Nestled in northern Greece, about an hour from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is a surprising peninsula identified for its crystal-clear waters, miles of gorgeous shoreline, and wealthy historic heritage. I went for a number of days to seek out out a few of the greatest issues to do in Halkidiki, so as to add a little bit of journey to your seashore vacation…
Halkidiki has three distinctive peninsulas – Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos – every providing one thing completely different, however primarily, gorgeous seashores and blue waters.
I explored as a lot as potential in my 5-night journey, with Jet2 Holidays as my information. Collectively, we discovered the must-visit spots and actions to make your journey to Halkidiki unforgettable.
From lounging on golden sands and exploring historic ruins to savouring the most effective Greek delicacies Halkidiki has to supply these are the actions in Halkidiki I loved essentially the most.
Right here’s what I obtained as much as in Greece with Jet2holidays…
1. Cruise of Diaporos islands
My Diaporos Islands cruise was an actual spotlight of my Halkidiki journey. I’d positively advocate this in case you’re in search of the most effective issues to do in Halkidiki.
Be part of the tour and also you’ll drive to Ormos Panagias on an air conditioned bus. It was solely about 20 minutes from our lodge at The Dolphin, in actual fact we have been the final ones on so first ones off on the finish of the day – good!
In Ormos Panagias you’ll get on board the ship, able to discover the unique seashores of the east coast of Sithonia over the following eight hours.
We moored up at two and had a number of hours at every to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Leaping in was optionally available however positively really helpful!
Or, you could possibly take the little boat to shore at every cease they usually’d take your stuff.
The surroundings on this tour is gorgeous. Stroll over the rocks and across the bay, away from the drop off level, to seek out your personal seashore to chill out on. It was fairly busy on the first seashore and we have been thrilled we’d made the trouble to get away from the gang.
Again on the ship and lunch was included – some tasty koftas, rice and bread (I like to recommend bringing your personal sauce!) drinks are additional and there’s a totally stocked bar to make your method by way of.
The journey completed at about 5pm and after a brief stroll (up a steep hill) we obtained on the coach they usually dropped us again at our lodge.
2. Athitos Village
For our native tradition repair we drove out to Athitos Village for a go searching this cute conventional stone-housed settlement.
The village is constructed on a rock with sleep slopes providing panoramic views of Toroneos Gulf. There have been a number of properly positioned bars and eating places to benefit from the views.
I strolled across the little cobblestone alleys, wanting within the reward outlets for presents for Reggie and Ben. Picked up some olives and olive oil (traditional), and a duck whistle for Reg.
The village is a well-liked spot with artists – go to and also you’ll see why. After doing my little bit of buying and sightseeing I loved a little bit sit down outdoors this village central plaza bar, with a Mythos and complimentary popcorn. Excellent.
3. Marianna’s Vine Leaves
The primary cease on our Halkidiki actions listing was Marianna’s Vine Leaves – a winery that produces vines for consuming, relatively than consuming.
Go to and also you’ll get to stroll by way of the vineyards to get to know the way the well-known Marianna’s Vine leaves are made. It’s an incredible likelihood to pattern them too. You may style the opposite conventional merchandise they produce like Marianna’s Grapeleaves, Marianna’s Ntolmadakia and Marianna’s Pies. So tasty!
I had a go at rolling the vine leaves for the Dolmas. I’d give myself 7 out of 10!
The homeowners right here need the winery to be as sustainable as potential, and so attempt to use the whole lot they create. The 15 hectares of land they personal additionally produces raisins, wooden for BBQs, moonshine, pickled sticks, grapes, jam and sultanas. They haven’t used any chemical substances since 1994.
We have been handled to a tasting of their ‘whisky’ – Abelon. It’s gained awards the world over and at present retails for round €500 so you may wager I just about licked the glass. And the spare one after he poured too many.
