How to get from Thessaloniki airport to the city? Open the left menu of Chalkidiki

Peninsula of Halkidiki
Halkidiki: here is the dream of perfect holiday becomes a reality
Holidays in Greece, on the peninsula of Halkidiki resembles a journey through the Garden of Eden. Here you will find over 500 km of coastline with magnificent sand and pebble beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Almost all beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flags. The nature of the Chalkidiki peninsula is mysterious gardens and forests with lush vegetation and pleasant aromas of herbs and flowers. All this, together with stunning archaeological sites, developed tourist infrastructure, guarantee the most wonderful memories of your vacation in Halkidiki.
The sea in Halkidiki, where it is azure, where it is emerald, where it is deep blue with water caressing the body, more than 500 kilometers (just think about this figure!) Of the most beautiful beaches with fine silky sand, green mountains approaching almost to the very shore, century-old pines that cast a shadow on secluded, sometimes hard-to-reach, picturesque beaches, a bottomless blue sky reflected in the water, and the aroma of heated pine resin and the sea, hovering in the air ... Bays, bays and lagoons hidden among the rocks, where clear water is warm, as in pool. Landscapes that replace each other like kaleidoscopes… Despite the fact that Halkidiki is a peninsula of northern Greece, it is in no way inferior in its beauty to the most southern and beautiful Greek islands. That is why tourists quite often confuse Halkidiki with an island. The description of Halkidiki can be endless! Everyone who has been here at least once has their own words for this. And, nevertheless, it is still impossible to convey all those feelings and sensations that cover you here. And if you add to this magical picture beautiful hotels and hotels, silence during the day and cheerful music in the evenings, delicious food, smiling faces everywhere, a carefree holiday in Halkidiki with children and complacency that embraces you here, then we can say that you are in a real paradise!
Halkidiki - the famous trident "of the god of the seas Poseidon, with which it is customary to compare the peninsula, is located in northern Greece in the region of Central Macedonia. Geographically, the peninsula is divided into four parts: the central one and three peninsulas extending from it, elongated in length from west to east and protruding deep into the sea - Kassandra, Sithonia and the famous Athos. If you look at the peninsula from above, they look like crab legs, which is probably why the Greeks call them legs. Geographically, the peninsula is the end of Central Macedonia in the Aegean Sea, washed by its bays, and only in the north and northwest is it connected to the mainland of Macedonia through Thessaloniki. That is why the "legs" of Halkidiki are so similar to the islands of Greece.
Easy access to all settlements of the peninsula, thanks to a well-developed road network, beautiful and comfortable beaches, well-developed tourist infrastructure have made Halkidiki the most popular resort not only northern, but throughout Greece. Halkidiki - by tradition favorite place recreation not only for local residents, but thanks to tour operators in Greece, who have long appreciated all the delights of this destination, Halkidiki is a favorite vacation spot for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and other Europeans!
God managed to take the third leg" of the peninsula of Chalkidiki - Athos ... But the other two with their divine "summer went to tourists, greece halkidiki airport of entertainment and recreation in Halkidiki, students and young people with their party, families built in Greece cult, hermits and admirers of alternative forms of recreation…
Nightlife in Halkidiki
Two fingers are resorts, and the third finger Athos is closed to tourists - so the Athos Monastery is located there.
The Kassandra peninsula is distinguished by a developed tourist infrastructure and high-quality hotels. The area is rich in nightclubs and taverns. It is closest to Thessaloniki, it is more convenient to go on excursions from it.
Middle finger - Sithonia peninsula - less busy area more suitable for family vacation. It is famous for its very beautiful nature and cozy beaches.
Excursions from both peninsulas are the same.
This is, first of all, Meteora - the most wonderful creation of nature,
Thessaloniki has an airport and a major sea ​​port, in its economic importance, it ranks second after Athens.
The beaches of Halkidiki
The beaches of Halkidiki. like the rest of Greece. municipal - sand and sand with small pebbles. A beach set (2 sun loungers and an umbrella) costs 5-7 euros per day, depending on the hotel. The beaches of Halkidiki offer a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities. The peninsula has a large number of wild virgin beaches in secluded, fabulously beautiful bays.
Halkidiki Hotels
Hotels in Halkidiki - all categories from five-star to cheap apartments. Most hotels (mostly of a high category) are located on the coast and, as a rule, not in the resort towns themselves, but at some distance from. Therefore, to get to shops, restaurants and discos, you need to go by transport. And only some hotels are located in the settlements themselves.
Transport
Common modes of transport: taxis, buses and rental cars. Taxis can be called at the hotel reception. Deluxe (5 * -) hotels have free shuttle buses to the nearest resort towns. Shuttle Buses go regularly and at the bus stop you need to vote for the bus to stop.
Entertainment
The main entertainment is concentrated in numerous resort towns: bars, restaurants, water rides, playgrounds, shops. The towns are quite small in size, they can rather be called villages. All kinds of discos and nightclubs are located, as a rule, together, forming entertainment centers in the immediate vicinity of cities. Just an hour's drive from Chalkidiki is the Waterland water park (trip cost, including entrance ticket: 35-45 euros for an adult and 18-23 euros for a child). In addition, if you wish, you can rent a car and drive around the peninsula yourself - you will find stunningly beautiful bays with secluded white beaches, pine groves refreshing with their coolness and many other beauties of the natural landscape.
Excursions in Greece
Excursions in Greece -wide possibilities:
Sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki. the northern capital of Greece - an hour's drive from Halkidiki. costs 30-40 euros.
Trip to Meteora (steep cliffs-skyscrapers crowned with monasteries) - 4 hours drive from Halkidiki. costs 50-60 euros.
Cruise to Mount Athos. the only monastic republic in the world - 45-55 euros.
Cruise to the home of the ancient Greek gods - Mount Olympus - 50-60 euros.
Visiting the cave of Petralona on Cape Sithonia - 25-35 euros.
A trip to the city of Kastoria to the fur factories of Greece with the possibility of purchasing a fur coat - 25-35 euros.
Holiday category
Suitable for people looking for a calm and comfortable rest in Greece. for connoisseurs natural beauty as well as for families.
General information about Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city and port in Greece after Athens. It is located in the northern part of the country on the shores of the Thermal Gulf of the Aegean Sea. Macedonia International Airport is located here. Due to its location at the crossroads of continents and trade routes, the city is of great economic importance.
Thessaloniki is the cultural, industrial and commercial center of southeastern Europe. The city lives a full-blooded, rich life northern capital: crowded streets, parks, squares, busy shopping areas with many shops and boutiques, a huge number of historical monuments, adjacent to multi-storey buildings (where the first floors are a shopping area), wide avenues contrasting with narrow streets.
Climate in Thessaloniki
The climate in Thessaloniki is characterized by sharp changes: in winter it is often snowy and cold, in summer it is hot and stuffy.
Thessaloniki beaches
The beaches of Thessaloniki are located in the suburbs: Perea. Agia Triada. Neo Epivates. The sea here is clean, transparent, many beaches are marked with blue flags of the European Union for cleanliness. There are all conditions for practicing summer sports.
Thessaloniki Hotels
There are hotels of all categories in Thessaloniki. They are located throughout the city, both in the very center and at some distance from it, or on the waterfront.
Transport
There are various types of transport in the city: taxis, buses, cars and yachts for rent. Communication between cities - aircraft of domestic airlines.
Things to do in Thessaloniki
There is a huge amount of entertainment in Thessaloniki: bars and restaurants, clubs, airport and casinos, theaters and cinemas, jewelry and fur salons. In the city center there are many expensive shops and boutiques of world famous couturiers. The city is also famous for its food markets. There is a very rich cultural life here: various festivals, concerts, exhibitions and holidays are held. The nightlife is constantly buzzing.
Excursions in Greece
In 1997, Thessaloniki was elected European Capital of Culture. It is a city of three civilizations: ancient, Byzantine and Roman. There are a huge number of historical monuments and museums.
Extensive excursion program in Greece:
Sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki.
Trip to Athens - 500 km by bus or plane.
Excursion to Meteora.
Cruise around Mount Athos in Halkidiki.
Excursion to the home of the gods - Mount Olympus.
Visit to the cave of Petralona on the Halkidiki peninsula.
A trip to Kastoria for fur coats.
Active recreation in the Waterland water park, 8 km from the city.
Holiday category
Thessaloniki lives in an active rhythm. There are many young people here business people and tourists who prefer a dynamic holiday in crowded, noisy cities.

The incredible beauty of the peninsula has attracted tourists for many years. The sandy beaches of Kassandra, the monasteries of Athos and the sights of Sithonia attract people here.

