If you’re visiting in the summer, top of your list of things to do in Halkidiki will likely be finding your favourite beach. And with so many to choose from – organised or secluded – you’ll be spoiled for choice, whichever coastline you find yourself on. But Halkidiki is far more than a beach destination.
Traditional villages (both inland and coastal) offer a taste of authenticity and slow living. Arnea and Taxiarchis sit on the slopes of Mount Holomontas in Central Halkidiki, where forest trails, cool air and hearty mountain food are part of everyday life. In Kassandra, stone-built Afytos overlooks the Toroneos Gulf, while in Sithonia, Parthenonas and the old settlement of Nikiti blend natural beauty with traditional Macedonian architecture. All are among the best places to visit in Halkidiki. Many villages host summer festivals with music and dancing, as well as artisan workshops where you can see local pottery, weaving and woodcarving techniques.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and water sports. You can kayak through sheltered bays and snorkel off rocky outcrops. And cultural experiences include Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. Nearby, Aristotle’s Park features interactive exhibits inspired by Aristotle’s work in physics and nature. Elsewhere, you can explore the Petralona Cave and visit the ancient city of Olynthos, which offers an insight into Classical-era urban planning. And from Tripiti, just before Ouranoupoli and the Mount Athos peninsula, you can visit Halkidiki’s only inhabited island, Ammouliani. The pace of life is even more laid-back than on the mainland, with a handful of tavernas and pristine beaches.
There are vineyards across Halkidiki, not just in Central Halkidiki but in the hills of Kassandra and on the slopes of Mount Meliton, in Sithonia. At the monasteries of Mount Athos, wine has been made for centuries. Aristotle himself mentioned Limnio, an ancient grape still grown in Halkidiki, alongside varieties like Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Roditis and Xinomavro.
From Ouranoupolis, boat tours skirt the coastline of Mount Athos, offering views of its centuries-old monasteries. Back in Ouranoupolis, you can end the day with a seafood meal by the sea.