Halkidiki is the three-fingered peninsula that juts into the northern Aegean from the coast of Macedonia. It is northern Greece's finest coastal destination — a landscape of pine forests, crystal-clear water and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, combined with the extraordinary presence of Mount Athos, the monastic republic that occupies the third peninsula.

The Region

Halkidiki consists of three distinct peninsulas: Kassandra (the westernmost), Sithonia (the middle) and Athos (the easternmost). Each has a distinct character. Kassandra is the most developed, with good facilities and lively resorts. Sithonia is wilder and more beautiful, with dramatic scenery and less crowded beaches. Athos is the monastic republic — access is restricted to men with a special permit, but the views of the Holy Mountain from the sea are extraordinary.

Kassandra

Kassandra is the most accessible peninsula, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The resorts of Kallithea, Hanioti and Pefkochori offer good facilities, sandy beaches and a lively summer atmosphere. Possidi at the southern tip has a beautiful beach with a lighthouse.

Sithonia

Sithonia is the most beautiful of the three peninsulas — a landscape of pine forests, dramatic cliffs and turquoise coves that rivals the best of the Greek islands. Porto Carras is the largest resort, with a marina and golf course. Vourvourou is a beautiful bay of small islands and clear water. Kalamitsi and Toroni are among the finest beaches in northern Greece. The village of Sarti is a good base for exploring the southern tip.

Mount Athos

The Athos peninsula is the most extraordinary part of Halkidiki — a self-governing monastic republic that has been inhabited by Orthodox monks since the 10th century. Access is restricted: only men may visit, and a special permit (the diamonitirion) is required. The monasteries — 20 in total, including the Great Lavra, Vatopedi and Simonopetra — are among the most important centres of Orthodox Christianity in the world, housing extraordinary collections of Byzantine art, manuscripts and relics. Boat trips from Ouranoupolis offer views of the monasteries from the sea.

Beaches

Halkidiki has exceptional beaches. Kavourotripes (also called Orange Beach) near Sarti is one of the most beautiful in Greece — a series of small coves of white sand and turquoise water surrounded by pine trees. Armenistis near Vourvourou is a long, sandy beach with clear water. Kriaritsi on the south coast of Sithonia is a wild, remote beach of extraordinary beauty.

Eating and Drinking

The food in Halkidiki is excellent — influenced by the Macedonian tradition, with an emphasis on grilled meat, fresh fish and local produce. The seafood restaurants in Vourvourou are exceptional; the tavernas in the mountain villages serve excellent traditional cuisine.

How to Get There

Halkidiki is easily reached by road from Thessaloniki (around 1 hour to Kassandra). Thessaloniki has an international airport with flights from the UK and other European cities.

Best For

Halkidiki suits families and couples who want excellent beaches and good facilities, combined with the extraordinary cultural experience of Mount Athos. It is one of the most rewarding destinations in northern Greece.

---

Thinking about Halkidiki? Talk to us — we can build a northern Greece itinerary that combines Halkidiki with Thessaloniki and the archaeological sites of Macedonia.