Chalkidiki or Halkidiki, as some people know, it is a three-pronged peninsula, located in Northern Greece, roughly in the center of Macedonia. The main peninsula terminates in three smaller ones, namely Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, well known as the Holy Mountain (an independent administrative district). To the north of the coastal region the country becomes mountainous. Rapid tourism development nationally, also affected Chalkidiki. By exploiting its resources, natural beauties, warm climate, culture and history it managed to develop tourism quite rapidly and is now established as a successful tourist destination. Tourist development started in the early '60s when the National Tourist Organisation (GNTO) built the so-called Xenia-Hotels, the first tourist installations. During the period 1968-1975 big tourist complexes were built in the further area. Supplementary, other forms of tourist enterprises and ancillary services were developed.

Things to see

The perfecture of Halkidiki is considered one of the most beautiful and green areas in Greece. The lush vegetation and the lovely seaside villages have made this area popular for summer vacations, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Halkidiki also offers a wide variety of activities and sites of interest. Have a look below at the things you can do and see while staying in this relaxing area! Petralona is a famous cave for the decorations of its stalagmites and stalactites. It was discovered in 1959 and it is today open to public. The anthropological museum of Petralona was founded in 1978 to house the findings from Petralona cave. The exhibits include primitive tools, prehistoric artifacts etc.

One of the most popular activities in Halkidiki is Jeep Safari, since there are a lot of forests, cliffs and long, sandy beaches to practice this sport. There are also a lot of drift roads to explore which connect remote villages to each other and provide with you the necessary calmness.

The beaches of Halkidiki are famous worldwide and have the reputation of being the best beaches in Greece, with their clear – crystal blue or turquoise waters and wonderful long sandy beaches. The best beaches are in the third “finger”, in the peninsula of Mont Athos. Unfortunately, since it is belonging to the monastic state, the beaches are not for tourists. Luckily, the other peninsulas of Halkidiki, Cassandra and Sithonia are also amazing pure with white sandy beaches with paradisiacal waters.

Every kind of entertainment can be found in Thessaloniki: traditional taverns, all kind of restaurants and snacks, many bars, clubs, cafes. Nightlife is especially developed in Kalithea, in Polygyros and every large town of Halkidiki. A casino is available outside Thessaloniki, near the airport and in the Porto Carras hotel complex in Sithonia

When to come

Many villages of Chalkidiki try to converse their traditions and old customs. Most of the customs have been brought by the Greek refugees who came from Asia Minor after 1922. Carnival is celebrated at Polygyros, at Agios Mamas, at Aphytos, Arnaea during those festivals local food is offered as well as local wine. At Arnaea and Nikiti, on the first of March, a folk custom celebrates the coming of Spring. Easter is celebrated in all the villages and towns of Halkidiki for it is the biggest religious event for the entire Greece and is particularly interesting to see and live.

Various cultural events take place during the feast of Saint Panteleimon, celebrated on the 27th of July, at Kalithea. Nea Moudania and Nea Rhoda organize every July a Sardine Festival. On Sunday before the last of July swimmers gathered in Kalithea to paricipate to the “crossing of the Toronean Gulf” and swim until Nikiti.

On November the 14th , various events are organised at Nea Potidea for the commemoration of the Holocaust of Cassandra. Many more feasts and customs are celebrated in all of Halkidiki’ s villages and towns throughout the year.