Chalkidiki A Greek dream

If you ask the Greeks where they would like to spend their vacation, you will hear: of course, on the Halkidiki peninsula. Here, the Aegean Sea is of incredible color, wonderful beaches and amazing nature.

Halkidiki has the longest coastline in Greece - 550 km. And considering that Greece is not only the mainland, but also six thousand islands, such a record is impressive. There are thousands of sandy and pebbly beaches on the peninsula. Their cleanliness is evidenced by the fact that for six consecutive years Halkidiki has been ranked first in Greece in terms of the number of "Blue Flags": 87 beaches and 3 marinas have been awarded them. To receive such an honorable rating, the water in the sea must be impeccably clean, and the beach must meet 33 criteria, including in terms of facilities, services, safety for vacationers and the environment.

If you come with children, you will find many beaches in Halkidiki, where the sea is shallow and the depth increases very gradually. The water warms up quickly and keeps warm for a long time, so the beach season starts from the first days of May and lasts until the beginning of November. The sea here is a couple of degrees warmer compared to other Greek resorts, and the air, on the contrary, is a little fresher, which is especially comfortable for summer vacations. The heat in Halkidiki is felt less thanks to the large amount of greenery. The plains and mountains of the peninsula are covered with coniferous, ancient oak and beech forests, olive groves, herbs and colorful flowers. Halkidiki is a protected area. It is forbidden to cut down trees and the construction of hotels is restricted. (Though, as for hotels, there are plenty of them to suit every taste.)

On the beaches there is a huge selection of water activities. One of the most exquisite and emotional is sea walks along the coast. By renting a boat, catamaran or yacht, you can see picturesque lagoons, bays, islets near the peninsula and its "fingers". The route leading to the sacred Mount Athos with a complex of men's monasteries is popular.

In addition, sailing, surfing, sea kayaking, SUP, paragliding, banana boating, diving and snorkeling are all available in Halkidiki. Even a few meters from the shore, life is raging. Under the water you will see thousands of species of fish, octopuses, crabs and seahorses; you can see coral gardens, caves and sunken ships. There are 60 dive sites near Halkidiki. Underwater swimming is comfortable, because even at a depth of 20 meters in summer, the water warms up to 26 degrees.

Halkidiki has dozens of hiking and cycling routes, horseback riding on the coast and in forests, off-road safaris, mountaineering, and golf. But even an ordinary walk through cozy, flower-filled villages here fills the quiet joy of life.

Agritourism and gastronomic tours are developed on the peninsula. Wine, honey and olive oil are made here. And what are the mussels, shrimps and fish in the local taverns! Every meal is a delight: wholesome food, refreshing wine and coastal views. 

Vacationers are offered a wide selection of excursion programs. From Halkidiki, you can visit Meteora, Thessaloniki, climb Mount Olympus, visit the ancient city of Stagira, where Aristotle was born more than 2,400 years ago, and go down to the Petralona cave, where the first evidence of human presence on the territory of Europe was found. Artifacts are already 700 thousand years old! Not far from the cave are the ruins of the former capital of the region and one of the most influential cities of ancient Greece - the city of Olympos.

Halkidiki is invigorating, and the memory of this vacation will stay with you forever.