During the 6th century B.C. Halkidiki was colonized by inhabitants of Halkida and Eretria and, thus, it was named after the first. It is also said that the name derives from the word “Halkos”, meaning copper in Greek, as copper used to be the main export product of the region.

Fossilized remains of extinct species found in areas such as Triglia, Nikiti and Vrassa witness that Halkidiki was alive even during the Paleolithic era and, according to the findings of Petralona cave, human habitation was evident since 700.000 years ago.

The first known inhabitants of the region of Halkidiki were the Thracians and Pelasgians leading an organized life since 4000 B.C. when a form of society began to flourish and the first temples were being built.

During the 5th century B.C. Halkidiki actively participated in the Persian wars that concluded to the siege of the ancient city of Olynthos, leader of the “Halkidian league” with 32 city members of Halkidiki. Right after the Persian wars the major cities of Halkidiki became members of the Athenian Alliance and participated in the Peloponnesian wars (431-404 B.C.) which concluded with the total destruction of the ancient city of Mende.  In 348 B.C. Halkidiki becomes part of the Kingdom of Macedonia, then in 168 B.C the region comes under Roman domination and in 1430 under Turkish rule until 1912 when it’s finally liberated.

Halkidiki was considered to be the actual battle field where the legendary “Titanomahia” (the Titans’ battle) took place between the Titan Giants and the Olympian Gods.  The leader of the giants, Enceladus, was buried alive in Kassandra peninsula during the battle and, according to the myth, he has been trying ever since to get back to the surface. Every time an attempt is made the region is rocked with earthquakes and this is why an earthquake is also known as the Enceladus strike in Greece. Kassandra peninsula was named after the king of Macedonia, Kassandros. Sithonia was named after Sithon who was in fact son of the god of the sea, Poseidon. During the Titanomahia, a giant named Athos threw a rock at Poseidon which was the size of a mountain and after missing his target the rock afloat at the surface of the sea. That is where Mount Athos lays till this day.

Halkidiki is endowed with copious natural beauty, amazing landscapes, spectacular beaches and picturesque sceneries offering travelers a fabulous selection of attractions and sites to be visited. Some of the places and attractions worth seeing are the following ones.

The picturesque village of Afytos in the Kassandra peninsula is a traditional seaside village filled with narrow paved streets, stone built houses and beautiful churches including the church of Agios Dimitrios. Some of the places worth visiting while in Afytos include the natural springs of Moudounou and Vrysitsa, the temple of Zeus, the ruins of ancient Afytos and the folklore museum.

Despite its size this scenic village has a very well developed tourist infrastructure with a wide array of accommodation, cafes, taverns and restaurants and it is an ideal holiday destination especially during summer months.

Encircled by the cyan waters of the sea and the abundant greenery the marvelous resort of Marmaras in the Sithonia peninsula is a cosmopolitan holiday haven for discerning travelers searching for the ultimate holiday experience.

Situated on the top of the hill this enchanting village offers unrivalled views of the endless horizon. The amazing shoreline is dotted with some of the most striking beaches of Halkidiki and all kinds of facilities, accommodation units, restaurants, cafes and taverns. The renowned Porto Carras resort is located just outside the village offering travelers a paradisiacal hideaway in the captivating region of Halkidiki.

This charming resort is situated approximately 40 km from Polygiros and it is regarded as one of the most beautiful resorts in all of Halkidiki. Set amidst the gulfs of Thermaikos and Toroneos it enchants visitors with its rich historical background and its magnificent scenery.

Some of the places worth visiting are the canal, the ancient castle and ruins, the church of Taxiarches and the town of Nea Potidea which is filled with a marvelous array of accommodations, cafes, restaurants and other tourist facilities.

The quaint village of Ormos Panagias is a picturesque fishing village situated approximately 40 km from Poligyros. Named after a Byzantine church dedicated to Virgin Mary, this charming village offers a peaceful haven of relaxation and tranquility. It is well known for its marvelous traditional churches and the religious festivities that have long become an important tradition of the village. The small port connects the region with the Holy Mountain of Athos and the scenic island of Ammouliani.

The traditional village of Nikiti in the Sithonia peninsula invites travelers to embark on a journey through time. The stunningly beautiful beaches and gracious nature create a picture perfect setting for relaxing escapes. Nikiti is an old village with prehistoric settlements and rich historic background. Some of the places worth seeing while at the village include the ruins of the 16th century funerary church and the church of Agios Nikitas.

The stunningly beautiful beaches of Hanioti, Armenisti, Sani, Kalithea, Gerakini, Vourvourou, Porto Koufo, Nea Flogita, Pefkohori and Nea Fokea with the crystalline emerald waters and the fine golden sand. Not to be missed!

