Ηalkidiki Greece HotelGuide & Map ENGLISH Halkidiki is not merely a holiday destination; it is an unrivalled summer and winter experience, the place you have long dreamt of. Abundant green landscapes under a golden sun, beaches of immaculate Halkidiki beauty, a tantalising blend of sea and mountains, traditional colours, historical landmarks, rich culinary and cultural treasures, all form the striking mosaic that is Halkidiki. One of its biggest assets is the unmatched quality of hospitality off ered, made up of an extensive network of hotels, ranging from modern units with state-of-the-art conference rooms, spa facilities, marinas and golf, to eco-friendly, traditional hotels, all in very close proximity to the international airport of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. The Halkidiki peninsula is further divided into three smaller peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. An exciting, ancient story unravels before a visitor’s eyes through the numerous historical monuments scattered around Halkidiki. The fi ndings in the Cave of Petralona reveal that the area has been inhabited for over 700,000 years, while archaeological fi nds show that organized communities in the area date back to 4,000 B.C. During the 8th century B.C., a large migration from the city of Immerse Yourself Halkida gives the peninsula its name. At the end of the same in History century, the 32 cities of Halkidiki unite under the leadership of the city of Olynthos, and in 348 B.C., Halkidiki becomes part of King Philip’s Kingdom of Macedonia. During the Hellenistic age the three big cities of Halkidiki are founded: Kassandreia and Ouranoupolis in 315 B.C. and Antigoneia in 280 B.C. In 168 B.C. the Romans seize control of the area. During the Christian centuries, Halkidiki is raided by the Goths, the Huns and the Catalans. After the 9th century A.D., the monks of Mount Athos gain control of most of Halkidiki, while in 1430 the Turks conquer the area. After two unsuccessful rebellions against them, in 1821 and 1854, the people of Halkidiki gain their much desired freedom in October 1912. Glarokavos, Kassandra The Petralona Cave The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis, Athos The mosaic inlays of ancient Olynthos Nea Roda beach, Athos Stunningly scenic, densely covered in green and with an excellent tourism infrastructure, Halkidiki is the ideal getaway in which to unwind, but also where the more adventurous spirit can discover unique places of exceptional interest and beauty. Entering Halkidiki, one comes upon the famous Petralona Cave, the history of which begins in the Paleolithic Era. Continuing past the beautiful beaches of Kallikrateia, one enters the fi rst peninsula of Halkidiki, Kassandra, and is greeted by the Byzantine tower of the Stavronikita Monastery of Mount Athos and the baths of Agia Paraskevi. According to Greek mythology, in Kassandra, also called Pallini, among the endless, striking sandy beaches, the mythical battle of the Giants took place. The next stop is Sithonia, the second peninsula and home to the ancient city of Olynthos, with its exquisite mosaic inlays and archaeological site. Sithonia is characterised by Live a thousand breath-taking beaches and an abundance of pine trees; on its east coastline one may marvel at the sight of the and one experiences sun rising behind impressive Mount Athos across. From Sithonia, one can either choose to head for the coolness and shade of leafy Mount Holomontas, a little to the north, or continue on to meet the Athos peninsula further east - the biggest part of which is run by the Monastic State of Agio Oros, “The Holy Mountain” - where entry to women is forbidden. The part of the Athos peninsula that is free for all to enter is generous with its beauty: one may visit its dreamy beaches, follow Aristotle’s footsteps in Stagira, the philosopher’s birthplace, relax at the aquarium of Ierissos or observe the “karnagia”, the shipyards, where to this day, traditional methods in the manufacturing of wooden ships are employed. The Stavronikita Byzantine Tower, Kassandra Kavourotrypes beach, Sithonia Sunset at the beach, Kassandra Halkidiki’s culinary identity is a tradition of fl avours, smells, ingredients and techniques that began in antiquity, with numerous festivals in honour of the earth and the goods it provided to the ancient peoples. Taste Unending When considering the Halkidiki diet, olive oil and the green olive fi rst come to mind. Then, honey – they say Aristotle loved it – that is Flavours collected from ecosystems almost untouched by man. In Halkidiki, some of the best Greek wine and tsipouro is distilled, from the most distinguished varieties of vines, usually with traditional techniques. The Halkidiki wines have a strong body, full of fl avour. Red wines have a distinct dark ruby colour while white wines are clear and bright. There are