Natural Grecian beauty
Lesser-known compared to other Greek locations, Halkidiki is perfect for those who’ve done it all before and want to discover somewhere new – with the creature comforts of divine Greek food, fantastic beaches and friendly people, of course.
If you like the ease of knowing there’ll be lots of restaurants to try, safe beaches for the kids and luxury hotels, we’d recommend exploring the Kassandra Peninsula – this is where most visitors flock for their summer holiday. Meanwhile, for those seeking isolation and peacefulness, the Sithonia Peninsula has rugged, tucked away beaches and local tavernas. The Athos peninsula is a place to visit rather than stay – the main town Ouranoupoli is small, charming and historic, so we would recommend taking a day trip there, but the south is closed off for an all-male monastic community.
Take a trip to Halkidiki before it gets the same touristy reputation as Athens and Santorini, and you’ll be greeted with stunning forest and ocean views, quiet coves, some of the most delicious honey and decadent wines.
Why visit Halkidiki?
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Halkidiki has a fun side, with fantastic bars and party vibes, as well as a more relaxed side – meaning there’s something for everyone in this region. If heading out for an evening drink and dinner is a sign of a great holiday for you, make sure you visit the Kassandra Peninsula – it’s a very popular location thanks to its wide array of restaurants and sugary white beaches. If uncrowded beaches are more your speed, the Sithonia peninsular is much quieter and undeveloped, with lovely secluded coves and fishing villages.
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With such marvellous coastline, it’ll come as no surprise that Halkidiki offers some of the most succulent seafood, plucked straight from the Mediterranean waters. Flavoured with herbs from the rolling hills and paired with some of the finest olives, breads and cheeses, Halkidiki is a gastronomic delight. The region also boasts the finest honey, and it’s one of our favourite destinations for wine.
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The landscape here is rich and beautiful. Luscious Mediterranean forest shrouds each peninsula, with gorgeous hidden coves and long stretches of golden sand framing the ocean. The largest and most popular beach is Agios Ioannis, located in Sithonia and offering safe waters for the kids and two beach bars for mum and dad. Our favourite beaches include Vourvourou - another family-friendly beach with three small islands you can swim to, and Kavourotripes – a trickier beach to get to, but well worth the effort with its Hawaii-like flora.
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The archaeological sites here are fascinating, and show a fantastic insight into Greece’s long history. Our must-sees include Aristotle’s birthplace residing in the ancient city of Stagira, and Olynthus, another site of an ancient city where you can view the intricate mosaic tiles that once decorated the houses.
