Halkidiki accommodation

Hotels and accommodation in Halkidiki

Many people think Halkidiki, birthplace of Aristotle, is the perfect place for holidays, since it has everything a Greek island should have, without being one, as well as being close to interesting places to visit, as well as the capital of northern Greece Thessaloniki. It is green and beautiful, with lovely beaches and a good nightlife (depending on where you stay!)

Halkidiki consists of a peninsula with three parts, often referred to as "the legs" by the Greeks. The first one is called Cassandra, the second one Sithonia. There are summer resorts on these two "legs" but the third is a state of its own.
It is Agios Oros, often called Mt Athos, and is an autonomous area of monasteries. Even though there are boattrips to this peninsula, only men with special permits are allowed on land, so most boats just sail along the coast.

History It is almost hard to believe, but the oldest human skeleton in the world has been found here. A 700 000 year old settlement in the cave of Petralona was found in the 1960, and is open to visitors.

In Greek mythology, this is also described as a place of origin. When the giants or Titans revolted against the gods, this is were the battle took place. The gods won, and some of the Titans were buried under the three peninsulas of Halkidiki. The ancient Greeks would call Cassandra "Flegra" ("Fireplace") and that's were the giants were born. Another name for it was Pallene, the daughter of the giant Sithonas who in turn have given his name to the second peninsula. The giant Engelados was buried under Cassandra, and every once in a while he tries to get out, causing the earth to tremble. To this day, the phrase "Engleados has struck" meaning "there's been an earthquake" is used in modern Greek. Mt. Athos was named after the giant Atho.

Halkidiki has a very rich history, starting in the Bronze age as a commercial center, going through the Persians wars, and becoming part of the Macedonian empire. In the 2nd century BC the Romans invaded Greece and Halkidiki was used as an important commercial and strategical foothold.

During the Byzantine empire Agios Oros started developing and the first monasteries were built. For a long time Halkidiki was under Serbian rule.

In the 15th century it was conquered by the Turks, and they also used Halkidiki as a center for both financial and military activities.

The war of Independence started in 1821, and the people of Halkidiki not only had to fight the Turkish oppressors, but was also threatened by Bulgaria. Halkidiki was freed in 1912. Ten years later, the catastrophy of Asia Minor happened, when the Greek population of Turkey was chased out of the country, and many sought refuge here.

What to See Polygiros is the capital of Halkidiki, and here you can visit an interesting archaeological museum and a folklore museum.
KASSANDRA
The cave of Petralona is just outside the village of the same name, and is a stalactite cave where the 700 000 year old skeleton was found. There is an archaeological museum here were findings from the cave can be seen.
Nea Fokea is a picturesque village by the sea where the Apostle Paul is said to have stayed. Here, you can see the Tower of St. Paul, the holy well of the apostle, as well as a monastery.
Nea Potideia has a castle where the rebellious Greeks would hide while fighting the Turks during the war of Independence. It also has an interesting church,
Ag. Taxiarches.
In Kallithea you can visit the archaeological site where temples to Zeus and Dionysus stood.

SITHONIA

Neos Marmaras has a monastery open to visitors called Tripotamus. You can also visit the Byzantine settlement Parthenon which today is deserted.

In Nikiti there are some very interesting churches. Amongst others, there is the chapel of St. Paul, the 5th century church of St. George, as well as a monastery.

Of course, these are just a few examples of interesting places. There are so many nice villages and sights here, that a complete site would be needed to cover them. It is a great experience to explore Halkidiki, either by bus or by renting a vehicle.

What to Do Halkidiki is a very big area, and apart from the many lovely beaches and villages, there are golf courses, tennis courts, beach volley tournaments as well as many happenings for children, like touring circuses.

There are also daytrips to places like Vergina, where the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, was found in the seventies. You can also visit the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of the Macedonians.

Thessaloniki is a big city, and perhaps that's not a place you'd like to go during your summer holidays. It is an interesting place, though, with a big archaeological and Byzantine museum, many excavations going on, art galleries, clubs with or without live music, bars and restaurants. Excursions to Meteora are also offered, as well as daytrips to Mt Olympus

Beaches There are so many beaches in Halkidiki that it would be a shame not to mention them all. Both Cassandra and Sithonia has long sandy beaches. Have a look at the map where the best known beaches are marked.

Nightlife Halkidiki has both quiet villages and more busy holiday resorts If you really want some clubbing, your best bets are probably Neos Marmaras on Sithonia, or Kallithea, Nea Potidea, Chanioti and Pefkochori on Cassandra Polygyros is the capital of Halkidiki and also has many bars and clubs.

Food and restaurants Just like anywhere else in Greece - the best taverns are those with lots of Greeks in them. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants in Halkidiki, with international food in the larger towns, and many local specialities in the villages. Ask the waiter when you order, it might no be on the menu. All over there are locally made wines and sweets as well.

Shopping As with the food, many places produce their own speciality. You'll find many shops in Polygyros and the larger summer resorts. In the villages there are usual smaller shops with local handicraft like textiles, wood carved objects and clothes.

Getting Around Local buses can take you to almost all the villages and towns, and there are also cars and bikes for rent.

Getting There The nearest airport is in Thessaloniki, and from there you can take a bus, which takes about 1,5-2 hours, depending on where you are going.

HOTELS IN HALKIDIKI

Simantro Beach Hotel Kassandra Halkidiki
this hotel is located in Kassandra of Halkidiki, the hotel has 3 swimming pools where the guests can enjoy a refresh dip in the water while enjoying a cocktail from the bar. The hotel is next to a wonderful sandy beach surrounded by pine trees and there is a beach bar.
All rooms are well equiped and fine furnished with all modern facilities with air conditioning and private balconies. There are many activities to keep children amused as well as a playground and a mini club. The hotel organises Greek nights weekly and there are games and entertainment daily. You can enjoy Greek food in the restaurant or the tavern of the hotel Simantro

Palini beach hotel Kalithea Halkidiki
The Palini beach is located in an idyllic area on the east coasts of the Peninsula of Kassandra in Halkidiki, this family friendly hotel is recently renovated. you will enjoy your hliday in Halkidiki in beachfront area that is surrounded by lush green vegetation gardens.
the hotel has a nice indoor pool enclosed in a tropical dome from glass with columns made out of marble ideal for a refreshing swim, the indoor pool becomes at night a disco bar for your entertainment and dancing.
There are many restaurants and bars providing various drinks and snacks the whole day and the night as well. There is plenty of entertainment such as quizzes, sports and games for children and adults.

Hotel Alexander The Great Beach Kryopigi Halkidiki
This 4 star hhotel located in a magic sandy beach of white sand in a wonderful location at the coast of Halkidiki on the peninsula of Kassandra, the hotel is ideal both young people and families near to the Thessaloniki and the airport at the village of Kryopigi . The Alexander The Great Beach Hotel is surrounded by green forests of pines you will enjoy an unforgetable vacation in one of the most beautiful areas of Greece.
The hotel offers 24 Hour front desk, restaurant, bar, garden, air conditioning , room facilities for disabled guests, non smoking rooms,shops in the hotel.

Webmistress V.E.K. Sandels