Hotels in Halkidiki

Hi again

In my previous post I wrote that I will give information for hotels in Halkidiki. I was a bit optimistic about this because actually have an idea only about the hotels of the Athos area of Halkidiki. With a quick search I did on travel republic the prices are variable depending on the hotel.

I will post for the hotels I know in the Athos peninsula and some general information for accommodation in Halkidiki.

Even though the area of Athos that is open to the general public is quite small there are many hotels in the area. Between the villages Nea Roda and Ouranoupolis there is two 5 star, two 4 star and three 3 star hotels. Most famous hotel in the area is the Eagle's Palace Hotel, probably one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece (members of the British Royal family seem to prefer this hotel). It is a bit expensive, but if you are in the area you could just visit it for a diner or a swim in their swimming pool (has a bar inside the pool!!) or private beach. For more info http://www.eaglespalace.gr/ . Another hotel of the area is hotel Alexandros. This is a five star hotel as well with a great location and a great swimming pool (has a private beach as well). I think there is a spa as well. Again not very cheap but for sure cheaper than Eagle's Palace. For more info: http://www.alexandroshotel-halkidiki.com/. A similar style hotel is hotel Aristotelis. This one has a great view of the sea and all the usual (swimming pool, private beach, spa etc). For more info: http://www.aristoteles.gr/ . Another good choice is Xenia hotel in Ouranoupolis. This has the advantage to be cited in the village of Ouranoupoli. It has also a private beach and swimming pool. I couldn't find an official website but I found this for extra info: http://www.greatlatedeals.co.uk/Hotels/HotelCriteriaEstab.aspx?EstabId=289152&mkid=35857883&aid=1 . Finally Hotel Akrathos is probably the cheapest amongst the hotels i suggest. I think it's a 3 star hotel. For more info: http://www.bookhotels.gr/hotel_card.asp?id=229

There are numerous hotels in the other two penninsulas of Halkidiki, Kassandra and Sithonia. In Sithonia the most famous hotel is Porto Karras that offers pretty much everything (from golf, horse riding to casino). Again one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece. The EU leader summit was held in this hotel a few years ago. If you want to spent a bit more it really worths the money. For more info: http://www.portocarras.gr/

In Kassandra again the only hotel I have visited is Sani Resort. Similar to Porto Karras it offers all kinds of amenities. For more info http://www.saniresort.gr/page/

However in my opinion you could find a self catered room/studio in any place in Halkidiki that will cost you around 60 euros/night (for a double room). Unfortunately most of these places you have to see them by yourself to decide if you like them. Most of them are quite nice and good value for money. They can be booked on the day, and usually in most of the villages you will pass or even on your way between villages you will find signs that advertise self catered rooms.

If you are more adventurous you could try camping. There are many organised camping sites in Halkidiki, with the most famous in Sithoni: Armenistis and Kalamitsi. Armenistis is the most famous one it is very organised, clean and fun! I 've been there a few times and I enjoyed always. Amazing beach as well! For more info: http://www.armenistis.com.gr/. Kalamitsi has a diving centre so you could join a diving trip. Furthermore it has bungalows for those that don't like tents! For more info: http://kalamitsi.com/

I hope this is of some help. If you want suggestion for a place to visit in Halkidiki, please send me an email and I will try to help you with the accommodation.

That's all for now.

Sorry for not updating the blog sooner!

In this post I will give some information about the most popular sea resort near Thessaloniki Halkidiki. Halkidiki is a peninsula southeast of Thessaloniki. The penninsula itself consists of 3 other peninsulas (Kassandra, Sithonia, Athos) that resemble a trident. Kassandra is the westernmost and closest to Thessaloniki peninsula. It is also the most popular and densily populated area of Halkidiki. It attracts lots of tourists and is full of hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants. Places to visit in Kassandra are Kalithea, Pefkohori, Fourka and Nea Fokea. Sithonia is the second peninsula and it appeals more to the nature lovers and holiday makers that want to escape from civilization. Sithonia is the perfect combination of mountain and sea. In Sithonia you can find a variety of beaches deserted or crowded, full of pine vegetation where the sea and the sky make you relax. Areas of Sithonia that deserve your attention are Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, Neos Marmaras (were you can find Porto Karras hotel, one of the best in Northern Greece), Sarti, Pirgadikia and Nikiti. I would recommend either Agios Nikolaos or Neos Marmaras.

Athos (or Mount Athos) is the the last and most historically significant area of Halkidiki. It is the location of Agion Oros (Holly Mountain) which is the home to 2o Eastern Orthodox monasteries and is considered a self-governed monastic state within the Greek state. In 885, the Byzantine emperor Basil I, proclaimed it the exclusive domain of monks and hermits, and it retains this state till today. The number of visitors is restricted and all are required to get a special entrance permit before entering Mount Athos. Only males are allowed entrance into Mount Athos, which is called "Garden of the Virgin" by monks. For more information check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Athos. However, there is a small part of the peninsula, before the borders to mount Athos, that is accesible to everyone (men or women). This is the part of Halkidiki I spent most of my summers and it has some of the best beaches in Greece (at least in my opinion!). The only island of Halkidiki, Ammoliani is also located in the area. Sites I recomend are Ouranoupolis (very picturesque little village where you can arrange a boat trip around mount Athos), Ammoliani (small island with amazing beaches), Ierissos and Olympiada.

The central part of Halkidiki is mountainous and is has many traditional villages that you can visit. It is very good for hiking or just driving around and exploring the various small villages. Arnea is a small traditional town that really worths a visit (http://www.halkidiki.com/arnea/index.htm). On your way to either of the 3 peninsulas don't miss Agios Prodromos, a small village that is very famous for its food. Very higly recommended!!!

Halkidiki, as you can see by the photos is really diverse in its scenery and I would suggest to rent a car from Thessaloniki and try to travel to all 3 peninsulas. There is plenty of accomodation (hotels or self catered rooms) that you can book on site. Also for the more adventurous you could try camping as well. I suggest Armenistis camping in Sithonia( http://www.armenistis.com.gr/index?lang=en).

You could also travel by bus, but this is quite restrictive because Halkidiki is a large area and it needs a car to really enjoy it. Of course you could book an all inclusive hotel and just relax for a few days.

I will post on Friday a a few hotels that I recommend for Halkidiki.

That's all for now!!!