Halkidiki has been a popular summer tourist destination since the late 1950 when people from Thessaloniki started spending their summer holidays in the coastal villages. At the beginning tourists rented rooms in the houses of locals.
By the 1960, tourists from Austria and Germany started to visit Halkidiki more frequently. Since the start of the big tourist boom in the 1970s, the whole region has been captured by tourism.
Kassandra
Kassandra is the most western peninsula of Halkidiki’s trident. It is one of the most famous places in Halkidiki with a particular development towards tourism, displaying a lot concerning the cultural and tourist field.
A place that can give its visitors all they need for the perfect holiday. Well-known areas that have been attracting visitors and investors since 1970. Beautiful beaches that will host your dreams, forests waiting to be explored, archaeological sites that will take you back in time, local dishes that will feast your appetite.
Kassandra, from N. Fokaia to Paliouri, has it all! Just 80 km from Thessaloniki one can find N. Fokaia and continue this magical journey to traditional Afitos and cosmopolitan Kallithea. Then you will find Kriopigi covered with pines, picturesque Hanioti, beautiful Polichrono and famous Pefkochori. On their way up to traditional AgiaParaskevi visitors will find Paliouri. Nea Skioni, with its long history and beautiful beaches, and Kalandra welcome their visitors offering them an unforgettable tourist experience; next stop of this beautiful journey are Fourka and verdant Kassandrino. Kassandria, the “queen” of Peninsula, is the capital of the respective municipality.
Sithonia
Sithonia is the central Halkidiki’s peninsula, possessing all prerequisites for a tranquil and active vacation. Night owls aren’t neglected either since Sithonia disposes of beach bars, although not in numbers characteristic of Kassandra. Anyhow, if you are a fan of a splendid and diverse nature, Sithonia is going to delight you.
There is a wide range of places tourists can choose for their base, campgrounds as well, and all of them are enchanting in their own way. Whether you visit Neos Marmaras, Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, Metamorphossi or any other resort or village, you’re sure to be enthusiastic with its architecture and atmosphere.
Among the most interesting places to visit on Sithonia is the village Parthenonas. Situated on the slopes of Mount Itamos, it features stone houses, likable taverns, a museum, sea view and especially beautiful sunsets. A perfect stop for mountain hikers.
Mount Athos
Mount Athos is situated in the eastern and most enchanting third peninsula of Halkidiki, which is called the peninsula of Athos. It is the only place in Greece, which is totally devoted to praying and worshiping God and thus, it is called the Holy Mount. The Holy Mount or the Mount Athos has about 50 Km length, 8 to 12 Km width and it covers a surface of about 350 square kilometers.