The gentle warm waters of the Aegean Sea, its numerous bays and bays, beckon. Fans of diving and yachting also come to Halkidiki.

This Greek nome is famous not only picturesque places. The famous Aristotle was born here. And on the holy Mount Athos, thousands of miracle workers of the Christian East labored.

The peninsula got its name from the ancient city of Chalcedon, in which in 451 the 4th Ecumenical Council was held in the temple of the All-Praised Martyr Euphemia. True, now this place has gone to Turkey and is called Kadikoy, but this will be discussed another time.

Climate

The weather conditions on the peninsula are favorable for a long bathing season, which begins here at the end of May, and closes, as a rule, in late September - early October. Such climatic features are due to the geographical position of Halkidiki.

The peninsula, located in the subtropical zone, has its advantages in comparison with Russian resort towns and beaches of the Black Sea.

Here, the Sun rises much higher, which warms the surface layers of air more strongly. Therefore, their temperature is significantly higher than on the beaches of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

During the beach season, daytime thermometer readings vary from +22 to +30, and in July - August and the hottest days of September or June, the heat can reach + 38 degrees Celsius.

At night, especially when the sky is clear, the troposphere cools down, and its temperature drops to 20-25 degrees Celsius, and on the coldest May nights - up to +17.

There are no clearly defined four seasons here, which are usually characteristic of the inhabitants of the central zone of the European part of Russia.

There is almost never snow in Halkidiki in winter: this is a very rare event local population. The "winter" temperature background in this Greek nome corresponds to Moscow October.

It would be more correct to call the cold season the period of rains, when a significant amount of precipitation falls here.

It usually lasts from mid-October to late March - early April.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Halkidiki is from the Domodedovo airport near Moscow by plane, flight A3581.

A comfortable Airbus A320, owned by Aegean Airlines, lands at Thessaloniki International Airport two hours after takeoff. Departure time from the air harbor near Moscow - 13:50, arrival in Thessaloniki - 15:50.

During the journey, those who wish are offered a hot meal. The cost of the flight varies from 90 euros to 403 euros. The cheapest way allows you to carry free baggage weighing up to 23 kilograms.

A business class ticket allows you to take 2 luggage space total weight up to 64 kg. However, the condition of flying in the Saver class (the cheapest) does not provide for a 33 percent discount for children.

Airport "Macedonia" - bus station KTEL Halkidiki

, located in Thessaloniki, you can get to any point of Halkidiki by taxi.

The fare is calculated using the formula: 1 kilometer = approximately 1 euro.

Those who have used taxi drivers warn that at night, paying for a trip can be twice as expensive as during the day.

It turns out that overcoming the 50-kilometer distance between Thessaloniki and the "neck" of the Kassandra Peninsula will take a little more than half an hour. And it will cost 50 euros.
And the trip to the most remote hotel from the airport (120 kilometers) on the peninsula, Paliouri, will last approximately 90 minutes, and will cost about 120 euros.

But it's cheaper to take the bus. To do this, it is advisable to purchase a ticket in advance in one of the white booths called "Bus Tickets".
There is no 10-cent surcharge on the fare, as is usually the case on Greek buses when buying coupons directly from the driver.
Therefore, for a ticket bought at a special kiosk, you will have to pay about 80 cents.

To get from the airport of Thessaloniki to the bus station "KTEL Halkidiki" seasoned tourists recommend by taxi. Such a pleasure will cost about 20 euros.

A bus with a direct flight from the airport to the bus station KTEL Halkidiki runs very rarely. Few people know about its existence. This is the "happy" route numbered 79-A. Those who wait for it are provided with a transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to KTEL Halkidiki without a transfer for only 90 cents.

If you want to ride the bus number 79-A, then just in case, be prepared for the fact that he will not drive up. And you have to use route number 79.
It stops at the same place as 79-A, twenty meters from the Macedonia airport exit.
Nearby you can buy tickets in advance (cost - from 80 to 90 cents) for travel in municipal (intracity) public transport.
Then, after waiting, take the bus number 79, going to the KTEL IKEA bus station.

The travel time to the destination, including stops, is about 20 minutes, the distance is less than ten kilometers.

- the last stop of the 79th route, so you need to disembark here and walk (one or two minutes walk) to the IKEA supermarket.
For better orientation in an unfamiliar city, it is worth noting that the stop itself is called "IKEA Store".

Near this supermarket, OASTH buses stop at intervals of one hour, following route No. 36. One of them will take 25-30 minutes (approximately less than 15 kilometers) to reach the KTEL Halkidiki bus station. The fare is still the same 80-90 cents.

So, you arrived at the bus station KTEL Halkidiki and got off the bus. Try to find a ticket office that sells tickets for intercity flights. Travel by bus to Paliouri, the most remote settlement of Kassandra, will cost 12.9 euros.

This is a payment not only for the road, but also for amenities, the main of which are air conditioners. In Greece, most vehicles are equipped with "air fresheners" due to the hot weather.

Taxi lovers will have to pay about € 100 for a similar trip, since the distance to this settlement is about 100 kilometers. Therefore, it will be much more profitable to go by public transport.

On weekdays, the bus to Paliouri leaves for the first time at fifteen minutes to seven. Then - at 8:00, 10:00 and 14:15. Last time the bus to Paliouri leaves at 18:30.
It should be noted that the time is local everywhere, not Moscow.

On holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, the schedule changes slightly. The bus departure time in this case starts later.
The first flight leaves at 8:00. Latecomers will have to wait until 10:00 am. This is the departure time of the second flight. The third leaves at 14-15. The last flight from KTEL Halkidiki leaves for Paliouri at 18:30.

Most of the buses leaving for the settlements of Kassandra leave for the first time at exactly 8 o'clock in the morning.
Then they usually make a check out at 10:00. The third time (but not always and not in all directions) there is a departure at 14:30, and the last one at 18-30.

It needs to be clarified: that the ticket price largely depends on the distance the destination is from the KTEL bus station of Halkidiki. Therefore, the cost bus trip, for example, to Polychrono will not exceed 11 euros, to get to Kallithea will cost € 8.8, and to Nea Triglia - just over 5 euros.

KTEL Chalkidiki - Sithonia

A trip for those who want to relax in Sithonia also starts at the bus station KTEL Halkidiki. From here to the largest settlement of the middle "tooth" - Neos Marmaras - almost 119 km.

By taxi from Thessaloniki you can get here in an hour and a half. But the driver will need to pay 130 euros for such a journey. The bus journey takes about two and a half hours and the ticket price is € 13.00.

Departure schedule for all days is general. The bus leaves 3 times a day. The first departure is at half past ten in the morning, the second one is at 13:30. The last time the bus leaves for Neos Marmaras is at 17:45.

It is almost 107 kilometers to go to Agios Nikolaos. By car, such a journey can be done in less than an hour and a half, paying a taxi driver approximately €100.

By bus, a similar trip will last much longer, but it will cost less.

A bus ticket to Agios Nikolaos will cost €11.6. And the daily departure time of buses to this town is 13:30 and 17:45.

KTEL Halkidiki - Agion Oros

From KTEL Halkidiki to Ouranople (this is the last settlement bordering Athos), buses leave daily starting at 5:30 local time. However, this trip is canceled on holidays and Sundays.

The second flight is made at 6-15, the third - at 8-30, the fourth - at 10-45. Then they leave: 12:45 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. From 10.09 to 15.06 buses depart not at 16-30, but at 17-45.

The distance between Thessaloniki and Ouranoupolis is about 120 kilometers. This means that a taxi ride to this town will cost 120 euros, and the cost of a one-way bus ticket is about €12.

You can immediately buy a round-trip ticket, which remains valid for 30 days. It will be more profitable, since it costs approximately 20 euros.

Fans of fast driving can rent a car. It should be recalled that as of April 2015, renting a mini-car for 1 day is about 2,400 rubles.

This includes: child seat, wireless internet, air conditioning, place for hand luggage and large luggage.

To rent an economy class, you will need to add only about 15 rubles. A day of using an SUV will cost 5,130 rubles, and the cost of a 9-seat Minivan will be about 7,500 rubles.

Cassandra

The westernmost “tooth” of Halkidiki is the Kassandra peninsula, once called Pallini. Of all three fingers, it is the most mastered by tourists.

It is Kassandra that is famous for its beaches: both pebbly and sandy. This peninsula has the densest road network, the most hotels and local settlements.

On east coast the Kassandra peninsula is located main resort- Kallithea. We can say that this is the center of the western "finger" of the Chalcedon trident.

Kallithea is famous for its white sandy beaches washed by clear water. Resting in this town, do not forget to visit the ruins left from the ancient temple of Zeus, called Ammon. You can read about other resorts and hotels in Kassandra by clicking here.

Sithonia

The middle "finger" of Poseidon's trident is Sithonia. Unlike Cassandra, here fewer beaches and vacationers. Spread in the center of the peninsula Mountain chain Itamos, covered with coniferous, mostly pine forests.

The slopes and peaks of the mountains are sparsely inhabited by people, therefore they are very picturesque and bizarre.

All amazing beauty mountain scenery peninsulas can be seen by driving along the mountain highway, which meanders like a serpentine along the eastern and western coasts of the Toronic Gulf and the Singitikos Gulf.

The largest city of Sithonia is Neos Marmaras. It is located on the western coast of the peninsula.

Not far from it is a huge hotel complex Porto Carras, stretching along the Toronic Gulf for 10 kilometers.

Here, on the western coast of the peninsula, there are other hotels and hotels in Sithonia, which you can read more about by clicking on the link.

Agion Oros

The tallest of the "teeth" of Poseidon's trident is Agion Oros. Up to 2033 meters above sea level, the holy Mount Athos rises, around which 20 monasteries are located.

Each of these houses has its own unique story full of mystical revelations and miracles. Each of them contains miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, from which those who come to the Queen of Heaven and Earth are healed with faith.

On the peninsula where the international monastic republic is based, there are a lot of beautiful corners. The very nature of these consecrated places mysteriously summons people from various states and continents. For those wishing to learn more about the holy mountain, we recommend clicking on the link "Agion Oros".

What to see in Halkidiki

But Orthodox monasteries are not only on Mount Athos. In the northwest of Halkidiki there is a convent in honor of John the Evangelist.

This monastery was founded by the famous Paisius Svyatogorets in 1967. The grave of the great Athos elder is also located here.

Any self-respecting philosopher, coming to Halkidiki, will definitely visit the village of Stagira, where the great Aristotle was born about 2.5 thousand years ago. Fans of antiquity can also admire the remains of the ancient cities of Okonfos and Olynthos.

One of the main archaeological sites of the peninsula is a karst cave near the village of Petralona. It is located 55 km southeast of Thessaloniki. And for lovers of biology and nature, it is advisable to go to walking tour to the Holomond Mountains.

Hotels

Studying the map of the peninsula, you can easily see that its hotels are located in 3 main nodes.

One is located in the northwest of the peninsula, near Thessaloniki. The second is focused on Cassandra. The 3rd node is located on Sithonia. And a number of hotels are scattered on the northern coast of the Toronic Gulf.

It should be noted that in Halkidiki every vacationer can find a hotel "according to his wallet". There are relatively cheap rooms, for example, in the hotels Athina Rooms or Dias Apartments, for a stay in which you will need about 1600 rubles per day.

Well-to-do citizens can afford to indulge in expensive hotels. About 9000 rubles. per day are taken at the Giannis Maria Apartments.

And in the luxurious spa hotel Anthemus Sea Beach, you will have to pay 36 thousand rubles a day. This exorbitant price is due to the presence of gourmet dishes and drinks.

In addition, Anthemus Sea Beach has many rooms where medical procedures are carried out. However, in most hotels on the peninsula, prices are many times lower. Going to Greece, visit Halkidiki.

The peninsula of Chalkidiki is located in the north of Greece, not far from international airport city ​​of Thessaloniki. There are so many resort towns, villages and different beaches in Halkidiki that you can’t figure out which one to choose for a vacation, especially with children.

This article Difficulties.net will help you decide on the choice of a resort depending on the purpose of your vacation, talk about the pros and cons different places Chalkidiki, about beaches, climate, infrastructure and attractions.

We combine excursions and beach holidays

The villages of Halkidiki, which are located on the “palm” of the peninsula, have the most strategically convenient location. The most famous are Nea Kallikratia, Flogita, Paralia Dionisiou, Nea Moudania.

Advantages:

Flaws:

Find out the cost of the transfer and you can order a taxi here; ; ; Here

"Party" on Kassandra

Life is most active during the season on the "first finger" of Halkidiki - Kassandra.

The villages here are located close, sometimes almost within walking distance from each other. There are many large hotels and small family hotels between the villages. In addition, you can rent private accommodation for every taste - from modest studios to huge villas with a private pool and private access to the sea. There are much fewer "wild" beaches on Kassandra, with the exception of its farthest end. There are also not many organized campsites here.

The most famous villages of Kassandra (as you move away from the airport): Nea Potidea, Nea Fokia, Afytos, Kallithea, Polichrono, Chanioti, Pefkohori. On the other side of the "finger" - the famous Sani, a little further Siviri, Rock Furkas, Sit.

Advantages:

Cassandra photo

Enjoying nature in Sithonia

It is on Sithonia that the most famous beaches of Halkidiki are located.

Here is expanse for lovers of both a completely “wild” holiday on numerous unorganized beaches, and a slightly more organized holiday in large campsites. It is the latter that are located on gorgeous beaches in pine forests on both sides of Sithonia. Access to these beaches through campsites is paid, you pay for the visit to the campsite and the use of its infrastructure (payment for each person, excluding very young children under 2-4 years old). In this case, the car will have to be left in a special parking lot for visitors.

Driving inside is allowed only if you are staying at the campsite overnight (with your own tent or renting a tent, trailer or other accommodation from the campsite). Prices as well as booking are available online. And look for the desired campsite on the map and get general information you can, for example, on this site. There you can also find the site of specific campsites of interest and find out the details.

In many campsites you can go to the beach for free, as, for example, in the famous "Armenistis" (located on the road between Vourvourou and Sarti). Free passage through an inconspicuous gate further and to the left of the main entrance is open until 22.00, but you have to go strictly with your things, a few hundred meters, around the fenced campsite around the perimeter and eventually reaching the farthest point of the beach. However, if you don’t want to make such efforts for the sake of a free location on the beach, you can find many others on Sithonia, wild and free.

However, in Sithonia there are opportunities for a traditional hotel holiday. In addition to the huge "Porto Carras", which merges along the beach with the busy town of Neos Marmaras, there are many smaller hotels in Sithonia - in or between villages.

For entertainment and all the tourist infrastructure we go to Nikiti, Sarti and the aforementioned Neos Marmaras. For peace and tranquility - in Porto Koufo, for a shallow "childish" sea with stunning white sand - in Vourvourou.

Sithonia is distinguished by the fact that even in the high season you can find quite quiet calm beaches.

Advantages:

Sithonia photo

Cost of holidays in Halkidiki

Almost in any of the villages of Halkidiki there are apartments of different levels. However, if you are planning a budget vacation, we advise you to pay attention not only to the price of housing, but also to the availability of shops, markets, and inexpensive taverns. If you want to organize meals yourself and do not plan to rent a car, then large villages are more suitable, such as, for example, Nea Moudania, Kallithea, Nikiti, Neos Marmaras. With a car, your choice is not limited by anything but your desires and possibilities.

The cheapest housing is studios with the ability to accommodate up to 3-4 people not on the first lines of the villages. Their cost in Halkidiki starts from 20-25 euros in May-June and up to 40-45 euros in August (per day). More comfortable housing for a family, with 2 bedrooms, within walking distance from the sea, can be rented at a price of 40-50 euros in June and from 60-70 euros in August (day). Townhouses, luxury apartments and villas, of course, will be more expensive.

On organized beaches, umbrellas and sun loungers are usually provided to all visitors, subject to the order of any drink per person (from 3 euros). There are also exceptions. For example, on the famous beautiful beach Sithonia Akti Kalogrias (Nun's Beach) will charge you for both an umbrella and each sun lounger, regardless of whether you order drinks or food.

You can eat both in budget Greek fast food (from 2.7 euros for a gyros in pita), inexpensive taverns (from 20-25 euros for two with light wine), and in expensive restaurants (from 70-80 euros for two).

When to visit Halkidiki

The comfortable season for swimming in the sea is from about June 10-15 to September 10-15. Tourists, however, actively bathe in early May and early October.

The ideal time to combine sightseeing and beach holidays is May-June or September. In July-August, it is better to reduce the activity of movement due to the heat, traffic jams and crowds of tourists everywhere.

Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport - Halkidiki

most convenient and fast way to get to the resorts of the Halkidiki peninsula, especially if you have children and large luggage with you - this is a taxi. You can order a transfer on the route "Thessaloniki - Chalkidiki villages" in advance via the Internet using this form (Pros: large reliable company, international taxi service at local prices; order confirmation is sent to your email, and a Russian-speaking driver is waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it (no need to look for anyone and negotiate, since the fare is known in advance); payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place). In the search form, select your airport of arrival and then select the resort of Halkidiki you need.

There are places in Greece, having visited which once, we can no longer get rid of the desire to come here again and again, changing only the seasons of stay, routes or methods of transportation to complete the experience. And over and over again, studying them on their own, alone, or as part of cheerful friendly companies and tourist groups, and some of us - going on a romantic or even honeymoon trip, with each next visit, we will certainly discover new colors, shades and subtle nuances of these amazing, so seemingly familiar and at the same time unknown corners of the beautiful and ancient Hellas.

Such places, no doubt, include the famous trident of Poseidon resort gem Northern Greece- Halkidiki peninsula. As the story goes ancient legend, the sea king dropped his formidable weapon during the deadly battle of the Olympic gods with the giants who rebelled against them for the right to own the beautiful land of Hellas.

To me personally, however, contrary to the famous legend of gigantomachia, this “three-legged” peninsula resembles a trio of huge ancient Greek ships that landed on the shore, which once brought settlers here from the Euboean Chalkis and first lingered here, amazed by this paradise, and then forever and frozen in the stone of the coastal cliffs, creating for us this unique miracle of nature. The embodiment of the nostalgic memories of the new inhabitants of the peninsula about their former homeland became its unusual name - Halkidiki.

How to get there

From personal experience I can say: before planning a travel route to Halkidiki, one should not only have a good idea of ​​the geographical features of the peninsula that looks like a huge three-pronged comb from above, but also clearly define the purpose of your trip. After all, each of its three "teeth" - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, - strikingly different from the other two, provides the traveler with completely various conditions stay, rest, cultural and spiritual enrichment.

Directly on the peninsula of Chalkidiki, apart from the road network, there are no other species transport communication. But the nearest, practically adjacent, to it large settlement, which has a complete and modern transport infrastructure, is the second largest city of Hellas and its "northern capital", as well as administrative center province of Macedonia - Thessaloniki.

That is why, when developing a trip route to Halkidiki from Russia, Europe, or from other provinces of Greece itself, it should always begin with arrival in Thessaloniki, already from here paving further progress towards a given goal.

By the way, in Greek it is more correct to pronounce something between Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki, similar to the sound of the English diphthong ‑th‑. But we will still stick to the established Russian-language name.

By plane

Thessaloniki is connected by air with many Russian cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov, Krasnodar, Voronezh, Samara, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Novosibirsk and others. You can compare ticket prices from any city at.

From Moscow

Daily flights by Airbuses A320 from the Thessaloniki Airport "Macedonia" to Domodedovo and back are carried out by the Greek Aegean airline Airlines - this is usually one of the most budgetary, the cost of which starts from 90 EUR, the option of all. Although, from personal experience I can say that the spread in prices can be significant and logically inexplicable.

For example, last year I flew with this airline at the end of May, at the beginning of the tourist season, from Moscow to Greece for 95 EUR, and back - in October, when the high price season ended, already for 210 EUR, and on neighboring days the cost was even one and a half times higher.

Of the Greek air carriers, of course, the Ellinair airline, based in Thessaloniki and owned by one of the largest tourist holdings of Greece, Mouzenidis Group, also deserves mention, which also operates regular flights from Thessaloniki to Sheremetyevo and back. The cost of tickets of this air carrier is also one of the lowest and is comparable to Aegean Airlines.

So, on May 15, at the beginning of the tourist season, a flight from Moscow to Thessaloniki is offered by Ellinair for 75 EUR (4500 RUB), an Aeroflot ticket for the same day costs 165 EUR (9900 RUB).

From Saint-Petersburg

Russian Aeroflot also operates daily flights to Greece and back, not only from Moscow, but also from St. Petersburg. The ticket price at the beginning of the tourist season is approximately 200 EUR, or about 12,000 RUB.

In addition, a small local airline, Astra Airlines, operates charter flights to St. Petersburg, whose flight schedules and ticket prices are highly variable and irregular. But, as an option, it is also worth considering when planning a trip.

From other cities of Russia and Europe

Here I can mention such domestic companies as S7, Utair, Ural Airlines, as well as the largest European ones: Luftgansa, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Swiss, SAS, whose flight schedules and ticket prices depending on the season should be specified when planning a trip directly , on airline websites or .

At the height of the tourist season, you can find quite cheap tickets on flights of many other low-cost charter air carriers, but, as a rule, they involve many hours, sometimes even daily, waiting for transfers in Istanbul, Kiev or anywhere else, which is not always convenient.

From the cities of Greece

Aegean Airlines, Ellinair, Astra Airlines, as well as the national Greek airline Olympic Air, connect Thessaloniki with the capital of the country, Athens, the largest cities of mainland Greece, and all the more or less significant islands: Crete, and others. The local airline Sky Express also operates flights from Crete. Therefore, travelers in Greece always have the opportunity, having arrived at one point in the country, then, using other types of transport, move to another, or even to a third, and from there already return home.

Airport in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has an international airport "Macedonia", where numerous flights arrive daily from different countries Europe and the world, as well as domestic airlines of Hellas.

Its code according to the international identifier is SKG, the time zone is +2 GMT. It should be taken into account when ordering air tickets and calculating flight time.

About how to get to Halkidiki from the airport by bus or car, I will tell you in the relevant sections just below.

By train

There is a large railway junction in Thessaloniki, however, there is no direct connection with Russia here, but regular trains run from Sofia and Belgrade, and in the summer season there are weekly flights to. These routes are suitable for those traveling to Greece from Europe.

In addition, railway lines connect with Athens. Considering that during the summer season charter flights for specific dates in can be much cheaper than regular ones in summer, it may make sense to plan a trip to Halkidiki through the capital of the country.

By the way, in 2018, a worthy alternative to connecting and air traffic should appear on a regular basis - a high-speed rail express, which will cover the distance between two megacities in 3.5 hours. Considering total time for a trip to the airport, check-in, boarding, disembarking from the plane and transfer to the city at the end of the flight, this option for travelers from Athens is quite worthy of consideration.

By bus

There are international bus routes to Thessaloniki from Sofia, Belgrade, and even Istanbul.

Also, the northern capital of Greece is connected with the rest of its territory by an extensive internal ΚΤΕΛ network, the stations of which are available in all major settlements of the country.

The municipal routes of the province of Macedonia also begin from here, by buses of which you can reach almost any destination already directly on the Chalkidiki peninsula.

So, having arrived from Thessaloniki Airport on the city route No. 79 to the IKEA stop, and then, transferring to bus No. 36, you can get to the central station of the ΚΤΕΛ Chalkidiki bus network, from where you board flights throughout the peninsula.

The cost of tickets depends on the distance and, on average, is in the range of 5-15 EUR.

by car

More recently, traveling from Moscow to Thessaloniki by car was a fairly popular destination for autotourism. The most convenient two-day route for this purpose, about 2,500 kilometers long, passed through Kyiv-Chisinau-Bucharest-Sofia. But after the well-known events in Ukraine, it is unlikely that anyone will now dare to repeat it.

There is, of course, a bypass route through Belarus-Poland-Slovakia-Hungary-Serbia and, but it is much longer, longer and more tiring, assuming two overnight stays on the way, passing more borders and quite significant costs for paying toll roads, fuel, food and etc., so only the most incorrigible adherents of autotravel will risk going into it.

For the vast majority of tourists in the best possible way acquaintance with the amazing country of Hellas and its wonderful, hospitable people can be a car trip through it in a rented car. Moreover, it is most convenient to take it at the airport in order to return it there when returning home.

How to get to Kassandra or Sithonia by car?

To move from the airport to the highway number 25, you should follow the signs to Nea Moudania - the nearest settlement to the entrance to Kassandra, near which there is also an interchange to Sithonia. The distance to it from the airport is 51, and from Thessaloniki - 61 km. To enter Kassandra, you need to continue driving straight at the sign for Nea Potidea, and for Sithonia, turn at the interchange in the direction of Polygyros-Gerakini-Nikiti.

Based on personal experience, I can say that car travel, in addition to freedom of movement, provides an amazing opportunity to find something completely amazing in the most inconspicuous corner, which guidebooks are silent about and tourist guides do not tell, to feel like a real pioneer.

By ferry

A significant part of the territory of Greece is located on several marine archipelagos of more than two thousand islands. Due to the geographical position of the country, its maritime network has become one of the largest and most developed in Europe. It is almost impossible to describe it within one small section of our article. But there are no large seaports in Halkidiki: the nearest one is in Thessaloniki, which can be reached by large ferries from almost anywhere in Greece.

It is worth mentioning such an opportunity as arrival in Greece by ferry from the Italian port of Bari to Greek city Igoumenitsa, which connects with Thessaloniki the modern highway "Egnatia Odos". This route has become increasingly popular in recent times among tourists traveling by private car due to the turbulent situation associated with Arab refugees near the northern border neighbors of Greece.

Directly in the small estuaries of the Halkidiki peninsula itself, you can arrive by hydrofoils or small kaiki boats from nearby islands - for example, Euboea, Skiathos, Thassos, or nearby mainland seaports.

Clue:

Halkidiki - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The climate in Halkidiki is typically Mediterranean. The weather is mostly sunny, with occasional rainy days.

Despite the fact that the peninsula is located in the northern part of Greece, where both frosts and snowfalls occur in winter, the proximity of the sea creates a unique microclimate in Halkidiki: winters are warmer than in the surrounding areas, and summers are cooler.

Snow, which occasionally falls in winter, can linger for a relatively long time only in mountainous areas.

Such features of the climate create ideal conditions for recreation on the peninsula in a fairly long time period.

Halkidiki in summer

Summer here is a rather relative concept, since the semi-annual dry and warm period from May to October deserves this name, and by the standards of the inhabitants northern Russia the weather, which is no less worthy of the name of summer, is here all year round. However, it is the period of the hottest weather from June to August that is called here the high summer season and, accordingly, the most expensive.

This is the most favorable time for lovers of beach holidays, sea and sunbathing, and the culmination of the Greek summer is August 15, when the whole country celebrates the Orthodox feast of the Assumption of the Virgin - one of the three, along with Easter and Christmas, the main church holidays of Hellas.

Halkidiki in autumn

Autumn on the peninsula is marked by the beginning of a rich harvest of grapes, vegetables and fruits, olives, citrus fruits and, as a result, low prices for all this abundance. At this time, holidays of young wine are held everywhere, and then the local grape moonshine - tsipura.

In combination with this feast, the period of the velvet season on the beaches, when the sun is not so hot anymore, and the sea is still warm enough for comfortable swimming, is an ideal time for those who cannot stand the sweltering heat and crowded crowds, preferring a calm and serene rest bustle of summer days.

Halkidiki in spring

After a short, but rather dull, deserted and gray winter, the spring flowering period begins, when nature here is painted with all possible shades of a colorful palette. This period is most suitable for those who prefer active and educational tourism while doing nothing on the beach.

Spring in Greece is the perfect time to explore historical, architectural, religious and natural monuments this great country, sports, mountain tourism, horseback riding, golf, climbing, mountain biking.

Halkidiki in winter

A short Greek winter can by no means interfere with acquaintance with the amazing country of Hellas.

After all, the soul of the people is most revealed on the days of happy holidays, and there are many of them at this time: Christmas, New Year, Epiphany, Clean Monday, Carnival. Each of them has wonderful original traditions, both national and local. And, besides, even in this cool season, sometimes sunny days fall when you can soak up the beach, and especially hardened - and swim.

Halkidiki - monthly weather

Clue:

Halkidiki - monthly weather

conditional areas. Descriptions and features

As I have already said, the peninsula of Chalkidiki, as if purposely cut into three by nature, consists of a central part and “fingers” that are absolutely dissimilar and completely independent of each other.

At the same time, one should not forget about the integral northern part of the peninsula adjacent to the mainland, but far from the sea, from which the three famous “fingers” grow: it is no less original and interesting to visit, offering fascinating and educational routes.

What are the prices for holidays

The price of a holiday in Halkidiki differs little from the general Greek rates. Here everyone can find what suits him best, for every taste and budget: a royal room in a five-star hotel for 3000 EUR per day, an ascetic apartment or studio for 30 EUR.

For those traveling by car, the peninsula offers several campsites conveniently located to the sea coast in quite reasonable price starting from 15-20 EUR.

It is almost impossible to stay hungry in Halkidiki, as in Greece in general, even with a very small amount in your pocket. In every, even the smallest, village there is always a small family tavern, where they will offer a fairly hearty lunch or dinner for a very reasonable fee. Even in tourist areas on the coast, you can have a hearty lunch, starting from 10-12 EUR per person, not counting wine or beer.

To just satisfy your hunger on the go, you can take small Greek souvlakya kebabs on wooden sticks, which will cost just a couple of EUR apiece, or fried meat-gyro wrapped in pita bread - an analogue of shawarma. In fast‑food establishments such as Everest, Goodies, Γρηγόρης, you can order sandwiches, and in any bakery you can order delicious traditional cheese pies - tyropita or spinach - spanakopity.

Coffee in Greece is drunk from early morning until late at night - for coffee lovers here real paradise, but tea, and even then not everywhere - only from bags. A small cup of traditional Greek coffee will cost 1-1.5 EUR, and cold iced coffee drinks popular here: Frappe and Freddo - 2.5-3 EUR.

During the summer season, the most sought-after and necessary drink in Greece is drinking water, for which there is a single price, wherever it is sold - a plastic bottle of 0.5 liters costs 0.5 EUR.

The cost of the most popular, offered by most tour operators, one-day excursions to the sights of the Halkidiki peninsula and the surrounding regions is on average:

• Petralona Cave - 40 EUR.
• Thessaloniki - 40 EUR.
• Sea cruise around Athos peninsula - 50 EUR.
• Waterfalls of Edessa - 50 EUR.
• spiritual center ancient Macedonia Dion - 60 EUR.
• Holy Meteora - 70 EUR.

Some tour operators also offer longer, and even multi-day excursions, for example, to the island, to the fur capital of Kastoria, etc.

Main attractions. What to see

Picturesque villages with distinctive architecture, seemingly endless beaches with golden sands and crystal clear waters, idyllic coves and islets, magnificent archaeological sites and grandiose natural caves and grottoes, countless restaurants, taverns, pastry shops, vibrant nightlife in youth clubs and bars - these are just a few that make up an unforgettable image of the Halkidiki peninsula and attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Archeology lovers will lose their peace and sleep by visiting the ancient stones of Olynthus, Stagira, Potidea and Toroni. Romantics will find something to do in sublunar walks through the streets and alleys of traditional Greek towns and villages. Adepts of outdoor activities will have the opportunity to indulge in all kinds of water sports imaginable, as well as tennis and golf, cycling or hiking up Holomonda.

Top 5

Beaches. Which is better

Near, distant, accessible by car, on foot or by boat, sandy, pebbly, rocky, small, large ... Something, but there is no lack of beaches, the total length of which exceeds five thousand kilometers, in Halkidiki.

Choosing the best of them is a thankless task not only for ordinary tourists, but also for Eurotourism functionaries, who annually award blue flags of the European Union according to 32 criteria, including: the cleanliness of the sandy surface and water, organizational and information infrastructure, security and protection, most of the beaches of the peninsula. The most famous of them are located, of course, on Kassandra, however, on Sithonia you can find no less worthy and attractive ones.

Most of the beaches in Halkidiki, like in the rest of Greece, are state-owned and there are no fees for using them. But sunbeds and umbrellas on them, as a rule, belong to coastal bars, cafeterias or taverns and you have to pay for them. Usually, it is enough to order a drink or coffee for yourself, which will cost a small amount from 4 to 10 €.

Nea Moudania

This village of fishermen at the very entrance to Kassandra has already been mentioned more than once in my story. It is worth mentioning in the section on beach holidays.

It is quite well equipped for all kinds of water sports and entertainment, it has rental equipment and sports schools, umbrellas and sunbeds, a beach bar.

Ayios Mamas

Located on the opposite side of Kassandra from Nea Moudania, the long sandy beach is usually less crowded and, as well as possible, is suitable for a quiet idyllic relaxation.

Kallithea

Crowded, noisy, with everything for outdoor activities, this one of the most popular beaches in Halkidiki in winter and summer, however, is characterized by crystal clear sea and dazzling white sand.

Nea Fokea

One of the many sandy beaches in Halkidiki, worthy of mention due to the attractions nearby, as well as excellent gourmet taverns serving the freshest seafood.

Ayia Paraskevi

A beautiful and calm two-kilometer beach, which is worth mentioning here due to the nearby spa with thermal hydrogen sulfide springs.

cryopigi

This beach, which stretches in a narrow strip of sand under a steep coast surrounded by coniferous trees, near the village of the same name, being one of the most picturesque in Halkidiki, is also worth mentioning for lovers of autotourism, thanks to the nearby campsite.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Perhaps the most beautiful and, accordingly, the most popular temple among tourists in Halkidiki can be called the church of St. George in Nea Moudania.

Among the many other temples that have no number on the Orthodox land of Hellas, I will name in random order:

• Monastery Zografou. It is located at the very beginning of Kassandra, between the villages of Nea Silata and Nea Moudania. On its territory you can find a Byzantine tower of the XIV century, the main church built in 1842 and a fountain in 1853.

• Church of the Virgin Mary. Once the courtyard of the Athos monastery of Hilandari, this church, located a kilometer from the village of Kalandra, is interesting for its exquisite frescoes dating back to 1619.

• Churches of St. Nikita and St. George. A small church of St. George, three kilometers from the village of Nikiti at the entrance to Sithonia, was restored on the site of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century, destroyed a century later. And on the central square of the village itself, the church of St. Nikita, built in 1867, is of interest for inspection.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The list below is my personal opinion only and should not be considered binding in any way. I have no doubt about only one thing - everyone will be able to find here what best suits their interests and needs.

• Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Arnea. Another similar museum in the picturesque town of Arnea on the Halkidiki peninsula, housed in a two-story building of the 18th century, presents its collection of household items, crafts and creativity of local residents.

parks

Despite the relatively small territory, the Halkidiki peninsula is distinguished by a variety of landscapes: mountainous woodlands its central region, where snow often lies in winter, smoothly passes into the flat part and the beach coast of Kassandra and Sithonia with rather warm winter weather, thereby creating a variety of climatic conditions.

Mount Holomondas

The central part of the peninsula, which is not connected to the sea, is dominated by the Holomondas mountain range, covered with dense coniferous and deciduous forests, with the highest point at 1165 m. snowy winter. And the air here is so clean that it takes your breath away.

A variety of dense vegetation contributes to the development of populations of wild animals and birds, so hunting for wild boars, hares, deer is common in the region, and in local villages you can always taste freshly prepared game.

In addition, this region is known as a place of replication of many species of rare birds of prey: griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, honey buzzard and short-toed hawks, golden eagles, and black stork.

The mountain range is interesting in every season: tourist and climbing routes of varying difficulty for hiking, horse riding and cycling, as well as controlled hunting and climbing zones.

Waterfalls Varvara

When visiting Ancient Stagira - the birthplace of Aristotle, you should definitely take the opportunity and take a walk to the waterfalls hiding in the dense forest between the villages of Olympias and Varvara.

There are two of them, and the place where they are located has long been called "angelic". For a better view, the paths here turn into wooden bridges decorating the landscape. From a fabulous walk along the winding forest paths among the lush growing beeches and chestnuts, children are usually the most delighted.

Mavrobara Lake Reserve in Polychrono

Extraordinary beauty with great ecological importance a freshwater lake with an area of ​​more than 2000 square meters, hiding in its waters rare species of water turtles, the population of which, thanks to the measures taken to create a protected area here, has been increasing recently.

The green array of deciduous trees, shrubs and other plants surrounding the lake attracts with its beauty, and, besides them, rare species of fauna representatives live here: thrushes, snipe, salamanders, water snakes and frogs.

Spa Springs of Ayia Paraskevi

Five kilometers south of the village of Ayia-Paraskevi, in the settlement of Loutra, there are famous thermal spa springs.

Sand, rocks, pine trees and the sea, dominating everywhere here, give natural healing baths that help to heal problems of the spine and musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, as well as female diseases, an additional therapeutic effect.

neighboring regions

Making up a quarter of the territory of Hellas, Macedonia is one of the most interesting Greek provinces from a tourist point of view, where ancient history intersects with modernity at every step, civilized Europe is adjacent to archaic Asia, and warlike steep mountains peacefully descend to the sea. All sorts of types of climatic zones and natural landscapes are mixed here. Here West and East openly look into each other's eyes.

Thessaloniki

As already mentioned, for most vacationers on the Halkidiki peninsula, visiting it begins with arrival in Thessaloniki, the proximity to which provides tourists with a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient capital of Macedonia. In addition to simple curiosity, such a walk can also be of considerable practical interest. After all, now the ancient Thessaloniki with a rich history, contained in architectural monuments and museums, is a modern European city with many entertainments and a vibrant not only daytime, but also nightlife.

Here, of course, both gastronomic gourmets who are always looking for unique culinary delights of various cuisines of the world, and fans of traditional Greek and Mediterranean culinary culture will find a worthy occupation. The incurable shopaholics on the shopping streets of the city will not be left behind, especially in the shopping paradise of Tsimiski Avenue. Fans of musical nightlife should take a closer look at the areas of Ladadika and Valaoritu.

Asprovalta

Bordering the peninsula of Chalkidiki in the northeast, and even serving as its continuation, the region of Asprovalta is also the most important tourist area in the entire region.

It is especially famous for its 11 km long sandy beach - the Riviera and its proximity to the many archaeological, cultural-historical, ecological and religious attractions of the entire region of North-Eastern Greece. Many large excursions, as well as short, but extremely useful and informative trips, can begin from here.

So, in the east, it passes into the town of Amphipolis, previously known for its grandiose ancient statue of a stone lion, and now famous all over the world for sensational archaeological finds made here a few years ago.

nearby islands

Country of a thousand islands. They cover a significant part of its territory. However, several small island groups are scattered in the waters of the Halkidiki peninsula, which are just the tops of underwater rocks sticking out of the water.

Ammouliani

The only inhabited island near Chalkidiki, connected by regular ferry service to the opposite coast in the Tripiti region. The island is covered with greenery: it is full of olive trees.

The beaches of the island, among which the largest - Alykes was awarded blue flag are famous for their crystal clear waters. On the central square is the impressive church of St. Nicholas. Also interesting is the old school with the folklore museum.

In general, it is easy to find restaurants, cafe bars, taverns, supermarkets, souvenir shops, a nightclub, motorbike and boat rental companies here.

Diaporos

Located opposite the village of Vourvourou and surrounded by a cluster of tiny islands, this island is uninhabited and can only be reached by a rented boat, but worth the visit!

There are ruins of prehistoric structures of the early Bronze Age, about 3 thousand years BC, and, besides them, a small closed bay and a wild sandy beach.

Drenia

For some reason, the locals call them "Donkeys". They are a group of tiny islands two nautical miles from Ouranoupoli, where you can rent a boat, which even requires a license to operate due to the short distance and calm sea.

You can also go on an hourly kaiki cruise from the coast. The archipelago has a tavern where you can dine, enjoying the peace and serenity with a wonderful view of the sea.

kelifos

The shape of the island resembles a turtle. "Turtle" is also called by the locals.

Located opposite Nea Marmara, this island is full of grazing goats, but it is more famous for its spectacular seabed, which is why many diving centers offer dive training courses here.

Food. What to try

To visit Greece and not try seafood would be an unforgivable omission.

Halkidiki is no exception, where the fish taverns of Nea Moudania, Ierissos, Ormos Panagia, Nea Skioni, Porto Koufos, Pyrgadikia, Ouranoupoli are especially famous, although you can taste seafood almost anywhere here. In Arnea and Nikiti, you should definitely try local honey, in Omilia - olives and oils from them, the Holomonda area is famous for medicinal and aromatic herbs.

As elsewhere in Macedonia, in Halkidiki there is an abundance of pastry shops with oriental sweets, giving advice about which is a thankless and useless business: here everyone will choose a treat to his own taste. But, what you should not miss in any case, having been here, is to taste the famous Macedonian halva, of which there are many types for every taste.

In Agios Prodromos, you should treat yourself to local kebabs on wooden skewers - these are traditional souvlakya, suzukakya, kebabs. Cassandrino and Taxiarchs are famous for their roasted game - wild boar, roe deer and venison.

And you can always and everywhere enhance the aftertaste of great food with local wine, both draft homemade and the famous vintage Macedonian "Tsandali". And lovers of stronger drinks will not be disappointed after tasting various varieties of Greek anise vodka-ouzo or the equally famous moonshine-tsipouro, produced according to old recipes on an industrial scale.

Features of the mentality

A significant number of settlements in Halkidiki were founded in 1922 by Greek refugees from Asia Minor after a brutal massacre against them in Turkey, called in Greece nothing less than the "Asia Minor catastrophe".

Despite the enormous hardships and suffering they endured, these people did not close in on themselves, did not become embittered, but set about building their new life on the land allocated to them by the Greek state, remaining good-natured, cheerful and hospitable.

