Travel to Chalkidiki

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Chalkidiki, Continental Greece

Chalkidiki is a little-known region full of charm in the north of Greece. It has managed to maintain its flavours and natural environment over the years and is therefore very popular with the Greeks themselves, particularly those from Thessaloniki, who like to head out to one of the three peninsulas on the coast or to the mountainous regions inland.These three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, are the perfect destinations for seaside holidays. The first, close to Thessaloniki, is characterised by its lively nightlife, its bars, clubs and beaches, and stays busy even during the winter. The second, a more natural environment, will suit those looking for a relaxing holiday where they can enjoy getting close to nature. Finally, the third peninsula, that of the Monastic State of Mount Athos, offers something of an insight into the past, with over twenty Byzantine monasteries, though in accordance with special legislation (governed by Orthodox monks), access is strictly denied to women. The variety of landscapes is one of the region's best assets. Sithonia and Mount Athos, for example, are regions of Mediterranean pine forest which, a little further inland, give way to stunning mountain countryside, perfect for forest walks, mushroom picking, and even outings in the snow in winter!

The landscapes.
The crystal clear seawater.

cons

The fact that women are not allowed in Mount Athos.
The public transport.

Visit Chalkidiki

To see

The mountainous inland landscapes and the pine forests found there. For male tourists, the 22 Byzantine monasteries of Mount Athos. The traditional village of Athitos, the only one to have preserved the old stone houses traditional to the region (located on the Sithonia peninsula).

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To do

Daily cruises around the Kassandra peninsula to explore the various hidden bays dotted around the coastline (departing from the village of Hrousou). A little further north, beyond the Mount Athos peninsula but still on the coast, lies the town of Stagira, where excavations have revealed traces of the old town where Aristotle is believed to have been born. Remember to take good walking shoes with you, though, as the site covers an area of several miles, and a full visit accompanied by a registered guide lasts almost 3 hours.

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To think about

The bus connections are not brilliant and the same can be said of the railways. It is definitely worth renting a car so you can travel around independently.

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To avoid

Remember it is forbidden to enter the Monastic State of Mount Athos without a visa. Access is denied to women, so don't bother trying, ladies! Any breach of this rule is severely punished with up to 2 years in prison.

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To try

Visitors to Chalkidiki will have the opportunity to sample Greek cuisine in all its splendour, particular its speciality fish dishes, which are particularly good in the seafront tavernas and include squid, octopus, sardines and Mediterranean fish in general. Meat specialities (including wild boar, among other things) are primarily served in mountain regions. As for desserts, honey is used a lot and is included in dishes inspired by flavours of the Orient. Last but not least is the Greek coffee (helleniko metrio) - or even Turkish coffee - but make sure you don't drink the last dregs of your cup!
For fish specialities, head to the very well known Kritikos Restaurant in Ouranoupolis, which is apparently one of the ten best restaurants in Greece. Even though the bill quickly adds up, the fish served here is of a very high quality and is cooked in the traditional way by the owner's wife, who occasionally comes up with her own signature dishes to tantalise your taste buds. Another good place for fish specialities is the Germany hotel, near the market town of Olympiada, where you can dine on a wooden pontoon, right on the beach. The home-style cuisine served here is particularly tasty. Finally, if you head up into the mountains, don't forget to sample other specialities in the typical local chalets, for example mushroom pie.

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To bring back

Honey in all its original forms - pine, floral and even orange.
Olive oil (the region is the leading producer in northern Greece).
Beverages: aperitifs and digestives, tsipuro and ouzo (an aniseed based liqueur).

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