Without exaggeration, we can say that for many years Greece has been one of the favorite countries of Russian tourists. The Halkidiki Peninsula is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. It is important that this is an ecologically clean area.
The peninsula of Halkidiki, resembling a trident in its shape, is an eternally green paradise. It surprisingly combines the liveliness and bustle of a large settlement with tranquility and silence. Magnificent Greece - Halkidiki, Kassandra in particular, will be the topic of our conversation today.
Myths and legends
According to myths and legends, the territory that we call today the Halkidiki peninsula, consisting of such parts as Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, was inhabited by the titans. Once a battle ensued between them and the gods. In ancient times this land was called Flegra, which means "fiery place."
Legend has it that under one of the rocks the titan Enkelad is buried alive. Sometimes he wants to free himself, a terrible roar sounds, the earth shakes under his powerful blows. And then what happens is what modern man calls an earthquake.
Locals claim that in ancient times the titans Athos and Seaton quarreled over the beautiful mermaid Pallini. They angered Poseidon. He threw his trident, and a peninsula appeared with three “fingers” - peninsulas.
Geographical position
Halkidiki is located in the north-east of Greece. He is often called the "Poseidon Trident." The most popular and most visited “prong finger” is the Kassandra Peninsula. The beaches of Halkidiki in general and Kassandra in particular, covered with white sand, beautiful bays, luxurious pine groves will not leave anyone indifferent.
The middle “finger” of Halkidiki is Sithonia. It is surrounded by many bays and charming coves. Fishing villages, wild green forests, the blue sea made this peninsula the most picturesque of the three "brothers."
The most mysterious and almost untouched by civilization is the Athos Peninsula, inhabited mainly by monks. The beauty of this place is impressive. The holy mountain that rises on it is covered with dense forests.
The fairly large peninsula possessed by Greece, Halkidiki (Kassandra, Sithonia, Athos), covers an area of two thousand nine hundred and eighteen square kilometers. The coastline is five hundred kilometers long.
Population
The latest census data indicate that one hundred five thousand nine hundred and fifty people live on the peninsula.
Capital
The main city of the peninsula is Polygyros, which is located on a plateau, surrounded by hills and forests. It is built in the shape of an amphitheater at the foot of Mount Holomontas. It offers simply stunning views of the vast sea and the peninsula itself.
Halkidiki beaches
This amazing peninsula has many well-appointed places on the coast. But perhaps the most popular and most visited are the beaches of Kassandra.
Nea Moudania is a resort located fifty-seven kilometers from Thessaloniki. Six thousand five hundred people live here. This is a very green place with an abundance of apricot, citrus and olive orchards. On the sandy beach of Nea Moudagni, well-equipped, there is everything necessary for practicing various sports on the water.
The next resort is sixty kilometers from Thessaloniki. This is Nea Potidea. The settlement appeared in nineteen twenty-two. The population is only one and a half thousand people. The beach is sand and pebble, has the necessary equipment for a comfortable stay.
At the site of an ancient settlement ninety kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki is the resort of Sani - one of the most famous in the country. Often it is called "Monte Carlo of Greece."
In summer, expensive yachts call at the harbor of this resort, which deliver their hosts for a holiday in Halkidiki. Tours to the peninsula are becoming more and more popular every year.
Afitos, according to many vacationers, is the most beautiful resort of Kassandra. An old village with cobbled streets stands above a wonderful bay with white sand. Two sandy beaches are fenced by low cliffs and bays, where you can easily spend your vacation relaxing from the bustle of the city.
Weather
The most favorable season for relaxing on the peninsula is summer. The weather here is just great . Greece, Halkidiki, Kassandra in particular, in many ways attract tourists from all over the world to their beaches. The best months to stay are July and August. At this time, the peninsula is always clear and calm. Rains in these months are extremely rare. Evenings and nights are very warm, which contributes to the scope of club life in Kallithea - the capital of Kassandra. Only in October rains begin and cold winds are felt.
Resorts Features
You should know that on the Halkidiki peninsulas the beach season is somewhat shorter than in other resorts in Greece. It ends in September. However, this drawback is more than compensated by a clear advantage: despite the fact that in summer the air temperature can rise above thirty-five degrees, it is very dry here, which is why the heat is almost not felt. Mountains reliably close the peninsula from piercing and cold winds. The water in the sea is always warm and calm, so it is very comfortable to relax with children here.