World renowned for the captivating stalactites and stalagmites and the fossilized skull and bones of the Archanthrope of Petralona this enchanting natural cave near Nea Moudania is a must see attraction. Many excavations throughout the years have brought to light many Paleolithic tools and fossilized animals that have extinct thousands of years ago. Excavations are still being carried out to this day and fascinating findings come to complete the valuable collection and historical importance of the place.

Also known as the Holy Mountain, Mount Athos is the oldest monastic republic still standing. It is a sacred land which must have definitely been blessed by God, also famous as the garden of Virgin Mary. It comprises of 20 monasteries that are encircled by abundant greenery and entrance is strictly prohibited to women. The Holy Mountain is a unique theocratic community governed by a council of 20 monks each presenting one of the monasteries.

Situated in the scenic village of Stagira, approximately 40 km from Ouranoupoli, this gorgeous park is dedicated to the works of the renowned philosopher Aristotle. It is the perfect destination for travelers wishing to combine recreation with education. Solar clocks, telescopes and other instruments relating to the philosopher’s works can be found throughout the park. After visiting the park, a stroll around the village will be an enjoyable way to spend some quality time with your family and friends.

Travelers can take a journey through time and discover treasures of the past as they encounter precious findings from excavations in the area.

The archeological and folklore museum of Poligyros houses exhibits from excavations in the area, including very important findings from everyday life of remote eras. A genuine travel to the past!

Polychrono is an enchanting village attracting many tourists who wish to escape in its idyllic scenery, swim in the crystalline emerald waters and enjoy the everlasting sun as they lay on the fine golden sand beach. Embraced by abundant greenery of fragrant flowers and wild plants, the lake of Polychrono, home of the Testudinata turtles is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Built in colonial style the lighthouse of Possidi is the only building standing proud along the beach of Possidi. The lighthouse, surrounded by a small, beautiful garden, dates back to 1864 and it is still in service. Near the beach of Possidi and the lighthouse, you will find the ruins of of Poseidon’s ancient temple, while at about 1km to the west, the church of Virgin Mary is also found, dating back to 1619.

Climate
The climate of Halkidiki is typical Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters with limited rainfalls and lots of sunshine. The hilly countryside of Halkidiki is endowed with verdant forests that are gently touched by the sea breeze providing a feeling of freshness on the hot summer days.

Telephone
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. All numbers in the capital Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210-3227400).

The Area Codes for Halkidiki are quoted below. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.

Area code: Polygiros: 2371
Area code: Kassandra: 2374
Area code: Sithonia: 2375
Area code: Athos: 2377
Area code: Stratoni: 2376
Area code: Nea Moudania: 2373
Area code: Nea Kallikratia: 2399

Currency
Euro €
Euro Coins:
1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color)
10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color)
1 euro = 100 cents/centimes
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes

The beautiful region of Halkidiki is easy to reach due to its close proximity to the city of Thessaloniki which is situated about 100 km away and has ample ferry, air, road and even rail connections with Athens and other major cities of Greece.

By Bus
There are regular bus connections from Athens and Thessaloniki that can reach all parts of Halkidiki, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos.

Halkidiki has a really good road network which makes it easy for travelers to reach all resorts and parts of Halkidiki without a hassle. Leaving from Thessaloniki may be a little frustrating especially if you are travelling during the peak summer season due to a lot of traffic congestion that you may encounter.

Local Buses
The bus is the easiest and the cheapest way to get around Halkidiki. From Thessaloniki there are daily bus connections to many regions of Halkidiki that may vary from season to season.  Leaving from the KTEL bus station of Thessaloniki travelers can get to Kassandra in approximately 90 minutes as well as the towns of Kallikratia, Nea Moudania, Kassandria, Kalithea and Paliouri. Bus services are also available from Thessaloniki or Poligyros to most major resorts of Halkidiki at least once or twice per day. From Thessaloniki there are services to Gerakini, Metamorfosi, Nikiti, Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou and Armenistis. The main routes from Poligyros are to Gerakini, Psakoudia, Metamorfosi, Marmaras, Vourvourou, Armenistis, Sarti, Sikia and Kalamitsi. Bus service to Athos peninsula is irregular therefore visitors are advised to use another form of transportation to reach the Holy Mountain (only men are allowed to enter the Monasteries of Athos).

Taxi Service
There is a taxi stand at the airport of Thessaloniki that can easily take passengers to one of the many resorts of Kassandra. It is advised to set a price before departure but expect to pay approximately 50€ for the ride. Taxis are available in the region of Halkidiki as well. The main taxi centers are located in Poligyros and Nea Moudania but taxis can also be easily found locally.

Boat Rentals
Travelers can rent a boat to explore the enchanting region of Halkidiki, visit the sacred land of Mount Athos, the pristine surrounding islets, the stunningly beautiful secluded beaches and sea caves in their own pace and convenience.                                                                                     

Rent a car or motorbike
The excellent road infrastructure of Halkidiki makes it easy for travelers to get around by car or motorbike that can be rented at many of the travel agents scattered throughout the region. It should be noted that driving from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki can be quite frustrating due to the unexpected traffic one might encounter especially during the summer months.   

