Chalkidiki

One of the most famous destinations in the North of Greece is Halkidiki. If you are Greek, surely you have heard the expression "no place is like Halkidiki". The natural landscapes and the blue waters definitely confirm the above phrase. Every year thousands of tourists from abroad and Greece, visit Halkidiki. The three "legs", Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos are known for their exceptional beaches, dense pine forests and the villages next to the sea. Halkidiki has many places to explore and offers a variety of activities for every taste. Cassandra and Sithonia are the most crowded places, as well as the third "leg" hosting the famous monastery of mount Athos, to which access is allowed only to men.

Halkidiki has a long history, ancient cities and one of the most important caves in the world, the Cave of Petralona. Noteworthy of course is the Holy Mountain which is more than 1200 years. The findings demonstrate that in the Cave of Petralona was found the oldest proof of life in Europe. The first organized societies in the area date back to 4000 bc. During the 9th century AD the monastic state of mount Athos was organized. On 963 the Monastery of M. Lavra was built and 19 other Monasteries followed. In the middle of the 14th century a large part of Chalkidiki was annexed to the Serbian state, while Kassandra and other coastal areas were under the Venetians. The 1430 Halkidiki was enslaved by the Turks , with the much-coveted freedom finally coming in 1912. After the Asia Minor Disaster of 1922 refugees from Asia Minor settled in the area,  who contributed decisively to the economic and cultural development of Chalkidiki

Halkidiki features archaeological sites with a long history. It is worth to visit the cave of Petralona, which is located about a kilometer  from the village of Petralona. You can also visit the archaeological museum of Polygyros, with findings from different eras. The Ancient Olynthus is also worth a visit as it is the first scientific excavation of a prehistoric city. In the first leg of Chalkidiki, there is the great traditional village of Afitos where it is evident the particular architecture. In the second leg of Halkidiki and particular in the village of Sykia, the old school dominates the square of the village. Built in 1870, with Macedonian architecture, it now houses the folklore museum. On the beach of Sykia there are two windmills, which date back to 1890 and are classified as historical monuments. Another important monument is the Agiopavlitiko, a dependency of the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou, which is located to the west of Sarti, next to the church of Zoodochos Pigi. The ancient Castle of the Likithou is located in Toroni and was an important fortification for the inhabitants at the time of the wars. In the third leg of Halkidiki and particular in the village Ouranopoli, you will find the Tower of the Prosforiou which is the biggest and best preserved tower in Halkidiki and today is home to a small collection of antiquities.

Whichever leg you choose for your holiday you will enjoy the wonderful beaches of Halkidiki. The crystal clear waters and lush natural landscapes are found everywhere in Halkidiki, waiting for you to explore. Some of the most famous beaches of the first leg is the Glarokavos, Paliouri, and the beach of Sani. All have golden sand and crystal clear waters. If you find yourself in the first leg it is also worth to visit the beach of Pefkohori and the beach Poseidi. All of the above beaches are well organized and closely you will find restaurants and supermarkets. Amazing beaches you will find in Sithonia, the second peninsula of Chalkidiki, with mountainous landscapes and a more wild beauty. The beach of Kavourotrypes is located near the village of Sarti and it is a special beach. Access is by car up to a point and then have to walk for about 10 minutes. It is a small paradise as it is surrounded by rocky coves and dense vegetation that reaches up to the sea. Other famous beaches of the area is the Platanitsi, Armenistis, the Kriaritsi and the exotic beach of Tigania. The third leg houses the monasteries of the Holy Mountain and the access is limited Yet you will find equally beautiful beaches at the beginning of the leg. Very well known are the beaches of Ierissos, of Ouranoupoli and of Nea Roda. Also there, across the coast of Tripiti, is the island Ammouliani which is the only island of Halkidiki. Of course, the beaches of Chalkidiki are endless, as there are coves every few kilometres. If you stay several days in the area during your holiday, don't forget to visit as many beaches as you can, as their turquoise waters will compensate you.

Apart from the natural beauty of its emerald beaches, Halkidiki is famous for its cuisine too.In Halkidiki you will enjoy the authentic Monastic Eggplant, wild mushrooms cooked in various ways and, of course, all kinds of fresh fish. The Paspalas is an appetizer that consists mainly of pork meat which is cooked in the fat. It is also worth to try the samphire, which is a kind of grass that grows in the area and use it for salad. Don't miss the opportunity to also try Louvidia with garlic sauce. The Louvidia is green beans of the area, which the locals dry in the sun, divide them into strung and maintain it throughout the year.

Halkidiki is renowned for its nightlife especially in the first leg. There are proposals for all tastes and for all ages. You can enjoy your drink at one of the beach bars and taverns at a leisurely pace. For lovers of intense fun ideal is Cassandra as there you will find some of the biggest clubs in Halkidiki, where you can party until the early hours. In the area of Sithonia and Athos, the pace is more relaxed but not lacking of course, the fun. There are many Beach Bars where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail from early in the afternoon. Especially during the summer season various parties with famous dj are organized and the pace of the amusement is high.

The nearest airport to Chalkidiki is Thessaloniki airport. The Halkidiki KTEL offers access to the majority of villages and during the summer the routes are doubled. Each region of Halkidiki has its own telephone code.