Beaches of Halkidiki (Chalcidice)

South of Thessaloniki is the peninsula of Halidiki which boasts some of the finest beaches in all of Greece. At one time the prime destination for Germans and other Europeans, the area's populariy has receded only slightly because of the difficulties in driving through what was once Yugoslavia. People still come here in droves and unless you book in advance you may not find a place. On the other hand the campsites seem to always have room .

Yes, there are still plenty of tourists there, an obscene number in July and August, but the beaches are long, the hotels large and beautiful and there is enough authentic Greek life in the more remote villages to make a traveler here not feel like he is missing something somewhere else. The area is not only known for its amazing beaches but also for the mountains, valleys and the splendid selection of wildflowers in the spring, which may be the best time to be here to beat the crowds.

POLIGIROS is the capital of Halkidiki (69 km from Thessaloniki) built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mt. Holomon. There is an archaeological museum containing notable finds from excavations in the surrounding area. Visitors can also see sections of the old quarter of the town.

KASSANDRA is the most westerly of the three prongs of Halkidiki. It is remarkable for its extensive beaches, pine forests and small villages as well as for the impact tourism has had upon it. It is difficult to get away from it all but if you like discos, fast food, motorbikes you may be quite happy here, provided you can find a place to stay. The entire Kassandra peninsula has several major hotels and organized camping grounds, many surrounded by woods and close to the beaches.There are also many smaller hotels and rooms available though difficult to find without booking in advance.

By the village of Petralona the famous cave is worth visiting. It is located along the west foothills of Mt Katsika at an altitude of 250 m. It is one of the most important caves with paleontological interest. The total length of the corridors comes to 1,900 m. and it is adorned with wonderful stalactites and stalagmites of all kinds. It was first explored in 1959 by Mr J. Petrocheilos, then president of the Greek Speleological Society who named it "Kokines Petres" (Red Rocks). In 1960 a 700,000 year old human skull was found here.The cave is open from 9 to 5 daily.

SITHONIA is a bit less infested than Cassandra though it still boasts some of the areas most popular and attractive resorts. It also boasts some of the largest and most unattractive resorts, but there are still sandy beaches along the west coast where you can get away, at least for awhile until another person seeking solitude arrives. The ruins of ancient Olinthos, built by Athenian colonists is near the village of the same name. The southern most tip of the Sithonion is your best bet for dramatic scenery. The village of Kalamitsi is probably the least commercial resort in the area, an excellent beach, some nice fish tavernas and rooms to rent. The village of Sarti has yet to take the plunge into obscene commercialism though it is popular with Germans and Austrians. It should still be OK by the time you read this.

Used with permission from Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guide