Banks & Atms       
There are many banks and ATMs throughout the entire region of Halkidiki. Some of the neighborhoods one will find such services are Kassandria, Sani, Nea Kalikratia, Nea Moudania, Nikiti, Hanioti, Pigyros, Neos Marmaras, Paleochori, Kallithea, Arnea, Mount Athos and Ierissos, where you will surely find branches and ATMs of some of the biggest banks.

Money Exchange
Money exchange and cashing traveler cheques is a very easy process in the region of Halkidiki. Visitors can exchange their currency in most banks, travel agents or high end hotels at a rate that is usually posted out-front for everyone to see.

Post Office
You will find post offices in Agios Nikolaos, Arnea, Galatista, Ierissos, Kassandra, Nea Kalikratia, Nea Moudania, Nea Triglia, Neos Marmaras, Nikiti, Ormilia, Pefkohori, Poligiros, Sikia, Stratoniki and Vavdos.

Police Station
There are also many police stations throughout Halkidiki region. Following there is a list of all police stations in the area.

You will find police stations in Agios Nikolaos, Agia Paraksevi, Arnea, Galatista, Geraniki, Ierissos, Karies, Kassandra, Megali Panagia, Nea Kalikratia, Nea Moudania, Nea Potidea, Nea Triglia, Neos Marmaras, Nikiti, Olimpiada, Ormilia, Ouranoupoli, Poligiros, Polihrono, Sikia,, Stratoni, Stratoniki, Vatopedi and Vrasta.

For emergencies, please dial 100 and the operator will connect you to the police station in charge.

Municipality of Halkidiki
Each town of Halkidiki has its own municipality.

• Radio Taxi: +30 23740 91275, +30 6977227596 (Mob)Taxi Sithonia +30 6944456037 (Mob)Polygiros+30 2371 022460Arnea+30 2372 022212Neos Marmaras +30 2375 071500Nea Moudania +30 2373 022303
• Tourist Police: Agios Nikolaos +30 375031208, Arnea +30 372022205, Ierissos +30 377022206, Kassandra +30 374023333, Ouranoupoli +30 377071203, Poligiros +30371023496, Sikia +30 375041313
• Port Authority: Ierrisos +30 377022666, Nea Moudania +30 373021172, Nea Potidea +30 373041082, Nea Skioni +30 374071239, Ouranoupoli +30 377071248, Stratoni +30 376022210
• Hellenic National Meteorological Service: +30 210 9699101-3
• Elpa ( Car breakdown tourist information service): 174

International Press        
Halkidiki is a favorable holiday destination with many visitors from all over the world. Travelers can easily find magazines, books and Greek or international press in most towns of Halkidiki as well as in grant resorts.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 100
• Fire Department: 199
• Ambulance: 166

Health    
Halkidiki has one hospital in Poligyros as well as several medical centers in some of its major cities. Following you can find a list of all health centers in Halkidiki.

General Prefecture Hospital of Poligyros Tel: +30 23710 24021-7

Agios Nikolaos Medical Center Tel: +30 23750 31788

Ierissos Medical Center Tel: +30 23770 22222

Kassandra Medical Center Tel: +30 23740 23950

Nea Moudania Medical Center Tel: +30 23730 22222

Paleochori Medical Center Tel: +30 23720 22222  

Pharmacy    
Many pharmacies are scattered throughout the regions of Halkidiki and there is always a local pharmacy that will be open any time of the day. A list of duty pharmacies can be found on all pharmacy windows.

Travel Agents     
There are many travel agents and tourist offices in the region of Halkidiki that can arrange from accommodation to transfers, car rentals and money exchange. Following there is a list of all travel agencies in the area.           

Halkidi’s cuisine has mostly been influenced by typical flavours of the Mediterranean cuisine, Asia Minor and Mount Athos. Some of the local specialties one must try while visiting are listed below

A local delicacy made with goat meat which is boiled with onion. When the meat is ready, its juices are drained out of the casserole and a part of them are boiled again with salt, pepper, anise, lemon and garlic. As soon as the juices boil again, flour is added and all this mixture is poured over the meat. The goat can be accompanied with rice boiled in the rest of the juices so as to maintain the flavour and its nutritional elements.

This dish is made with country cock boiled in the casserole for about half an hour and then the frumenty is added. When the cock is boiled and ready, milk, salt and pepper is added and the mixture is cooked for some minutes more. A very special flavour not found in any other place in Greece.