excellent wine producers whose facilities you can visit, in order to taste the wines and get initiated into the ancient art of its creation. In November, pots fi ll with grapes and boil twice, spreading the smell of aniseed, which fl avours the tsipouro of the Macedonia region, as well as “Montovina”, the hot drink made from tsipouro and honey. In Halkidiki’s dairy farms, excellent cheeses are produced, the quality of which is based on Greek milk from a selection of free-range herds, as well as in the pride and love the producers pour into their work, dedicating their skills to creating traditional produce such as feta, agiotiri, goat’s cheese and yogurt, as well as butter. And when your palate longs for a diff erent kind of culinary exploration, Halkidiki can satisfy that too, as, in the last decade, prominent chefs from all over the globe come to Halkidiki to off er their creations in exquisite gourmet restaurants and festivals. You will feel the cultural heart of Greece strongly beating in Halkidiki. The visitor can choose from a range of dozens of traditional festivals Move to the in villages, in big, imposing churches or smaller countryside ones, to modern, international festivals such as the ones in Kassandra and Siviri, Rhythm of Life Afytos, Nea Fokea and Polygyros, the Festival of the Sea, Sani Festival and Porto Carras Festival – which focus on the magic of music, but also incorporate the visual arts, theatre, cinema and other events in order to promote culture, diversity, quality and respect to artistic creation. All these take place in a stunning natural landscape, which combines the serenity of the sea and the mesmerizing mountains, with facilities that can support any wish and need for the spirit, the mind, the body. Collecting the precious honey, Kassandra Ouzo and meze next to the sea, Kassandra Vineyards in the slopes of Melitonas, Sithonia Cycling in Kassandra Wetland habitat, Armenistis beach, Sithonia Porto Koufo, Sithonia You don’t have to know that Halkidiki boasts the biggest number of EU Blue Flags than any other tourist prefecture in Greece in order to appreciate the beauty of its beaches, that span over 500 kilometres of coastline. Escape From the beaches of Kassandra, with their emerald waters and endless stretches of sand, to the secret beaches of Sithonia, where the sea fl irts into the blue with a stunning landscape of white sand and densely green trees, to the Athos peninsula, where the scent of the pine trees and the salt of the sea create ideal conditions for true relaxation and meditation and the branches of the trees reach into the sea, creating one of the most beautiful sights in the world, wherever you may be in Halkidiki, whatever you may be after –entertainment or tranquility– you are bound to fi nd it. Even when your heart longs for something diff erent, even more unique and private, small pathways will lead you to hundreds of beautiful beaches, large or small, gulfs of turquoise waters and beautiful undersea landscapes; your own, personal hideaways. The Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an autonomous monastic state, 336 km2 in area, with twenty monasteries, twelve sketes, “kelions” and its governing centre, Karyes. In order to visit the Athonic State, a strict protocol is observed: no Discover more than 120 visitors are allowed every day, which means that you have to contact the Pilgrim Offi ce in Thessaloniki or Ouranoupolis for Uniqueness a permit before your arrival. Your stay – no more than four days – in the monasteries is free of charge. It is forbidden for women to enter the Athos Peninsula, the place the monks call “The Garden of the Virgin”. Here, visitors follow the monks’ way of life, immersed in tranquil silence, only interrupted by the sound of bells and imposing chants. Its natural, unspoiled beauty and a series of invaluable artifacts of Christianity compose a moving, unique experience. Your watch will not be of use here, as everyone follows the solar time, as well as the Julian Calendar. Walking through serene paths, talking to the monks, fi shing or taking part in the holy services, you will embark on an introspective journey of mystical proportions and fi nd yourself at peace with life. The most valuable keepsake from Mount Athos, together with the enlightening discussions with the monks, the liberating serenity of the scenery and the experience of a life out of the ordinary, will be the results of your own search for inner peace and wisdom. “The Holy Mountain”, Athos Aerial view of Vourvourou, Sithonia View of Athos from Sithonia Holomondas Mount forest “The Holy Mountain”, Athos Holomondas in the winter The uniqueness of the natural landscape of Mt. Holomondas has led Greece to mark it as a Special Protection Zone and include it in the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of environmental areas, highlighting its ecological importance.