HALKIDIKI PENINSULA – Poseidon’s trident
Halkidiki is a large peninsula in northern Greece, resembling a hand with three “fingers”(in Greek these peninsulas are often referred to as “legs”). From west to east – Kassandra (Palene), Sithonia (Longos) and Mount Athos (Holy Mountain; Akta – in antiquity).These “fingers” are separated by two gulfs, the Toronean Gulf and the Singitic Gulf. Halkidiki Peninsula covers an area of 2,886 square kilometers and has over 550 km of coastline, making it a major tourism destination in Greece.
Central Halkidiki includes the eastern and western coasts, as well as the mountain villages in the interior of the peninsula, where is the capital – Polygyros – the largest city with a population of about 10 thousand inhabitants.
Administratively, the southeast leg – Mount Athos is governed as an autonomous polity within the Greek Republic. It is the oldest monastic republic accepting male-only pilgrims. The population of Halkidiki Peninsula is about 80,000 inhabitants – scattered in small towns and villages.
Because of the three legs of the peninsula, Halkidiki is often referred to as the Poseidon’s trident.
The most developed and visited is the first one – Kassandra Peninsula. It offers an exceptional combination of beautiful scenery, azure beaches, mineral springs, countless tourist sites and plenty of entertainment. The area manages to combine harmoniously the ancient history and the development of tourism.
Sithonia is the middle leg, with attractive fishing villages, small quays surrounded by trees and large and small picturesque beaches. This is a favorite spot for relaxing vacations lovers – with a string of deserted beaches without any noise. There are hotels of all categories, including the most luxurious of Halkidiki – with a golf course and casino.
The third leg of Halkidiki is Athos Peninsula. It has only two resorts and marks its border from the picturesque town of Ouranoupoli. The village, with its small harbor and defense tower, is the starting point for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Mountain Monasteries. In translation, his name means Heavenly City.
Ammouliani is a small, extremely beautiful and quiet island between Sithonia and Mount Athos, located three nautical miles from the port of Tripiti. The island has dozens of beautiful coves and small ports where you can enjoy turquoise waters and fine sand.
The beaches of Halkidiki
Halkidiki Peninsula is famous for its numerous beaches with clear and deep blue water. More than 46 of them are awarded with ‘Blue Flag’. The coastline ranges from fine golden sand to larger and smaller rounded pebbles. The water is clear but also salty, which makes it easier to retain the surface, but it is uncomfortable if gets into the eyes. There are no algae, but there are water hedgehogs around the bottom and it is good to have aqua shoes on hand.
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