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!!!