Halkidiki. A kaleidoscope of a destination, brimming with character, diversity, and enough hidden gems to keep even the most seasoned adventurer intrigued. This summer, we tossed caution to the wind and headed towards this sun-drenched place of powerful, travel-fueled stories, bursting with culinary delights, genial locals, and natural vistas that’d make even the most jaded city-dweller swoon.
In an age where the price of petrol can get your heart rate racing faster than a double espresso, we had to get creative about our travel arrangements from Athens to Halkidiki. Despite owning our own cars, we found it financially savvy to fly the coop and rent a vehicle on arrival. Avis became our partner in crime, and we found the perfect accomplice on Avis.gr – a sturdy, spacious ride that could comfortably house our merry band of four and navigate the robust terrain of Halkidiki, without guzzling fuel like it was going out of style.
With the keys handed over at Macedonia Airport’s Avis station, we buckled up and hit the road, destined for our first pit-stop: Pefkohori, a resort renowned for its sun-kissed charm in Halkidiki’s first “leg”.
Our first notable encounter was with Glarokavos, a beach that locals lovingly call the “Blue Lagoon”. This moniker, coined for its unique formation and turquoise waters, evokes the imagery of an untouched paradise. As we treaded lightly on the sun-kissed sands during a weekday, we enjoyed the tranquillity that often eludes this popular beach during the busy weekends.
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Nea Fokea
Our next destination, Nea Fokea, presented an intriguing contrast. As a relatively recent village established by refugees from Asia Minor, it echoes the whispers of a glorious past dating back to antiquity. The remnants of the Byzantine tower stand as a sentinel of history, silently narrating tales of courage from the time of Emmanouil Papas, the leader of the Halkidiki revolution in 1821.
Beyond its historical richness, Halkidiki seduces visitors with its stunning natural allure. The region is home to countless sandy beaches, some touched by the hands of tourism, others retaining their raw, untouched charm. As travellers more accustomed to the arid landscapes of Cyclades, the verdant beauty of Halkidiki felt like a breath of fresh air. Wherever we turned, we were greeted by a medley of nature, a tapestry of trees and sand, seemingly undisturbed by the passage of time.
As we ventured deeper into Halkidiki, we found ourselves in Agios Nikolaos, a quaint village on the second ‘leg’ of this geographic marvel. Here, we were introduced to Lagonisi, a beach that whispers the untold secrets of Halkidiki. With every wave that lapped against the shore, we saw a kaleidoscope of blue and green hues, while the sand beneath our feet felt like a warm, golden embrace. Off the coast, a picturesque islet added to the surreal beauty of the scene.
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We continued our journey to Porto Koufo, a humble fishing village that prides itself on its sumptuous seafood. There, we sat by the quaint harbour, soaking in the simplicity of life as we relished some of the freshest catch of the day.
Our final pit stop was Olympiada, the perfect launchpad to experience the alternative Halkidiki. Exploring this area meant treading paths less traveled, and it led us to an unexpected voyage. Boarding a boat from Trypiti, we sailed towards the island of Ammouliani, Halkidiki’s only inhabited islet.
At Alykes, we plunged into crystal-clear waters that could rival any Caribbean destination. The view from this spectacular beach, particularly on that pristine day, was a sight to remember, providing the perfect closure to our road trip.
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As we boarded the boat back, then drove towards Thessaloniki Airport, a sense of longing washed over us. With autumn fast approaching, we were already daydreaming about our return to explore Halkidiki’s lush mountainous terrain, the Holomontas forest, and Arnaia, known for its breathtaking traditional Macedonian architecture.
And so, with our hearts filled with fond memories and our minds plotting the next adventure, we bid farewell to Halkidiki. Certainly, we will try to return hopefully in the autumn to see its beautiful mountainous region, with the Holomontas forest and Arnaia, boasting incredibly beautiful traditional Macedonian architecture. After all, we got a small taste of this noble aspect of Halkidiki on this trip, when we passed through the stone-built, old settlement of Nikiti. Because with Avis, coming back is not only a promise, it’s a plan.
