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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki

to alexandroupolis Kavala

• Thessaloniki Stavros v • Olymbiada arnea Halkidiki •Stratonio Polygiros Ammouliani • agion oroS • (holy Mountain) Ouranoupolis renowned for its magnificent golden beaches, often Moudania•

backed by the green of a pine forest, halkidiki has three Afitos Sithonia K a S S a• n d r a Neos • legs - peninsulas extending into the aegean south-east Marmaras of thessaloniki (Salonika).

owing to this geography, halkidiki the central peninsular, Sithonia, is inland halkidiki is good for walking hominid estimated at some 800,000 boasts one of the longest single green, quiet and relatively almost everywhere, and some years old. the little museum here is stretches of coastline in greece, undeveloped. organised trails are now starting to fascinating. much of it sandy. the white of the least developed of all is the appear. there are traditional villages our holidays here can be very sand, the azure of the sea and the easternmost peninsula, athos, as is such as arnea, a 45 minute drive flexible and we are pleased to quote green of the pines typify halkidiki - in appropriate for a region which takes through the forest from olymbiada, for odd durations. they may also be places the coastline could almost be its name from the holy Mountain at and the spectacular Petrolona Cave combined with a few nights in mistaken for the Caribbean. its tip. this peninsula is world famous some 35 kms south east of fascinating thessaloniki, or with a fly- this all means that halkidiki sees for the male-only ‘monk’s republic’ in thessaloniki, which is the site of the drive arrangement to discover northern and central greece. plenty of visitors in the summer its southern half. one trip every visitor famous skull, Europe's oldest months – not only from western should make is the daily cruise down Europe but also from the Balkans, athos' western coastline to view the monasteries from the sea - really HAlKidiKi iNfOrMATiON eastern Europe and russia – and a quite spectacular and even at 500m Getting to Halkidiki Car Hire string of resorts and hotels, large and distance from shore (the closest that Daily flights Gatwick to Thessaloniki. Can be pre-booked in Olymbiada or small, has sprung up. Some areas, Then 1½-2½ hrs by minibus or taxi (see from the airport. See page 268-9 for car women are permitted!) one gets a inevitably, get over-busy, but with resort descriptions). Regional flights hire details. sense of the mystery and power some 500 kms of coastline here from other airports (including MAN, representative these ancient Byzantine monastic EMA and LTN) available. Odd durations these are not difficult to avoid. We have a local agent based in citadels still exude. can usually be arranged. Thessaloniki who can always be Most visitors stay on the western not many people know that halkidiki Multi-Centre Options contacted but no representative in our peninsula called Kassandra which has All resort areas can be combined. It is Halkidiki resort areas. However, English has an island! We are delighted to be is spoken at all our hotels, who are the majority of halkidiki's more also easy to arrange a few nights at the the first British operator to offer start or end of your holiday in the always happy to give local information established resorts. that said, it also holidays to ammouliani, just off the vibrant and historic city of Thessaloniki and assistance. has many of the best beaches too top of athos' western flank. (see page 240) or, for those staying in Stay in a Mount Athos Monastery and boasts what is undoubtedly one ammouliani is halkidiki's only Olymbiada or Ammouliani, with Kavala For details of this unique opportunity – of halkidiki's prettiest and most inhabited island and is very small and in the wonderful 5 star Imaret (see page if you are male! See page 87 and our 241). Holidays here can also combine website. traditional seaside villages in afitos - friendly. like the rest of halkidiki, with a fly-drive of northern and central one little spot which has worked ammouliani boasts a string of superb Greece, including Pelion. hard not to lose its character. white-sand beaches.

