What to see in Halkidiki? Walk around the Holy Mount Athos. Amazing Greece: Halkidiki

Greece - amazing country. Here you can relax easily and naturally, getting great pleasure from nature and local color. Halkidiki (you can see a photo of this island in our article) - divine, charming place Greece. It is especially good for romantic tours, travel and family pastime. On a 500 km coastline there are beaches with a sand embankment or with pebbles.

You can choose the most optimal option for yourself. Many of these beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag nomination, which indicates the high ecological purity of the water, the safety of swimming and the proper organization of beach areas.

As for nature, it is as beautiful as everything else on the island of Halkidiki. Photos are confirmation of this fact. Guests are surrounded by lush, juicy, emerald greenery. For any, even the most demanding tourist, there is everything here to make the trip unforgettable.

Amazing Greece: Halkidiki

The photo of this place fascinates with its beauty. The outlines of the island are drawn in our imagination by each individual blade of which is a separate peninsula. There are several of them - Athos, Sithonia, Kassandra. The population of the entire island is about 92,000 people, the main city of Halkidiki is Polygyros. The landscape of the island is varied. There are majestic mountains that occupy the most extensive territory: the highest point, by the way, occupies almost 1200 meters above the sea line. The mountains themselves are not rocky formations or stones, but a completely lively massif full of greenery. Magnificent plains and, of course, the rich blue sea, where you can admire small neat coves, will open up to your attention.

Sithonia

Halkidiki island... Photo for memory in the wild and natural natural environment you should definitely capture it by visiting the middle blade - the peninsula of Sithonia. It is less known to tourists and not as populated by locals. Its beaches are cleaner and more beautiful than those of Kassandra.

Athos

Athos is the third part of the entire island of Halkidiki. His photographs are magnificent and mysterious. It is on its territory that Agion Oros is located - a monastic state. Only representatives of the stronger sex can get here. Women can see this part of the Greek trident from the side, being on a passing ship. The landscape of Athos is pristine, majestic and wild...

Temperature and climate

Tourists can be pleased with the fact that the resort life begins in May and lasts all summer until September. The air warms up to +30 o C. In July and August, which are considered the hottest months, the temperature can rise to +35 o C. The climate is dry, so the lack of humidity makes it easy for tourists to endure the heat. The mountains surrounding the peninsula prevent the tourist area from being blown by the winds, which contributes to the stabilization of the water temperature and the calmness of the water area. In the summer season, the average temperature of the water in the sea is +26 o C.

How to get to the place?

You can get to the island of Halkidiki, the photo of which you see in this article, only with transfers. From Moscow to Thessaloniki, the flight time will be a little more than three hours. Further, you will reach the island itself only on domestic flights.

You can travel around the vast areas of the island itself by buses and rental cars. If you want to stop city regular transport - attract the attention of the driver by voting at the bus stop, otherwise you will not be able to catch a ride. If you decide to stay in a five-star hotel, then you can be escorted to the nearest resort by hotel transport free of charge.

Conclusion

Now you know that the island of Halkidiki exists. There is a photo in our article, so you can familiarize yourself with it a little. magnificent views. From all of the above, we can conclude that rest here will leave a lot of positive emotions.

One of the most unusual in form and mysterious in origin, the peninsula of Halkidiki is a real pearl resort Greece. The port jutting into the Aegean Sea is divided into 3 “fingers”, each of which is a wonderful corner of the paradise tropics, with amazing beaches, cozy bays and healing air, saturated with the aroma of pine needles. The names of the "fingers" are associated with ancient Greek mythology narrating about giant heroes waging a long-term war with the gods of Mount Olympus. Huge stones served as a tool for them, which subsequently formed three ledges.

A stone thrown by the giant Athos and fallen into the sea formed the Athos mountain range. The second stone, which formed another ledge - "finger", was called Sithonia; and the third received the name of King Cassander. The legend of earthquakes is connected with the latter - the goddess Athena, fighting with the giants, threw a stone that covered one of the giants of Engelados. For many centuries, he has been trying to free himself from the stone, causing earthquakes with his powerful movements.

Whoever visits Halkidiki for the first time, sees the local beauties and feels the beneficial effects of the surrounding ecology, will readily believe in the divine origin of these places. All year round in Halkidiki you can have a great rest, combining staying on the beach and swimming in the azure waters with exploring unique sights , of which there are many.

Despite the huge difference in the territories of Greece and China, Greece is the second country after China in terms of the number of limestone caves. One of the largest and most amazing in beauty is the Petralona Cave, located on the slope of Mount Katsika, 270 meters above sea level, not far from the village of the same name. It was opened in 1959 by one of the villagers, who explored the mountain for a source of water and stumbled upon a deep crevice. When the risky young people, who expressed a desire to go down into it, found themselves in a spacious dungeon, they were shocked by the peculiar beauty of the cave. Bizarre formations of stalactites and stalagmites, intertwined in fantastic patterns, created a special, uniquely beautiful natural design.

Since that time, a serious examination of the unique dungeon began, as a result of which the bones and skulls of people and animals that lived in these places hundreds of thousands of years ago were discovered. Now all these exhibits are exhibited in the showcases of the cave, being irrefutable proof of many scientific theories about the development of life on Earth. The dimensions of the cave are impressive: if you add together the length of all its halls and corridors, you get at least 2 thousand km. An excursion through the mysterious cave labyrinths is a journey into the world of beauty and mystery. Before descending into the cave, you need to remember that this is a dungeon where the temperature is not summer (17 degrees), and you should dress warmly.

It is very interesting to visit the Anthropological Museum, located nearby: its expositions are a visual aid for studying human life.

In the popular tourist region of Greece - Thessaly, there are phenomenal mountain rocks, located in a vertical bulk over the city of Kalambaka. Their almost absolute perpendicularity is surprising, but even more striking is the presence on the tops of these rocks of monasteries erected by ascetic monks in the 14th century. It remains only to guess how much effort it took to build Meteora monasteries in such hard-to-reach places. "Meteora" in translation from Greek sounds like "soaring in the air." Indeed, one gets the impression that white-stone buildings under red roofs are hovering in the heavenly heights.

Of the 24 monasteries, only 6 have survived, one of which is female, now only 4 have preserved their monastic status, the rest have become original museums. Due to the influx of tourists, many monks left their habitats so as not to tempt themselves with worldly fuss. Now a steep paved road leads to the foot of the holy objects, which is quite extreme to drive on. But the opportunity to plunge into the monastic life, to understand and feel the spirit of the people who created such a miracle under heaven, is worth it.

