Ask a group of travelers for a recommendation of a place to find tranquil beaches to soak up some summer sun, and I predict with confidence that Greece will pop up in the conversation.
Travelers flock to island hop in Greece’s south for an amazing holiday complete with idyllic Instagram photos to prove it.
However, if you want to zig when the crowds zag (highly recommended), head north from Athens to discover this week’s featured 2023 Best in Travel pick: Halkidiki.
Packed equally with alluring beaches and electric nightlife, this peninsula should be high on your list of places to consider if you want to park yourself in a beach chair to relax in front of sparkling waters for a couple days.
Maria Paravantes has written about people, places, cultures and traditions in her homeland of Greece for more than two decades. Come along as she shows you how to build a memorable trip to Halkidiki.
Melissa Yeager
Senior Editor
Featured story
Unwind in Halkidiki
There are many dreamy beaches and dazzling nightclubs to visit in Halkidiki, so we asked Maria Paravantes to map out what you can experience on a 4-day trip to this peninsula.
Maria Paravantes offers her inside tips on getting the most out of your trip to Halkidiki.
There are so many great beaches you highlighted for Best in Travel – which is your favorite?
Kalogria beach in Sithonia, especially off-season when you’ll have a massive stretch of silky sand and aquamarine waters all to yourself.
What’s your favorite locally-owned shop?
Kafeneion Lanara, a traditional Greek coffeehouse that serves wonderful mezedes, bite-sized snacks made with local ingredients, as well as handmade sweets and coffee in a fairy-tale setting.
There’s quite a club scene in the summer. Any tips for navigating the nightlife?
One of the things Halkidiki is famous for is its nightlife. It’s the natural finish to a perfect day on the beach. Most of the clubs open late at night after 10:30pm with the real partying kicking off after midnight. If you’re still in the mood, you can find "after" bars that keep the party going from 5am, finally closing around 9am.
“Take it slow. Better to enjoy a day at one beach and then some dinner and a drink than see as many things as possible.” - Maria Paravantes
What’s the one experience people shouldn’t miss?
Definitely visit Ammouliani, the only island in Halkidiki (Athos) with permanent residents. Explore the island and nearby islets, enjoy the postcard-perfect beaches, do some fishing or snorkeling and catch the sunset.
Are there any mistakes people make traveling to Halkidiki?
The main error travelers make while visiting Halkidiki is wanting to do too many things and missing out on the Halkidiki experience. Take it slow. Better to enjoy a day at one beach and then some dinner and a drink than see as many things as possible. Second mistake: people visit in August. The best time to visit is late June or early September.
Alright – let’s talk food. What’s the one dish people should try and where can they get it?
For sure a bougatsa, a custard-filled, phyllo-based dessert eaten usually for breakfast. Get yours from Gavanas in Sithonia or Lemonis bakeries in Kassandra. Also try heather honey (sousoura) from Georgaka organic shop in Arnaia, wine from Domaine Porto Carras and trachanas, a Greek milk-based pasta used in soups or risotto-style, which you can find in the villages at local women’s cooperatives.
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