The heaven called Halkidiki

Halkidiki

 

Halkidiki is probably the most preferred and liked summer destination of Bulgarians. And it could not be otherwise. This trident-shaped peninsula has over 550 km of beach and captivates tourists with its turquoise beaches. The three most popular fingers are Cassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, but do not think that these are the only resorts there. Northern Greece’s peninsula is full of small, tidy towns or villages offering delicious food, incredible hotels, breathtaking views, lovely restaurants, and not to forget the ouzo, which is a must-drink at every table. Ah, Halkidiki, I hope summer is coming faster so we can get closer to the Paradise again. Calm, blue, scorching sand underfoot, frappe, timelessness and more …

Cassandra

Cassandra is the most developed of the three fingers and most densely built up. It is suitable for families as well as for a group with friends as it has many restaurants, All inclusive hotels and beach bars. The most famous resorts in the north are Nea Potidea, Afitos, Kalithea, Polychrono, Hanioti and Pefkohori. The western part is not so developed, but it is calmer. Nea Skioni, Siviri and Skala Fourkas are distinguished. The coastline is sandy or with small pebbles. An exception is the southern part, which is hilly. The water is clear with a bright blue color that reminds you of the serenity and timelessness that surrounds you during your vacation. The waves are rare as Cassandra is protected from the winds.

Top 3 beaches to visit:

 

1. Crusoe – Paliuri, Cassandra

This beach is located in the south of the traditional village of Paliuri. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most popular places of Halkidiki, as it combines a charming sandy beach surrounded by pine trees. In addition to enjoying a well-deserved relaxation, you can practice various water sports.

2. Sani Beach

There are countless small beaches to visit along the coast of Sani. All of them are sandy and that is the reason why it is one of the most popular places in Cassandra. You can’t feel bored as there are plenty of restaurants, beach bars and water sports facilities. Behind Sani is a pine forest that you can enjoy.

3. Possidi Lighthouse – Possidi, Cassandra

Posssidi Beach is located near Possidi Village (on the southwestern tip of Kassandra). The interesting thing here is that Possidi is associated with an old big lighthouse built in the 19th century. Keep in mind that it is quite windy and there are frequent waves, but it is not crowded. The place is perfect for romance because of its crystal blue waters and beautiful sunsets.

 

Top 3 places to visit:

1. Strouboulis Tavern, Afitos

MUST VISIT! The best restaurant in Afitos that will impress you with its fresh food, amazingly delicious octopus, great portions, excellent service and affordable prices. The atmosphere is impressive with the typical stone house with Mediterranean blue and white style.  You can recognize it with its neat garden with an orange tree.

2. Metoxi

This incredible restaurant is located between Sani and Cassandria. You will reach it by following the forest path, right at the top of the hill. You can’t help but fall in love with it because of the beautiful view of the two seas and the fresh meat that will make you lick your toes. An interesting fact is that the meat comes from the small farms of Halkidiki.

3. Pearl Club, Kalithea

If you love nightlife, make sure you go to Pearl Club. Located just outside the resort Kalithea. It is known for dancing until dawn, house parties, fireworks in the peak of the evening. If you like to party, that is the place.

 

 

Sithonia

Sithonia is the middle finger and is better known among families with children and lovers of nature. An abundance of picturesque fishing villages and ports, countless wonderful beaches and unpretentious restaurants and bars on the beach. Far from the hustle and bustle, it is very common for owners and their heirs to work in their establishments. This brings a cosy atmosphere. The most popular resorts are Nikiti, Toroni, Ormos Panagias, Vourvourou, Sarti, Paralia Sikia and Kalamitsi. Nikiti is one of the big cities and is also one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It is divided into a new and old part. The sand strip is long and narrow and the sea is extremely clear. Toroni is a place for a family vacation. Ormos Panagiais is the port of Agios Nikolaos, and in translation the name means „the Bay of the Holy Virgin.“ Vourvourou is a great choice if you are looking for sheltered places, wild beaches and abundant vegetation. In Sarti, time seemed to have stopped.

 

Top 3 beaches to visit:

 

There are countless big and small beaches to visit. The west coast is flat and most of the beaches are sandy and close to or along the road. The eastern part is mountainous and the beaches are more picturesque, surrounded by pine forests.

1. Agios Ioannis, near Nikiti

Agios Ioannis is one of the most famous and largest beaches. Located near Nikiti, it impresses with white sand and turquoise waters. There are no waves and deep waters.  Тhis makes it attractive to families. The beach is also easily accessible and free of charge.

2. Karidi – Vourvourou

Karidi is the most exotic beach in Sithonia. It will make you feel as if you are on a desert island in the Caribbean. White fine sand, crystal clear waters, no waves … Paradise! The water is so shallow you need to walk about 30 meters to reach deeper waters. The beach is accessible by car.

 

3. Oranges beach – Sarti, Sithonia

Kavurotripes is one of the heavenly places in Greece. Many people call it the Halkidiki Hawaiian Islands. It is located near Sarti and impresses with the white rocks covered with green vegetation, sandy beach and blue waters. The beach includes two small caves and it is very pleasant to be seen by boat. It is only accessible on foot and the advantage is that there are fewer people.

 

 

Top 3 places to visit:

1. Ta Kymata – Neos Marmaras

The tavern was created in 1950 by a local fisherman and his wife. The place is known for its fresh food made according to old family recipes. Its location is interesting – on the beautiful port of Neos Marmaras, and the tables are stacked directly on the sand.

2. Zorbas – Kalamitsi

The Zorbas Tavern has an excellent reputation, located directly on the beautiful Kalamitsi beach. You can try traditionally delicious dishes, fresh fish, squid and souvlaki. Which fish will be offered today depends on the fisherman brought them in the morning. Traditional Greek dances are organized at least once a week. Order Ouzo and Cheers!

3. Ethnic Beach Bar, Toroni

Very close to the Toroni is the very colorful Ethnic Bar. Cool cocktails, hippies and music. Its location is good – on Tristinika beach. The atmosphere will relax, recharge and fascinate you.

 

 

Athos

Athos is the easternmost part of Halkidiki. It is an autonomous Mount Athos  monastic republic under Greek sovereignty. Its headquarters are at 20 monasteries. A law was passed that prohibited women from going to Mount Athos. It is this isolation and dedication to religion that make the peninsula so mystical. Men who wish to visit Mount Athos can do so only with special permission. They will be able to see the church’s treasures, the rare libraries and icons, and the asceticism inherent in the monks there.

For the ladies, quietly, there are wonderful places to visit that are not under the control of Holy Forest. Although they look small – don’t underestimate them.

Ouranoupoli

It is no accident that they call this city – the border between human and divine. The city is the starting point of the pilgrims and connects the Mount Athos with the rest of Greece. Despite the ban on women in the Mount Athos, tourists can take a sea tour and see the incredible architecture of the monasteries from a distance. There are 2 ships departing from the port of Ouranoupoli twice a day and it takes 4 hours. One of the most impressive and photogenic places there is the Prosforios tower, which is located next to the port. We recommend to eat at Kritikos Gallery and Restaurants. It is one of the finest restaurants in the area where you can taste fresh seafood, rich salads and delicious desserts. The service is excellent and the prices are affordable.

Other interesting islands to visit there are Drenia, Amulani and Kumica. The islands of Drenia impress with their idyll, fine sand and clear water. Amulani Island will win you with its hidden caves, beaches and rocks. Kumica is suitable for romance among the beauty of the forest and the wild beach you can reach.

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