The Transfiguration Monastery - the most majestic and grandiose - is located in a valley located at an altitude of 623 m above sea level. It was founded in the 14th century. Athanasius and began to prosper, thanks to the funds invested in him by the emperor of Serbia Uros, who decided to change the rank of ruler to a monastic and donate his treasures to the development of the Great Meteor (another name for the monastery).

The entrance to the monasteries has its own requirements: you can’t bare your shoulders and legs here. Long skirts and pants are provided to tourists (2 euros) by the services of the monastery. There is something to see here: ancient books, manuscripts, manuscripts, household items made by monks - everything that endures modern people into the distant past.

Ouranoupolis - ancient Greek city

A cozy resort town, located on Cape Aion Oros, is shrouded in numerous legends. The gentle waters of the Aegean Sea, washing the city, beautiful beaches, comfortable climate attract thousands of tourists here. It is no coincidence that the city was founded here in prehistoric times (315 BC). Only in such a blessed place, according to its founder, the philosopher Alexarchus, could multilingual people live, absolutely equal in rights.

An attempt to unite in Ouranopolis (“the city of heaven”) inhabitants speaking different languages ​​was unsuccessful, but the legend about this remained. Probably, it is impossible to reliably state that the current resort of Ouranoupolis is the place where they tried to create a new type of linguistic statehood. But the name stuck, the city developed, thanks to the proximity of the monastic republic to the city of Athos. There are all conditions for a beautiful calm family vacation providing different types of beach and cultural activities.

If Mount Olympus is the abode of the gods, then Mount Athos is a world-famous monastic republic, a stronghold of world Orthodoxy, uniting under the shadow of holiness male monks from different countries of the world. 20 monasteries, located at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level, are located on the peninsula of the same name among the fertile subtropical nature. For 15 centuries, Byzantine culture and the highest spirituality have been preserved here, attracting millions of pilgrims here, including great, famous people, male royals (taboo for women here).

Mount Athos is considered the abode of earthly sojourn Mother of God, with which many beliefs and legends are connected, telling how this place was chosen by the Holy Virgin. Here, it seems, the very air is saturated with the purity of holiness, Orthodox prayers and the sinlessness of thoughts. It is no coincidence that famous movie and pop stars come here to feel this atmosphere of holy purity. The monastic republic lives according to the Charter, established in 1924, according to which all monasteries are under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Kassandra - a charming peninsula

The western "finger" of Halkidiki - Kassandra bears the name of the king, whose father-in-law was the famous Alexander the Great. Active life began here in the 4th century BC, as evidenced by the results archaeological sites. Truly heavenly nature, the proximity of the sea, the cleanest air, the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscapes attracted the first settlers here, who happily settled in the enchanting area. Here, in relic caves, drawings on the rocks were found, indicating the presence of primitive people on Kassandra. The archaeological complex-museum "Olinth" presents exhibits illustrating the antiquities of Kassandra.

A fascinating journey can be made through the churches of Kassandra, each of which is associated with the names of the ancient Greek gods and holy righteous: the temple of Zeus-Amon and Poseidon, the Sanctuary of Dionysus, the Acropolis of Antigone, the church of St. Dmitry and other religious sites.

Modern Kassandra - territory resort towns and villages, with a well-developed network of hotels, beach infrastructure, comfortable climate and unique great views. Among them, Neo Moudania, Nea Potidea, Kallithea, Pefkohori, Afytos are very popular. Healing sea air, clean beaches, amazing landscapes of the peninsula make it the most attractive place for recreation and tourism.

Loutra Pozar Spa Resort

The nature of Halkidiki is immensely generous and rich, it endowed the inhabitants with real treasures, one of which is the natural spa resort of Loutra Pozar. It is located in a cozy place, under the reliable protection of two mountain peaks, blocking the path of cold winds. You need to come here for health: hot thermal springs, mountain air, infused with the aromas of mountain herbs, the calm serenity of nature, natural products, without exaggeration, will cure many diseases.

Bathing water has a beneficial effect on the improvement of the respiratory, nervous and circulatory systems, bones and joints, and skin. Drinking water helps in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, dissolves excess salts in the body, improves kidney function. You can take water procedures here all year round. In Loutra Pozare there are many cozy hotels, apartments with relatively low prices. Staying at this resort will give you the maximum pleasure from water treatment, from walking through amazingly picturesque mountain landscapes, hospitality of local residents and delicious local cuisine from the freshest natural products.

Afytos village - a symbol of ancient Greece

If you want to visit ancient Hellas in reality, you need to go to the traditional Greek village Afitos ( early name Afitis). Here you can see rare historical monuments era of the Neolithic. In ancient times, Afitis was an independent settlement that had its own currency, which is confirmed by the excavations of the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Locals called Afytos "stone balcony" for its location on a steep rocky slope that cuts into the Aegean Sea.

Already sailing to the village from the side of the bay, you can once and for all be fascinated by the fantastic view of the original white stone houses, immersed in emerald tropical greenery, interspersed with bright spots of flower beds and lawns; white sand beaches and Cote d'Azur. For those who are tired of the frantic rhythms of city life, here is a real Eden, where calmness and the magical beauty of nature coexist.

Fans of antiquities can see the ruins of the temple of Zeus, the sanctuary of Dionysus, the ancient city of the Neolithic era. The main modern attractions of Afytos are the Church of St. Dmitry, the Ethnographic Museum, the House of the Artist Paraly, the Katsanis mansion and other interesting objects.

Chalkidiki has long been the birthplace of vineyards and olive plantations, which is told by ancient manuscripts that mention the names of the first winegrowers and winemakers. On the slopes of Mount Meliton, they grew grapes and produced wine. In the 60s of the last century, Janis Karras decided to revive the ancient traditions, and soon the wild vegetation gave way to vineyards.

Now all western slope Meliton up to the Gulf of Toroney is covered with the richest vineyards (400 hectares) of the best wine varieties of white and red grapes. Winery Karrasa produces branded wines under the brand name "Slopes of Meliton", the taste of which is highly appreciated by wine connoisseurs around the world.

The famous mountain, or rather, the mountain range, is the highest point in the northeastern part of Greece. Olympus is familiar to everyone since childhood as the abode of the all-powerful ancient Greek gods, who have chosen for themselves an inaccessible place under the clouds. How many myths have been built about their life, how many plots have been invented for movies and cartoons about the amazing, mysterious Olympus! The top of the mountain consists of 6 high peaks that have their own name: Mitikas (the highest - 2917 m), Skolio, Stephanie, Skala, Agios Antonios, Profitas Ilias (Ilya the Prophet - the lowest - 2803 m). Surrounded by the mythical snow-capped peaks of the Plateau of Muses and beautiful alpine meadows located just below.

