There are so many things to do in Halkidiki, a region of Central Macedonia. During the 1950’s, Halkidiki became a popular holiday destination for Greeks from Thessaloniki who revelled in the beautiful white beaches, the clear turquoise waters and lush green forests.
Nikiti was an ancient settlement that has developed into the main resort of Halkidiki. The Old Town has narrow cobbled streets filled with restored traditional Macedonian stone houses that feature wooden balconies and courtyards full of blossoms. Overlooking the town is a stone church and below that is the old elementary school which now houses a folklore museum. There are also a couple of cafes and a taverna.
The first ‘leg’ of Halkidiki is Kassandra, which is the most crowded. It is closer to Thessaloniki and gets many weekend visitors to the numerous beach bars.
The second ‘leg’ is Sithonia, which feels more wild and natural. This is where Nikiti is located. The third is Mount Athos, which is a monastic community, so only men are allowed to visit. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you like mountains, you will love Halkidiki. You can hike and go mountain biking through forests of oak, chestnut and pine. There are lots of places to stay on Mount Cholomonatas with traditional guest houses offering very reasonable prices.
Lovers of water sports can get their thrill on many of the superb beaches. So, if you want to experience kite surfing or water skiing, there are many opportunities. Scuba diving will take you beneath the crystal clear waters where you can see the myriad of creatures that live below the waves.
Halkidiki will please anyone who loves festivals. During the summer you can see outdoor theatre, music and dancing as well as art exhibitions.
Finally, don’t forget Greek cuisine. Halkidiki is awash with tasty Mediterranean dishes and specialist local foods. The mountains are so fertile and produce top quality olive oil, honey and wine. Pastry shops sell hand-made cakes and sweets that will leave you wanting more.
Find more things to do in Halkidiki here.
The closest airport to Halkidiki is the International Airport of Thessaloniki
