7429 Greece 2020 Halkidiki.qxp 23/11/2019 14:07 Page 82 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. 82 | Sunvil 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk 7429 Greece 2020 Halkidiki.qxp 23/11/2019 14:07 Page 83 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 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk greece & Cyprus | 83 7429 Greece 2020 Halkidiki.qxp 23/11/2019 14:07 Page 84 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.