• Tours for May to Greece
• Hot tours to Greece

The Halkidiki peninsula is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea and is distinguished by a very interesting “three-pronged” shape, which is formed by three thin elongated “finger” peninsulas. These are Kassandra, Sithonia and Agion-Oros (Athos). Halkidiki - the main resort place mainland Greece. Unlike southern islands, they are buried in bright greenery even at the height of summer. The resort as a whole offers a calm and comfortable rest, including family. There are hotels of all categories, from five-star hotels to cheap apartments.

Halkidiki is famous for its clean beaches and calm seas, but apart from relaxing on the coast, there is something to do here. The ruins of several ancient cities have been preserved, there are archaeological and anthropological museums. The main religious attraction - the monastery complex on Athos - is not accessible to everyone, so a sea excursion around the closed peninsula is in demand.

Resorts and areas of Halkidiki

Each peninsula of Chalkidiki has something special. On Kassandra you can see the Byzantine observation tower in Agios Pavlos, the monastery of Mount Athos in Nea Foki, the old traditional village of Afytos, the thermal spas in Agia Paraskevi. On Sithonia - the excavations of ancient Olynthos with the oldest mosaic in the country (5th century BC), the old villages of the Parthenon, Sikiyu and Nikiti, the vineyards of Porto Karras, the ancient ruins of Toroni and its old harbor of Porto Koufo. Mount Athos is an amazing sight from the rocky cape of Kartalia. And, of course, the famous Athos with its 20 Orthodox monasteries and numerous sketes, the largest and most significant monastic community in Greece.

Tourists often ignore northern part Halkidiki, the one that has no access to the sea. And in vain: there is also a lot to see here. For example, the traditional mountain villages of Arnea, Taxiaris, Agios Prodromos; the cave of Petralona with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the oldest traces of human presence found in Greece; Archaeological Museum in Polygyros, ancient Stageira, where Aristotle was born, or the forest on Mount Holomontas.

There are excellent beaches along the entire coast of the peninsula. When choosing an area for recreation, you need to consider some features. Kassandra is fun and noisy, mostly young people come here - in many towns there are beach discos at night, and housing is cheaper. In Sithonia, the price tag is twice as high, the rest there is more calm and respectable.

How to get to Halkidiki

There is no airport on the peninsula, it is convenient to get to Halkidiki through Thessaloniki. Planes from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Irkutsk, Tomsk, Salekhard and others run to Macedonia Airport. Most flights are connecting, only Muscovites can fly without transfers.

From the regions it is cheaper to first get to Moscow, and from there fly to Greece.

From capital airports planes of the companies "Aegean Airlines", "Ellinair", " Turkish Airlines”, Aeroflot and Es Seven. The first offers the most successful option - a direct flight, the journey will take about 3 hours. Aeroflot, Es Seven and Ellinair also fly direct. The remaining flights with transfers in Istanbul, Athens and Vienna, the flight may take more than a day.

For residents of the Northern capital, the trip will cost almost 2 times more. Lufthansa, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot and others fly from St. Petersburg airport. The most budget route is from Turkish Airlines, you will have to spend about a day on the road. Can be reached with Lufthansa in 6-7 hours.

From the airport to Halkidiki

The nearest settlement of the peninsula is about an hour away. Halkidiki is large, the distance from the airport to cities and towns is 60-150 km. It is cheaper to get to the hotel by buses of the KTEL ChalkidiksS SA company (off. site in English). They depart from the bus station of Thessaloniki (you will have to take a taxi to it for 25 EUR), the routes cover 32 settlements of Chalkidiki. The fare is 3-20 EUR, the journey will take 1.5-3.5 hours. A taxi will be a little faster - up to 2.5 hours, the trip will cost 30-120 EUR, depending on the destination. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Search for flights to Thessaloniki (nearest airport to Halkidiki)

Transport

With public transport in Halkidiki, things are not very good. There are bus stations in many more or less large settlements, but they are mainly focused on routes to Thessaloniki, traveling around the peninsula itself by bus is problematic - often it will not be possible to get from one town to another without transfers. In addition, they rarely go - only 3-7 flights a day, but regularly (at the bus stop you need to vote for the bus to stop). The fare depends on the distance - from 2 to 20 EUR. 5 * hotels have free shuttle buses to the nearest resort towns.

Local taxi companies and companies of Thessaloniki operate on the peninsula. The car can be ordered by phone, taken at a special parking lot or stopped on the street. In small remote villages, it is worth going to a tavern or cafe - there will definitely be a car there. In Halkidiki, there are uniform rates for the entire mainland Greece - 0.70 EUR per km during the day and 1.20 EUR - at night (plus 1.20 EUR for landing), the minimum cost is 3 EUR. The trip is paid strictly according to the meter, which is equipped with all cars without exception.

There are bike rental points in many cities of the peninsula - Neos Marmaras, Hanioti, Nea Moudania and others. Prices are moderate - 1 EUR per hour, 5 EUR per day and 30 EUR per week. In some hotels you can take it for free. Given the unimportant state public transport, a bicycle is a good way to get around at least the nearby villages and beaches.

Rent a Car

Those who do not plan to spend their entire vacation on the beach should consider renting a car. It is more convenient to move between the sights scattered throughout the peninsula by car. Roads in Halkidiki are well paved, with the exception of a few small sections - there is a primer. There are practically no serious traffic jams, on weekends the traffic is more intense. There are enough parking spaces, including free ones. The main thing is not to leave the car in places with yellow markings and under prohibition signs.

In Thessaloniki you will have to use paid parking lots - 3.50 EUR per hour, in Halkidiki they are also found - 1.50 EUR per hour or 2-3 EUR without time limit.

It is better to rent a car at the airport - a large choice and savings on transfers. However, you can find a rental point in any major tourist center of the peninsula. There are international companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz and others) and local rental offices. The latter are usually cheaper, but the service is worse. Prices per day of rent in large companies start from 30-50 EUR, in small ones - from 15-20 EUR.

Communication and Wi-Fi

For calls to Russia, it is better to use a local SIM card. There are 3 major mobile operators in Greece - Vodafone, Q-Telecom and Cosmote. The best rates are offered by Vodafone and Frogmobile ( subsidiary space). The cost of a SIM card is 5-10 EUR (together with the connection of a package of international calls), a minute of conversation with the house will cost 0.15-0.25 EUR. Tariff plans and recharge cards are sold in mobile phone stores and Germanos (Frogmobile) stores.

