Small & Boutique Hotels in Halkidiki
Stretching out like a three-fingered hand into the Aegean in the north of Greece, Halkidiki offers an unexpected tranquillity with its nature, history, cuisine and friendly village life. It may not have the white houses of Santorini or the bustling streets of Mykonos, but there is something else waiting for you here. A simple, real and deep serenity. On this peninsula, where blue and green hug each other, it is possible to have a vacation away from the crowds but without losing touch with life. In Halkidiki, the sea is always close at hand, but it is not only the beaches that await you, but also hiking trails through nature, villages worth getting lost in, olive groves, vineyards and ancient cities full of legends. And every corner offers a different mood. Kassandra in the west is a bit more lively and vibrant, while Sithonia in the center envelops those who want to be alone with nature. The Athos peninsula, on the other hand, bears the traces of a completely different holiness. From boat tours to the deep blue bays, to the slow passage of time in the historic villages, to the cuisine ranging from local wines and fish to mushrooms and olives. You never know where the road will take you, but it is likely that you will get a little closer to yourself with every path you walk in Halkidiki.
Halkidiki is definitely one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of a beach vacation in Greece. It's not just a three-fingered peninsula, but a region full of azure waters, silky beaches, lush greenery, friendly villages, fresh seafood and little surprises for those looking for calm. It is located about an hour from Thessaloniki and can be reached by private car.
Kassandra: This is the most touristic and lively area. During the day you can swim in the crystal clear sea and enjoy water sports, while in the evenings you will find a lively life with taverns and bars. Kallithea stands out for its crystal clear waters, while Sani is known for its Blue Flag award-winning beaches and luxury accommodation options. In Pefkohori, you can enjoy water sports, while in Possidi you can enjoy a sun lounger on one of the sandiest beaches in Halkidiki.
Sithonia: This middle finger, which stands out with its nature, is perfect for those looking for tranquility. Beaches such as Karidi, Lagonisi, Kalogria and Vourvourou are like a painting of turquoise waters with emerald greenery. On the southern beaches, such as Kavourotripes and Kalamitsi, you can enjoy swimming in the heart of nature. Small boats departing from Vourvourou bay can explore Diaporos and the surrounding islets. Blue Lagoon and Hawaii Beach are among the favorites of these boat trips.
Athos The Athos Peninsula, which forms the eastern finger, is a sacred place for the Orthodox Christian world. It is home to 20 monasteries and is only open to male visitors. However, boat tours from the sea are organized for anyone who wants to see these monasteries. The natural and architectural beauty of the monasteries is mesmerizing.
Things to do in Halkidiki
Take a Boat Trip: One of the best ways to enjoy a sea vacation in Halkidiki is by boat. With the tours departing from Vourvourou, you can go to bays and islets that are difficult to reach by land and enjoy swimming on beaches untouched by nature. Ammouliani Island is among these routes. The only inhabited island of Halkidiki, Ammouliani is a must-see with its small harbor, quiet streets and wonderful beaches. The Drenia Islands across the island are also perfect for kayaking and swimming.
Visit the Villages of Halkidiki: Halkidiki is not just about the beach. Inland villages preserve traditional life. Arnea, at the foot of Mount Holomontas, stands out with its stone streets, traditional houses and wine. Near Arnea, Taxiarchis, known as the “Christmas village”, is a must-see for its forest-lined nature and warm people. Afytos in Kassandra is a picturesque village with stone houses facing the sea. Paliouri is ideal for those who want a mountain and sea vacation. In Sithonia, you can experience the historical texture and nature together in Nikiti and the revitalized Parthenonas village.
The Food of Halkidiki: You can taste the most natural version of Greek cuisine in Halkidiki. Fish and seafood are fresh in the morning and on your plate in the evening. Mussels are consumed in abundance, especially in the northeast. Apricots, quince, tomatoes, almonds and pears grown in the fertile soil around Holomontas add richness to the local tables. Halkidiki's large and juicy green olives (Hondrolia) are famous for their fruity flavor. These PDO-protected olives and agoureleo olive oil are a must-taste. You can visit olive oil tasting facilities and even take a cooking class. Halkidiki is also one of the honey production centers of Greece. Beekeeping is common in the forested areas around Arnea and Nikiti. Goat and sheep cheeses are also produced in the region. Cheeses such as feta, myzithra and graviera will be frequently found on local tables. Halkidiki is also a great destination for wine lovers. The vineyards stretching from Kassandra to Sithonia to the foothills of Mount Athos grow grapes such as Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Roditis, Xinomavro and Limnio. Enjoy a wine tasting and vineyard tour with local producers.
Halkidiki Water Sports: In Halkidiki, it is possible not only to relax but also to have an active vacation. There are many water sports options such as jet skiing, SUP, canoeing, windsurfing, parasailing and flyboarding. Sani, Pefkohori and Possidi in Kassandra; Nikiti, Vourvourou, Trani Ammouda and Platanitsi in Sithonia stand out for these activities. Water parks at Nea Potidea and Glarokavos Beach are also ideal for families with children. For those who want to scuba dive, there are many diving centers in Kassandra and Sithonia.
See the Birthplace of Aristotle: Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of the world-famous philosopher Aristotle, is located near Olimpiada. You can visit the ruins of the Agora and the Byzantine walls. The nearby Aristotle Park explains philosophical principles in a fun and interactive way. It is also an educational route for children with sundials, compasses and optical instruments.
Discover Hiking Routes: Halkidiki is a real treasure trove for hikers. The Aristotelian Way stretches from Ancient Stagira to Olimpiada. From Arnea to Varvara Waterfalls, you can walk through the forest or even continue to Pente Vrises or the Byzantine fortress of Neposi. In Sithonia, the pine forests of Mount Itamos are ideal for nature lovers. There are trails starting from Vourvourou, Neos Marmaras and Parthenonas. The coastal path from Porto Koufo to Toroni offers an easy and pleasant walk. Hiking routes from Sani Beach to Ouranoupoli in Kassandra attract nature and history lovers. The ruins of Zygos Monastery are also on this path.
Discover Cultural Stops: Halkidiki has been home to many civilizations throughout history. In ancient Olinthos, you can visit the mosaics and the remains of the grid city plan. The Archaeological Museum of Polygyros tells the story of the region from prehistory to Rome. Ancient Akanthos, near Ierissos, was a powerful port city founded in 650 BC. The Weaving Museum in Arnea and the folk museums in Afytos and Nikiti reflect the cultural heritage of the region. Byzantine towers are also part of this historical journey: Prosforios Tower in Ouranoupoli, Saint Paul's Tower in Nea Fokea and Stavronikita Tower in Sani.
How to get to Halkidiki?
If you want to go by private car from Turkey, you need green insurance and a new type of driver's license. If you want to go with an old driver's license, you need to get an international driver's license. If you do not own the car, do not forget to take a power of attorney and the necessary documents with you. Alternatively, you can fly to Thessaloniki and rent a car from there and easily cross to Halkidiki.
Where to eat in Halkidiki?
Eating fish in a tavern by the sea in the evening accompanied by the sunset is a must for a Halkidiki vacation. Takis Taverna in Kassandra stands out with its location and food on Fourka Beach. A table full of daily fish, appetizers with olive oil and ouzo awaits you. At Megali Ammos Beach on Ammouliani Island, you can also try delicious plates against the sea view. In more local towns like Nea Roda, you have the opportunity to dine in an atmosphere away from the touristic crowds. For dinner, go for meaty options such as gyros and souvlaki for a nice change. For dessert, local patisseries like Parteniadis are a must-stop on your way back.