Halkidiki, Greece Halkidiki, the Full Guide Halkidiki, Greece Halkidiki inside your dreams… They say that no other place in Greece can boast beaches like those of Halkidiki. Still, the region stands for far more than beaches. Halkidiki is the perfect combination of the reviving Mediterranean light, the unspoiled land, the lively communities and a glorious past to explore. Add the local gastronomy, the religious traditions, the openness and hospitality of the people, the wide range of activities and lifestyles; flavour with the soothing scent of the pine-trees and there you are! -the already desirable has turned to the simply irresistible. Halkidiki is literally sculpted by nature forces to balance earth and sea. Three peninsulas, fjiord-like bays with emerald beaches and coves, imposing mountains -the stage for thriving life and civilizations in every form -like the thousand- year old monastic state of Mt. Athos, a unique World Heritage Site! Myth has it that the great greek philosopher Aristotle, who was born here and spent his life away from his native land -if only to teach the young Alexander the Great- never ceased to praise the honey of Halkidiki! Was it a metaphor or he actually meant the renowned honey we can cherish today? There is no way to know but who cares! You too will love the land and the rich produce of its gardens and orchards. It is truly a place of dreams… and your dream has only just begun… HALKIDIKI FACTS GENERAL INFORMATION Location: Halkidiki peninsula is located near Pets: There are pet friendly hotels, the city of Thessaloniki and it is a part of camping facilities and studios. Dogs Central Macedonia, Greece. Halkidiki region are allowed on the beach as long as consists of the mainland and a large peninsula they have health certifi cation and that resembles a hand with three “fi ngers” – they remain under the custody of Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. the owner. Tipping: It is optional between 5% - 10% of the bill's total amount. Water: Tap water is safe to drink although bottled water is recommended in some areas. Banks, ATM’s, Credit cards: • Wherever you are, you will fi nd a Greek bank branch in a short distance (maximum 20-25km). Regions: The peripheral unit Halkidiki is • Numerous ATM’s can be found all subdivided into fi ve municipalities. These over the city center. are: Aristotelis, Kassandra, Nea Propontida, • Credit cards are accepted in hotels, Polygyros, Sithonia. restaurants and camping sites. Regional Capital: Polygyros Avoid using them at the beach, the Size Province: 2.918 km2 bars, the busses and taxis. Coordinates: 40°20”N - 23°30”E Electricity supply: 220V – 50 Hz Population Province: 110.000 (approximately) Distances: “Macedonia” airport (SKG) to Halkidiki: min 45km - max 120km Thessaloniki city to SKG airport: 15km Religion: Orthodox Christians Language: Greek (English, German, Russian are also spoken almost everywhere) Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Theophany (6 Jan), Clean Monday (The 1st day of Lent), 25 March, Good Friday – Easter Monday, Holy Spirit Monday, Assumption of the Holy Virgin (15 Aug), 28 October, Christmas (25-26 Dec). Climate: The climate in Halkidiki is generally mild with limited rainfall whilst sunshine and warm summers are well known. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine on average annually. The lowest temperatures occur during December to February ranging between 3.5°C to 19°C, while highest temperatures occur during summer months and range between 23°C and 38°C. Sea temperature: March April May June July August September October 13°C 14°C 17°C 22°C 24°C 25°C 23°C 20°C HOW TO GET TO HALKIDIKI by airplane: The National Airport “MACEDONIA” of Thessaloniki is connected From Albania: Kakavia → Greek National to the biggest towns in Greece and Europe on Road towards Ioannina → Egnatia Odos a daily basis (several fl ights). Information on towards Thessaloniki departures and arrivals +30 2310 985 000 From F.Y.R.O.M.: Evzoni → Greek National Taxis and busses take you from the airport to the Road towards Thessaloniki until reaching Coach Station of Halkidiki (KTEL) in Thessaloniki. the Egnatia Odos Motorway There you can take the coach to reach the From Bulgaria: Promachonas → Greek destination of your choice. National Road towards Thessaloniki until www.thessalonikiairport.com reaching the Egnatia Odos Motorway by train: There is no train network in Connection from Egnatia Odos Motorway Halkidiki. Travellers coming by train from other to the Halkidiki Road Network: parts of Greece or from abroad arrive at the Train Exit K1 Thessaloniki Station of Thessaloniki. A er arriving at the Exit K4 Thessaloniki Train Station of Thessaloniki, take a taxi or the Exit Redina bus to reach to the Coach Station of Halkidiki Exit Vrasna-Asprovalta (KTEL), in Thessaloniki, and then take the coach to reach Halkidiki. Train Station of Thessaloniki - Information: H +30 2310 599421, 14 511 - www.ose.gr by coach: All the villages and the beaches of Halkidiki are connected by coaches to Thessaloniki. There