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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki Our chosen areas Athos Peninsula Kassandra & Sithonia olymbiada Peninsulas afitos & Transfer time 1½ hrs neos Marmaras Olymbiada is an unspoiled, authentically Transfer time 75 mins – 2 hours greek seaside village. it is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and even has its Kassandra is the western peninsula of own archaeological site, ancient Stagira, the halkidiki and actually an island separated birthplace of aristotle 2400 years ago. from the mainland by the Potidea Canal. it is the area closest to the airport and therefore Backed by pine-covered hills, olymbiada has the first to be developed for tourism, and it a long beach – mainly sandy (some remains the most commercial. pebbles), gently shelving and very safe – stretching around the bay, with a fishing Afitos (also called athytos) is the prettiest of harbour to one end. half-a- dozen seasonal Kassandra's coastal villages and stands on an tavernas plus a handful of cafés directly front escarpment high above the sea towards the the beach. Walk south over the headland top of the north east coast. the village is below hilltop Stagira, and the beaches just under strict building and planning get better and better! the first, almost below restrictions, and has therefore retained its the ancient walls, is only a 5 minute walk. traditional character. its narrow cobbled lanes and typical architecture make it by far the area is heavily wooded and good for the most attractive place to stay on walking - one popular route is up to a Kassandra. waterfall (4 kms), although if you don't wish to walk the hotels organise weekly trips free afitos has wonderful views from its 'balcony' of charge. our olymbiada hotels give advice which looks over the gulf to Sithonia. the and free maps for walkers. Mountain bikes village has at least 10 restaurants, a good are also offered free of charge and again choice of cafes and small bars, colourful little advice and routes are freely given by the shops, a traditional square and a lovely small hotels. For further exploration car hire is church (aghios dimitrios). it is, however, a recommended as the bus service is limited. steep walk down to the sandy beach below. it is a beautiful drive through the forest to you will not be surprised to read that afitos the traditional village of arnea. horse riding receives many visitors in the summer and is can be arranged from the nearby village of busy in the peak months. Stavros. the central peninsula is called Sithonia. the whole village celebrates its main Saints Being further from the airport it attracts fewer day on 7th July. Following a procession from visitors, generally those looking for a quieter the church, the annual shindig includes stay away from the crowds. the extra journey unlimited free local mussels and wine. Worth time is rewarded by nearly 100 beaches (most catching we think! beautifully sandy) and halkidiki's signature green pine forests going to the water's edge. We would highly recommend the cruise along the western athos coastline to view Sithonia’s main village is neos Marmaras, the monasteries from the sea. these operate halfway down the west coast. it is a lively little daily from ouranoupolis, cost c. €25 and take spot with a good choice of tavernas and around 4 hours. shops.

Olymbiada beach

Waterfall near Olymbiada (Pic: Carole Edrich) Afitos

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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki Liotopi Hotel olymbiada

the charming liotopi is a sister- village. a pair of garden rooms to hotel to the akroyiali, well-run (by the side (1 double, 1 twin) are quite loulou) and equally friendly. Set in a private and share a delightful raised lush garden just 50m from the sea, covered seating area. rooms are opposite the small fishing harbour, individually furnished and you are only a minute’s walk from attractively decorated in a simple, the start of olymbiada’s long sandy tasteful style. beach. the colourful garden to the front the hotel has only 16 pretty rooms has seating and shade, and here a on the first and top floor, a mix of very good breakfast with doubles and twins. all possess air homemade jams and cakes is conditioning, tV, fridge, tiled shower served. dinner is taken at the room (renovated 2018), and good- akroyiali restaurant just a minute’s sized covered balcony with walk away. appealing views to the sea, garden as applies to akroyiali guests, those or the wooded hills behind the staying here have free use of sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach just 100m away. as also applies to the akroyiali, we think it would be almost impossible not to thoroughly relax here.

the hotel: air Conditioning 2 Star Plus Free WiFi half Board

View from Liotopi Hotel

Akroyiali Hotel olymbiada

above the beach to the southern free of charge to hotel guests. end of the village, the akroyiali (also the akroyiali, although simple, is a called germany) represents all that near perfect base for a completely is best in small greek family-run untrammelled holiday where hotels. run by dimitris and his everything you actually come on family, the akroyiali also has a good holiday for is right on your doorstep. taverna restaurant. the hotel has only 17 rooms, all on the upper floors. recently refurbished they are comfortably the hotel: air Conditioning furnished in a light modern style, 2 Star Free WiFi and all possess air conditioning, tV, half Board fridge, tiled shower/wc (renovated 2018) and good-sized furnished balcony. half enjoy lovely sea views, and we can confirm one of these rooms at no supplement if booked in good time. Some rooms can take a third bed for a child, and the hotel has a family room for 4. directly in front is the fine sandy beach, where sun beds and umbrellas are provided

