Halkidiki

NOW 5 °C

Next 5 days

THURS 16 °C
FRI 18 °C
SAT 21 °C
SUN 20 °C
MON 16 °C

Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

Shaped like Poseidon’s trident, Halkidiki’s prongs jut out into the Aegean Sea. Lush green forests extend all the way to the beachfront where reflections of golden sunlight add sparkling hues to turquoise waters. Long stretches of beautiful ever-changing shoreline, unique archaeological sites, world-renowned Christian monuments, lesser-known natural wonders and man-made masterpieces have all helped shape the region’s diverse identity, made even more interesting by the rich local culinary and cultural heritage.

Shallow blue sea and a girl in a swimsuit enters. In the background mainland with low vegetation.

Unique Experiences

BEACHES

61 Beaches of Mt Athos

ACTIVITIES

Biking around the Paths of Alexis Zorba

BEACHES

Cove after Cove in Halkidiki

A breathtaking combination of blue and green

On this fascinating canvas of blue and green, you will find large hotels built to the highest standards, mostly on cosmopolitan Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula; traditional seafront guesthouses and marinas along Sithonia coastline (middle peninsula); and archaeological sites such as Ancient Olynthos and Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle. Last but not least, Mount Athos: the easternmost peninsula is home to a unique Christian Orthodox monastic state, inscribed on UNESCO’S World Heritage List. It is a millennium-old living proof of the Byzantine culture, surrounded by pristine nature. Please note that Mt. Athos accepts only male visitors.

Love the mountains?

Halkidiki is home to pockets of paradise and those of you who love wooded mountains will no doubt find their own paradise here. Follow the hiking trails or go mountain biking through forests of pine, oak, fir and chestnut. Enjoy the invigorating feel of the clean mountain air and quench your thirst in the cool waters of gurgling streams and springs hidden in the vegetation. To arrange your stay there, check out the traditional guesthouses on Mt. Cholomontas and on nearby mountainous areas.

Love the Sea?

For those of you in search of the perfect holiday destination facing the Aegean Sea waters, Halkidiki is a great option; and if you’re after an adrenaline rush, you will enjoy activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, water skiing etc, on Kassandra and Sithonia. For long distance swimmers, the Toronaios Gulf Crossing is a swimming event that takes place every July, during which competing swimmers from all over the world must cover a 26km distance from Kassandra to Sithonia peninsulas. Hop on a boat and discover out of sight coves, dive in Kavourotrypes and near Ammouliani islet. Explore the area’s campsites and enjoy carefree moments in the heart of nature.

Love the Arts?

In the summer, there are some great art festivals that take place in Halkidiki. Enjoy the music and outdoor theatre performances as well as other performing arts events.

Don’t miss out on going to Sani Festival. It’s been running since 1993 and it hosts painting exhibitions, music and dancing performances, some of them on Sani Hill. The area is a green promontory dominated by Sani Tower, a medieval stronghold dating to the 14th – 15th c. located on the hilltop. Visit Sani Art Gallery, in the mall by Sani marina and enjoy the scheduled events.

Kassandra Festival should also be high on your list. It takes place in Siviri Amphitheatre every summer and it hosts art events, painting exhibitions etc.

Flavourful Tips

Try delicious local dishes; taste table olives; savour white, rosé and acclaimed red wines from native varieties (mavrotragano and xinomavro); taste seafood delicacies such as mussels; and don’t miss out on trying the fragrant top quality local honey.