Divided into three peninsulas, also described as “fingers”, Halkidiki is a paradise for nature aficionados, explorers and lovers of historical and cultural tourism. There is something for everyone here, from fascinating archaeological sites to hikes through lush natural surroundings, while film lovers and foodies also get to enjoy stimulating and enriching outings.
Hike in Nature
Follow Aristotle’s Trail: A beautiful historic trail of approximately 17 kilometres begins at Aristotle’s Park, taking you to Ancient Stagira’s archaeological site, the birthplace of Aristotle, situated near the present-day town of Olympiada. This area is part of the Natura 2000 network and is rich in diverse wild herbs, rare plants, and stunning views of the Strymonic Gulf. However, avoid attempting the walk in July and August, or start early and cover only a portion of the trail. For added safety, consider hiring a certified mountain guide.
Visit Aristotle Park
Aristotle’s Park (www.dimosaristoteli.gr), with stunning views of the Ierissos Gulf and the entire Athos peninsula, is dedicated to the renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle. The park features 12 interactive instruments demonstrating natural phenomena based on principles found in his work, particularly “The Naturals.”
Visitors can engage with a prism, optical discs, a water turbine, a telescope, sounding bars (pentaphone), a compass, lens, solar clock, Aristotle’s alarm clock, inertia spheres, parabolic reflectors, and a pendulum. These fascinating instruments highlight the essential concepts studied by Aristotle and shared with his students, including Alexander the Great. The park is open daily from 9:00-21:00 (Phone: +30 2377 021 130).
Explore Mount Holomondas: Mount Holomondas, situated in the heart of Halkidiki, boasts a rich landscape of chestnut, oak, and pine forests that blanket its slopes, reaching a peak altitude of 1,165m. In other areas, fir trees are grown and harvested as festive Christmas trees. The mountain offers a delightful backdrop for exhilarating hikes and bike rides amidst lush surroundings.
Take the Koutsoupia to Siviri Trail: This path meanders through a wetland area atop cliffs, providing stunning bird’s eye views of the beaches and turquoise sea below. As you traverse the trail, anticipate encounters with wildlife such as rabbits, lizards, turtles, and butterflies. Additionally, the route is dotted with fascinating ancient ruins, including a Roman villa and an early Christian temple, adding a historical dimension to your scenic journey. Find out more about hiking in Halkidiki (www.travel.gr).
Cool off at Varvara Waterfalls
Venture into Halkidiki’s verdant eastern interior (8 kilometres from Olympiada and 15km from Stavros) to discover some of the peninsula’s coolest swimming spots, exchanging the Aegean saltwater for the refreshing natural pools created by hidden waterfalls. Begin your journey in the village of Olympiada and head towards Varvara, passing through lush greenery along one of the region’s most picturesque routes. Set off on a 4-kilometre (2.5 miles) hike through forests to reach the Varvara waterfalls. Find out more about the Varvara waterfalls (www.travel.gr).
Festival Life
Music & Food at Sani: The Sani hotel complex, situated on the Kassandra peninsula and overlooking outstanding views of the sea, surrounding nature and sky, hosts two wonderful annual summer events that are well worth attending: the 25-year-old Sani Festival and the Sani Gourmet event. Spanning from July to August, the Sani Festival takes place on Sani Hill, offering over a month of musical entertainment and earning Sani Resort the title of ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination Resort 2022’ by the World Travel Awards last year.
The event, which just celebrated its 30th year, features performances by acclaimed music artists from around the world, who perform jazz, Latin, Caribbean, and other music, including classic hits. Last year’s festival was concluded with a performance by Andrea Bocelli. Celebrating its 15th year in 2022, the Sani Gourmet Festival celebrates a different theme every year and presents various cuisines and cooking trends showcased by acclaimed and awarded Greek and international chefs. It takes place from July to August every year at the Sani Resort.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Parthenon Film Festival: In its 8th year in 2023, the “Cinema in the Village” film festival, as it’s also known, takes place around the first week of July (dates for this year have not yet been announced) and welcomes film directors and movie buffs from around the world, screening classic and art films over a three-day period in the picturesque village square of Parthenonas village in Sithonia.
Open-Air Cinemas: While open-air cinemas are sadly scarce in Halkidiki, there are two places where you can enjoy movies under the stars. Cine Kleio (Tel. +30 690 620 3345) in Nea Moudania, and Cine Antigoni (+30 690 620 3345), situated between Gerakini and Kalives.
Enjoy Natural Healing
Standing atop a cliff with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the Thermal Spa of Agia Paraskevi offers traditional massages and body treatments and excellent facilities like swimming pools, saunas, hammams, and hydrotherapy pools. The spa uses the therapeutic thermal waters (at a temperature of 34-36° Celsius) of Agia Paraskevi, renowned for their unique healing properties, especially for individuals suffering from bone and joint issues, discopathy, tendinitis, neck problems, and psoriasis. The facility boasts renovated outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as a hammam, sauna, whirlpool, and individual bathtubs, all overlooking stunning views. A doctor’s checkup is recommended prior to visiting the spa, which is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.
Address: Loutra, Kassandra, Phone: +30 23740 71358, Website: https://halkidikispa.com/
Visit Mount Athos (Men Only)
Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece, is a self-governed region administrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Known as the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain, Mount Athos is home to 20 Orthodox monasteries governed by the Holy Community (Iera Kinotita), consisting of representatives from each monastery. The majority of monasteries are Greek, while the remaining three are Serbian, Bulgarian, and Russian. Additionally, 12 smaller communities of monks and numerous solitary hermitages exist on the mountain. Monks on the mountain lead simple lives, focusing on solitude, prayer, service, obedience, and fasting. They reside in monastic cells or caves and engage in agricultural work.
Mount Athos is a treasure trove of medieval history, housing paintings from the 13th century, Byzantine-era music manuscripts, marble sculptures, and 12th-century gold and silver miniatures. Around a quarter of all Greek works worldwide are preserved here, including approximately 15,000 books and manuscripts.
Mount Athos permits only men to enter; women must view the mountain and its monasteries from a distance, typically by boat (see below). Just 10 non-Orthodox visitor permits are issued daily, with reservations taken up to six months in advance.
To reach Mount Athos, visitors can take a ferry from Ouranoupolis or Ierissos and then a public bus from Dafni to Karyes, the capital. A Diamonitirion pass is required and can be obtained from the Hagion Oros office in Thessaloniki.
See Mt Athos from the Sea
Taking a boat tour is a great way to get a good view of the monasteries of Mount Athos from a distance. Numerous boats embark daily from the port of Ouranopoli, allowing passengers to catch a glimpse of eight key major monasteries. Throughout the 3-hour boat ride, passengers learn about the community’s history, the construction of each monastery, and the lifestyle of Athos’ monks. All this can be experienced while appreciating the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding landscape and the majestic architecture of the monasteries. Athos Sea Cruises organises daily trips, with tickets priced at 20 euros. (Phone: +30 2377071606 or +30 2377071071).
Visit the Lake of Polychrono
Located in the western part of Kassandra in Halkidiki, Polychrono is a popular destination known for its sandy beach and clear waters. One of its main attractions is a small lake, which is easily accessible by car. The lake is also home to the rare Testudinata Turtles, offering nature lovers and tourists the chance to observe these unique creatures.
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Eastern Halkidiki, Greece: an alternative destination for amazing routes in nature and history