To connect, you need a passport and a Greek address (a hotel is suitable for tourists).

Free Wi-Fi is rare in Halkidiki. Many hotels are equipped with access points, but you will not be able to connect in public places. The exception is some cafes and restaurants. It is worth looking at the tariffs of cellular companies for Mobile Internet. Most often, when buying a SIM card, the price already includes 200-500 Mb. On Frogmobile you can activate a daily package - 20 Mb per day for 1 EUR. There are internet cafes.

The beaches of Halkidiki

The coast of Halkidiki is one of the best places in Greece for a beach holiday. The largest number of EU Blue Flags in the country is concentrated here. The total length of the beaches is more than 500 km, to travel around everything - a two-week vacation is not enough.

All the beaches of Halkidiki belong to the state, the entrance to them is free. But for the use of umbrellas and sunbeds you will have to fork out - from 2.50 to 7 EUR per set. Some sites are managed by coastal bars and restaurants. To sit on a sun lounger, it is sometimes enough to order a drink. Others have a fixed amount, if the order is less than it, the rest must be paid.

Almost on the entire coast there are sports equipment rentals and water activities- "bananas", catamarans, boats, jet skis and much more.

The most popular beaches are located on the western peninsula of Kassandra. Among them there are sandy and sandy-pebbly ones, most of them have a gentle entry into the water and are safe for families with children. Only on Hanioti, 3 m from the shore, there is a concrete slab overgrown with algae, on which you can slip. A favorite place for family tourists is Kallithea with fine white sand and calm sea. Young people prefer the beaches of the village of Nea Kallikratia, where the fun begins at sunset.

Tourists go to Sithonia for a more relaxed and elite vacation. It's quiet, not crowded, and all the same beautiful beaches- white fine sand, turquoise clear water and green vegetation. Those who want complete privacy should choose one of the small bays of the Kavourotripes beach (it is better to take an umbrella with you). A more civilized holiday on the beach in the town of Neos Marmaros - there is all the infrastructure, bars and restaurants.

Holidays in Halkidiki

Diving and snorkeling

Dive sites near Halkidiki are not as interesting and diverse as those on the Red Sea, so it’s definitely not worth going here for the sake of scuba diving. However, it will work to dilute the beach-excursion program with active recreation in the form of diving. Along the coast of Kassandra there are about a dozen good places for diving. There you can see the inhabitants of the Aegean Sea - sponges, scorpion fish, tuna, octopuses, cuttlefish, starfish and many others. Moray eels, eels, lobsters and groupers are found in the crevices. Not far from the town of Agia Paraskavei there is a cave and a tunnel, which are only partially under water, people often go there for snorkeling.

Despite the low popularity of diving in these places, there are many centers and clubs on the peninsula, there is even a Russian one at the entrance to Halkidiki. The range of services is standard - dives for beginners and pros, snorkeling, daily safari and PADI training. One swim for a beginner diver will cost 50 EUR, for an experienced diver - 45 EUR. You can dive with a mask and snorkel for 40 EUR. Training programs lasting from 1 to 10 days and certification will cost 200-400 EUR. Many diving clubs rent equipment - about 20 EUR per day.

Halkidiki Hotels

There are a lot of accommodation options in Halkidiki - apartments and hotels, hostels, boats, guest houses and villas. Most of them focus on the "fingers" of Cassander and Sithonia. Many hotels have swimming pools, some have breakfast included, and some offer free bike rentals.

It is better for economical tourists to look for accommodation away from the sea - prices there start from 20 EUR for a double room per day. On the first coastline between the "fingers" you can find a hotel for 30-35 EUR per night. The cost of living in Kassandra and Sithonia is very different. If on the first one it is not a problem to find a hotel for 40-50 EUR per day, then on the second one the rooms cost from 60 EUR.

There are about 40 3 * hotels on the peninsula, a stay in them will cost 40-100 EUR. "Fours" are much smaller, the price range is 60-140 EUR. There are only 10 5 * hotels, in order to relax according to the “luxury” program in one of them you will have to pay from 120 to 400 EUR, and the price tag per day in villas reaches 900 EUR.

shopping

Shopping in the usual sense exists only in major cities- Nea-Kallikratia, Poliiros, Nea-Mudania and others. Boutiques and shopping centers are open there, in the assortment - goods of world brands Max Marra, Mex, Mango, Zara, Levi's. The sales season is in the second half of summer, and items from last year's collections with discounts of up to 80% can be found at the J&K Outlet in Fourka and Haniot. In search of inexpensive products, it is worth looking into the market, they are in almost every resort village. They usually work from early morning until lunch, but everything is fresh, and prices are good. For a fur coat, it is better to go to Thessaloniki, on the peninsula there is a risk of overpaying 500-1000 EUR. If the check for a fur coat is more than 1000 EUR, you will have to pay a tax at customs - 30% (usually sellers agree to indicate a smaller amount in the document).

Olive oil and olive oil-based cosmetics are brought as gifts to relatives and friends from Halkidiki, as well as products of local craftsmen - ceramics and antique painted figurines, home textiles made of wool and cotton with traditional Greek ornaments, and much more. Of the edible, in addition to butter, Greek honey, raki vodka and metaxa cognac are in demand.

Cuisine and restaurants of Halkidiki

Thousands of tourists come to Halkidiki to taste the Greek cuisine. It contains a lot of fresh vegetables, meat and seafood. Sauces occupy a special place in the culinary culture - they are added to almost all dishes here. Among tourists, "tzadzyki" is in demand - yogurt sauce with garlic and cucumbers. The famous Greek salad is to be found on the menu called "rustic". Shrimps and octopuses are served as separate grilled dishes and added to salads.

Of alcoholic beverages, you should pay attention to the "retsina". It is a white wine aged in Chalkidiki pine barrels with a characteristic resinous aftertaste. It costs a little - 3-5 EUR per bottle.

Street food is widespread in Halkidiki. Local fast food establishments (“souvlaki gyros”) serve the usual Greek homemade food, adapted for the fast food format. This is one of the most budgetary ways to have a tight snack - “suvlaki” (small skewers) or “gyros pita” (bread cake with meat, vegetables and yogurt sauce) with a drink will cost 7-10 EUR. Breakfast in a small cafe will cost 10-15 EUR per person.

It is believed that the tavern is an inexpensive cafe for local residents, however, in Halkidiki, the average check in them ranges from 20-60 EUR for a dinner for two with wine. It all depends on the popularity of the establishment, location, as well as the set of dishes - exotic lobsters significantly increase the amount of the bill.