Louvidia is a local variation of green beans found in the area and skordalia is a very special garlic dressing, typical of Greece. Louvidia are collected and are left to dry the entire winter. When they are to be used, they are boiled to regain their humidity and softness. A sauce made with garlic, onions, red chili pepper and thick salt is poured over the boiled louvidia and the dish is complete with the escort of skordalia, a very special dressing made with garlic, olive oil and mashed potato or grated bread.

A calories’ full pie made with dough which is kneaded with the full fat of pork meat. The dough is then put in a baking pan and filled with the meat. For the ones who are not afraid of spoiling their silhouette!

A very original variation of the classic lentils! The lentils and the octopus are boiled separately. As soon as they are both ready they are put in a baking pan (lentils first and the octopus in small slices above them), cooked rice is added together with fresh onion, tomato sauce, peppers, salt and pepper and baked in the oven. So authentic!

A dish typical for summer consisting only in vegetables and tomato sauce. Peppers, aubergines, onions, courgettes, potatoes, parsley, spearmint and, the indispensable olive oil, salt and pepper all put together in a baking pan and bakedn in the oven. A mouthwatering dish ideal for vegetarians!  

This is a distinctive spoon sweet made with green olives from Halkidiki. If you are a lover of sweets and, especially, spoon sweets, you should definitely try this one!

A special rice pudding made with rice, sugar and milk. The rice is boiled until almost ready and them milk and sugar is added. The pudding is poured with cinnamon in powder.

Big squids stuffed with rice, onion, parsley, spearmint cooked in a casserole with pure olive oil, salt and pepper. Such a seafood delight!

Due to the blessed land as well as the exceptional climate and morphology of the region, Halkidiki is known for many of its local products. It is worth trying the local goatish cheese produced from pure goat milk, the regional wine of Sithonia, the distinctive olive oil, the high quality honey, fresh fish as well as the homemade marmalades, special desserts and pastries. Folkloric weavings, wood paintings and other unique pottery artifacts, all locally crafted, are also some of the local products Halkidiki is most proud of.

Halkidiki is a very large and well developed region of many traditions and festivities, so numerous cultural events and music festivals take place throughout its villages and towns. Some of the major events of the region include the following:
   

• The 10-day cultural event of Arnaia begining on July 17th with folklore dances, food and wine.
• The exhibition at the Byzantine tower of Palaiologos in Nea Fokea with art exhibits, theater and concerts from July to September.
• The swimming passage of the Thoronaios gulf which is a swimming competition taking place at Nikiti during the last week of July.
• The 3-day Kalithea festival with folklore, cultural and sports events from July 27th to July 30th.
• Afytos of Athitos celebration from July to August where visitors can enjoy some abstract street art, traditional dances and classical or modern music performances.
• The Cultural August with traditional singing and dancing during the month of August at Poligyros.
• The Fair of St. Ilias at Vavdos which is a dane festival with food and wine taking place at an altitude of 1050 m from July 19th to July 20th.
• The Trade Fair which is a fair of cultural events with local delicacies from September 1st to September 5th taking place at Ag. Mamas.
• The Sea Festival, an extraordinary theatrical performance with unobstructed views to the emerald Aegean and the Holy Mountain of Athos from July to August at Moudania.

Other than the above mentioned festivals there are many other religious and cultural celebrations and regional festivities taking place in Halkidiki all year round including the Olive Festival, the Sardine Festival, the Mushroom Feast, the Mussel Feast and the Cherry Fair as well as the so called “Panigyria” which are the celebration of local saints usually accompanied my music, traditional dances, local food and wine.

The peninsula of Halkidiki is trully enchanting with strikingly beautiful beaches, spectacular diverse landscapes and unrivalled scenery. It is adviced to hire a car so you can drive throughout the region and visit as many places as you possibly can.

In the hot summer days between noon and 3 p.m. the sun is extremely radiant and can be especially dangerous if no proper sunscreen is used as well as a hat.  There are many mosquitos in the region therefore an anti-mosquito lotion should be a must on the list of necessities.  

A boat excursion to Mount Athos should not be missed especially for women that are not permitted to enter the monastery. The crystalline emerald waters are ideal for snorkeling adventures so a mask and a breathing tube will come in handy. The sight of the imposing cluster of the monasteries nestled within the lush vegetation will surely make even the non-believers want to join the monks!

Nature lovers should be extra careful when they want to camp on a beach or even enjoy nudism because not all places are appropriate for both activities. So, in order to enjoy your holidays in the way you prefer, please pay extra attention to signage and prohibitions, so as to avoid discomforts and trouble.

The exquisite region of Halkidiki is filled with streets laced with impressive designer boutiques, beautiful jewelry and antique shops, shops of folk art, regional crafts, local products and tourist shops. The central shopping area is considered to be the Sani marina shopping piazza as it is designed to fulfill all needs of shoppers.  In general, shops in Halkidiki open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am to 8 pm while tourist shops remain open from 9 am to 10 pm daily.