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Halkidiki
Halkidiki Information
Contact Sunvil Holidays
020 8758 4758
Opening hours
Greece
Mon & Thurs 9am - 8pm
Tues, Weds & Fri 9am - 5.30pm
Sat 9am - 4.30pm
Sun 11am - 3pm
Cyprus
Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm
Sat 9am - 4.30pm
Halkidiki holidays
Renowned for its magnificent golden beaches, often backed by pine forest, Halkidiki comprises three peninsulas extending into the Aegean south-east of Thessalonika (Salonika).
The western and the central peninsulas, called Kassandra and Sithonia, are a summer playground and developed accordingly. The easternmost, Athos, is less commercialised, as is appropriate for a region which takes its name from the Holy Mountain there, and is worldfamous for the male-only ‘monk’s republic’ in its southern part.
Olymbiada is an unspoiled, authentically Greek seaside village. It is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and even has its own archaeological site, ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle.
Holidays In Halkidiki
Backed by pine-covered hills, Olymbiada has a fine sandy beach – gently shelving and very safe – stretching around the bay, with a fishing harbour to one end. Half-a- dozen seasonal tavernas plus a handful of cafés directly front the beach. Walk south over the headland, past hilltop Stagira, and the beaches just get better and better!
The area is heavily wooded and good for walking. Our Olymbiada hotels give advice and free maps for walkers. Mountain bikes are also offered free of charge and again advice and routes are freely given by the hotels.
A 45 minute drive to the south, the small town of Ouranoupolis is known as ‘the gateway to Athos’. Monks and priests mix with tourists, including pilgrims and walkers, and the souvenir shops are heavy on religious icons. Small ferryboats service the Athos monasteries, which men need a permit to visit. There are popular daily cruises along the western Athos coastline to view the monasteries from the sea. Ouranoupolis itself has a famous Byzantine tower, a wide selection of cafés and restaurants, and good sandy beaches to either side.
For greater exploration of the area car hire is recommended. A car also brings attractions such as ancient Philippi, where St Paul first preached in Europe, within reach (90 minutes via the fast east-west motorway just to the north). Our holidays here are very flexible, based as they are on daily flights, and we are pleased to quote for odd durations. They may also be combined with a few nights in fascinating Thessalonika, or with a fly drive arrangement to discover northern and even central Greece.
Daily flights from Gatwick to Salonika, or Mondays from Manchester, East Midlands, Luton, Newcastle and Bristol (please ask for details). Then 75 mins by private taxi to Olymbiada or 2 hrs to Ouranoupolis. Flight details will be given at the time of booking.
Tailor made with Thassos or, with a car with Pelion and Hidden Greece fly-drive holidays.
We can arrange car hire for you. Price savings can be made if you are prepared to hire a car from the airport and self transfer - please ask for price quotation.
We have no representative in Halkidiki and so would recommend our holidays here to the more independent Greek traveller. However, English is spoken at all our hotels, who are always happy to give local information and assistance.
