Nestled in northern Greece, about an hour from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is a shocking peninsula identified for its crystal-clear waters, miles of beautiful shoreline, and wealthy historic heritage. I went for a number of days to search out out a number of the greatest issues to do in Halkidiki, so as to add a little bit of journey to your seaside vacation…
Halkidiki has three distinctive peninsulas – Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos – every providing one thing totally different, however primarily, beautiful seashores and blue waters.
I explored as a lot as attainable 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 historical ruins to savouring the very best 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 undoubtedly suggest this if you happen to’re in search of the very best issues to do in Halkidiki.
Be a 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 truth 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 non-obligatory however undoubtedly beneficial!
Or, you would take the little boat to shore at every cease and so they’d take your stuff.
The surroundings on this tour is beautiful. Stroll over the rocks and across the bay, away from the drop off level, to search out your personal seaside to loosen up on. It was fairly busy on the first seaside and we have been thrilled we’d made the hassle to get away from the group.
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.
The journey completed at about 5pm and after a brief stroll (up a steep hill) we obtained on the coach and so they 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 retailers 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. Good.
3. Marianna’s Vine Leaves
The primary cease on our Halkidiki actions checklist was Marianna’s Vine Leaves – a winery that produces vines for consuming, moderately than consuming.
Go to and also you’ll get to stroll by the vineyards to get to know the way the well-known Marianna’s Vine leaves are made. It’s an amazing probability 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 house owners right here need the winery to be as sustainable as attainable, and so attempt to use all the pieces 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 received awards the world over and presently retails for round €500 so you possibly can 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 – certainly one of Europe’s most spectacular and necessary 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 taken care of correctly in a museum. The cave continues to be a captivating place to look spherical although, crammed with stalagmites and stalactites.
It’s wonderful to think about the one that found it in 1959 – think about stepping into to search out all this!
5. Village of Arnea
When you’re in search of one other cultural expertise for a soothing afternoon, how about strolling spherical the normal settlement of Arnea?
The flower adorned balconies and vibrant homes are nice for some charming photos 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 web site 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 primary sq.. That they had so many various honeys to strive, it was tough to know which one to purchase to take house. Good job they’d a range field to strive.
6. Go to Stagira
Among the finest moments of our Halkidiki journey was arriving at Historical Stagira, and seeing this unbelievable view. We have been right here to expertise the birthplace of the nice Greek thinker, Aristotle (who I bear in mind learning in A Stage Non secular Research – my instructor can be proud). However, with lots of creativeness wanted to make sense of the archaeological ruins right here, my eyes have been drawn to this wonderful view over the seaside close by.
Have 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 complete 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 changing into a little bit of a wine tour of Halkidiki (good) was the Agrovision Vineyard. We went to strive a number of the domestically produced wines in what was a little bit of a whistlestop tour of their assortment.
My fave was undoubtedly 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 significantly loved being at one with the wine, by sitting in a barrel. Was genuinely so enjoyable!
8. Discover historical Olynthos
The archaeological web site of Historical Olynthos was subsequent on our checklist of issues to do in Halkidiki. They will date the location again to 650BC – it’s had a wealthy and fascinating historical past. A number of the most placing 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 in regards to the location! I feel it’d rely what you need out of your vacation as as to if the lodge fits you or not. It was only a few 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 all the pieces else although, particularly if you happen to don’t wish 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 seaside bar on the ultimate day, for lunch, which had a main spot by the beds on the seaside. Wasn’t too certain on the souvlaki, however the Margarita was great!
When you’re in search of a lodge that has all you want on web site, and also you don’t have to go anyplace, it is a nice alternative. I wish to have a little bit discover round on vacation, and never be certain to 1 place, so I’d want a automotive right here!
Greece with Jet2 Holidays
I had an amazing 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 workers on board have been pleasant and environment friendly, and the journey was clean. Once we have been coming again, at Thessaloniki Airport, there have been workers there to greet us and inform us the place to go within the airport – don’t assume I’ve ever had that earlier than!
