Explore the timeless villages of Halkidiki

The best villages in Halkidiki

Central Halkidiki

Arnea

We begin our village-hopping journey in Halkidiki at the foot of Mt Holomontas, in the heart of the region. Arnea is authenticity personified: cobblestone streets and Macedonian architecture, fantastic food and wine … and a glass of tsipouro. It’s also 600m above sea level and surrounded by eye-candy nature. And with 2,000-plus permanent residents, it’s alive all year round. Look out for the brightly coloured, patterned textiles, which you can learn more about in the Weaving Museum (the rugs are so ornate, they’re used as wall hangings) and you should visit the Folklore Museum (with its collection of agricultural, craft and household items) in a mid-18th century building and the churches: Agia Paraskevi and the chapel of Profitis Elias (with its panoramic views) and Agios Stefanos, which has been lovingly restored after being burnt to the ground (along with the rest of the village) in the 1821 revolution.

Taxiarchis 

Heading southwest, Taxiarchis is our next village in Halkidiki, built between two slopes. It is surrounded by a dense spruce forest and has been called the village of the Christmas tree (a name that will need no explanation when you explore the surrounding forest). Before sitting down to lunch or coffee in the village square, visit the Chapel of the Archangel Michael and its Ecclesiastical Museum, and don’t forget to take home a jam or preserve made by the local women’s cooperative and visit the honey shop. If you can coincide your visit with the autumn Mushroom Festival, you’re in for a treat. And make time to explore the countryside – hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking. There’s even a 15km footpath to Arnea.

Kassandra peninsula

Afytos

Down the first finger of Halkidiki’s three-pronged peninsula is the village of Afytos, on the eastern coastline of Kassandra. The setting is half the experience, with the village built on a rock that ends at a steep slope with gorgeous views of the Torneos Gulf. There is a part-traditional village, part-island town feel to it. The Folk Museum and the mid-19th century Church of Agios Dimitrios are well worth visiting, before heading down to the waterfront to enjoy tavernas, cafes and little shops with locally made souvenirs and, of course, a long, refreshing swim.

Paliouri

Almost at the foot of the Kassandra peninsula, Paliouri is a traditional settlement that offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to the sea to let you nip to the beach whenever you want but built just inland on a pine tree-covered hill. Wandering the narrow alleyways, you can pick your dinner spot (the meat dishes and fresh fish are recommended). But the highlight is nearby Chrouso beach, a hit with young crowds and families because of its fine sand and shallow, clear water and buzzing beach bars and water sports.

Sithonia peninsula 

Nikiti

One of the best villages in Sithonia, Nikiti has an old and new section and you’ll naturally want to concentrate on the traditional half of the village. Stone houses and flower-filled courtyards, a square with a running fountain and tavernas, and winding alleyways with cute little shops. Quaint hardly does it justice. There is also the village church and the Historical & Folklore Museum to visit, in an old school building from the 1870s. And there’s no way you’re going home without buying a jar of locally made honey (the village is famous for it!). And all of that is before the beach calls out your name. No wonder Nikiti is one of Halkidiki’s must-see villages. 

Parthenonas

Another of the best villages in Halkidiki, let alone Sithonia. It wasn’t so long ago that Parthenonas, built 300m up on the slopes of Mt Dragoudelis (Itamos), was abandoned, with its residents moving to nearby Neos Marmaras. But in the last few decades, life has returned to a village that is now one of the most charming in Halkidiki. Parthenonas’ once-derelict homes have been refurbished and the village square once again bursts with life each evening. There’s even a film festival in the cinema each July and autumn is celebrated with the Crossing of Dragoudelis, an eagerly attended event where participants hike or cycle across the Natura-protected mountain by day and enjoy the buzz of the village square by night.