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Everyone knows that with regards to a European summer season getaway, Greece is the final word vacation spot – the sun-kissed seashores of Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini have formally taken over our social media feeds.
What you won’t know, although, is that what you see on-line is only a sliver of the marvel that’s the Greek shoreline and that the true beachy gems of the nation are stored hidden distant from the curious eyes of vacationers.
Working example – Halkidiki.
The gorgeous area that stretches over what locals name “the three fingers” is among the finest locations in the whole nation to absorb each the pristine seashores and that genuine Greek small-town really feel that’s been misplaced in additional widespread hotspots.
And now that Halkidiki was formally topped the prefecture with the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in all of Greece, I figured it was time to faucet into my 10+ years of touring to the area to assist uncover this hidden gem of a vacation spot for good.
A Area Crammed With Film-Like Seashores
I’m not right here to knock down the unimaginable attract of locations like Mykonos and Santorini – they’re each value a go to.
However so far as seaside high quality goes, neither of those locations holds a candle to Halkidiki, which is the place most Greeks select to spend their summers as an alternative.
Identical to I discussed, the area is split into three “fingers,” and for many first-time guests, the primary peninsula, Kassandra, is the only option.
Right here, you gained’t solely discover among the liveliest cities (extra on that under), but in addition among the finest business seashores within the nation – as compared, Sithonia and Mount Athos, the 2 different “fingers,” are quieter and extra off-the-beaten-path.
Glarokavos, Paliouri, and Sani Seaside, particularly, are must-sees for all seaside lovers, and the excellent news is that they’re all driving distance from each other.
For these of you prepared to get adventurous, Kavourotripes Seaside in Sithonia and Ammouliani Island close to Mount Athos can be the perfect picks, although be warned that getting there isn’t as simple.
Taking In That Genuine Greek City Attraction
I’ve at all times been the sort of traveler who seems to be for a very good mixture of pristine shores and vigorous cities when touring throughout the summer season, and in Halkidiki, I’ve managed to search out simply that.
And whereas there are numerous locations all through the area that match the invoice, when you’d ask me to call my favourite, it will be Pefkochori.
The seashores seem like one thing straight out of a postcard, the city itself is vigorous however nonetheless stuffed with that genuine Greek allure, and there’s a Lemonis Bakery (one in all my all-time favourite locations to get desserts) proper close to the middle sq..
An in depth second can be Nea Moudania.
The seashores right here, whereas gorgeous, lack a little bit one thing in comparison with Pefkochori, however this one’s a correct metropolis and Halkidiki’s greatest municipality, so there’s extra to do and see right here.
And when you don’t thoughts a quieter summer season retreat, I’d extremely suggest making the 11-minute drive to Nea Poteidaia, a surprising seaside city the place the locals are pleasant, the seashores are one-of-a-kind, and the bougatsas are to die for, particularly when you get them at Μπουγάτσα Kαφές Yammy-Yammy.
A Funds-Pleasant Mediterranean Getaway
There’s a cause why so many Greeks flock to Halkidiki throughout the summer season as an alternative of the overpriced hotspots we get bombarded with on our social media feeds – they get the identical precise views and expertise for a fraction of the value.
Let’s begin with lodging.
Most locations within the area are both boutique resorts or family-run guesthouses that cost anyplace between $40 and $70 an evening, and the general expertise is in contrast to something you’d discover at your run-of-the-mill lodge.
Final 12 months, I booked a 2-bedroom, 2-balcony house in Nea Poteidaia for $65 an evening, and the hosts, a stunning aged couple, went above and past, going so far as to depart a do-it-yourself cake and a bottle of Raki behind.
Certain, the facilities won’t be the identical as what you’d get in a 5-start lodge, however the value-for-money ratio is insane.
The meals is fairly moderately priced, too.
Fast meals common $5 per individual, whereas going for a two-course meal at a sit-down restaurant may cost a little you one thing nearer to $15-$20 per individual, and let me inform you, I’ve by no means had a single chew of meals that was something lower than superb.
The Excellent Place For These Who Need To Discover As A lot Of Greece In As Little Time As Doable
Not solely is Halkidiki famously near Thessaloniki, which is one of my favorite cities to go to, however touring throughout the area itself is remarkably simple, too.
I’d extremely suggest getting your fingers on a automotive, although.
Driving, particularly in Kassandra, is doable by virtually everybody (city streets are very well-maintained and parking is a breeze), and you will get from one facet of the peninsula to the opposite for below an hour – that offers you loads of alternatives to see all the pieces I talked about thus far and extra.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