The best photos of Halkidiki

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

In the center of the peninsula is the Petralona cave - the oldest human site in Europe. Under the stone vaults, a labyrinth of passages winds, there are underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological museums have been opened in Olynthos and Polygyros. The first contains materials about the city itself and the course of excavations, the second contains finds and artifacts found on the territory of the ancient settlements of the peninsula - Stagira, Afitos, Toroni.

lovers fishing worth a look in the town of Nea Moudania. The Museum of Fisheries has an extensive collection of exhibits that tell about the ways of catching fish.

Of the 20 monasteries of the Athos peninsula, the most interesting are the Great Lavra, Vatopedi and the majestic Dionysiat. Women are not allowed to visit these holy places, the only monastery where they are allowed is Zigu - the monks have not lived there for a long time, and only ruins remain of their former grandeur. Ladies can admire the functioning monasteries during a cruise around the peninsula.

There are also many interesting places outside Halkidiki. Mount Olympus is especially popular among tourists. There are no ancient gods there, outdoor enthusiasts are attracted by nature and scenic view. Meteors compete with Olympus - high cliffs on top of which are monasteries. They store valuable religious relics - manuscripts, books, icons and much more.

5 things to do in Halkidiki

1. At least from the boat to admire the monasteries of St. Athos.
2. Go around all the beaches of the peninsula.
3. Try a lobster or other seafood delicacy.
4. Feel like an ancient Greek god on Olympus.
5. Try to see Poseidon in the waves, who came for his trident.

Halkidiki for children

Halkidiki is great for families with small children. The hotels offer additional options for small travelers - children's menu, chairs and cribs, nurseries, nannies and animators work. Some have swimming pools with mini water parks.

For interesting activities for children, you will have to go to Thessaloniki. A 1.5-2 hour drive towards the capital of Macedonia is a large water park Waterland. 4 are equipped on the territory extreme attraction with several slides and downhill on an artificial river. There is also a children's area and a wave pool. On a separate site there is a zoo where you can see llamas, camels, ostriches, pheasants and other animals.

In 15 minutes from Waterland there is a land amusement park Magic Park. There are 23 attractions on its territory and a dozen more shooting galleries and other games for skill and accuracy. There are carousels for the little ones and real extreme monsters that will take your breath away, as well as a fear room and a Ferris wheel.

Weather

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water

From November to April there are very few tourists in Halkidiki, but some still come to visit Athos, see the ancient ruins and enjoy Greek cuisine. In winter, there is practically no snow, and heavy rains are not uncommon. For the sake of sightseeing, it is better to go in late spring or early autumn.

Nome Halhidiki is known for having absorbed the heritage of almost all the cultures that were on the territory of Greece - once the legendary scientist Aristotle was born here, then a furious Peloponnesian war raged on this piece of land, in which both Athens and Sparta fought to the last fighter ...

And if you go to the coast at a certain time, you will surely hear the bells of the ancient monasteries of Mount Athos, which has been home to Orthodox monks for more than twelve centuries.

Legends of Halkidiki

Myths and legends about Halkidiki () are known to everyone in Greece - still, almost every mountain has its own story!
Of course, it is worth starting with the legend of Phlegre, which tells how the landscape of this land was formed in general.

Phlegra - literally "place of fire" - is one of the battles in the war between the gods and the giants, the sons of Gaia. And since the gods, and, indeed, their opponents, do not like trifles, the war was fought with huge pieces of stone, which the giants threw into Olympus, and the gods returned back. One of these stones is the Kassandra peninsula - in fact, it is a stone brought down by Athena on the head of the giant Engelados.

The Greeks believed that Engelados was still alive and trying to get out of the trap, causing earthquakes.

Another evidence of that battle is Mount Athos, named after a not very accurate giant who, throwing this stone block, did not make it to Olympus.

Halkidiki itself resembles a three-fingered hand stretched out into the sea from above. Each of the fingers has a name - Kassandra (formerly called Pallen), Sithonia (named after Siton - the son of Poseidon) and Agion Oros, called Athos by the name of its main attraction.

Most of the latter is part of Halkidiki only nominally - the population of the part of the peninsula called Holy Athos (as opposed to Greek Athos) consists entirely of monks living in numerous monasteries and therefore is directly subordinate to the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Attractions of the peninsula of Halkidiki

All the attractions of the prefecture (or, as the Greeks say, nome) can be divided into three parts - heritage Ancient Greece, located mainly on the Kassandra peninsula, Christian shrines and monasteries, which are mostly located on Athos and the sights of Sithonia, represented ancient Greek city Toroni, as well as the legacy of later centuries.

We will start from the monastery of St. John the Theologian in Suroti, the first place of interest Halkidiki, located a few kilometers before the entrance to the Kassandra peninsula.

Convent of St. John the Evangelist in Suroti

It is located 30 km from Thessaloniki, in the town of Suroti.

The road to the monastery is winding, here you can always see cars on which pilgrims or just tourists climb, but people also climb here along a steep staircase designed specifically for pedestrians.

At the end of the ascent, a small monastery courtyard awaits guests, where a tank of ice water and delicious Greek sweets - Turkish delight - have been prepared for them.

The history of this place is forever connected with the Athonite elder Paisios Svyatogorets, beloved by all Greeks, who at the end of the last century took the sisters of the monastery under his spiritual guardianship. Through the labors of Gerond, the monastery was completed, the relics of St. Arsenios of Cappadocia, the godfather of Elder Paisios, were transferred here.

Geronda, on his rare visits to Thessaloniki, stopped at the monastery, and then from the lowest gate, to his cell, people stood in a queue for many kilometers, bearing their pain to Geronda Paisios. The elder did not let anyone go without consolation. Love for Geronda Paisios Northern Greece huge. Hundreds of people flock to the monastery every day to bow to the modest grave of the elder Pasiy Svyatogorets.

The sisters preserved the legacy of God's ascetic to Orthodox Christians - his priceless books. IN last years the name of Geronda, his books reached Russia.

The monastery is active, it is a place where they pray and spend their lives in the solitude of nuns.
You can visit it every day, except Sunday, from 10.00 to 18.00, with a break from 13.00-15.00.

From Thessaloniki you can get to the monastery by bus number 87, from the Ikea store. The final stop is called “The Monastery of the Holy Evangelist John the Theologian”.
From the peninsula of Chalkidiki - by K.T.E.L buses, which go to the village of Vasilika. From there you can get there on foot, by bus number 87, or with the help of local residents who willingly agree to give pilgrims a lift to the monastery.

