Are you planning your trip to Halkidiki and looking for more inspiration and advice ?
Here are the top 10 main reasons why your summer holidays will remain unforgotten.
HALKIDIKI (also spelled Chalkidike)is a peninsula and regional unit of Greece.
Capital City: POLYGYROS
Area
• Total: 2,918 km2 (1,127 sq mi)
Population
• Total: 105,908
Transport:
CAPITAL CITY IS: ATHENS
Calling code:+30
Halkidiki, inside your dreams...
Halkidiki’s ‘fingers’
The region of Halkidiki is characterised by three peninsulas that extend into the sea, which are often referred to as Halkidiki’s ‘fingers’ or ‘Poseidon trident’. These peninsulas are home to glorious beaches – many of which are Blue Flag rated – and plentiful secluded bays. Ideal for swimming in calm waters or simply enjoying the sparkling sea views, this is one reason why Halkidiki exudes so much appeal to holidaymakers.
Kassandra Peninsula
The first leg is named Kassandra and is full of popular tourist resorts, luxurious hotels, and organized beaches and the most popular peninsula. Kassandra is at the western most tip of Halkidiki, close to Thessaloniki. Entering into Kassandra makes impression. In fact, the Kassandra peninsula is an island separated from the mainland by the Potidea canal, which offers a spectacular panoramic view.
Kassandra peninsula has beach options to suit all tastes. There is an abundance of Blue Flag beaches in Kassandra. The beach at Nea Potidea is also a popular Blue Flag option, with a pretty harbour to wander around too. The beach at Skala Fourka is narrow with perfect soft white sand and shallow waters ideal for paddling. There is also a wide choice of water sports available.
Kallithea beach – which aptly means ‘nice view’ – is one of the prettiest beaches on this peninsula. A large stretch of white sand is backed by pine and palm trees, while plentiful water sports are on offer here. There is also no shortage of tavernas, cafés and restaurants to take advantage of.
Sithonia Peninsula
The second leg is Sithonia. The peninsula surrounded by the Toroneos Gulf. Was named to Sithon, son of the god of the sea Poseidon. Less populated is preferred by travellers who enjoy nature and tranquillity.
Sithonia peninsula is also home to a number of well-known Blue Flag beaches. This includes the small beaches either end of the perfect horseshoe cove at Neos Marmaras, popular with families for the shallow and calm waters. The resort beaches and sandy coves of Porto Karras are also Blue Flag beaches, with white sands and plentiful water sports on offer. Armenistis, Platanitsi and Sikia beaches on the east coast of Sithonia peninsula are also well-visited Blue Flag beaches, but the most popular along this coastline is the 2km long Sarti beach, which also has a thrumming beachside promenade and views over Mount Athos. Vourvourou is a rugged stretch of the Sithonia coastline well worth a visit too, for its white sandy beach, clear waters and cluster of islands just off the coastline. There are also coastal paths ideal for short or long walks and a handful of tavernas perfect for a pitstop.
Athos Peninsula
Athos is the third peninsula of Halkidiki`s.
Athos in Greek mythology, was one of the Gigantes. He is best known for the creation of Mount Athos, a mountain and peninsula in northern Greece. Mount Athos -commonly known as the Holy Mountain- is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries and more than 2.000 resident monks.
There are two versions of the creation myth of the mountain. In one version, Athos throws a mountain at Poseidon but misses. It is said that "Athos got away and the rock he was about to throw at the god slipped through his fingers". Poseidon then threw it back at him, thus creating Mount Athos. In the other version, Poseidon throws a rock at Athos, creating the mountain.
The Gate of Mount Athos is Ouranoupoli. The visitors are welcomed by the Tower of Andronikos, the “alert protector” of the city for centuries, built in 1344 by the monastery Vatopediou as a protection from the pirates. In front of the tower lies the port, the gate of Mount Athos, where either the ferry boats travel to the monasteries or cruise around the peninsula at a distance of 500m from the beach.