CHALKIDIKI (PORTO KOUFO)
Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece known for its jutting peninsulas, which feature Mediterranean forests that give way to sandy beaches in sheltered bays. Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, is the most developed, offering modern resorts and nightclubs. The region’s notable archaeological sites include Stageira, Aristotle’s birthplace, and Olynthus, known for its well-preserved mosaic floors.
Many people think Chalkidiki, is the perfect place for holidays, since it has everything a Greek island should have, without being one, as well as being close to interesting places to visit, as well as the capital of northern Greece Thessaloniki. It is green and beautiful, with lovely beaches and a good nightlife (depending on where you stay!)
Chalkidiki consists of a peninsula with three parts, often referred to as “the legs” by the Greeks. The first one is called Cassandra, the second one Sithonia. There are summer resorts on these two “legs” but the third is a state of its own.
It is Agios Oros, often called Mt Athos, and is an autonomous area of monasteries. Even though there are boat-trips to this peninsula, only men with special permits are allowed on land, so most boats just sail along the coast.
Chalkidiki is a very big area, and apart from the many lovely beaches and villages, there are golf courses, tennis courts, beach volley tournaments as well as many happenings for children, like touring circuses. There are also daytrips to places like Vergina, where the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, was found in the seventies. You can also visit the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of the Macedonians.
There are so many beaches in Chalkidiki that it would be a shame not to mention them all. Both Cassandra and Sithonia has long sandy beaches. Have a look at the map where the best known beaches are marked. Just like anywhere else in Greece – the best taverns are those with lots of Greeks in them. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in Chalkidiki, with international food in the larger towns, and many local specialities in the villages. Ask the waiter when you order, it might no be on the menu. All over there are locally made wines and sweets as well.
EXPLORE PORTO KOUFO
Porto Koufo is a small and quiet fishing village which smells like fresh fish. It is located 25 km away from Neos Marmaras and in order to get there you’ll pass through an idyllic route full of pine trees that will remain unforgettable to you. Porto Koufo is the safest and largest (in depth) natural harbor in Greece and is the place where almost all fishing boats in the region unload their fish. It is sure that at Porto Koufo and in its beautiful taverns you will eat the freshest fish in Halkidiki.
Porto Koufo is being described by the ancients as the “Deaf Harbor”. They believed that everyone in the bay of Porto Koufo, could not hear any noise from the sea. So, for guests, by seeking a resting position we believe that this should be one of the top choices in the lists for their holiday vacations. The view of the harbor from the top is breathtaking. Huge rocks, rising above a bay, which looks like a lake, since the small opening to the sea is almost unvisible. Along the coast there are caves and in some of them you can enter by boat. A very impressive place is Kartalia, the southern cape of Sithonia. You can get there only by boat.
