Halkidiki
Welcome to the heart of Greece, where the spirit lives
A unique region with a long history where traces of human beings date back to the prehistoric times. With its astonishing wealth of natural attractions and a unique blend of histories & cultures, Halkidiki is arguably the country’s most fascinating region, yet one that remains undiscovered.
Halkidiki is believed to be the place where the epic battle between the Olympian Gods and the Giants, the sons of Gaia (Earth), took place. Many poets and artists where fascinated by this battle and as a result the conflict is one of the most common scenes depicted on ancient pottery and sculpture. It is also here where the great philosopher Aristotle was born (student of Platon and teacher of Alexander the Great).
Add the local gastronomy, the religious traditions, the hospitality of locals, the emerald beaches and coves and the imposing mountains, Halkidiki is waiting you to discover it.
With its particular shape, like Poseidon’s trident stretching into the North Aegean, the peninsula of Halkidiki consists of Central Halkidiki and the three smaller peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia & Mount Athos.
FAST FACTS
- Population: 110.000 (approximately) – Divided in 5 towns & 69 villages
- Capital: Polygyros
- Size province: 2.918km2
HIGHLIGHTS
- 12 protected areas by Natura European Network
- Mount Athos: Unesco World Heritage Site
- 35 Blue Flag awarded beaches
- 2 Blue Flag awarded marinas
- 550 km of coast line (the largest in Greece)
- Stagira, Aristotle’s birthplace
- Petralona Cave
- 20 paths for mountain biking
- 17 paths for walking
- 3 Mountains: Holomontas, Itamos, Athos