Situated across three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mt Athos, Halkidiki in northern Greece is a gem. Its nearest city is Thessaloniki, the second biggest city in Greece. Think gorgeous beaches, clear, warm waters, whitewashed buildings and a friendly, lively vibe.Halkidiki | from iStock
You'll find a wide range of modern accommodation, from bungalows to big hotels - much of it built in a typically Macedonian style. With its typically mild Mediterranean climate, expect mild winters and sunny, cool summers. Most visitors flock there from May to June and again from September to October.
Getting there/around
There's no airport but a frequent bus service to Airport Macedonia near Thessaloniki (16km away). There are a number of direct flights from London and other UK airports. The flight takes around four hours - and there are a number of low cost airline options.
It's a good idea to hire a car to explore - or even hire a moped once you're settled at a resort.
Halkidiki beaches
Imagine long sandy beaches, clear blue waters, pine forests and bee hives. Each peninsula has a number of beaches. Kassandra is the most developed so there'll be more people. However, there are still hideaways if you look for them - otherwise expect watersports, taverns and a busy vibe. Some of the best-known include Nea Moudania and Agios Mamas.
Sithonia, slightly less developed than Kassandra, offers you the chance to relax. Bigger beaches like Kortessa are long, sandy and easily accessible. Further along you'll find a number of smaller coves like Spathies and Elia.
Much of Mt Athos is out of bounds for tourists as it's under monastic control as the spiritual centre of the Greek Orthodox church. It's still got the beautiful Tripiti and Ouranoupolis resorts, with clear waters and sandy beaches.
Halkidiki sightseeing
When you can tear yourselves away from the beaches, there are archaeological, historical, religious and nature sites galore. On Kassandra make sure you visit Afitos where you'll find ruins, springs, a superb museum and churches. Visit the Sanctuary of Amon Zeus in Kallithea and make the trek to Nea Fokea for its Wild Life Reserve.
On Sithonia, visit Toroni village for the Paleo-Christian Basilica of Agios Athanasios and the remains of Toroni Castle, head to Neos Marmaras where you can start a lovely walk into the pine forests or visit the nearby Porto Carras for its winery and stables.
The Mt Athos Peninsula is very beautiful - but as it's under monastic control, women are not allowed to visit. You're missing out on hermitages, numerous cloisters and monasteries - with superb artwork, basilicas and collections of icons, gold and silver. A very small number of male visitors are allowed to visit so book ahead at the relevant monastery.
Halkidiki family attractions
Well Mt Athos obviously isn't going to be ideal, since you can't take mom or any other women. There are numerous beaches, wonderful walks and great coves to explore. If the kids are getting terribly bored, take them to Thessaloniki for the day and visit Waterland, with its 150 acres of pools and gardens, wave pools and slides or Thessaloniki Zoo.
Day trips from Halkidiki
For those who feel like a break from the beaches, why not head to the vineyards of Central Halkidiki. Join an organised tour of any number of local wineries and try the local Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Ask at a local hotel's reception about how to join a tour. Or travel to the island of Kelyfos by boat from Neos Marmaras and take a tour of its ancient Roman ruins.
Eating in Halkidiki
Most of the hotels will serve a buffet style breakfast, and give you the option of a full English as well. Otherwise visit the local tavernas for fresh grilled fish and meat, and typical Greek dishes like rice pilaf (with chicken broth), souvlaki (marinated cubes of meat on a skewer with vegetables) and a lovely Greek salad with lots of olives and feta.
One of the biggest pleasures is the local wine - there are at least five wineries in Macedonia and both the whites and reds are a pleasure to drink. If you're feeling daring try the local tsipouro, a 45% proof distilled spirit also known as raki.
Halkidiki nightlife
On Sithonia, head to Sarti, Nikiti and Marmaras for clubs and bars, on the livelier Kassandra virtually every village and resort offers some form of nightlife - from Possidi to Polychrono - take your pick and get partying. As you'd probably imagine Mt Athos with its 20 monasteries is not going to be a premier site for partying - and women aren't allowed into the monastic area anyway.
Halkidiki shopping
There are any number of trendy boutiques where you can buy great leather goods, jewellery and designer gear. Most shops open until about 8pm at night and sometimes even later. For keepsakes think about hand-woven textiles, embroidered cloth, jewellery and olive wood goods. Head to Neos Marmaras, Sykia and Kallithea for the widest range of shops.
If you like Halkidiki, take a look at the following travel guides:
