Explore the Top Things to Do in Halkidiki, Greece

“There’s no place like Halkidiki,” the Greek saying goes. The potbellied, three-legged peninsula just an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki is known across the country for its sparkling waters, pine tree forests that create a heady scent, and its golden sand beaches.

While most travelers make a beeline straight to the shore, Halkidiki has much more to offer than just waves. From monasteries to mountains, villages to islands, there’s something here for just about every kind of traveler. Although it’s tempting to lounge on the beach all day, these top alternatives will encourage you to explore Halkidiki beyond the sun and sand.

Take the Plunge on a Diving Course

Why admire the shimmering surface when you can dive straight into it? On your way to Halkidiki’s middle peninsula, Sithonia, stop off at local diving centers. Located in Nikiti, these expert-packed outfits can arrange expeditions geared towards first-timers and kids. One-day diving excursions, which include transport and refreshments, typically cost from €75, offering the chance to glimpse vibrant marine life like scorpion fish and sea bass.

Cycle Pine Forests and Rugged Hills

Kassandra, the westernmost tendril of Halkidiki, offers much more rewarding ways to break a sweat than sunbathing. Mountain-biking tours through the pine-forested interior reveal stunning landscapes. Experience the “camel’s hump” of Kassandra that challenges your endurance but rewards you with breathtaking views of the Thermaic Gulf. This interior biking path offers vistas inaccessible by road, making it a must-try for adventure enthusiasts.

Hike to the Waterfalls

Head to the lush eastern interior of Halkidiki for fascinating wild swimming. Trade the salty Mediterranean for cool natural ponds formed at various hidden waterfalls. A 4km (2.5 mile) hike through scenic forests takes you to the Varvara waterfalls, providing an escape into nature’s serenity.

Explore a Yawning Cavern

In their hurry to reach the coast, travelers often overlook Halkidiki’s rugged interior. Exploring areas like Petralona Cave, just 50km southeast of Thessaloniki, allows a glimpse into ancient history. Excavations in the 1960s revealed tools, animal skeletons, and the remains of a hominid dating back up to 700,000 years.

Test Your Survival Skills on Halkidiki’s Isles

For a unique experience, consider hiring an experienced sea hand for group sailing and camping excursions around the small islands between Kassandra and Sithonia. This adventure focuses on survival skills, spear fishing, and appreciating the natural silence of the surroundings.

Try the Best Souvlaki in North Greece

While seafood is a culinary highlight in Halkidiki, the best-kept secret is the souvlaki at local tavernas, particularly Miltiades Taverna in Agios Prodromos. This unassuming restaurant has earned its reputation for serving the region’s finest meat sticks. The secret lies in the local meat, cut into small pieces, ensuring a balanced mix of smoke, fat, and char.

Be Your Own Captain

You don’t need a special license to rent a small boat and navigate the turquoise waters between the second and third leg of Halkidiki. Numerous boat rental retailers in Vourvourou offer half-day or full-day rentals. Bring along your own snacks, drop anchor, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets from your private boat.

Sleep in a Treehouse

For a unique experience, consider spending a night suspended in nature at a treehouse nestled within oak trees. This rare accommodation offers a break from the overdeveloped coastline of Halkidiki, allowing you to awaken to a canopy of leaves, complemented by hearty breakfasts featuring local ingredients.

Drift Through Centuries of Monastic History

Halkidiki is also home to Mt. Athos, known for its spiritual significance for over a millennium. While women cannot enter the monk-only republic, men who are spiritually inclined can immerse themselves in monastic life. For those seeking a glimpse into this extraordinary architecture, scenic boat tours offer a peek without the need for overnight stays.

Visit Aristotle’s Themepark

Born in Stagira on Halkidiki’s eastern peninsula, Aristotle’s contributions to philosophy and science are commemorated with a unique theme park. This site features replicas of inventions described in his texts, making it an engaging outing for curious minds and families alike.

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