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We all know that on the subject of a European summer season getaway, Greece is the final word vacation spot – the sun-kissed seashores of Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini have formally taken over our social media feeds.
What you may not know, although, is that what you see on-line is only a sliver of the surprise that’s the Greek shoreline and that the true beachy gems of the nation are saved hidden distant from the curious eyes of vacationers.
Case in level – Halkidiki.
The beautiful area that stretches over what locals name “the three fingers” is without doubt one of the greatest locations in all the nation to soak up each the pristine seashores and that genuine Greek small-town really feel that’s been misplaced in additional well-liked hotspots.
And now that Halkidiki was formally topped the prefecture with the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in all of Greece, I figured it was time to faucet into my 10+ years of touring to the area to assist uncover this hidden gem of a vacation spot for good.
A Region Filled With Movie-Like Beaches
I’m not right here to knock down the unimaginable attract of locations like Mykonos and Santorini – they’re each price a go to.
But so far as seashore high quality goes, neither of those locations holds a candle to Halkidiki, which is the place most Greeks select to spend their summers as an alternative.
Just like I discussed, the area is split into three “fingers,” and for many first-time guests, the primary peninsula, Kassandra, is your best option.
Here, you received’t solely discover among the liveliest cities (extra on that under), but additionally among the greatest industrial seashores within the nation – compared, Sithonia and Mount Athos, the 2 different “fingers,” are quieter and extra off-the-beaten-path.
Glarokavos, Paliouri, and Sani Beach, particularly, are must-sees for all seashore fans, and the excellent news is that they’re all driving distance from each other.
For these of you prepared to get adventurous, Kavourotripes Beach in Sithonia and Ammouliani Island close to Mount Athos could be the very best picks, although be warned that getting there isn’t as simple.
Taking In That Authentic Greek Town Charm
I’ve at all times been the form of traveler who seems to be for a very good mixture of pristine shores and vigorous cities when touring through the summer season, and in Halkidiki, I’ve managed to seek out simply that.
And whereas there are loads of locations all through the area that match the invoice, should you’d ask me to call my favourite, it could be Pefkochori.
The seashores appear to be one thing straight out of a postcard, the city itself is vigorous however nonetheless stuffed with that genuine Greek allure, and there’s a Lemonis Bakery (one in every of my all-time favourite locations to get desserts) proper close to the middle sq..
An in depth second could be Nea Moudania.
The seashores right here, whereas beautiful, lack somewhat one thing in comparison with Pefkochori, however this one’s a correct metropolis and Halkidiki’s greatest municipality, so there’s extra to do and see right here.
And should you don’t thoughts a quieter summer season retreat, I’d extremely advocate making the 11-minute drive to Nea Poteidaia, a shocking seaside city the place the locals are pleasant, the seashores are one-of-a-kind, and the bougatsas are to die for, particularly should you get them at Μπουγάτσα Kαφές Yammy-Yammy.
A Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Getaway
There’s a purpose why so many Greeks flock to Halkidiki through the summer season as an alternative of the overpriced hotspots we get bombarded with on our social media feeds – they get the identical actual views and expertise for a fraction of the value.
Let’s begin with lodging.
Most locations within the area are both boutique lodges or family-run guesthouses that cost wherever between $40 and $70 an evening, and the general expertise is in contrast to something you’d discover at your run-of-the-mill lodge.
Last 12 months, I booked a 2-bedroom, 2-balcony residence in Nea Poteidaia for $65 an evening, and the hosts, a stunning aged couple, went above and past, going so far as to depart a selfmade cake and a bottle of Raki behind.
Sure, the facilities may not be the identical as what you’d get in a 5-start lodge, however the value-for-money ratio is insane.
The meals is fairly moderately priced, too.
Quick meals common $5 per particular person, whereas going for a two-course meal at a sit-down restaurant may cost a little you one thing nearer to $15-$20 per particular person, and let me let you know, I’ve by no means had a single chunk of meals that was something lower than wonderful.
The Perfect Place For Those Who Want To Explore As Much Of Greece In As Little Time As Possible
Not solely is Halkidiki famously near Thessaloniki, which is one of my favorite cities to go to, however touring throughout the area itself is remarkably simple, too.
I’d extremely advocate getting your palms on a automotive, although.
Driving, particularly in Kassandra, is doable by nearly everybody (city streets are very well-maintained and parking is a breeze), and you will get from one facet of the peninsula to the opposite for below an hour – that provides you loads of alternatives to see all the pieces I talked about thus far and extra.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
