Halkidiki is a huge region in the North of Greece and is described as the three fingers or as Poseidon's Trident, due to its shape. Located in the periphery of Central Macedonia this peninsula is surrounded by the Aegean Sea and wonderful beaches. The prefecture has picturesque villages, little quaint coves, traditional architecture, small islands and stunning views.
Halkikdi is a holiday destination for many a Greek and thousands of foreigners. It is a part of Greece that has a lot to offer. Even though it is part of the Mainland and possibly not seen as such a "hot spot" compared to the Islands, its diversity and natural beauty has put it on the map as a very popular place to vacation.
Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos are the three peninsulas of the region which resemble Poseidon's Trident. Each peninsula is very different to the next.

Kassandra

The first "prong" when looking at the map from right to left, is the most developed out of the three. Kassandra offers high quality hotels, resorts, an impressive collection and variety of dining options, lots of water sports and a beautiful coast with impressive beaches and crystal clear water. This is the most active area out of the three. It has a thriving nightlife as well as wonderful sightseeing.

Sithonia

The "prong" located in-between in the other two, is any nature lover's or enthusiast's dream. It has been called the "untamed sister" of Kassandra. Any visitor or resident will be subjected to its wild and untamed beauty. Sithonia has managed to maintain its natural splendour and is a great destination for people who love the outdoors as well as those who are looking for a relaxing holiday away from the city bustle.

Mount Athos

The third and last "prong" is home to a semi autonomous monastic community that is comprised solely of men. A man must be over the age of 18, a member of the Orthodox church, be a monk or a worker in order to live on Athos. It is commonly referred to as the "Holy Mountain" and is a World Heritage Site. It has 20 Monasteries on it, 17 of which are Greek. It is accessible only by one boat, even though it is connected to the Mainland, and the number of visitors allowed per day is restricted. The monks and priests enjoy the exclusivity to some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Greece. The seas towards the south end of the peninsula are quite precarious. They have been responsible for the loss of close to 400 ships during 492-411.

As with most places in Greece, Halkidiki has a past that ties into Mythology. It is said that the huge battle between the Olympian gods and the Titans (giants) took place in Halkidiki. The leader of the Titans was buried alive and is said to be the cause of the Earthquakes in the region. Each of the peninsulas has received their name from connections to Greek Mythology. Kassandra was named after a Kassandra promontory crushed one of the Titans. Mount Athos was named after the Giant Athos, who threw a mountain at the gods but missed and Sithonia was named after Poseidon's son.
Items have been food in the Caves of Petralona that indicate that life has existed in Halkidiki for approx 700,000 years. There is unfortunately not a whole lot of evidence that documents the civilisation of the time but a Human skull, was discovered in the caves, that dates back 200,000 years.
Villages flourished during both the Neolithic and Copper Periods in the West and Central Halkidiki. However, its well documented history dates back to the Bronze Age. Halkidiki was a commercial centre during the Persian wars; its position aided the area to connect Asia Minor to countries beyond Greece.
In the 8^th Century BC the population in the region grew dramatically. By the 5^th Century BC Halkidiki had 25 very important cities including: Sani, Potideia, Sarti, Olynthos, Akanthos and Pyloros. Eventually the number of major cities grew to 32 and they were placed under the "municipality" of Olynthos which unfortunately dissolved when the Spartans took over in 379 BC. Under the Macedonian Kingdom the main cities of Kassandria, Ouranopolis and Antigoneia were constructed between 315BC and 280BC. The Romans were next to realise that Halkidiki could be used as a strong foot hold in commercial trade. They took control in 168BC.
Christianity was introduced in Halkidiki in 50AD. There were a number of catastrophic raids by the Huns and Goths among others. The Monastic State on Mount Athos was created during the 9^th Century AD. The Monastery of Great Lavra was the first Monastery built on Mt. Athos, it was built in 963. The other 19 were built after. Mount Athos since, has become a very special place and one of spiritual significance.
Halkidiki was under the rule of the Serbians, the Turks and also the Venetians at various stages during the 14^th Century. In 1430 the area was solely under Turkish rule. The whole region suffered under the rule of the Turks, even Mt. Athos which was an "Independent" State. However the residents of Halkidiki did not give up and managed to bring growth back to the region during the late 18^th century. Due to the increase in the area's productivity Pirates began to infest the surrounding waters.
After various attempts the Greeks finally won their freedom from the Turks in 1912. Ten years later many Greeks returned from Asia Minor along with other refugees. This led to the development of more villages and cities and helped to increase the productivity of the region.

The district of Halkidiki including the three "fingers" is such a large area it is difficult to choose the best places to visit. So we have tried to sum up a few ideas of what to try and fit in, whilst visiting this amazing place.
Before heading off to the 3 prongs we would suggest that you visit the Caves of Petralona. These caves are home to the oldest Arhanthropos (ancient man) in Europe. It has been estimated that this Human Skull that has been found is most probably about 200,000 years old. The Cave also has fossils of birds, lions, hyenas, bears, elephants, bison, rhinoceros and many other species of animals.
The Stalagmites and Stalactites are also incredible.

