Top Reasons Why You Should Add Halkidiki to Your Greece Bucket List

Halkidiki has a plethora of gorgeous beaches – from small coves with brilliant blue water to sandy stretches lined with bars and fish tavernas. In Kassandra, you can head to Sani for beachside glamour or Possidi for family-friendly fun; Sithonia, however, is the peninsula with the most beaches. See Kalamitsi’s stunning scenery and Sarti’s view of Mount Athos while lounging.

Prep for all that wine and cheese with a thigh-burning workout. Halkidiki is quickly becoming known as a top cycling destination, with over 100km (62mi) of bikeable routes. The Sithonia peninsula is the most popular, with intermediate difficulty: almost all roads are paved, but there are some hills to climb. For those that prefer a guided experience, tour companies are opening in the area.

For Orthodox Christians, the monastic state of Athos is second only to Jerusalem in its importance as a place of pilgrimage. The furthest east of Halkidiki’s three peninsulas, it has over 20 monasteries, accessible through the gateway of Ouranoupoli – the “heavenly city”. The main complex looks as if it grew straight out of the cliffside — you’ll get an impressive view of the water as you listen to Byzantine hymns. Women aren’t allowed to enter, but men can use a pre-approved permit.

This cave has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Stalactites and dwarf stalagmites are clustered all over, glittering in the dark. But perhaps most impressive is a relic that is almost too surreal to grasp: the skull of an early human estimated to be aged around 30 or 35 when they died approximately 700,000 years ago.

Halkidiki has no shortage of festivals, especially during summer. Our favourites include the feast of Agios Mamas in early September, which lasts for a week with a trade fair, concerts and more; Sani Festival, which is very popular every summer and has concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions; and the Carnival of Polygyros in August, which includes a treasure hunt and parade.

Halkidiki’s winemaking regions offer a great blend of traditional techniques and modern styles. Check out the low hills of Kassandra, Mount Meliton in Sithonia and even the monastery region, which monks have been tending for generations. The vineyards are open all year round, but you’ll have the best experience in autumn, when wineries are in full production and the grape harvest is in progress.

Ammouliani, Halkidiki’s only inhabited island, is nestled between the second and third prongs of its three peninsulas. Set off from Ouranoupoli to its adorable main town, full of quaint houses and clusters of flowerpots. Then, hop back in a boat and visit the Drenia isles (also called the Donkey Islands), six tiny havens with shallow, sandy beaches.