Cassandra

As we have already mentioned, Kassandra is mainly known for its monuments related to the ancient Greek period of this land.

It is convenient to get here from Thessaloniki, from the airport to Kassandra there is a road of 60 km, along which comfortable buses run regularly.
The trip costs about 15 euros. But it is more profitable to go by rented car.

Neo Potidea, erected on the site of ancient Potidea, a large and strategically important city, will introduce you to ancient Byzantine objects that have survived to this day: city fortifications, healing springs, temples.

Here, near the town of Kallithea, is one of the most interesting monuments ancient Greek culture - the temple of Ammon Zeus. It towered over the virgin hills of Kassandra as early as the fifth century BC. e.
The temple was built in the Doric style and impresses the visitor with its strict lines and still preserved splendor.

Not far from it there is another temple dedicated to the cunning and life-loving Dionysus, built three centuries earlier.

Why was the temple to the god of fun and wine erected several centuries before the temple to the Supreme God?

The answer to this question lies in the main product of the ancient peninsula of Halkidiki - wine and grapes. And, although the neighboring finger, Sithonia, is considered the most popular for winemaking, Kassandra once also had extensive vineyards, the owners of which worshiped the eternally drunk god and prayed for his blessing. Judging by the fact that wine is still being made in Halkidiki, Dionysus looked up from the celebration for a second and answered…

On the coast of the northeastern part of the peninsula, on the site of the ancient city of Akanthos, stands the city of Ieriosos, the largest in this part of the peninsula.
The settlement was founded in 665 BC, and still keeps the remains of the ancient walls, most acropolises and the remains of Hellenistic buildings, well-preserved churches of the Byzantine period and famous ancient burials.

The Petralona Cave in Neo Moudania is of great interest to tourists. There you can see the traces of a primitive man, his skeleton was preserved by the remains of a fire 200,000 years old.

In addition, on Kassandra you can see the old village of Afytos, which has preserved ancient architecture in its original state. Here is the Church of St. Dmitry, where you can see valuable icons, antiques and rare mosaics. Not far from it are located ancient quarries.
It's only a couple of kilometers from Kallithea, so there's nothing to stop you from visiting these sights on the same day.

Closer to the coast, the ancient temple of Poseidon is located near the village of Kalandra.

On the main roads there are signs everywhere that you can easily navigate. At the same time, those that indicate archaeological sites are made in brown and differ from just road or indicating the direction to the beach or campsite.

Sithonia

Sithonia is the middle peninsula-finger of Halkidiki, which is home to one of the most famous wineries in Greece called Porto Carras.

As well as the coastal city of Toroni, known to all archaeologists of the world, where buildings built more than two thousand years ago have been preserved in an almost pristine state.

The city is open to tourists and is one of the most famous photography sites in Greece.

As for the winery Porto Carras Domaine, it is located in hilly terrain on the seashore and is famous for the fact that it was founded by the father of modern winemaking, Emil Peynaud.

The estate produces twenty-seven varieties of wine.

The entire production process has been completely updated here for a long time, but some of it, as before, is traditionally performed by hand.

So even if you are a teetotaler, it will still be interesting for you to look at how real Greek wine is made and to taste it.

The Porto Caras resort complex includes a huge area lined with olive trees and vineyards, the largest spa complex, golf courses, stables and 9 km of beach, with a mooring for more than 300 yachts.

In Polygoros you can visit the folklore and archaeological museums.

The most significant architectural sights of Sithonia are the ancient fortifications of Lykif on the southern part of the coast and the tourist village of Toroni with a rich history, which was mentioned as early as 8 BC. and was at that time quite a large and influential center.

Now the ruins of ancient buildings, the remains of fortifications and fragments of household utensils have been preserved here.
Here is one of the best beaches in Sithonia - 2.5 km of golden sand, awarded the blue flag.

On Sithonia, colorful evenings are held in local taverns, tourists can have fun with authentic festivities, see the life of hereditary fishermen and enjoy their treats.

Athos

The Athos peninsula is only located on the territory of Greece, but lives according to its own laws and is not subject to the Greek government. So the rules for visiting it are somewhat different from others. Let's start with the fact that women are generally forbidden to set foot on the land of the peninsula. The only woman whose foot stepped on Athos - Holy Mother of God, the monastic state of Athos is its second destiny.

But even if you are a man, then you will be allowed on the peninsula only after prior agreement, so it would be better to join some big excursion or companies of pilgrims - they can help you get it. If your loneliness is a matter of principle, then you can get permission in Thessaloniki, in a special Pilgrimage Bureau (but this is extremely difficult).

Permission (diamonitirion) must be issued a month before the expected date of visiting Athos.
You must contact the Pilgrims' Bureau and leave your passport details and date of arrival.
A fee of 25 euros will need to be paid upon receipt of the documents.

On the peninsula, in the area open to the public is Ouranoupolis - ancient city founded in the fourth century AD.

Actually, it is from here that you have to go to St. Athos. Here is the border of the monastic republic. The city is indeed quite modern, despite its thousand years of history and offers tourists every comfort.

Among the attractions worth noting is the Frankish Castle - the border outpost of St. Athos and its only territory that is more or less open to the public.

You may also be interested in the village of Stagira, the birthplace of the legendary Aristotle, teacher of Alexander the Great, which is located a few dozen kilometers from the city.

And if you really like ancient history, Athos also has something to please you. Here you can visit the excavations of the ancient city of Akanthos, which, although less known than the aforementioned Toroni, is worth a visit anyway. There are several exhibitions organized in the city, where they will show you how supplies were stored locals and also tell about their culture and way of life. To visit the excavations, you need to come to the nearby modern city Ierissos, from where buses run to Akanthos.

From the pier of Ierissos, the boat leaves for the left bank of Athos (1.5 km), easily reaching the most famous monasteries.
Since the women to the territory sacred mountain are not allowed, for them the possibility of a small cruise on a stylized antique ship is organized, during which you can admire the shores and monasteries of Athos from a distance of 500 meters.
The tour lasts a couple of hours and costs 20 euros, tickets are sold at the Ouranoupolis pier.

Excursions around Halkidiki

If you are traveling to Greece on a tour package, get ready for the fact that the list of excursions available to you in Halkidiki will be quite limited. If you prefer to plan your vacation on your own, here is a real expanse for you.

It is easier for tourists staying near Thessaloniki to choose interesting excursions, but if this is not the case, the transport system of Greece is very well established, and you can get to Thessaloniki from any part of the prefecture in a maximum of an hour. In addition to the city itself, which is very beautiful, we can use the services of tour agencies, concentrated mainly in the center, and join the tour that interests you. There are many of them - from a two-day trip to Athens and Meteora, to a banal trip for fur coats to the capital of furriers - the city of Kastoria.