are buses that run daily and several times per day, throughout the year. Information - Coach Station of Halkidiki (KTEL): Thessaloniki Station H +30 2310 316555 Polygyros Station H +30 23710 22309 Nea Moudania Station H +30 23730 21228 Arnea Station H +30 23720 22278 Kassandria Station H +30 23740 22214 Kalikratia H +30 2399 021048 www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr by car: The Egnatia Motorway (Egnatia Odos), which crosses Greece from its westernmost edge -Italy (Igoumenitsa)- K1 K4 Redina Vrasna-Asprovalta to its easternmost borders with Turkey (Kipi, K4 Egnatia Odos Evros), is a modern motorway of international standards, equipped with devices and safety systems that aim at protecting and helping the motorists. Egnatia Odos meets the Ring Road of Thessaloniki which leads to the National Road towards Halkidiki. ATHOS : Igoumenitsa → Egnatia Odos From Italy KASSANDRASITHONIA Motorway towards Thessaloniki. From Turkey: Kipi → Egnatia Odos Motorway towards Thessaloniki contents Spirit of nature… 8 3.000 year-old culture… 16 Pilgrims of Orthodoxy… 26 Sightseeing Sea, Sun, Sand… 34 Time for sports… 44 ✓ can’t miss this! Taste & tradition… 48 Health & relaxation… 58 Business & pleasure… 61 Special info Did you know that ? West coast 65 Central Halkidiki 81 Kassandra 97 Sithonia 113 East coast 129 Mount Athos 145 Suggested Routes 161 Useful telephones 168 © 2015, Halkidiki Tourism Organization Photos: Andreas Sfyridis, George & John Zarzonis, Christos Tsiftsoglou, Thanos Kartsoglou, Stathis Charitopoulos, Panagiotis Fotiadis, Archive of Sani, Archive of Porto Carras. George Broutzas, Archive of Municipality Nea Propontida, HALKIDIKI TOURISM ORGANIZATION Archive of Regional Unity of Halkidiki Dioikitirio 63100 Polygyros, Halkidiki, Greece Map production: K. Georgiadis Tel. +30 23713 51425 - Fax +30 23713 51403 Publication Supervisors: [email protected] George Broutzas, Sofia Bournatzi twitter.com/VisitHalkidiki Design: Colibri S.A. www.visit-halkidiki.gr Printing: Mavrogenis S.A. Vourvourou - "Karydi" 4 halkidiki inside your dreams UNIQUE HALKIDIKI Beaches Gastronomy Aristotle Halkidiki can boast an Halkidiki is famous for The ancient city Stagira was amazing 550km of coastline, its olives, the high quality the birthplace of the ancient featuring a thousand olive oil, its fine breads Greek philosopher Aristotle. different beaches, some and cheeses, as well as for The city was occupied offering an endless expanse its traditional sweets and by Philippos in 349 B.C., of golden sand, others rocky. pastries made with delicious after the fall of Olynthos. Some beaches are crowded local fruit produced locally. Philippos rebuilt the city -socialising spots, while The region is also well in order to honor the great others are no more than known for producing honey ancient philosopher, tutor deserted coves among the of the highest quality, while of Alexander the Great. rocks. All of them though being a location worth When Aristotle died, his are blessed with crystal visiting due to its wine fellow-citizens transported clear waters reflecting the routes. This is the ideal his bones to Stagira and deep green of the pine-tree place to enjoy the healthy set up a monument. Each forests. The Blue Flags that tastes of the Mediterranean year, at summertime, Halkidiki is being awarded diet and to savor dishes cultural events, the every year are rightly made from the purest “Aristoteleia”, take place deserved. natural ingredients. within the archaeological site, continuing the ancient celebration. >34 p. >48 p. >19 p. Go Live! 5 Activities Entertainment Thanks to initiatives Greece is famous for its by the local hotels and 24/7 entertainment, its communities, Halkidiki clubs, restaurants and has now developed a series bars buzzing with life of alternative tourism until the early hours proposals, including sea of the morning. For sports, golf, mountain biking, those seeking fun and horse riding, bird watching, entertainment throughout spa facilities, hiking, agro- the day and night, tourism, religious tourism Halkidiki has plenty to and sports opportunities. offer: morning coffee in Halkidiki offers an unlimited a traditional kafeneion, choice of activities, ideal for cocktails at the beach bar those who love to keep busy. until the sun goes down, dinner in a traditional taverna or in a luxurious restaurant, drinks in one Mount Athos of the sea-side bars, or a The most magical out of long evening listening to Halkidiki's three peninsulas Latin, jazz or reggae… is Mount Athos, home >44 p. to the unique Orthodox community of monasteries. It is a place dedicated solely to prayer and the worship of God, known informally as the Garden of the Virgin >58 p. Mary. Mount Athos is an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. HALKIDIKI Spirit of nature… The land of Halkidiki is famous for its fruitful soil as well as the variety of its natural scenery. The west coast is rich in picturesque plains, while the center and the east region count three beautiful mountains, Holomontas, Itamos and Athos.