Halkidiki
All You Need To Know

"For a hotel-based beach holiday with good watersports plus a chance to explore some of the finest countryside in Greece ."

Halkidiki's three peninsulas thrust into the shimmering Aegean Sea like the prongs of a trident. The fingers of land are clad in beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated only by rocky outcrops and coves. Inland you will find the terracotta villages and sweeping foothills that make this such a beguiling place.

Halkidiki has an ancient past shrouded in myth and mystery. It is said that Zeus and other Olympian gods fought the giants of Gaea here. However Halkidiki also has a real past to excite the history buff. This was, after all, the birthplace of Aristotle and Alexander the Great. The peninsulas each have their own personalities, Kassandra and Sithonia are lively, though still not overly busy, with a string of fantastic beaches. Mount Athos , by contrast, is home to a monastery little changed over one thousand years. It can only be visited on 10 days of the year and then only by men. The closest most get to seeing it is by boat on one of the many trips down the coast.

Beaches

Halkidiki's crowning glory is its beaches. Stretches of golden sand line the coast and you can swim almost anywhere. Kassandra's beaches are mainly of fine sand though some have shingle and stone as you enter the water. On many beaches you will have a fine view of the Sithonia peninsula and if you are lucky you may see a dolphin at play in the Aegean . Most of the larger resorts offer a good selection of watersports.

Shopping

Nearly every town in Halkidiki has a colourful and exuberant market selling local crafts and produce. Be sure to take home some olive oil or honey to add a bit of Greek to your British meal times.

Nightlife

Halkidiki is more about relaxing to the sound of the sea than moving to the noise of disco music. Waterfront restaurants will give you time to enjoy the views and watch the people strolling past. Seek out Greek bouzouki music and traditional folk dancing for a taste of some true local entertainment.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing on Halkidiki is a relaxed affair. Boat trips, strolls around mountain villages and coastal walks will have you in a tranquil frame of mind. Mount Athos Peninsula is probably the best known sight in Halkidiki. The rugged coast and monastery are a spectacular sight that has enticed many a tourist including Prince Charles.

Meteora is another mountainous monastic area, you'll be able to get a little closer to the action here though you may want to spend your time in Dion. A city in the foothills it dates back to the 4th century and is the ideal place to have a spot of lunch before walking in the beautiful Annipeas valley. If you prefer some laid back coastal sights there are a host of pretty villages to choose from including the quiet oasis of Kriopigi. With lush meadows and mountainous scenery you couldn't wish for a better backdrop in which to discover this enchanting part of Greece .

Local Specialities

Food is typically Greek with the emphasis on seafood and grilled meats generously sprinkled with aromatic herbs. You'll find plenty of tavernas serving good quality authentic food, especially if you are prepared to explore the towns and villages of the area. Look out for mussels cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with crumbly feta cheese or plates piled high with crisply fried whitebait. This is one of the best areas for wine production with some excellent vintages. Finish your meal with a Greek brandy to accompany a cup of coffee taken the way the locals enjoy it - very strong and very sweet.

Money

There are 1.50 euros to the £1.00 as at 7th September 2005. Resorts have exchange facilities in either banks (08.00-14.00 Mon-Fri), bureaux or hotels. Traveller's Cheques are not widely accepted, however they can be exchanged at banks and hotels, usually with a commission charge. They are not accepted as a cash substitute.

Dress Code

In most hotels and apartments gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner.

Please Note

Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Please see Your Holiday, Your Choice options with your accommodation information.

Highlights

Highlights offer endless opportunities to discover, wonder, relax and enjoy - here is a selection...

Mount Athos Cruise

Year after year, this is one of our most popular trips. The Greeks refer to Mount Athos as ‘ Holy Mountain ' – unique in that it is part of Greece yet an autonomous republic. It's ruled by the 1700 Monks who live in its 20 Monasteries, some of which date back as early as the ninth century. We'll sail close enough to the shore of the Athos peninsula for you to see the Monasteries clinging to the cliffs, but this is a close as you will get, as access is limited – and then to men only!

Capital Delights

Spend the morning at leisure and savour the sights and sounds of Thessaloniki – Greece 's second largest city. Known for an array of splendid churches, including one of the largest churches in Greece , it's grown to be a cosmopolitan city where you can browse the fabulous designer shops before taking a break at one of the chic café bars at the waterfront admiring the famous White Tower . Spend the afternoon on our guided tour, taking you back in time as you visit the city's spectacular museums and monuments including the Archaeological Museum , which hosts the “Gold of the Macedonians” exhibition. We'll also stop at the Acropolis, where you'll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Available everywhere except Ouranoupolis.

Captain Michalis Sunshine Cruise