Nea Moudania Holidays

Nea Moudania is the second-biggest town in Halkidiki on mainland Greece, and one of the country’s biggest fishing ports. That’s good news for those after shops and amenities – there are plenty here. You’ve also got a couple of big landmarks – like the 2,000-seater open amphitheatre, and the pretty basilica that sits on top of the hill. Plus there’s a stunner of a sandy beach.

It’s 500 metres or so to the beach, along a road that passes through vineyards and hills. Once there, you’ll find a long stretch of golden sands that shelve gently into the water. There are umbrellas and loungers to rent, from which you can enjoy top-notch views of Mount Olympus across the bay. And backing onto the sands is a newly built prom, lined with bars and tavernas.

It’s a 90-minute drive to Greece’s second-biggest city, also the capital of central Macedonia. This authentic Greek town has a history going back 2,300 years, and was the second wealthiest city in the Byzantine Empire. Plenty remains from the period, including 15 churches and monuments, all now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Another highlight is Aristotelous Square, where you can enjoy views over the bay in a pavement café.