Halkidiki holidays

Popular holidays

Search ‘Halkidiki holidays mainland Greece’, and you’ll soon see what makes this place special. It’s technically a peninsula, and offers Blue Flag beaches, Aegean Sea views and an undiscovered feel that sets it apart from Greece’s other most popular spots.

Greece’s unsung hero

Where is Halkidiki? It’s something lots of holiday-goers might ask themselves, if they’re used to basing their beach breaks around trending destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. And it’s a good question. This place is located in the Macedonia region of northern Greece, which makes it a part of the mainland, but you won’t find it near Athens. In fact, it’s a part of a three-pronged peninsula, which juts out into the Aegean Sea.

Cosmopolitan Kassandra

Kassandra is the westernmost peninsula, and it’s the most popular. That’s thanks to things like Hanioti village, a picturesque seaside spot that buzzes with busy evening markets after sunset. The Sani resort marina is another big-hitter. Here, boats bob along the shoreline, while shoppers flit between posh shops and bars. And then there’s the Kallithea nightlife scene. Head to this bustling town, which is filled with All Inclusive luxury resorts, for pubs, clubs and live music venues that keep the party going well into the early hours.

Rugged Sithonia

Next up’s the Sithonia peninsula. This one’s a little more rough around the edges than its glitzy neighbour, but in a good way. It’s made up of little clusters of fishing villages and secluded coves, and there’s no shortage of undisturbed nature. Expect emerald-coloured pine forests that hang over coastal swimming spots, and walking trails that wind from the coast up into the hills. Pack your walking shoes…

Monastic Mount Athos boat trips

Last but not least is Mount Athos, Halkidiki’s most eastern peninsula. You might see the words ‘Mount Athos monastic republic’ pop up if you Google this one – that’s because it’s home to an autonomous province, where a community of Eastern Orthodox monks live. The area’s off limits for visitors, but you can take coastal boat trips to view the monasteries from a distance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has more in store, too. You can see prehistoric discoveries at Petralona Cave. We’re talking Paleolithic tools, fossils and ancient fire hearths.

Popular hotels in Halkidiki

Top things to see and do in Halkidiki

Beaches

A varied coastline

Halkidiki has an impressive 550km of shoreline, so you’re bound to find somewhere to lay out your towel while you’re here. Kassanda’s beaches are caramel-coloured, with lots of nearby restaurants and beach bars to refuel at. Sithona, meanwhile, is peppered with sea caves where you can go snorkelling. Stay at one of the many Halkidiki beach hotels, and you’ll have them at your fingertips.

Kalithea Beach

If you’re looking for a big beach with lots of space to sink your toes in the sand, Kallitha Beach is your go-to. It’s in Eastern Kassandra, and has all your typical resort facilities, like bars and restaurants. Jet-skis and watersports are up for grabs if that’s your bag, or you can just hop in a pedalo and take things at a slower pace.

Toroni Bay

Sithonia has no shortage of hidden gems when it comes to beaches, but we love Toroni Bay the best. Here, talcum-powder sands flake off into turquoise waters, and the Toroni Archaeological Site offers sunbathers somewhere historic to stretch their legs. You can catch a boat here from Nea Skioni port, too, if you’re up for some exploring.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The Nea Moudania Wednesday market is the place to pick up budget-friendly bits and bobs. It’s held in a town about a 40-minute drive from Kalithea, and is stocked with all sorts of regional produce, like local Halkidiki honey and olives. Save some room in your bag for the Hanioti Square gift shops afterwards – they sell Aristotle's curative honey, which the philosopher believed had life-prolonging powers.

Mid-range buys

If you’re in the market for clothes, Sani Marina’s got high-street brands like Lacoste and Adidas. It’s also a great place to pick up traditional Greek gold and silver jewellery featuring religious imagery. In Kallithea, promenade stalls have you covered for things like flip-flops and sarongs.

Designer buys

In Thessaoliniki, designer boutiques give you somewhere to splash your cash. Tsimiski Street and Aghias Sophias avenues are the place to find them, along with pricey antiques shops. Cosmo shopping centre outlets are just outside of town, too. Put those on your holiday itinerary to shop for big-name labels.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

You won’t need to go very far for chilled-out evenings – Sani hotel entertainment and folk shows give a glimpse at the local culture with no need to make your way to the town centre. You can try your luck at the 24-hour Thessaloniki Regency Casino if you’re staying locally, too. Cocktail lounges and swanky theatres are also up for grabs, and it’s worth looking up ‘Aftios elegant wine bars’ if you fancy a glass of vino on the Kassandra peninsula.

Lively evenings

You can’t miss the Kallithea main strip if you’re after a big night out. It’s where the party people congregate in Halkidiki, with neon-lit karaoke bars and trendy nightclubs like Pearl Club and Ahoy dotted up and down the stretch. Hanioti square cocktail bars shake up fishbowl cocktails just down the road, too.

Food & drink

Fasolada: the national dish

This traditional white bean soup is a local speciality. It’s thick and creamy, with an olive oil base and lots of veg, like celery and carrots. Winter traditions in Halkidiki see Greeks eat this staple meal throughout the colder months, and especially during Lent, as it’s free from meat and dairy.

Savoury soutzoukakia

Cumin and cinnamon-spiced meatballs made with kneaded beef and pork meet a rich tomato sauce in this hearty dish. It’s a bit like a spag bol, but it’s served with a mountain of rice rather than spaghetti.

Golden pastitsio

Layers of pasta and béchamel create a shining example of Greek comfort food in this saucy dish, which is combined in a pan and baked until crispy. The traditional Greek version is a lot like a beef lasagne, but in Halkidiki, goats’ meat offers a regional twist.

Fresh octapodi

This Greek favourite was born in Halkidiki. It’s basically grilled Mediterranean octopus flavoured with thyme vinaigrette and capers. Restaurants often present this one with a meze serving style, or pop it in a red wine sauce stew and serve it as a main.

Deep limnio wine

This isn’t any old wine. It’s barrel-aged wine, which comes with a deep colour and high acidity. Food pairings with game and strong cheeses are most common, but barbecued meat is a nice option, too.