It was actually particular, giving a stunning heat in my chest because it went down. Not what I used to be anticipating after I was instructed I used to be visiting a winery that day!
4. Petralona Cave
We visited Petralona Cave – one in all Europe’s most spectacular and essential caves because of its wealth of fossils and to the invention of a human cranium that dates again roughly 700.000 years.
The cranium is now one of many greatest issues to see in Thessaloniki, being sorted correctly in a museum. The cave continues to be a captivating place to look spherical although, crammed with stalagmites and stalactites.
It’s superb to consider the one who found it in 1959 – think about stepping into to seek out all this!
5. Village of Arnea
If you happen to’re in search of one other cultural expertise for a soothing afternoon, how about strolling spherical the standard settlement of Arnea?
The flower embellished balconies and vibrant homes are nice for some charming footage of your Halkidiki vacation. One of many prime spots is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Stephen with its glass flooring. You may stroll above the archaeological website they discovered when the constructing burned down years in the past.
One other nice cease within the village is the honey retailer of Georgakas on the principle sq.. That they had so many various honeys to strive, it was troublesome to know which one to purchase to take residence. Good job that they had a range field to strive.
6. Go to Stagira
The most effective moments of our Halkidiki journey was arriving at Historic Stagira, and seeing this unbelievable view. We have been right here to expertise the birthplace of the good Greek thinker, Aristotle (who I keep in mind learning in A Degree Spiritual Research – my instructor could be proud). However, with a number of creativeness wanted to make sense of the archaeological ruins right here, my eyes have been drawn to this superb view over the seashore close by.
Take a look at it!
It was noon and so extremely popular up on the ruins, however there’s a stroll you are able to do alongside the coast to get the total expertise. Sadly we wanted to get out of the solar!
Simply across the nook was my favorite restaurant in Halkidiki.
7. Pattern the Agrovision Vineyard
Subsequent up on what was turning into a little bit of a wine tour of Halkidiki (good) was the Agrovision Vineyard. We went to strive a few of the regionally produced wines in what was a little bit of a whistlestop tour of their assortment.
My fave was positively one of many reds with the chocolate – good for 2pm on a Wednesday.
After attempting the wines of their HQ we drove out to their scenic winery overlooking the ocean. I notably loved being at one with the wine, by sitting in a barrel. Was genuinely so enjoyable!
8. Discover historic Olynthos
The archaeological website of Historic Olynthos was subsequent on our listing of issues to do in Halkidiki. They’ll date the location again to 650BC – it’s had a wealthy and fascinating historical past. Among the most putting issues to see now are the epic mosaics adorning the flooring.
The place I stayed in Halkidiki
I stayed on the Jet2 lodge The Blue Dolphin. It was a very nice lodge however I used to be kinda divided concerning the location! I believe it’d rely what you need out of your vacation as as to whether the lodge fits you or not. It was just some steps from two beautiful seashores, which was nice. The grounds have been additionally fairly intensive, with loads of rooms for various budgets. It was a bit out from the whole lot else although, particularly in case you don’t need to drive. There was nowhere to stroll to within the evenings.
Each morning there was a full breakfast unfold, and there was a restaurant for the evenings too. We went to the seashore bar on the ultimate day, for lunch, which had a main spot by the beds on the seashore. Wasn’t too certain on the souvlaki, however the Margarita was fantastic!
If you happen to’re in search of a lodge that has all you want on website, and also you don’t have to go anyplace, this can be a nice selection. I wish to have a little bit discover round on vacation, and never be sure to at least one place, so I’d want a automobile right here!
Greece with Jet2 Holidays
I had an incredible expertise with Jet2 Holidays, and never simply because this was a press journey!
Examine in was fast and simple at Stansted, with no queues. The employees on board have been pleasant and environment friendly, and the journey was clean. After we have been coming again, at Thessaloniki Airport, there have been employees there to greet us and inform us the place to go within the airport – don’t suppose I’ve ever had that earlier than!