For many tourists, the most desirable place where they would like to spend their next vacation is Greece. Halkidiki, Kassandra, Sithonia - peninsulas that can realize everyone's dream of a perfect vacation. I must say that the rest on them is different. For example, the atmosphere in Sithonia is more peaceful and calm than in Kassandra. Therefore, lovers of a quiet family holiday should choose Sithonia.
The beaches of Chalkidia on the whole peninsula are well equipped, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. You can also rent snorkeling equipment.
Halkidiki Attractions: Kassandra
If you think that you can relax on this wonderful peninsula only on the beach, then you are deeply mistaken. Kassandra has many attractions that you can see.
This peninsula is the pearl of Halkidiki. Kassandra (a map of Greece will tell you) is located between the Termaykos and Toroneos canals. It is connected with land by the Potidea Canal. The beaches of the peninsula stretch for fifty kilometers. The recreation area is very picturesque and well equipped. The sights of Halkidiki (Kassandra in this sense is no exception) are numerous historical and cultural monuments. Not far from the peninsula is a natural memorial site of the peninsula - the legendary Mount Olympus, on which the gods lived.
Not everyone knows that the birthplace of the great Aristotle is the village of Stagira on Halkidiki. And the karst cave of Petralon became world famous. The monuments of ancient times in Athens, the capital of Greece, are extremely interesting. No less impressed by travelers is the village of Afitis. The architectural style typical of Ancient Greece was well preserved in it, with its narrow streets and small restaurants serving national dishes to their guests.
The village of Kalandra is famous for the well-preserved temple of Poseidon.
Communications
Almost throughout Kassandra there is Internet and Wi-Fi. Cellular communication is working properly. If necessary, you can take advantage of international and long-distance communication.
Hotels
Travelers with experience know how comfortable hotels in Greece are. Halkidiki, Kassandra in particular, adopted the best experience in this direction. Here you can choose a hotel in full accordance with your financial capabilities. You can stay in a modest 2 * hotel room or in luxury apartments in a five-star hotel. We want to warn you right away that the quality of service in them does not depend on the category: in Greece it is always at the highest level.
The best hotels are located on the seashore. Almost all of them have their own beaches with free umbrellas and sunbeds. If you come to rest with a child, then when choosing a hotel you need to pay attention to the availability of baby food, a club for kids, animation. Children will be pleased to stay in a hotel with a water park or water slides located on its territory. Before the trip, carefully study the ratings of hotels, reviews of vacationers. Book your hotel in Kassandra online. This is best done a few months before the intended trip. This will not only save you money, but also give you a 100% guarantee that at the right time, a free room in the selected hotel will be provided to you, even in the midst of the beach season.
Kassandra Palace 5 *
A magnificent hotel located on the Kassandra Peninsula. The building is surrounded by a luxurious garden, which is based on tropical trees. Those who have already been to this hotel note unsurpassed service, a precautionary and respectful attitude to the wishes of the guests, a friendly and warm atmosphere.
The hotel welcomes guests from early May to late October. Many good hotels are located on the peninsula of Halkidiki. "Kassandra Palace" is rightfully recognized as the best. It has two hundred and eighty rooms, has its own sand and pebble beach.
All hotel rooms are technically well equipped. There is a refrigerator, safe, TV, satellite TV, telephone. Each room has a balcony or terrace overlooking the emerald sea or the magnificent garden. The hotel has a well-developed infrastructure. There is a magnificent spacious restaurant offering guests dishes of Greek and European cuisine. You can visit the stylish bar located in the lobby of the hotel, a pool bar, a Greek tavern.
For younger guests a crib, a swimming pool, a playground, a club for kids are offered. If necessary, you can order individual babysitting services.
Those who want to spend their holidays can actively visit the outdoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts. You can work out in the well-equipped gym.
Many hotels on the peninsula use the now popular All Inclusive system. Usually these are four star hotels. Having booked a room in them, you will receive all services for free. This is food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, exercises in the gym, etc.
Kitchen
As you know, in any corner of sunny Greece, and on the Kassandra peninsula, in particular, preference is given to Mediterranean cuisine (meat and fish dishes, a large number of vegetables and fruits). Athos monastic cuisine, which is based solely on natural products, must be distinguished separately.
Sunny Greece is always glad to guests. Halkidiki (Kassandra) is suitable for families with children, as well as those who value good beaches, pristine nature, professionalism and the friendly staff.
Many will enjoy the resorts on the Halkidiki Peninsula. Kassandra (photos you can see in this article) offers interesting and informative excursions, a wonderful vacation on the beach, original cuisine, magnificent nature, unique historical monuments, comfortable hotels.