Ask any Greek about vacation spots and one of the first things they’ll exclaim in unison is “There’s nothing like Chalkidiki!”. Emerald waters, sandy beaches and crystal clear night skies wait for you in this haven in the north of Greece.
Fly to the major international airport of Thessaloniki and take an hour-long drive to end up in an untouched paradise. This strikingly beautiful peninsula is made up of three ‘legs’ with entirely different draws – there’s something for everyone!
Beach Bars or Campgrounds?
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
The first ‘leg’ of the Chalkidiki peninsula, called Kassandra, is perfect if you want to a more cosmopolitan experience. Luxury beach bars and resorts can be found around every corner so you can have a different experience every day of your visit. All surrounded by clean and welcoming waters so you can take a dip with a drink in hand!
Or, choose to focus your time in Greece next to green trees and blue waters on Sithonia, the second ‘leg’ of Chalkidiki. Here, time stands still as you unwind with the calming sound of waves rhythmically meeting sand. Take a hike amongst the trees or even stay at one of the many campgrounds in the area in order to really connect with nature.
Photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash
The third ‘leg’ of Chalkidki, Mount Athos, is not the one to visit for most. The spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian World, it is also forbidden for any women to step foot on this peninsula as it is a holy residence for more than 2,000 monks in 20 monasteries!
Things To Explore
Petralona cave is famous around the world for being the home of a human skull dated to 700,000 years ago, but it is also known for dripping with stunning red rock formations. Look around you in awe at the stalagmites which bejewel the cave in all directions.
D. Herdemerten (Hannibal21) / Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY 3.0
Local Delicacy: Chalkidiki produces over 40% of the honey made in Greece. A jar of honey is sure to sweeten up any home and can act as the perfect memento of your time on the beautiful peninsula! Visit one of the many vineyards found on all the legs of Chalkidiki and sip on local wine or cycle parts of the over 100 kilometers of bikeable routes found on the peninsula.
