Wherever the hotel in Halkidiki is located, there are many interesting sights within a 1-4 hour drive from it.
In the center of the peninsula is the Petralona Cave, the oldest human site in Europe. Under the stone vaults, a labyrinth of passages winds, there are underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological museums have been opened in Olynthos and Polygyros. The first contains materials about the city itself and the course of excavations, the second contains finds and artifacts found on the territory of the ancient settlements of the peninsula – Stagira, Afitos, Toroni. Check liuxers for customs and traditions of Greece.
Fishing lovers should look into the town of Nea Moudania. The Museum of Fisheries has an extensive collection of exhibits that tell about the ways of catching fish.
Of the 20 monasteries of the Athos peninsula, the most interesting are the Great Lavra, Vatopedi and the majestic Dionysiat. Women are not allowed to visit these holy places, the only monastery where they are allowed is Zigu – the monks have not lived there for a long time, and only ruins remained of their former greatness. Ladies can admire the functioning monasteries during a cruise around the peninsula.
There are also many interesting places outside Halkidiki. Mount Olympus is especially popular among tourists. There are no ancient gods there, outdoor enthusiasts are attracted by nature and a picturesque view. Meteors compete with Olympus – high rocks, on top of which there are monasteries. They store valuable religious relics – manuscripts, books, icons and much more.
5 things to do in Halkidiki
- At least from the boat to admire the monasteries of St. Athos.
- Go around all the beaches of the peninsula.
- Try a lobster or other seafood delicacy.
- Feel like an ancient Greek god on Olympus.
- Try to see Poseidon in the waves, who came for his trident.
Halkidiki for children
Halkidiki is great for families with small children. The hotels offer additional options for little travelers – a children’s menu, high chairs and cribs, nurseries, nannies and animators. Some have swimming pools with mini water parks.
For interesting activities for children, you will have to go to Thessaloniki. A 1.5-2 hour drive towards the capital of Macedonia is a large water park Waterland. The territory is equipped with 4 extreme attractions with several slides and a descent along an artificial river. There is also a children’s area and a wave pool. On a separate site there is a zoo where you can see llamas, camels, ostriches, pheasants and other animals.
In 15 minutes from Waterland there is a land amusement park Magic Park. There are 23 attractions on its territory and a dozen more shooting galleries and other games for skill and accuracy. There are carousels for the little ones and real extreme monsters that will take your breath away, as well as a fear room and a Ferris wheel.
Weather
Mountains reliably cover the peninsula from the winds. During the season, which lasts from May to September, the sea is calm and warm. The peak is in July-August – at this time it is hot, dry and crowded, and prices are higher than in other months. For lovers of a relaxing holiday, it is better to choose the velvet season – June or September.
There are very few tourists in Halkidiki from November to April, but some still come to visit Athos, see the ancient ruins and enjoy Greek cuisine. In winter, there is practically no snow, and heavy rains are not uncommon. For the sake of sightseeing, it is better to go in late spring or early autumn.
The beaches of Halkidiki
The coast of Halkidiki is one of the best places in Greece for a beach holiday. The largest number of EU Blue Flags in the country is concentrated here. The total length of the beaches is more than 500 km, to travel around everything – a two-week vacation is not enough.
All the beaches of Halkidiki belong to the state, the entrance to them is free. But for the use of umbrellas and sunbeds you will have to fork out – from 2.50 to 7 EUR per set. Some sites are managed by coastal bars and restaurants. To sit on a sun lounger, it is sometimes enough to order a drink. Others have a fixed amount, if the order is less than it, the rest must be paid.
Almost on the entire coast there are sports equipment rentals and water activities – bananas, catamarans, boats, jet skis and much more.
The most popular beaches are located on the western peninsula of Kassandra. Among them there are sandy and sandy-pebbly ones, most of them have a gentle entry into the water and are safe for families with children. Only on Hanioti, 3 m from the shore, there is a concrete slab overgrown with algae, on which you can slip. A favorite place for family tourists is Kallithea with fine white sand and calm sea. Young people prefer the beaches of the village of Nea Kallikratia, where the fun begins at sunset.
Tourists go to Sithonia for a more relaxed and elite vacation. It is quiet, not crowded, and all the same beautiful beaches – white fine sand, turquoise clear water and green vegetation. Those who want complete privacy should choose one of the small bays of the Kavourotripes beach (it is better to take an umbrella with you). A more civilized holiday on the beach in the town of Neos Marmaros – there is all the infrastructure, bars and restaurants.
