono and Hanioti and the stunning cosmic Pefkochori beach, with its turquoise waters. In the western part of Kassandra, you will also find beautiful beaches, including Possidi, Fourka, Siviri and Sani.
Sithonia is famous for its paradise beaches; some organized and some deserted; some of which are among the finest of the entire country! On the western side of Sithonia, do not miss Nikiti, Agios Ioannis, Lagomadra, Paradise, Neos Marmaras, Azapiko, Tristinika and Marathia beaches. It is also worth visiting the island Kelyfos, located opposite to Neos Marmaras and swim in the beautiful waters of its beach. Those who love isolation can visit Spalathronisia islets, located opposite to the western coast of Sithonia. In the eastern part of the peninsula, countless beautiful beaches, including Kalamitsi and Kriaritsi beaches; the "exotic" Apella beach; Vourvourou beach; the beautiful Karydi beach; Ormos Panagias and Armenistis, with the popular campsites, unfold.
Visiting
- The Museum of Fishing Vessels and Gears in New Moudania
- The Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnea
- The Falls in Neropriono
- The City of Polygyros
- Ouranoupolis
- Stagira
Tasting
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Olives
- Jams
- Sweets
- Raki with Honey (Mountovina)
- Wine
- Raki
- Cranberries
- Holomontas Potatoes
- Barbounofasoula (Green Peas)
How to get there
Travelling by airplane
To reach Halkidiki, you can fly to Macedonia International Airport of Thessaloniki. Then you can reach any destination in the wider area of Halkidiki, either by taking the Intercity Bus (KTEL Bus of Halkidiki) from Macedonia Intercity Bus Station or by taxi.
For more information on the routes of KTEL Bus of Halkidiki click here.
From Athens
Travelling by car
In order to spend your holidays in the wider area of Halkidiki, the best way to travel is by car, as you will have to cover long distances and there are many ''highlights'' on the trip which are worth visiting. Halkidiki is 574 km away from Athens (having the area of New Moudania as point of reference) and the ride lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, taking at least one short stop in Thessaloniki. The main route, you will have to follow, is the National Highway from Athens to Thessaloniki. Once you reach Thessaloniki, follow the signs to New Moudania, which is about 60 km away.
Medical Care
During your stay in Chalkidiki, you can be served for health issues:
Public Hospitals
General Hospital of Halkidiki, which is located Ippokratous & Gerakinas street in Polygyros of Chalkidiki, Tel: (+30) 23713 50100
Health Center of Agios Nikolaos, Tel: (+30) 23750 31788, 31789
Health Center of Agion Oros, Tel: (+30) 23770 23217
Health Center of Kassandreia, Tel: (+30) 23740 22222
Health Center of N. Moudania, Tel: (+30) 23730 22222
Health Center of Palaiochori, Tel: (+30) 23720 41472
Private Hospitals
European Interbalcan Medical Center 10, Asklipiou, Pylaia, Tel: (+30) 2310 400000
Useful phone numbers
Ierissos Port Authority: (+30) 23770 22666, 22576
N. Moudania Port Station: (+30) 23730 21172
N. Marmaras Port Station (+30) 23750 71933
Dafni Port Station: (+30) 23770 23682, 23300
Ouranoupolis Port Station: (+30) 23770 71248
Chalkidikis Police Department: (+30) 23710 23227, 21617
Police Station of Agios Nikolaos: (+30) 23750 32410, 32411
Police Station of Agion Oros: (+30) 23770 23212
Police Station of Arnaia: (+30) 23720 22205
Police Station of Galatista: (+30) 23710 31400
Police Station of Ierissos: (+30) 23770 22206, 22236
Police Station of Kassandreia: (+30) 23740 22204
Police Station of Meg. Panagia: (+30) 23720 31751
Police Station of N. Kallikrateia: (+30) 23990 21202
Police Station of N. Moudania: (+30) 23730 65580, 65583
Police Station of N. Triglia: (+30) 23730 52291
Police Station of Ormilia: (+30) 23710 42266
Police Station of Polygyros: (+30) 23710 21657, 21650
Police Station of Μun. of Sykeon: (+30) 23750 41111
General Hospital of Chalkidiki: (+30) 23713 50100
Health Center of Agios Nikolaos: (+30) 23750 31788, 31789
Health Center of Agion Oros: (+30) 23770 23217
Health Center of Kassandreia: (+30) 23740 22222
Health Center of N. Moudania: (+30) 23730 22222
Health Center of Palaiochori: (+30) 23720 41472
Fire department of Chalkidiki: 199, (+30) 23710 22798
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