View from Akroyiali

exception. the food is home-cooked included (the area is known for its fresh Half Board menu taverna fare, some of it organic (many of mussels!) – only the more expensive of the vegetables and salad ingredients are these items carry a surcharge. although guests at the akroyiali and liotopi hotels home-grown without chemicals) and the typically ‘no frills’ taverna fare, we believe stay on a half board basis, which includes choice generous. no set meals here. you the holiday prices here to be good value. if an evening meal taken at the akroyiali’s will have a virtual free choice from the large you have any dietary requirements please decked restaurant area on the beach. We and varied taverna menu, including a advise us at the time of booking. Please do not often recommend half board as, in minimum of 10 starters or salads, 10-20 note that dinner for halboard guest start at our experience, greek hotel kitchens rarely main dishes and 3 desserts (including fruit). 20.30 due to staff rotas (their greek match the quality and choice of the local unusually, good vegetarian options and customers eat late!). tavernas. the akroyiali, however, is an even some sea food and fish dishes are

Organic veg from their own garden!

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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki Miljes Apartments olymbiada

these excellent apartments are well away from the apartments well-established and have the only (depth 1.50m-2.20m) with sunbeds swimming pool in the village. they dotted around in shaded spots. are set in very quiet country there is an outdoor BBQ for guests’ surroundings a ten minute walk use. (800m) down the small lane from the owners, Maria and Pavlos, village centre and beach. cannot do enough for their guests Surrounded by beautifully mature and have built up a very loyal repeat gardens, there are six 1-bedroom clientele over the years, the best apartments here, all on the ground recommendation of all. this is a very floor bungalow-style (3 steps up). beautiful natural spot, suitable for Each has a double bedroom, open- couples and families alike. plan living room with double sofa- bed (suitable for an adult or two younger children), kitchenette (note: the Fresh air the 3-ring mini-oven is located on apartments: Circulation System the outside terrace), sat tv, safety Self Catering Swimming Pool deposit box and very nice, newly apartments for renovated shower room. to the front 2/4 Free WiFi is a lovely wide spacious covered private terrace, shaded by shrubs and trees and cooled by a ceiling fan. Furnishings are simple and comfortable in a traditional style. all apartments have a fresh air circulation system (full air conditioning is not necessary here as the surrounding mountains and forests mean there is nearly always a cooling breeze at night). the colourful gardens are extensive and hide a 50 sq m freshwater pool

Activities in Olymbiada activities and advice offered free of charge at akroyiali and liotopi hotels

Botany Walking Tour of Ancient Stagira the mountains of Stratoniko and there are many possible hiking routes and ancient Stagira, birthplace of aristotle, is on Cholomontas surrounding olympiada to trails around olympiada. Some new routes a hill above the far end of the village the the west and northwest are rich in flora. have recently been opened up, including tour is organised once a week and includes access is on foot or by car. the hotels can the 26 km aristotelian trail which starts in walking to the area of ancient Stagira and a provide guests with information on how to olymbiada, takes you up through the tour, usually guided by the hotel’s owner, access the areas and on the various kinds of forested hills (under natura 2000 dimitris Sarris. plants in the area. protection) and ends at the inland village of Stageira. this walk (which of course does Olymbiada Festival the whole village celebrates its main Saints Bird Watching not have to be done all in one go if you the mountains of Stratoniko and day on 7th July. Following a procession have a car) and several shorter routes can Cholomontas, the lake Volvi (approx 30 kms from the church, the annual shindig be viewed on our website, from where you away), the lake Kerkini (approx 80 kms) and includes unlimited free local mussels and can download a useful Walking guide. the wetlands of the nestos river delta wine. Worth catching we think! Shorter routes from olymbiada are also (approx 160 kms by fast motorway) have a possible, along the coastline on sand huge variety of bird life and are on the Cooking with Loulou (around 4km, return) or a circular route loulou, dimitri's sister who runs the liotopi main migratory routes. access is by hire car. around the plain surrounding olympiada hotel, is not only an excellent host, she is the hotels can provide guests with (map provided locally by the hotels). the also a fine cook. once a week (and on information on accessing the areas and on hotels can provide further information request) the guests can join her in cooking the various kinds of birds inhabiting the locally of all the walks in the area. a traditional main dish and sweet - then areas mentioned. Visit the nearby waterfall enjoy the results! Cycling this excursion is organised once a week. olympiada is ideal for bicycle lovers. the access is by car (provided by the hotel) and village is on the flat, there are easy cycle then on foot, walking for about 500m. We routes nearby on the plain, and a few more would recommend this for people with difficult ones up on the mountain. relatively good fitness levels as the final Mountain bikes are available free of charge part of the route can be a bit difficult. the to our hotel guests. there are no specific hotels provide free transportation by car for cycle paths but the hotels can provide up to 4 people. they also offer a picnic information on possible routes around option for 6 Euros, which includes a glass of olympiada. tsipouro (local firewater!), traditional bread, halkidiki olives, local cheese, tomatoes and tradional halva as a sweet.