The average prices for excursions in a travel agency look like this:

Meteora - 60 euros;
cruise around Mount Athos - 50 euros;
a trip to Athens - 100 euros;
Kastoria, visiting fur factories - 25 euros;
a trip to Thessaloniki - 40 euros;
Greek evening - 30 euros;
Petralona cave - 35 euros;
pirate cruise from Sithonia - 35 euros;
Waterland water park - 40 euros;
Jeep Safari - 60 euros.

Children's tickets usually cost 50% of the adult price. Up to 6 years - free of charge.

Have your passport and money with you, some excursions do not include entrance tickets to some attractions or museums.

Let's consider the most interesting of them in more detail.

Trip to Meteora

Meteora is the pride of Greece. High sheer cliffs and lonely Orthodox monasteries nestled on their peaks. They were built by the monks, lifting huge stones in baskets to unimaginable heights. The spectacle is not just impressive, but grandiose, fantastic.

There are no restrictions on visiting, but in shorts, as well as in any other clothing that reveals the knees or shoulders, the entrance to the monastery is prohibited. Women are also prohibited from wearing trousers.

Tour of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki - northern capital Greece. Regardless of whether you are passing through here or have come for a long time, you definitely need to explore the ancient city that carefully preserves its shrines.

Old city walls, from where good weather Thessaloniki is visible at a glance, White Tower, which has been a symbol of Thessaloniki since the fifteenth century and the temple of St. Dmitry, the heavenly patron of the city - a huge number of ancient and Christian sights are waiting for you.

Journey to Olympus

Tourist trips to the relatively nearby House of the Twelve Gods are organized by many travel agencies.

On Olympus, there are clearly developed tourist routes, safe paths are equipped, and shelters are organized where travelers are invited to relax.

You can climb to the very top of Olympus, but if there is no such desire, take pictures of the incredibly picturesque foothills, visit Dion, an ancient city at the foot of Olympus, where large-scale excavations have been carried out for more than a hundred years.

Visit to the water park

Eight kilometers from Thessaloniki, at the entrance to Chalkidiki is the Waterland water park.

On one hundred and fifty thousand square meters of area you can find everything your heart desires. Unless, of course, it is somehow connected with water. Water rides, slides, pools - for every taste for both children and adults. To swim at least once in each, it will take half a day.

For parents who do not like to swim, there are several tennis courts, a basketball court, many restaurants, cafes and even a group of animators who entertain the public with interesting events.

Tourists about which spread all over the world, annually invites guests. The convenient location of resorts and infrastructure allows everyone to go to Greece at any time of the year to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

Where is?

A peninsula with a large number of hotels, beaches and other tourism infrastructure located south of the famous city of Thessaloniki. The resort consists of three luxurious peninsulas: Sithonia, which has a beautiful landscape and views, Athos, filled with attractions, and Kassandra, popular due to its warm climate.

Every year, thousands of travelers from different parts of the world come to Greece to enjoy the local hospitality, cool winds and scorching sun. Everyone can read, before going to Halkidiki, the reviews of tourists who independently visited the resorts and were satisfied.

Holiday impressions

Holidays on the peninsula are very popular among tourists. After the usual bustle of work, it seems to them that time stops here, the atmosphere is so peaceful. It is here that you can find 500 kilometers of sand and the purest water - this is the total length of all the beaches available in the resort.

Halkidiki, reviews of the rest on which are only positive, is always crowded with tourists in the summer. The 30-degree heat does not stop visitors to the beach, since the proximity of the sea allows you to smooth out temperature loads and enjoy your vacation. The resort has a fairly mild climate, which allows you to relax here even with the whole family.

Attractions

If you decide to head to the Greek peninsula of Halkidiki, you should definitely set aside at least a little time to visit the local villages, which have a unique flavor and long history. In the settlements you can find a relatively inexpensive overnight stay if you can’t afford a hotel, as well as visit restaurants, taverns, and relax in bars.

Another attraction of the peninsula - Byzantine Museum, which contains a huge number of exhibits ancient era and is able to send tourists on a distant historical journey, where they can get to know Greece. It is simply impossible to miss such a spectacle and the proposed excursions.

You should definitely visit and on Olynthos, excursions go there every hour. If you want to appreciate the beauty of Greek nature, you can visit the forests of Holomont. Four hours away is Meteora, recognized as the eighth wonder of the world - a monument of ancient rocks, which several hundred years ago played the role of a haven for monks.

Peninsula of Halkidiki

The Halkidiki resort includes three islands, the first of which is Kassandra. All mini-resorts located on this peninsula have excellent ecology, which is why they are among the most popular in Greece. If you like outdoor activities, it is best to go to this peninsula, because it is here that you will find something to your liking, as well as new acquaintances who share your hobbies.

If you want peace and quiet after noisy cities, then there is such a place in Halkidiki - Sithonia, reviews of tourists about which have long been spread among top managers and heads of large enterprises. It is this resort that is often called the Greek park, because the local forests are very picturesque and suitable for long walks. It is Sithonia that is very often recommended by managers of travel agencies to families with small children.

And, finally, you should definitely visit Athos (Holy Mountain), which is the center of monasteries erected in the era of Byzantium and keeping innumerable riches. However, there is a small drawback: only men are allowed to enter the sacred land, so ladies are not allowed to enter the Holy Mountain.

How to relax at the resort?

It does not matter where exactly you arrange your holiday in Halkidiki, reviews of which have already spread all over the planet, the main thing is to get acquainted with the culture and nightlife of Greece. It is in this resort that you can find a huge number of musical institutions where you can hear national music and traditional songs.

There are also discos in the resort, which begin their work at 5-6 pm and last until the morning, and nightclubs work in the same way. If you don’t like outdoor activities, you can constantly go on excursions with a guide or just walk around the peninsula, admiring the local attractions.

The opportunities for entertainment infrastructure here are very high, so you can relax the way you want. Gambling enthusiasts can head to any casino, of which there are a lot. For athletes, there are mini-stadiums where they can keep fit, in addition, there is an opportunity to go surfing on the beaches.

Do not be afraid that you will not have enough money at the resort. Despite the difficult economic situation in Greece, resort prices are very affordable. Holidays in Halkidiki, reviews of which will help to make an impression of the resort, will be pleasant and memorable.

Peninsula Hotels

According to tourists, it is difficult to single out the best hotels in Halkidiki, each of them has both its advantages and disadvantages. The four-star department of Potidea Palace, which is located between two bays, enjoys great popularity. famous mountain Olympus. The hotel is located one kilometer from the Potidea Canal and 55 kilometers from Thessaloniki.

The 5-star Porto Carras Sithonia is located on the peninsula of Sithonia and is also popular for its rich fauna and flora. Ecologically clean beaches, pools, sports clubs and entertainment organizations - all this attracts tourists from all over the world here, to Sithonia.

On the peninsula of Kassandra, 70 kilometers from Thessaloniki, is the Pallini Beach Hotel, which has the whitest sandy beaches in all of Greece. Here you can find a large number of entertainment establishments. A distinctive feature of the hotel is that here you can book deluxe rooms at relatively inexpensive prices.

Assa Maris Bomo Hotel

If the purpose of your trip is Greece (Halkidiki), the hotel "Assa Maris", reviews of tourists about which are purely positive, can become a stopover. The hotel complex is located in a quiet place where tourists can admire the beautiful nature and picturesque scenery of the sea.

The hotel offers you excellent service, relaxing and serene atmosphere, relaxing holiday that will be remembered for a long time. An amazing feature - the institution works only from the beginning of May to the end of October, all other months it is closed and does not serve tourists. The total area of ​​the hotel is twenty thousand square meters.

Sixty-six rooms are relatively few for such a luxurious complex, but even they manage to be taken apart in a matter of hours, so getting there is quite difficult. The hotel is located one hundred kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki, from where it can be reached by bus or taxi.

Villa George Hotel

If you are a creative person and decide to go to Halkidiki (Greece), the Crousso Villa Hotel, which has mostly positive reviews from tourists, is ideal for you. The hotel is located between pine forest and the small town of Kassandra, on the seashore. From the airport in Thessaloniki to the hotel you need to drive only 85 kilometers.

It is here that you can rent for relatively inexpensive price a double studio where you can calmly engage in creativity or just relax. For those who travel to the resort with a large group, the hotel offers top-class apartments, which have a special priority in service.

The hotel rooms are fully equipped with everything you need (air conditioners, heating, telephones, etc.), there is also Internet access via Wi-Fi. The room rate includes breakfast, but tourists will have to order lunches and dinners additionally or eat outside the hotel.

The hotel offers currency exchange at any time, as well as car rental, so for those who like to travel by car, this is an ideal place to relax. Tourists who are fond of sports can use the swimming pool, also in the hotel for additional fee Private table tennis lessons are available.

How to choose a cheaper option?

If your budget is modest enough, and you want to have a good rest, then you should carefully examine all possible places of rest. Pay attention to the hotels of Halkidiki, reviews of tourists the hotel "Bellagio" is very praised. A small three-star hotel will satisfy even the most demanding guest, largely due to low prices.

Blue sea, golden sand, green hills - all this creates a perfect harmony, which is like a small paradise, which not everyone manages to get into. The hotel is surrounded by a pine forest on one side and the sea on the other, next to it is one of the largest beaches in Greece - Fourka.

In total, the three-story hotel has eighty-four rooms, each of them is designed for three guests. All apartments have air conditioning and satellite TV. At the first request of the guest, the hotel administration provides him with a hairdryer, mini-bar, and a safe in which you can store jewelry, documents and other valuables.

Children can spend time on a special playground and in the pool under the supervision of instructors, while parents, meanwhile, can use the massage room, tennis court or visit a local restaurant where the chef prepares one new dish every day, thereby constantly changing the menu.

Transport

The most common modes of transport in the resort of Halkidiki, the reviews of tourists about which are mostly positive, are buses and taxis. In five-star hotels, tourists can take advantage of free shuttle buses that travel between the resort towns.

If we talk about regular buses, then they run with enviable regularity and an acceptable interval. In order to stop the bus, you just need to vote at the stop, otherwise it will surely pass by. However, anyone can rent a car, but for this you need to have a sufficient amount of money with you.

Climate

The peninsula of Halkidiki about the climate of which is ambiguous, is the focus of travelers from May to October, when it lasts holiday season. The average air temperature on the peninsula in May during the day is +24 degrees, in June it is +29 degrees, in July and August - +31, in September it drops to 27 degrees, and in October - to 21.

Cases have been repeatedly recorded when in July and August the temperature rose to 35 degrees Celsius. The climate is dry, which is why tourists can easily endure the heat. A distinctive feature of the resort - the peninsula is protected mountain ranges from cold winds, thanks to this, the sea behaves as calmly as possible and warms up perfectly. The water temperature in summer ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Beaches on the peninsula

If you are thinking about a vacation in Greece, be sure to check out the Halkidiki resort, which has very positive reviews from tourists. Beaches are a distinctive feature of all the peninsulas that are part of the resort. Approximately 80% of all beaches are municipal, they can be used for free, there are also private beaches where an entrance fee is charged.

Pure sand with small pebbles, clear sea - all this attracts tourists to the beaches every day. Outdoor enthusiasts can rent the necessary swimming equipment and vests), as well as ride on yachts, boats and water attractions. Among other things, on the peninsula you can find a large number of beaches where no one has ever been.

Local kitchen

Many tourists go to Greece just to try the local cuisine. This can also be done in Halkidiki, reviews of the peninsula have long spread around the world, as culinary capital Greece. Although there are not many fruit and vegetable farms here, local restaurants always offer their customers the freshest dishes.

The most popular dishes here are those containing natural olive oil, olives and black olives, as well as seafood, which is what Greece is famous for. Halkidiki has a large number of restaurants specializing in fish and other seafood dishes.

You can also find a large number of cafes and taverns on the peninsula, where you will be served a real Greek salad and a cup of coffee brewed according to a special recipe. All tourists must buy real olive oil, a liter of which costs about ten euros.

It's time to go!

Since reviews of Halkidiki have long spread around the world, it is best to book tickets and hotels in advance. Experienced tourism managers advise doing this in early March, before the start of the tourism boom. It is at this time of the year that you can buy vouchers to hotels at relatively cheap prices. You can also try to wait for the "burning" offers to appear, but the likelihood of this is quite small, the resort is so popular. If last-minute deals don't appear in May, most likely there won't be any for the entire season.

The peninsula of Halkidiki, the reviews of which inspire the trip, is a real Mecca for travelers who are eager to relax and get a lot of impressions. The main thing is not to forget to take a camera or camcorder with you, as well as all the necessary accessories. In the event that you suddenly need to transfer information to any medium, you will be happy to come to the rescue in the hotel where you stay. Have a nice rest!