A special feature, it seems to me, inherent in all Greeks - simple-hearted, almost childish, carelessness. No matter how difficult it is, let alone someone, but the Greeks have experienced a lot of difficulties over their many thousands of years of history, they will always find a reason for a fun holiday with songs, dances and good jokes. Another attractive feature of this people is selfless devotion to the motherland, their small homeland , ancestors and family, and, as a consequence of this, careful preservation folk traditions and customs, love for national culture.

Holidays

Greeks love holidays and know how to spend time on them. In the country there are celebrated widely and everywhere as public holidays and Orthodox Christians. In addition to them, their own events are held in each town and village, where they pay tribute to local traditions and memorable dates. Held throughout the country, especially in the summer season, and not least in Halkidiki, many cultural events and festivals are designed for both the inhabitants of Hellas and its guests.

Theater and Music Festival in Siviri

In the village of Siviri, there is an open amphitheater, where, as part of the annual "Kassandra Festival" that begins in early July, many events in the field of culture and art are held.

These are theatrical performances, musical performances, concerts of famous performers, etc.

Festival in Sani

Once started as a small jazz festival, this July-August festival turned into a large-scale celebration of culture and art in a short time, embodying the main idea of ​​its organizers that tourism should be combined with culture, giving the guests of Hellas an opportunity to get acquainted with various types authentic Greek art.

The main music and dance events are held on Sani Hill, topped by a 14th-century medieval watchtower, where the sea, sky and surrounding greenery come together to enhance the visual enjoyment of the viewing experience, turning it into a real pleasure.

Sea Festival in Nea Moudania

Being the main cultural event of the entire region, this festival is held during July-August and completely captures the evenings and nights of local residents and visitors to Greece.

Spectators are offered high-level theatrical and ballet performances, as well as musical concerts and performances in the romantic setting of an outdoor summer theater with 2000 seats, a stone's throw from the Aegean coast and overlooking the sunset against Mount Olympus from the opposite side of the bay.

Sardine Festival in Nea Moudania

As part of the festival, in the second week of July, the fishing village of Nea Moudania holds events dedicated to the sea and the hard work of fishermen, culminating on Sunday with a grand feast of sardines, which are cooked in large quantities on the coals and are offered completely free of charge along with white wine to everyone.

A fun party continues until the morning.

Olive Feast in Olynthos

Held on the last day of July. On this day, everyone who wants to treat themselves to local moonshine-tsipouro and olives.

Safety. What to watch out for

No, no, crime here, despite some recent growth, remains at a fairly low level. Although additional caution in terms of the safety of cash, phones, cameras and other valuables will not hurt, as in any other tourist and crowded place.

Things to do

First of all, what, in fact, the entire tourism industry of these places is aimed at: recreation, both active and relaxing and calm. Halkidiki, in its relatively small area, provides all the opportunities for this.

In July-August, in addition to traditional tourist attractions, there is a great opportunity to visit various cultural events and festivals held throughout the peninsula, no less representative than in the capital Athens.

Travel agencies vying with each other offer the widest choice of one-day excursions not only in the North, but also Central Greece, such as: visiting the rocky monastery city of Meteora, acquaintance with the religious center of ancient Macedonia Dion, a trip to the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom of Pella, or to the fiefdom of the royal dynasty - the city of Philippi, in famous park waterfalls of Edessa and much, much more.

Shopping and shops

The peninsula of Halkidiki, of course, is designed primarily to serve the leisure industry, and shopping here is in second place. I think there are many who want to object, considering shopping the best vacation. But, really, in order to satisfy all the requests of sophisticated lovers of this activity, it is best to go to Thessaloniki for it. You can buy memorable souvenirs to bring them from your trip to Halkidiki anywhere, even in the most remote village.

You can also look for something more substantial, say, jewelry, and in the most popular tourist places, for example, in Kallithea, you can find fur shops to buy yourself or your loved ones a gift for long memories of a trip to Halkidiki.

At the same time, one should not forget about the possibility of Tax-free - the return of 16-23% VAT to the buyer for a large purchase when passing through customs at the airport of departure. For an expensive purchase, such a return can be a pleasant surprise.

bars

Beach bars in Halkidiki work on almost every little bit large beach. And, given the length of the peninsula's beach coast, we can say that during the entire summer season you can find a beach bar every couple of kilometers.

Stationary establishments-bars exist at any hotel complex, in all coastal towns and villages, and in the most popular places among tourists, they are located in almost every building around the center of the village and on the waterfront.

Clubs and nightlife

You should not think that the nightlife in Halkidiki is concentrated only in Kallithea on Kassandra and Nea Marmaras on Sithonia, although, of course, these resorts are the most lively and crowded during the entire tourist season. Here you can easily find places that work around the clock, where a variety of modern music sounds for every taste: Greek, European, Latin, electronic, hip-hop and many other styles and directions, and on the dance floor you can meet representatives of almost all of Europe.

Among the most popular clubs in Kallithea are the following: Club PERL, Club AHOY, Acapella, Angels, Stigma, Tripa. In Nea Marmaras - VILLA Club. In other villages of Chalkidiki it is worth noting: LIDO Club 2 in Nea Potidea, BLUEFISH in Paliouri, AMNESIA in Kriopigi, NONO in Pefkohori.

extreme sports

About mountain tourism, mountaineering, cycling, it has already been said above. At the same time, it is impossible not to mention water sports, good, coastal beach activities for adults and children are available everywhere.

As for diving, Chalkidiki, of course, cannot boast of such diving opportunities as the Red Sea coast, but there are also good places for lovers of this type of water extreme. Snorkelers should definitely dive in search of octopus, squid and cuttlefish.

At the same time, it will not be difficult to rent a boat, boat or sailing yacht in Halkidiki, both for one-day excursions and for more long term. You just need to know that when renting a yacht without a skipper, at least two crew members must have the appropriate maritime license diplomas. And the impressions from such a trip, believe me, can be enough for the rest of my life.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Olive oil and the olives themselves, anise ouzo, Metaxa brandy, Greek ceramics are traditional souvenirs for tourists from all over the world returning from Hellas. In addition, we can recommend various varieties of Macedonian honey, grape moonshine-tsipouro, or fruit moonshine - crayfish, handmade woolen blankets and tablecloths, as well as woven products made of cotton or linen, decorated with traditional Greek ornaments.

In a purely feminine way, I also want to recommend Greek cosmetics, especially Aphrodite and Apivita, based on olive oil and natural ingredients: honey, aromatic flower extracts and essential oils, which are increasingly gaining popularity in Russia.

How to move around the region

As I said above, the main transport in Halkidiki is the buses of the ΚΤΕΛ Χαλκιδικης network, Central Station which is located at the very exit from Thessaloniki towards Nea Moudania. As a guide to it, you can use the nearby large shopping center Praktiker Hellas.

Within the same peninsula, the most popular species tourist transport is a taxi.

Taxi. What features exist

Halkidiki has several own taxi services, and the region is also served by taxi companies in Thessaloniki. In the busiest tourist towns, it is not difficult to “catch” a passing taxi, as well as find a car in a specialized parking lot, or order it at a hotel. A little more difficult in small, non-coastal towns and villages. But even here you can always find a car by going to any local cafe or a tavern.

The price for taxi transport is established by law and has two types of tariffs: daytime (5:00-24:00) - 0.74 EUR / km and night - 1.29 EUR. For a trip to or from Thessaloniki Airport - 3.44 EUR/km. Landing is additionally paid - 1.29 EUR, one piece of luggage - 0.43 EUR, landing at the airport, estuary, railway or bus station ΚΤΕΛ. The minimum cost of a trip for the province is set at 3.69 EUR. In addition, it is supposed to give the driver a couple of euro tips on holidays.

When getting into a taxi car, be sure to make sure that the driver turns on the meter, otherwise it will be difficult later to challenge the amount he named for the trip - this is a kind of local trick for making money.

Public transport

Buses of the ΚΤΕΛ network can reach almost any settlement in Halkidiki. True, it is possible that you will have to make one or even two transfers, and therefore, when working out the route, it is advisable to have a timetable and a geographical map in front of you so as not to overpay each time for trips to Thessaloniki and back.

The main problem for tourists when using public transport in Greece is the language barrier. A feature of Greek buses is that they usually pass intermediate stops if there are no people who want to get off. Even seeing a person at a bus stop, the driver will stop only when he raises his hand. It is quite difficult for a passenger who does not know the language to navigate the road signs in a rapidly changing environment and not pass his stop - not an easy task.

Transport rental

Perhaps someone will not agree, but I personally think that the greatest freedom of movement and choice of a tourist route is undoubtedly given by renting a car, ATV, bike or even a bicycle, fortunately, throughout Greece, and Halkidiki is no exception, there is no problem with that. Rent a Car locations from Avis, Hertz, Sixt and others are everywhere, from the airport to even small towns and villages. you can compare prices from different distributors.

