Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HalkidikiΧαλκιδική
The popular
Halkidiki Peninsula
can be roughly understood thus:
Kassandra
has the
nightlife,
Sithonia
has the beaches and
Athos
has the monks.
Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up (though it has good beaches
too), while the more subdued Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters.
Both are popular with Greek and foreign holidaymakers (most from Eastern and Central
Europe). Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the Mt Athos monastic commu-
nity. Active for well over 1000 years, it's accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims
(with advance reservations).
Kassandra and Sithonia are mostly populated along the coasts, the interiors of both be-
ing rugged, with thick pine forests. The main roads, therefore, hug the coasts. Many
Halkidiki beach villages were settled by refugees during the 1923 population exchanges
with Turkey; while the government gave the 'useless' coastal land to these newcomers,
their descendants would have the last laugh when beach tourism took off in the 1970s.
In high summer, traffic can be exasperating and finding accommodation tough.
However, today's economic crisis has hit the area hard, keeping domatia rates down. Ad-
ditionally, more than 30 high-quality camp- grounds exist. For beach-bar parties and
nightclubs, July and August are best, while families and solitude-seekers will prefer
September, when waters are warmest and the crowds disappear.
Kassandra Peninsula Χερσόνησος Κασσάνδρας
Half of Thessaloniki pours into built-up Kassandra on summer weekends and its beach
towns are popular with European package tourists. It has Halkidiki's best nightlife and
accommodation is slightly cheaper than in Sithonia.
Built-up
Kallithea
has fleshed-out discos and bars, and a long, crowded beach. For
self-catering rooms ask at Kallithea Market, beside the bus stop, or at
Manita Tours
(
23740 24036)
, which also does day trips, including boat tours (€30) to Sithonian beaches.
A few kilometres further east,
Polyhrono
is a quieter, family-oriented budget beach
destination, popular with travellers from former Yugoslav states. Try
Hotel Odysseas
(
23720 51923;
www.odysseas.net
;
d/tr €56/64; )
, with clean, spacious rooms
and a nice garden and pool, 70m from the beach. By the beach, posher
Akrogiali
designed, romantic place with attached restaurant. Waterfront tavernas include
Flegra
Traditional Taverna
(
6989585960; Waterfront;
9am-midnight Apr-Oct)
, with many