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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki Blue Bay Hotel afitos

Built on the escarpment above the pool of 60 sq m tucked away to one sea some 10-15 minutes walk to the side. Pool towels are provided. south of pretty afitos via a country the hotel has a restaurant, bar and a lane, the Blue Bay is an attractively pool bar which also serves snacks. designed hotel that offers a quiet they also offer a fitness room free of stay with good views and facilities. charge, but you will have no use for its 60 rooms are built in 3 blocks that if you walk to the beach below around a garden which houses a and back again via the 150 steps large swimming pool. all rooms here! there is, however, a less possess aC, tV, room safe, bath as strenuous route you can take by well as shower, and enjoy fine sea following the nearby road down the or side-sea views from their hill which should take about 10 balconies. rooms are attractively minutes (700m). the beach is sandy and comfortably furnished, and and long, organised with a couple of those in the main building have lift beach bars and sun beds (free if you access. buy a drink), but does get busy at the lovely main pool measures 20m peak times. x 10m, so you can really swim, and the Blue Bay offers a very good has pretty garden surrounds, but balance. it has good facilities and there is also a second 'adult only' levels of modern comfort, fine views and is within an easy walk of afitos. But it also enjoys quiet rural surroundings, away from the bustle of this understandably popular village. the perfect location!

the hotel: air Conditioning 3 Stars Swimming Pool Bed & Breakfast Free Wifi

Beach below Blue Bay Hotel Afitos

Petrino Suites afitos

Set in acres of lush well tended the hotel is 1 km from afitos - a 15 gardens - a truly natural paradise - minute walk - via a small lane which with a beautiful pool area at its starts opposite the hotel across the heart and a well regarded restaurant busy main road (take a torch) and on site, these 33 stone-built offers free transportation to its own cottages are amongst the pick of sandy beach called Moudounou afitos's accommodation. where sun loungers are provided the maisonettes and suites we offer free of charge. are in effect small terraced cottages. Most are split level with a ground floor living room containing two sofa beds and bathroom with shower (some with bathtub), and a steep wooden staircase up to the double bedded sleeping gallery above. all have aC, fridge, tV and the Suites: Swimming Pool garden terrace. Bed & Breakfast air Conditioning higher category rooms are similar Junior Suites for Free Wifi (some are all on one level) with frills 2/4 added, such as wine and fruit basket for your arrival, mini-bar rather than fridge, bathroom amenities and room service for breakfast at no extra charge. Some possess a private pool. the centrepiece of the hotel is its large beautiful swimming pool (pool towels provided) with spacious furnished terrace surrounds where Wifi is available. the hotel also has an a la carte restaurant. Afitos taverna

