 The sun, vegetation and the sea reign jointly and in harmony, sharing justly their influence over the piece of land called the Halkidiki Peninsula, set Southeast of Thessaloniki, in Northern Greece.
It may sound odd but, when a visitor comes to Halkidiki, he gets the feeling that he has left behind the familiar world and has suddenly entered in what appears to be mythical ground.
Mountains with curving skylines succeed one another, while down in the valleys cool clusters of trees grow among wild flowers of amazing color combinations. The Aegean Sea, which laps upon the shores of all three prongs which extend out of Halkidiki (Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos) sends its spray and breeze across the geranium-filled courtyards, the stairways and the village alleys, the churches and the majestic monasteries. |
 The natural marvels of Halkidiki are just a stride from the bustle of Thessaloniki and even closer from the ‘Macedonia’ airport. Both Kassandra and Sithonia are connected to Thessaloniki by a network of fast new roads that extend around their coastlines. Buses also run frequently to all the larger resorts.
Mt. Athos on the other hand is a different story. For men who wish to experience Athonite life, a visit involves some procedures in order to obtain an entrance permit for this millennium old monastic republic, autonomous within the Greek State. The most that women can do is to glimpse the buildings from the sea. It is possible to take boat rides from the two small resorts on the periphery of the peninsula - Ierissos and Ouranoupoli. |
 Halkidiki took its name from the ancient city-state of Chalkida, then a power on the island of Euboea that colonised it in the 8th and 7th century B.C. Even earlier, it was believed that this craggy, wild place was the home of the giants, the primeval enemies of the gods, and that many of their legendary battles were fought here. In fact Athos, the Holy Mountain, was named after a giant called Athos who, in his rage, was said to have hurled it against the gods. While Sithonia comes from Sithon, a son of Poseidon, Kassandra’s name is historical, reflecting the influence of King Kassander, a prominent Macedonian King who succeeded Alexander the Great.
The earliest written mention of Halkidiki appears in Herodotus’ description of the Persian Wars. Subsequently, the thirty-two most important towns of the peninsula united towards the end of the 5th century B.C. under the leadership of Olynthos to form the Chalkidean League. In 352 B.C. they joined the Athenians in an attempt to halt Philip II of Macedonian’s ambitions to conquer all of Greece. To no avail, Philip marched against Halkidiki, destroying the entire League’s member states, and annexed the whole area to his Macedonian kingdom.
After the decline of Macedonia, the area was an integral part of the Roman Empire and subsequently of the Byzantine Empire.
Notwithstanding, throughout the Middle Ages it was subject to incessant invasions by Germanic and Slavic tribes. From the 13th to 15th century, it was alternately under Venetian or Byzantine rule until 1430, when it was taken by the Turks, who were to remain in possession until 1912, when Macedonia was finally reunited with the rest of Greece. |
 Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki (69km from Thessaloniki), can make a wonderful starting point for sightseeing. Built upon a “balcony” of Mt. Holomontas, the town has a commanding view over the peninsula and the sea beyond that. Here lies also an archaeological museum, containing sculptures and pottery found in the surrounding area, as well as some neighborhoods almost untouched by time.
No one who has the opportunity should miss the chance to visit Mt. Athos. While the most common access for men is via clique from Ouranoupolis, travel agents also offer cruises along the coastline of the Holy Mountain, so that both sexes can admire the beauty, the mystery and the sacredness of this magnificent place.
Another popular pilgrimage on the eastern coast of Halkidiki is a trip to ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. A statue of the great philosopher stands in the very pleasant park of modern Stagira.
Nea Roda at the narrowest point between Mount Athos and the main Halkidiki peninsula is also of great historic interest. Here Xerxes, the king of Persia, dug a channel to shorten the route for his fleet during his second attempt to invade Greece in 480 B.C. During the first try, eleven years earlier, the elements of sea blocked his way, throwing many of ships against the rocky coast.
Above all, the greatest attraction of Halkidiki is its own unique setting, in accordance with the realm of one’s dreams. With more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, 41 E.U. blue flag awards for the clean waters of its sandy beaches -more than of any other Greek region-, its lush landscapes, its picturesque villages and peaceful fishermen's hamlets, the visitor has a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature at its best. |
 People and their creations are overwhelmed by nature’s force in this odd piece of land in courtship with the sea. The Greek inhabitants, with signs of their culture present here since history was first recorded, justly feel indissoluble ties with Halkidiki’s environs, alike the rumours of the ancient ruins and the Byzantine monasteries. They take pride being part of this land and welcome the chance to acclimatise visitors to their relaxed life-style. |
| Halkidiki’s resorts boast all the infrastructure necessary for sporting, fitness and fun, including a golfing court, several extensive water-sport centers on the beaches. Those who like the mountains and are willing to leave the beach paradises are advised to move on into the fresh air of the pine forests, seeking trekking adventures in Mt. Holomontas. |
| The eating habits here are no different than the rest of the Macedonian mainland, albeit restaurants, taverns and ouzeries throughout the peninsula show a particular preference for fresh fish from the nearby crystal clear waters of the North Aegean.
Halkidiki has also an impressive variety of goods to offer to shoppers, from top designer labels and exquisite jewelry to fine antiques and high quality leather goods. Fine examples of folk art and crafts are also displayed in shops all over the peninsula; hand-woven textiles and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out of olive wood and silver utensils. |
| The Kassandra's Summer Festival takes place from June through August at the Siviri Amphitheater. For four years now this festival is presenting a rich program of events, and it has been established as an important appointment for Greek and foreign artists.
The main cultural events of the summer are the religious fairs and traditional celebrations on the 15th of August at the villages of Megali Panagia and Sarti. In July there is an exhibition of local handicrafts and products at Arnea accompanied by feast and dancing, called "Sokratia”.
Carnival celebrations are held at Polygyros during the end of February and early March and a grand exhibition of local handcraft. |
| Halkidiki never fails to please a visitor. The popular bars, pubs, music clubs and clubs offering live Greek music and local dances that can be found all over tourist areas, will keep one entertained until the early hours. |
| The whole peninsula caters to tourism, whether taste runs to one of the many capacious hotels set amongst its woods or along the sea. Its deluxe hotels and resorts offer a complete range of facilities, from fully equipped conference halls with state of the art technical support systems, to a wide selection of recreational services that go a long way to making every visit a highly memorable occasion. |
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