Halkidiki overview
Halkidiki, also known as Chalkidiki, comprises the three delightful peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and the UNESCO World Heritage monastic site of Mount Athos, and boasts 550km of scenic coastline with more than forty Blue Flag glorious sandy beaches, plus numerous archaeological and historical sites such as Stagira, birthplace of Aristotle.
Located in the Macedonia region of northern Greece, Halkidiki is a three pronged peninsula jutting into the Aegean with endless sandy beaches and azure waters, abundant verdant hills and pine forests, picturesque villages and family friendly resorts, and fine archaeological, historical and religious sites. Each peninsula has its own characteristics and charm and most holiday resorts are sited in Kassandra in the west which boasts gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightlife. The central peninsula, Sithonia, offers peaceful beaches and is ideal for nature lovers whilst spiritual Mount Athos in the east is a closed monastic community. Halkidiki visitors fly into Thessaloniki airport either directly from the UK, or via Athens.
Kassandra & Sani
Most resorts are situated on the western peninsula of Kassandra and, as the most cosmopolitan of the Halkidiki peninsulas, it offers a lively nightlife with an array of tavernas and bars as well as night clubs. The coast boasts extensive fine, white sandy beaches with gorgeous crystal clear waters against a backdrop of lush green hillsides and forests.
Resorts include the fabulous purpose built beach resort of Sani on the north western side of the peninsula. Magnificently located in more than 1,000 acres of fragrant pine forest and olive groves, home to some rare species of flora and fauna, and with views of Mount Olympus, Sani is ideally placed for exploration of this beautiful Halkidiki region.
Set around a fabulous marina with a chic shopping piazza, stylish restaurants and bars, supermarket, gallery, and open air cinema, it features a selection of luxurious hotels with a host of truly excellent facilities. An ideal family beach resort it features gently shelving sandy shores boasting many Blue Flag
beaches, with beautiful aquamarine waters and a wide range of watersports as well as a PADI dive centre. There are plenty of opportunities for nature lovers with delightful walks through the forests and wetlands.
Sithonia
Situated between Kassandra and Mount Athos peninsulas, the unspoilt Sithonia peninsula is renowned for its beautiful and lush scenery. It features a rugged pineforested interior, often compared to Swiss terrain, plus secluded beaches, gorgeous crystal clear turquoise waters, traditional fishing villages and an impressive number of archaeological and historical sites.
Famed for its honey, the resort of Nikiti is a traditional village in the north west boasting numerous tavernas, a typical Greek market and 30km of coastline with gorgeous Blue Flag sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The small peaceful resort of Vourvourou also features delightful sandy beaches and numerous specialist seafood restaurants.
Mount Athos
Located on the forested slopes of the eastern peninsula, spectacular Mount Athos, also termed Holy Mountain and Agio Oros Peninsula, is a monastic state and an UNESCO World Heritage site.
It has been an Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, and is home to about 1,400 monks who inhabit 20 Byzantine monasteries which house large numbers of unique medieval treasures including paintings, sculptures, books and handwritten manuscripts. The area is closed to the public and visits are strictly limited to men who have obtained special permission more than six months in advance.