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Greece | Mainland | halkidiki Areti Bungalows Sithonia

on halkidiki’s second peninsula and a small shop on site for food, (Sithonia), a 1 hour 50 minute drive drinks and other necessities from thessaloniki airport (121 kms), there is a good restaurant on site lie the areti Bungalows, an idyllic where traditional greek cooking is get-away-from-it-all gem. to be had, including fresh fish. the bungalows, although recently tavernas can be found within 1 to 3 built, are attached to (although kms and neos Marmaras, the largest separate from) the low key camping village on Sithonia, is 12 kms away. site which has been operated by if you want a complete escape in the Charalampides family for 40 glorious natural surroundings then years. they nestle amongst olive this is the place. groves, eucalyptus and pine trees in Note: areti Bungalows does not accept acres of grounds bordering a children under 8 years of age. beautifully sandy beach. off the beach lie three small islands to complete the idyllic picture. the air Conditioning Bungalows: Free WiFi there are eight apartments built in tennis Court pairs, so housed in four buildings. Self Catering Car included designed and furnished in Bungalows for 2/4 contemporary style, each unit comprises two bedrooms (one double, one twin), living room with light cooking facilities, bathroom with bath or shower, a spacious covered veranda and its own patch of lawned garden with hammock. Bungalow guests have a private space on one of the two sandy beaches just 50 metres away, where use of sun beds, umbrellas and kayaks is free of charge. there is a tennis court (equipment provided) Areti Bungalows location

Stay in a Mount Athos Monastery you do not have to be of the orthodox (or indeed any) faith to visit Mount athos and stay for a few nights in the monasteries - but you do need to be male! Stagira Beach, Olymbiada Whatever your reasons for wishing to visit, it will be a unique experience. the only restrictions are (other than gender): HAlKidiKi Guide prices per person in £s departing during I a maximum stay of 3 nights ACCOMMODATION Low Season High Season I Each night stayed has to be at a different monastery (May - end Jun & mid Sep - Oct) (early Jul - early Sep) From To From To

however, applying for and getting the relevant permit, called a PErSONS BASiS 1 Wk 2 Wks 1 Wk 2 Wks 1 Wk 2 Wks 1 Wk 2 Wk 'diamonitirion', plus booking your overnights, which has to be done Akroyiali Garden View or Sea View 2 HB 896 1222 962 1298 962 1316 1105 1466 & Liotopi separately with each monastery (there is no central reservations system Areti Bungalows Bungalow 2 SC 892 1300 1102 1721 1189 1808 1332 1966 quite yet!), can be time consuming and complicated. 3 SC 764 1034 919 1340 977 1398 1112 1543 4 SC 698 910 838 1168 882 1211 1014 1350 if you are booking a holiday to the area with Sunvil and wish to spend some Blue Bay Side Sea View 2 BB 970 1302 1118 1546 1118 1560 1399 1896 nights during it at athos, we can help. We need only a scanned copy of Deluxe Front Sea View 2 BB 1049 1462 1206 1722 1206 1742 1486 2105 your passport and dates you wish to stay (these may need to be flexible). Miljes 1 Bedroom Apartment 2 SC 810 1036 904 1169 904 1172 1043 1328 Apartment 3 SC 728 907 807 1013 807 1015 941 1160 We will then make the necessary applications on your behalf. if you have 4 SC 712 869 786 962 786 963 915 1101 any particular monastery in which you would like to stay we will try to Petrino Suites Superior Maisonette 2 BB 1009 1382 1127 1619 1182 1674 1476 2144 accommodate that request. Junior Suite 2 BB 1080 1525 1201 1780 1269 1848 1516 2223 as athos has a daily quota - only 10 non-orthodox a day are allowed in - we Prices shown are indicative only and variable due to offers, changing flight prices and seasonal supplements Please call or check online for a confirmed costing (note: not all holidays can be checked online). Prices based on gatwick recommend booking as early as possible (but not more than 6 months flights as sourced from Easyjet in november and are likely to increase as time passes. Prices include transfers or car before). hire (see text); accommodation as described; and all airport/fuel charges & taxes known at the time of printing - for our surcharge policy see booking conditions at the back of this brochure. to add: regional price supplements, there are no charges for staying on athos, although the monasteries always room and board supplements (see text) - single room prices on request. not all our accommodation is suitable for appreciate a donation. however we make a £65 per person administration guests with reduced mobility. Please contact us to answer any questions you may have regarding our properties charge. and to advise their suitability for people with health conditions or impairments. Not included: Overnight Stay Tax of €0.50 to €4 per room, apartment or villa per night payable locally – For further information and an idea of local cost please see our website. the amount varies according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. most self catering and 1-2 star hotels = €0.50, 5 star hotels = €4).

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