The rental price depends on the car class, starting from 25-30 EUR per day. Fuel is paid separately. Having received the car with a full tank, it should be returned with the same one. To draw up a contract, you must have an international driving license and a driving experience of more than 1 year. Insurance is included in the rental price.

In Greece, there is an unspoken rule: the pedestrian is always right. On busy tourist streets, signs of pedestrian crossings do not play any role - people cross here anywhere and whenever they want, so you should move at low speed to avoid unpleasant incidents.

When renting a car, you should think about the upcoming travel routes: if heavy traffic is expected along mountainous areas- it is better to take the "mechanics". An "automatic", especially a small one, may simply not pull on a steep serpentine.

Also, at the car rental point, you should take a map of the region with signs of gas stations - you will find yourself with an empty tank on mountain road with low-intensity traffic and in 40-degree heat - the pleasure is not pleasant. Therefore, you should fill your car in a timely manner and with a margin.

One more piece of advice from personal experience: do not overly trust road signs and even GPS devices - they can show where there has been nothing for a long time, or stubbornly suggest a road that is forbidden to travel on. Also, you should not rely entirely on the instructions of local residents. Often she herself found herself in a situation where, when asked a question to two local residents, one pointed in one direction, the other in the opposite direction. Truly, for everyone, the closest road, which you know best.

Halkidiki - holidays with children

Perhaps the biggest lovers of summer holidays, without exaggeration, can be called children. And Chalkidiki is one of the most suitable places not only in Greece, but throughout Europe, providing a full service for family holidays. And we are talking not only about the sea and the sun playing the main roles, but also about the infrastructure developed in the tourism industry, designed specifically for the children's contingent.

These include the availability of special, equipped with children's beds, toilets and furniture rooms in hotels, children's menu in restaurants, groceries and goods in stores. This also includes the services of a nanny, a children's animator, specialized playrooms and playgrounds, and much more. We should not forget about the extremely healthy Mediterranean cuisine.

Among the hotels offering tourists a full range of family and children's services, one should first of all name the owner of the title of "The Best Family Hotel in Hellas", the private beach complex Sani Resort with a seven-kilometer beach on the closed and guarded Cape Sani. In addition to it, it is worth mentioning Oceania Club, Aegean Melathron Hotel, Potidea Palace, Portes Beach Hotel, Elea Village…

Waterland Waterpark

The Waterland water park is located near Thessaloniki. Here on the territory of a huge scale with no less variety of slides, pools, hydromassage facilities, and, in addition, a self-service restaurant,

cafeteria, tennis court, volleyball and basketball courts and many different animation activities throughout the day.

The complex of services, including the presence of a doctor on duty, lifeguard services and swimming instructors, makes this place completely safe for immersing yourself in an atmosphere of fun, relaxation and relaxation.

Ski holidays

5 things to do in this region

This is my personal list, but Halkidiki is so diverse that I have no doubt that after visiting it, everyone who has been here will have his own:

1. Make a sightseeing sea excursion around the Athos peninsula.
2. Even if your stay at the hotel involves all-inclusive food service, visit a Greek tavern with live music.
3. Visit with a tour winery Porto Carras.
4. Visit the sardine festival in Nea Moudania.
5. Visit the birthplace of Aristotle.

Have something to add?

The easiest way to get to Halkidiki is through the airport of Thessaloniki. A large and modern air hub, Thessaloniki Airport is one of the best in Greece. Partially about how to get from Thessaloniki Airport to your destination, Grekoblog already wrote in an article. But we decided to return to the topic and dwell on the issue of transport in more detail.

A bit of history

The official name of the international airport, located 13 km southeast of the northern capital of Greece, is Macedonia ( international code SKG), but until 1993 it was called Thessaloniki Airport Mikra in honor of a small village, which later became one of the suburbs of the capital of the region.

The airport in Thessaloniki started operating in 1930 as a military airfield. After the Second World War, in 1948, the needs of civil aviation. Until 1965, the infrastructure was expanded and modernized, but due to the constant increase in passenger traffic and the growth of the city itself, the terminal was eventually moved to a new location.

Macedonia Airport serves about 4 million passengers a year

The last modernization of Thessaloniki Airport was carried out in 2004-2006. Today, Thessaloniki Airport has modern passenger and cargo terminals, as well as two runways- 2440 and 2410 m, respectively.

Not only civil, but also military aircraft are based on the territory of Thessaloniki Airport. There is an flying club and parking for private light aircraft.

Macedonia Airport operates around the clock and annually serves up to 4 million passengers. The management company plans to further expand the terminals and improve the runway, which will allow receiving and sending transcontinental flights and increasing passenger traffic to 7-9 million people a year.

Airport and Thessaloniki on the map:

Cheap flights to Thessaloniki

If you are not yet familiar with the metasearch engines for air tickets, with which it is easy to select cheap and convenient flights, then we recommend our articles and. If you are too lazy to read, and you have not yet purchased your ticket, then you can quickly search for available flights using the form below:

How to get from Thessaloniki Airport to the main cities of Greece

In order to get from Macedonia (Thessaloniki) airport by bus to the main cities of continental Greece, you should head to the main bus station of the region (Macedonia intercity bus station). Thus, the trip from Thessaloniki Airport will consist of 2 parts:

• OASTH bus No. X1 (N1 - night), following directly from the terminal through the city center to the bus station Macedonia intercity bus station.
• Transfer at the bus station to the bus to your desired destination in mainland Greece.

Route No. X1 operates from 6:10 to 22:35, the interval of movement is 15-20 minutes. Night bus number 78N, respectively, from 23:30 to 5:30, departing from the stop at the terminal every half hour. On Sundays and holidays, transport will have to wait 10-15 minutes longer. Travel time with all stops is about 40 minutes, the fare (as of 2018) is €2.

You can get to the main cities from the main bus station

From Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki

If the goal is not Athens or Corfu, but a hotel located directly on the Halkidiki peninsula, then you should follow a different route:

1. Take the bus number 79A from Thessaloniki Airport to the KTEL Halkidikis bus station. The schedule of route number 79A can be found on the OASTH website

2. At the KTEL Halkidikis bus station, choose desired route, purchase a ticket and take a seat on the bus. The schedule of routes and ticket prices can be found on the official website of the operator KTEL Halkidikis.

Taxi and airport transfer

As a rule, the bus is the most profitable option for travelers who are going to get to their hotel, wherever it is. But, being burdened with luggage or a large family, it is easier to use a taxi. Moreover, a taxi in Thessaloniki is inexpensive.

From Thessaloniki to Halkidiki can be reached from the bus station KTEL Halkidikis

Taxi from Thessaloniki Airport, whose parking lot is located at the exit of the terminal, can be taken to the city or even to the door of a hotel in a remote mountain village. A trip to the bus station will cost about € 30 (2018), a double fare is charged at night. The cost of a taxi to another city or resort will be calculated according to the intercity, higher fare.

You can also order a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport in advance - by the time your flight arrives. In this case, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it at the exit from the baggage claim area.

Ordering a car online is especially convenient for two reasons. Firstly, the fare is calculated by the system and known in advance, and if the flight is delayed, you will not have to pay extra. And secondly, you can order a car directly at Thessaloniki Airport for your personal needs. For example, with a large trunk or pre-installed child seats.

Grekoblog wrote in detail about this service in a separate article: Taxi in Greece and Cyprus: how to order online directly to the airport. Well, if you are too lazy to read the details, then you can deal with the system yourself: it is intuitive and has recently been available with a Russian-language interface. Carry out an order.

Another airport taxi service

When Grekoblog was preparing an article about how to get from Macedonia airport to the desired point in the vicinity of Thessaloniki, there were no worthy alternative online taxi services in Greece.

But since 2013, such a service has appeared. Now you can order a transfer from the airport to the hotel and using the KiwiTaxi service, captivating modern design, the presence of a full-fledged Russian version and Russian-language support.

As for the tariffs, the screenshot with the prices of the most popular destinations is higher. But before the trip, we would recommend checking the rates separately. You can do it using this link.

Car rental at Macedonia airport (Thessaloniki)

Finally, you can also get to your hotel by rented car. The corresponding companies are represented at the airport quite widely.

You can get from the airport to any point on a rented car

To avoid overpayments, it makes sense to use the automatic price comparison system of car rental companies, developed by the team of the well-known hotel portal Booking.com. The system is not only online mode tracks prices in all major car rental companies, but also allows you to book a car in advance. This is very useful in the high season, when cars in car rental companies sell like hot cakes.