Ηalkidiki Greece
Guide
english
Map
Halkidiki is not merely a holiday destination; it is an unrivalled summer and winter experience, the place you have long dreamt of.
Halkidiki
sun, beaches of immaculate beauty, a tantalising landmarks, rich culinary and cultural treasures, all form the striking
You don’t have to know that Halkidiki boasts the biggest number of EU Blue Flags than any other tourist prefecture in Greece in order to appreciate the beauty of its beaches, that span over 500 kilometres of coastline.
An exciting, ancient story unravels before a visitor’s eyes through
Abundant green landscapes under a golden
blend of sea and mountains, traditional colours, historical
Stunningly scenic, densely covered in green and with an excellent tourism infrastructure, Halkidiki is the ideal getaway in which to unwind, but also where the more adventurous spirit can discover unique places of exceptional interest and beauty.
The Halkidiki peninsula is further divided into three smaller peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. the numerous historical monuments scattered around Halkidiki. The
Entering Halkidiki, one comes upon the famous Petralona Cave, the history of which
findings in the Cave of Petralona reveal that the area has been inhabited
begins in the Paleolithic Era. Continuing past the beautiful beaches of Kallikrateia,
for over 700,000 years, while archaeological finds show that organized
one enters the first peninsula of Halkidiki, Kassandra, and is greeted by the Byzantine
communities in the area date back to 4,000 B.C.
tower of the Stavronikita Monastery of Mount Athos and the baths of Agia Paraskevi.
Immerse Yourself in History
During the 8th century B.C., a large migration
According to Greek mythology, in Kassandra, also called Pallini, among the endless,
From the beaches of Kassandra, with their emerald waters and
striking sandy beaches, the mythical battle of the Giants took place.
endless stretches of sand, to the secret beaches of Sithonia,
from the city of Halkida gives the peninsula
where the sea flirts with a stunning landscape of white sand
Live a thousand and one experiences
its name. At the end of the same century,
The next stop is Sithonia, the second peninsula and home
the 32 cities of Halkidiki unite under the
to the ancient city of Olynthos, with its exquisite mosaic
One of its biggest assets is the unmatched quality of hospitality
leadership of the city of Olynthos, and in 348 B.C., Halkidiki becomes
inlays and archaeological site. Sithonia is characterised by
offered, made up of an extensive network of hotels, ranging
part of King Philip’s Kingdom of Macedonia.
breath-taking beaches and an abundance of pine trees;
sea create ideal conditions for true relaxation and meditation
on its east coastline one may marvel at the sight of the
and the branches of the trees reach into the sea, creating one
sun rising behind impressive Mount Athos across.
of the most beautiful sights in the world, wherever you may
mosaic that is Halkidiki.
from modern units with state-of-the-art conference rooms, spa facilities, marinas and golf, to eco-friendly, traditional hotels, all in
During the Hellenistic age the three big cities of Halkidiki are founded:
very close proximity to the international airport of Thessaloniki,
Kassandreia and Ouranoupolis in 315 B.C. and Antigoneia in 280 B.C.
the second largest city in Greece.
In 168 B.C. the Romans seize control of the area. During the Christian
From Sithonia, one can either choose to head for the coolness and shade of leafy
centuries, Halkidiki is raided by the Goths, the Huns and the Catalans.
Mount Holomontas, a little to the north, or continue on to meet the Athos peninsula
The Petralona Cave
and densely green trees, to the Athos peninsula, where the scent
Escape into the blue
of the pine trees and the salt of the
be in Halkidiki, whatever you may be after –entertainment or tranquility– you are bound to find it.
further east - the biggest part of which is run by the Monastic State of Agio Oros,
Even when your heart longs for something different, even
After the 9th century A.D., the monks of Mount Athos gain control of
“The Holy Mountain” - where entry to women is forbidden. The part of the Athos
more unique and private, small pathways will lead you
most of Halkidiki, while in 1430 the Turks conquer the area. After two
peninsula that is free for all to enter is generous with its beauty: one may visit its
to hundreds of beautiful beaches, large or small, gulfs of
unsuccessful rebellions against them, in 1821 and 1854, the people of
dreamy beaches, follow Aristotle’s footsteps in Stagira, the philosopher’s birthplace,
turquoise waters and beautiful undersea landscapes; your
Halkidiki gain their much desired freedom in October 1912.
relax at the aquarium of Ierissos or observe the “karnagia”, the shipyards, where to this
own, personal hideaways.
day, traditional methods in the manufacturing of wooden ships are employed.
Holomondas in the winter
Beach in Pefkochori, Kassandra
Kavourotrypes beach, Sithonia
The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis, Athos
The mosaic inlays of ancient Olynthos
Aerial view of Vourvourou, Sithonia
Glarokavos, Kassandra Sunset at the beach, Kassandra
Nea Roda beach, Athos
The Stavronikita Byzantine Tower, Kassandra
Armenistis beach, Sithonia
Wetland habitat, Porto Koufo, Sithonia
Vineyards in the slopes of Melitonas, Sithonia
“The Holy Mountain”, Athos View of Athos from Sithonia
Enjoy… Cycling in Kassandra
… never-ending beaches, spanning 500 kilometres, where the blue of the Aegean meets the rich, dark green of the pine trees
Scenes from a festival in Halkidiki
… the welcoming shade of 37 hiking and cycling routes through unspoiled natural landscapes and exciting Natura areas, like the Holomondas and Stratonikos forests … the 20 picturesque monasteries of Mount Athos, untouched by time, where the spirit meets the wisdom and the beauty of ages past … the excitement of visiting important historical monuments such as ancient Olynthos and Stagira, interspersed in the area that gave birth to Aristotle … the taste of Halkidiki olives and honey that the philosopher treasured, as well as the rich flavours of wine and tsipouro in the wineries and distilleries you will come upon
Ouzo and meze next to the sea, Kassandra “The Holy Mountain”, Athos
The uniqueness of the natural landscape of Mount Holomondas has led Greece to mark it as a Special Protection Zone and include it in the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of environmental areas, highlighting its ecological importance.
