This three-fingered peninsula juts out into the Aegean Sea from the north of the Greek mainland. It’s not as well-known as many of the other Greek holiday destinations, but that’s just its appeal. The region offers visitors a go-slow atmosphere and some of the best scenery in the country – both along the coast and further inland.
Nea Moudania is the second-biggest town in Halkidiki on mainland Greece, and one of the country’s biggest fishing ports. That’s good news for those after shops and amenities – there are plenty here. You’ve also got a couple of big landmarks – like the 2,000-seater open amphitheatre, and the pretty basilica that sits on top of the hill. Plus there’s a stunner of a sandy beach.
Sani is a vibrant seaside town on the Kassandra Peninsula, part of Halkidiki in northern Greece. Million-pound yachts fill the elegant marina, which is ringed with restaurants, bars and boutique shops. Setting wise, you’ve got Mount Olympus in the distance and a wide swathe of sandy beach on the coast. The area’s great for rural hikes, and you can fit in Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki, in a day.
Kriopigi - This pretty old village perches on a hillside near Kallithea, on northern Greece’s Kassandra peninsula. It’s best known for its sandy beach, though it’s also bagged the best of the countryside, being surrounded by woodland and olive groves. There’s a cool spring – the krio pigi that gives the town its name – together with a quaint town square and an ancient amphitheatre.
Events and festivals
The prestigious Sani Festival has been going strong for a couple of decades. During the 2-month-long event, shows are staged in the natural amphitheatre of Sani Hill. The most popular events are the Shakespearean plays and the jazz performances, so it’s a good idea to get there early if you want to catch either.
The Kassandra Summer Festival takes place in the town of Siviri, and attracts thousands of spectators every year. The venue is the town’s spectacular amphitheatre – a huge, open-air space with incredible acoustics. Contemporary dance numbers, ancient plays and big-name Greek artists all feature in the line-up.
Climate
Halkidiki has a typically Greek climate, with long sunny days the standard from May to September. Temperatures hover around 20ºC in May, and can easily climb into the 30s during July and August. It’s still nice and warm in September, with 23
Other information
- Best time of year to travel: April to October
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time from UK: 3-4 Hours
- Visa and passport information: A visa is not required for Greece