KASSANDRA:

Kassandra is known for its lively night life and great beaches, however there is a lot more to this cosmopolitan peninsula.
At the very top of Kassandra, there is a village called Nea Potidea. Here you can visit the Canal and you can go and see the ruins of a castle that once stood there in all its glory. In the near by village of Nea Fokea you can visit the Wildlife Reserve and the Church and Tower of the Apostle Paul.
Whilst you are in the area you should also go to the village of Afitos. Here you will find the ruins of Ancient Afitios, the Ancient Milstone Quarries, a Folklore Museum and the Natural Springs of Moudounou & Vrysitsa.
A bit further south there is another village called Kallithea. There are number of things to visit here. Wander by the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the abandoned Windmill, the Cathedral of the Birth of the Virgin and the Sanctuary of Amon Zeus.
The two villages of Polychrono and Pefkochori have wonderful natural sightseeing. There is a small lake which you can walk to from Polychrono. It is a natural Reserve for the Testundinata Turtle. Pefkochori has the Sea-Lake "Glarokavos" which is located in a beautiful area.

SITHONIA:

Sithonia is the peninsula of rustic beauty. This "prong" offers a lot of outside activities. Sithonia is mainly mountain and beaches. Mount Itamos is a protected reserve with amazing flora and fauna. It can be reached by 4x4s, bicycles and by foot.
There are numerous hiking and cycling trails/paths, some lead to secluded beaches and others to high spots to enjoy the view.
You can jump on boats and get a tour of the area, scuba dive, go for some deep sea fishing, sail or even just swim along watching the fish by going on a snorkelling tour.
You could always go for a horse ride and explore the area even further.
There are many options for those who wish to explore the outdoors.
You should visit the old village of Nikiti. It is a beautiful little village and a true exhibition of 19^th and 20^th century stone architecture. You could also pass by the Church of St. Nikitas which was built on an old Ottoman tower. You will be able to admire the church completely renovated. It was rebuilt after it was burnt in the civil war in the late 1940s. The Sofronios Basilica is also something nice to visit. The excavation revealed wonderful art and a mosaic floor.

MOUNT ATHOS:

This is the most famous site in the whole of Halkidiki, however as we have already mentioned it is only open to male visitors, who have to apply for a permit at least 6 months in advance. There is however an alternative way to get a glimpse at the third mystical peninsula.
You will need to get yourselves to Ouranoupoli, which is known as the door step of Mount Athos. The Town's most prominent feature is the large 14^th century Byzantine Tower (the biggest of its kind in Halkidiki). From here you can jump on to a little boat, of which there are many and they leave daily from the harbour. The boat will take you around the perimeter of the peninsula.

THINGS TO DO

Beaches

Halkidiki has 46 beaches that have been awarded blue flags for their cleanliness. The water is a stunning aquamarine colour. Some of the most popular beaches on the two peninsulas are:

Kassandra:

• Dionisou- a long sandy beach that runs in front of tavernas and bars. It is a wonderfully clean beach with umbrellas and beds.
• Kalithea- is possibly the most popular beach on Kassandra. The beach's back drop is one of lush pine trees. It has beautifully clean water and good facilities.
• Pefkohori- a beach which is about 300 metres long. It has a small village that runs behind it, providing facilities for visitors.
• Sani - a beautiful beach that has facilities such as, sun beds, umbrellas, water sports and tavernas. It also has shallow waters for quite a long distance so it is ideal for children.
• Siviri- is a huge sandy beach with lots of restaurants, bars and shops.

Sithonia:

Armenistis- has been listed as one of the top beaches in Greece. It has beach bars, camping facilities etc which run on a 600 metre stretch of fine sand.
Lagomandra- a beach with it all. It is divided into 3 beaches, has shade provided by the pine trees that grow at the top of the beach. It has been awarded a blue flag and has facilities such as restaurants and bars.
Kalogria- white sand and pine trees in the background. This beach is a popular one, the north side has a beach bar and other facilities and the south side has shallower waters which are more suitable for children.
Vourvourou- is a great beach for families. It has shade and shallow and calm water. There is a coral reef that you could explore.
Kavourotrypes- is a collection of little coves, so you may be lucky enough to find one all to yourselves. The main cove has a beach bar. The younger crowd seem to "hang out" there more than others and you will find campers in the pine wood that is just behind the cove.
Sykia- it is a huge stretch of sand that goes for as far as 1.5 km. It is very popular with campers and has a few facilities like beach bar and umbrellas.
Kalamatsi- is comprised of 3 wonderful coves, one that is bare (and people visit it in that exact same way..), one that has camping and the last with hotels.

Shopping

The shopping within this vast region is very good. There is a huge variety of products available. Shop sizes and products will vary form place to place. You will find big "malls" or collections of shops or little boutique stores, traditional products and anything from clothing to electronics.

You will find somewhere to have a drink or somewhere to dance pretty much where ever you are staying in Halkidiki. There is almost certainly going to be a local bar and somewhere where you can let your hair down and enjoy the music that's being played. Kassandra, however, has the liveliest nightlife on offer. There are bars and clubs of every type. Have a walk around where you are staying in and scope out what is around. Also ask your hotel or the locals what is available and even if it's a drive to the nearest "trendy" night club just ask where you can get a taxi.

WHERE TO WINE AND DINE

Again when you are looking for somewhere to eat out, you will come across a number of options. Of course if you are in a larger town you will have more to chose from. The larger towns/villages will most probably have a selection of Greek Tavernas and international cuisine. The Resorts will also have a number of restaurants that you can eat at even if you are not staying there. Just reserve a table or enquire prior arriving there. In the smaller villages the option of where to dine and what you will be offered will be more restricted. We suggest that you follow the advices of locals and your hotel so that you are pointed in the right direction.