Think you know Greece? Think again. Halkidiki is the hidden gem that shatters all stereotypes. As a non-Greek, my adventure here was anything but ordinary. Ready to see Greece differently? In this article we are going to explore the marvels of the three-legged peninsula from various perspectives: from its cultural and historical background, we are successively going to outline the primary strategies for ecological preservation implemented by its municipalities, ultimately providing a precise depiction of what one can expect from Halkidiki.
Cultural Experience
Let’s start in Stratoni, a charming, authentic village on the third leg of Halkidiki. This isn’t your typical tourist spot. It’s part of the municipality of Aristotle, named after the legendary philosopher who was born nearby. In the ancient city of Stagira, founded in the 7th century BC, you’ll walk through history itself. Imagine exploring the ruins of Byzantine walls, ancient citadels, and an agora where people once gathered to share ideas.
But the real highlight is Aristotle’s Park. It’s a hands-on tribute to ancient genius. With views stretching across the Gulf of Ierissos to the Mt. Athos peninsula, the park features interactive exhibits of Aristotle’s inventions. You can play with prisms, optical discs, sundials, and even wind turbines. It’s like stepping into Aristotle’s mind – a truly unique experience.
Next stop: Arnea. If you’ve ever wished you could time travel, this is the place for you. Arnea feels like a living museum with its cobblestone streets and charming old buildings. This town is famous for its honey. The Georgakas family has been perfecting their craft for generations, winning international awards. Then there’s the Pavlos Repanis Beekeeping Enterprise, around since 1930, producing honey so pure it could practically heal your soul. It’s like tasting the essence of Greek nature, one sweet spoonful at a time.
Looking to unwind? Ammouliani is calling your name. This tiny island is the perfect escape from reality. Picture this: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibe so relaxing you’ll forget what stress even means. Whether you’re lounging by the shore or exploring hidden coves, Ammouliani is your ticket to paradise.
Wine lovers, get ready. Ierissos is home to the Domaine Agrovision Winery, and they’re not just making wine – they’re innovating. These winemakers had the brilliant idea to age their wine under the sea. Yes, you read that right. They submerge their bottles in the sea to create flavors that are out of this world. It’s like tasting the sea and the earth all in one sip. It’s bold, it’s innovative, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Touristic Impact and Ecological Counteracts
Sithonia, the second leg of the Greek peninsula, is emerging as a top destination for both domestic and European tourists. Early 2024 has seen a surge in occupancy rates, with a significant influx of visitors from neighboring Balkan countries such as Serbia and Bulgaria. Moreover, compared to 2023, the region has experienced a remarkable increase in tourists from non-Balkan countries, with a 25% rise in German visitors and a 20% increase in British tourists. This boom in tourism is no surprise. A study by the Institute INSETE highlights Central Macedonia’s high reputation for its rich cultural offerings, excellent catering services, diverse leisure activities, and pristine sea waters.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Halkidiki’s environmental preservation strategies. Over the past decade, the peninsula has consistently ranked first or second in Greece’s Blue Flag program, which recognizes the world’s best-maintained coastal areas and marinas. In July 2024, although Halkidiki saw three of its beaches removed from the Blue Flag list (out of a total of 22 across Greece), reports emphasize that water quality was not the issue. Instead, the delistings were due to insufficient services and coastal cleanliness.
However, it is important to note that the general perception among Greeks points to specific issues related to technical and infrastructural challenges. Both local residents and weekend visitors to Halkidiki have expressed concerns over the state of plumbing and drainage systems, which have led to frequent water supply interruptions. Although this issue primarily affects daytime hours on weekdays, local authorities have announced a three-year plan to tackle the problem, funded by European Union-backed loans.
Despite these technical issues, Halkidiki continues to inspire great enthusiasm for its natural beauty. From the first wave of tourists during Easter 2024 to the present, occupancy rates have remained steady compared to 2023, averaging around 80% in July. The manager of Philoxenia hotel in Psakoudia Gregory Tasios, speaking to Newsbomb.gr, expects this trend to continue into the following month. These high numbers have prompted local municipalities to take precautions to preserve their beaches. In response, the national environmentalist association Greek Eco Project launched a water and coastal cleaning campaign called Blue Halkidiki. The initiative has yielded impressive results, removing 8 tons of waste from Halkidiki’s reefs in just one month, from early June to July 5, 2024. This concerted effort highlights a growing awareness of climate change and its impact on the natural environment. While this awareness is primarily driven by the local population, it is expected to resonate with foreign tourists as well.
Halkidiki Portrayed through the Eyes of a Local
Kassandra, which is the name of the first leg of Halkidiki, has 2 different sides that are different from each other and the other legs of the Halkidiki peninsula. Kassandra starts with Nea Potidea canal, in order to cross to the first leg you need to go through the Nea Potidea bridge which has a steady height of 2,40 meters. The one side of Kassandra is looking towards Mt Olympus and Aegean Sea. The other side Kassandra is looking towards the Sithonia leg (2nd leg of Halkidiki).
The side that looks towards Mt Olympus, starts with Sani Resort which is a 5* star resort that has 5 different luxurious hotels. Near this Sani resort are the rural prisons of Kassandra that were funded by the Greek government in 1930. Next in line after the Sani resort is Elani housing resort, which also has another resort. Possidi is one of the most popular places to go on that side of Kassandra which has student camping that is owned by the Thessaloniki University. Beside it there is the Possidi Cape and the Poseidon Temple Archaeological Site. A few kilometers later on the Mendi Archaeological Site and its Acropolis fortress and the Seaside cemetery of Mendi.
Continuing through the leg are some beaches with just a few beach bars and mostly rocky seasides and sea. Next, is Nea Skioni port which is a stop for sailing boats that come from the Skopelos and not only, since it’s approximately 100 nautical miles from the nearest island inside the Aegean. Last but not least on this side of the leg is the village Agia Paraskevi which is at some distance from the sea but with incredible views and the Thermal spas of Agia Paraskevi.
At the furthest point of Kassandra is the Kalogria Cape which is the biggest of the bunch of different Capes. Next comes the Saint Nicolas Bay Kanistro which is next to a beautiful small beach. On this side of Kassandra the beach and seaside stops being rocky and begins to be full of sand and calm waters. Next there are some resorts such as Miraggio and Kappa. After a small bay the real beauty begins at Palliouri’s “golden” beach, next is Glarokavos, Pefkohori, Hanioti, Polychrono, Kriopigi, Kalithea and Afitos beaches. It is 30 kilometers from the most beautiful beaches in Greece, mostly with sandy beaches and blue green waters. Also, one of the things you wanna do when you visit these beaches is to sit and enjoy the so-called “golden hour” in which the sunset creates a gold like color which you can enjoy relaxing inside the warm sea.
Next follows the Temple of Ammon Zeus within Afitos beach. Few kilometers down you can find the South wall of ancient Kassandreia, just before the Poteidaia canal. The difference with the other side of the leg is that most of this side’s beaches are full of beach bars that barely allow you to free swim. Also, this side of the leg is full of nightclubs. The Kassandra leg has been badly over tourism the last years with a result of the quality of the beaches, waters and the wellbeing of the locals deteriorating each year that passes.
Daria, Mirko and Nikos.