Feel the Pulse of Nature
Europe
It is easy to understand why: its slopes are spotted with fir, beech, chestnut trees and perennial oaks, hidden springs and streams echo the sound of water, while the cleanliness of the air charges up every cell of one’s
Greece
… your ideal magical retreat, in the state-of-the-art modern or traditional infrastructure of the Halkidiki network of hotels, with marinas, spa facilities, and so much more, all planned to cater to your five senses.
This is where you start living your dreams.
Collecting the precious honey, Kassandra
Holomondas Mount forest
The Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an autonomous monastic state, 336 km² in area, with twenty monasteries, twelve sketes, “kelions” and its governing centre, Karyes.
Discover Uniqueness
In order to visit the Athonic State, a strict protocol is
w w w. h a l k i d i k i - h o t e l s . g r
33, G. Papandreou st., 54646 Thessaloniki-GR Τel: +30.2310.429.020-2, Fax: +30.2310.429.021 info@halkidiki-hotels.gr
Taste Unending Flavours
in Thessaloniki or Ouranoupolis for a permit before your
following the exciting hiking routes, not only on Holomondas but throughout the peninsula,
arrival. Your stay – no more than four days – in the monasteries is free of charge. It is
under the rich shade of the trees, next to the beach or on the mountains.
forbidden for women to enter the Athos Peninsula, the place the monks call “The Garden of the Virgin”.
If, on the other hand, you are after a more rigorous or adventurous sport, cycling routes – more than 17 – are waiting to time you in with the pulse of the earth and the breath of the
Here, visitors follow the monks’ way of life, immersed in tranquil silence, only interrupted
wind, and diving centres waiting to guide you through underwater treasures. A number of
by the sound of bells and imposing chants. Its natural, unspoiled beauty and a series
sports tournaments also take place here, such as the crossing of the Toroneos Gulf - between
of invaluable artifacts of Christianity compose a moving, unique experience. Your watch
Kassandra and Sithonia, where some of the most important athletes in endurance swimming
will not be of use here, as everyone follows the solar time, as well as the Julian Calendar.
from all over the world can be found competing - sailing races, as well as tennis and beach
Walking through serene paths, talking to the monks, fishing or taking part in the holy
volley competitions. You can enjoy exploratory walking tours and horse-riding during your
services, you will embark on an introspective journey of mystical proportions and find
stay in modern or traditional lodgings.
yourself at peace with life.
What you can be sure of is that in the nature of Halkidiki, be it summer or winter, your spirit
The most valuable keepsake from Mount Athos, together with the enlightening discussions
will awaken and bliss be redefined.
with the monks, the liberating serenity of the scenery and the experience of a life out of
When considering the Halkidiki diet, olive oil and the green olive first come to mind. Then, honey – they say Aristotle loved it – that is collected from ecosystems almost untouched by man.
which means that you have to contact the Pilgrim Office
the ordinary, will be the results of your own search for inner peace and wisdom. ΕΝΩΣΗ ΞΕΝΟΔΟΧΕΙΩΝ ΧΑΛΚΙΔΙΚΗΣ
Halkidiki’s culinary identity is a tradition of flavours, smells, ingredients and techniques that began in antiquity, with numerous festivals in honour of the earth and the goods it provided to the ancient peoples.
observed: no more than 120 visitors are allowed every day,
body with energy and vitality. Discover an alternative, equally appealing side of Halkidiki by
Kakoudia beach, Ierissos, Athos
In Halkidiki, some of the best Greek wine and tsipouro is distilled, from the most distinguished varieties of vines, usually with traditional techniques. The Halkidiki wines have a strong body, full of flavour. Red wines have a distinct dark ruby colour while white wines are clear and bright. There are excellent wine producers whose facilities you can visit, in order to taste the wines and get initiated into the ancient art of its creation. In November, pots fill with grapes and boil twice, spreading the smell of aniseed, which flavours the tsipouro of the Macedonia region, as well as
You will feel the cultural heart of Greece strongly beating in Halkidiki. The visitor can choose from a range of dozens of traditional festivals in villages, in big, imposing churches or smaller countryside ones, to modern, international festivals such as the ones in Kassandra and
Move to the Rhythm of Life
Siviri, Afytos, Nea Fokea and Polygyros, the Festival of the Sea, Sani Festival and Porto Carras Festival – which focus on the magic
“Montovina”, the hot drink made from tsipouro and honey.
of music, but also incorporate the visual arts, theatre, cinema and
In Halkidiki’s dairy farms, excellent cheeses are produced, the quality of which is based on Greek
respect to artistic creation.
milk from a selection of free-range herds, as well as in the pride and love the producers pour into their work, dedicating their skills to creating traditional produce such as feta, agiotiri, goat’s
other events in order to promote culture, diversity, quality and
All these take place in a stunning natural landscape, which
cheese and yogurt, as well as butter.
combines the serenity of the sea and the mesmerizing mountains,
And when your palate longs for a different kind of culinary exploration, Halkidiki can satisfy that
the mind, the body.
too, as, in the last decade, prominent chefs from all over the globe come to Halkidiki to offer their creations in exquisite gourmet restaurants and festivals.
with facilities that can support any wish and need for the spirit,