New tourist destination: why choose Halkidiki for a vacation
The Halkidiki Peninsula is waiting to be discovered (at least by the Italian tourists)! Those who go on holiday to Greece immediately think of the best-known Greek islands and do not consider the continental part which offers a sea of the same level. It is true, some islands have an incredible charm, but if you are looking for a holiday by the beautiful sea, the Halkidiki Peninsula is among the perfect destinations, not only in Greece, but throughout Europe.
Dozens and dozens of blue flags that make you understand that the sea is clean and full of colors. Every day you can afford choosing a different beach (for this reason I advise against resorts). But then, why choose the Halkidiki Peninsula for a holiday?
Many TOP beaches: more than 80 blue flags make the Halkidiki peninsula incredible
I start from the fundamental and I would say most focal point (the rest is a side dish to the holiday). The Halkidiki peninsula is the ideal destination for a beach holiday. If your concept of vacation is spending your days between one beach and another, Halkidiki is the right place.
The sea is beautiful. No, indeed, the sea is amazing. Certain stretches of sea have Caribbean colors, some beaches have sandy bottoms and others rocky. Some beaches are organized and others are virgin. In short, Halkidiki satisfies all those who want to swim in the sea. The Greeks, those of Thessaloniki, say that there is no other place to match Halkidiki. And they are not entirely wrong!
If you are looking for the history of ancient Greece, you are in the wrong destination. If you are looking for white houses like in the catalogues, you’re on the wrong track.
You go on vacation to Halkidiki peninsula because you are a lover of the sea and of beautiful beaches. I add that on the second foot, called Sithonia, the beaches are better. But do not underestimate Kassandra, or the first foot, because the “movida” is concentrated here.
Which are the best beaches in Halkidiki?
CLICK HERE for the best 5 beaches of KASSANDRA
CLICK HERE for the beast 5 beaches of SITHONIA
Halkidiki has truly organized Beach Bars suitable for both young people and families
Where there is sea, there are beaches. Many of these are free, many others are organized with beach bars. The beach bar concept in Halkidiki is fantastic! Some beach bars are so modern and structured that a day at the beach becomes truly relaxing.
But what do the beach bars offer? Sunbeds and umbrellas at more or less affordable prices (depending on how famous the beach bar is), bar and restaurant service directly on the deckchair, background music and party. Some are cheaper and you can take advantage of free deck chairs and umbrellas with obligatory consumption, while others are more exclusive (you will also find someone who cleans the grains of sand from your glasses).
Halkidiki is suitable for young people because there are beach bars with beach parties, but keep in mind that it is also suitable for families because most beaches are safe, sandy and with shallow water suitable for children to play by the sea. The beach bars give you the support you need, if you do not have food and an umbrella (watch out, the sun can burn in Greece!) to be able to spend the whole day relaxing.
Halkidiki can be reached from Italy with direct flights via Thessaloniki airport
It is not a fact to be overlooked, that is being able to reach the holiday destination easily. You can plan a vacation to remote destinations, but if you only have one week to spare, the convenience of a nearby airport and direct flights is worth gold.
Thanks to Thessaloniki airport, the second most important airport in Greece, you can search among the many direct flights from Italy, including low-cost airlines.
Once you arrive at Thessaloniki airport, the easiest way to get to Halkidiki is to hire a car. The distance varies between an hour or more depending on the precise beach you need to reach. Kassandra, the first foot, is the closest one and is connected by a ring road (be aware that on certain summer weekends it is very busy).
If, on the other hand, you opt to arrive from Italy with your own car, a solution could be taking the ferry from Ancona or Bari to Igoumenitsa, and then from there cross the half of northern Greece (we are talking about 4 hours by car, to give you an idea). Of course, I recommend this solution for periods of stay of at least two weeks since the journey alone takes you two nights and two days between return journeys.
Various activities to enjoy: from mini-cruises to Mount Athos to becoming a beekeeper
Halkidiki, being mainly a summer destination, offers activities related to the sea. Windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking etc. are the basic experiences of what you can find along the coast. You cannot help but take part in one of the many boat excursions: first of all, to see the monasteries of Mount Athos (from afar, because it is not allowed to get off without a visa and it is forbidden for women to enter), or to reach the enchanting islands, such as Diaporos and Ammouliani. You can also rent a small boat without needing a boat license.
In Halkidiki you have the opportunity to try different experiences: for nature and sport lovers, I am thinking of the many outdoor activities such as hiking at the hills, mountain-bike excursions (there are dedicated trails) or visiting the forest of Mount Holomontas.
In the inland areas of the Peninsula there is no shortage of traditional villages or dedicated trips to taste local products, such as wines, tsipouro (Greek grappa), olives and honey. With regard to honey, you can also try the experience of becoming a beekeeper for a day!
You can combine your holiday in Halkidiki with several visits to Northern Greece
The bad luck of Halkidiki is that, being in the north of Greece, the summer season is more limited than the islands located in the south: generally, from mid-June to mid-September (then the weather is crazy and anything can happen even in adjacent periods). The luck of Halkidiki, however, is that, being “far” from the more famous islands, it allows you to combine visits to northern Greece, which has a lot to show you.
Here are cited some main attractions that you can combine, more or less distant:
- the Byzantine city of Thessaloniki with its amazing cuisine;
- Pella and Vergina with the royal tombs to relive ancient Macedonia;
- Meteors (not really close), the unique monasteries in the world suspended between heaven and earth;
- Mount Olympus to “meet” the gods.
Halkidiki is a new tourist destination with a really beautiful sea, with many colors and offers beaches of many types and varieties that you hardly find on most of the Greek islands.
CLIK HERE to help you to organize better your vacantion in Halkidiki
CLICK HERE to discover the bast restaurants in Halkidiki
