Holiday rentals in Halkidiki

About an hour from Greece’s second largest city of Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is a region known for its trio of small peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos. While each one has its share of white sandy beaches and crystal waters, they’re known for different things. The westernmost peninsula, Kassandra is famous for its lively nightlife and concentration of tavernas while Sithonia is all about rugged mountains, dense pine forests, and cove-studded coastlines. Mount Athos, the easternmost peninsula, is covered in untouched forests and inhabited solely by monks.

Halkidiki’s green forests paired with the blue waters of the Aegean Sea create a unique scene full of vibrant colours and breathtaking views, while the ancient archaeological sites like Olinthos, Mendi, and Akanthos showcase the region’s rich history. One thing is for sure: the food in Halkidiki will keep your mouth watering. The local diet is built around the bounty of the sea, so expect lots of fresh octopus and mackerel to go along with local breads, olive oil, goat cheese, and honey.

The Mediterranean climate in Halkidiki calls for hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Summer is a great time to book a Halkidiki villa, when the weather is ripe for water activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. The Festival of the Sea, a popular cultural event hosting a variety of musical and theatrical performances, is just one of the many events that occur during the summer months. Spring and autumn experience slightly cooler temperatures, and are nice times to visit Halkidiki if you’re into hiking, biking, horse riding, and other outdoor experiences. Winter, however, is much cooler with snowfall being a definite possibility; be sure to pack warm clothing if looking for a Halkidiki holiday rental during these months.

Arnaia

Located in central Halkidiki, Arnaia is a well-preserved Greek village — the Macedonian architecture that lines the cobblestone streets is represented by stone houses with balconies and tile roofs. The village is best known for its beekeeping and cheesemaking, and local honey and goat cheeses are sold in several of the small shops in the town square. The town is also home to the Weaving Museum and the Historical & Folklore Museum of Arnaia, which showcases authentic wood-working tools, everyday household items, and farm tools from the region.

Thessaloniki

Approximately one hour north of Halkidiki lies Thessaloniki, a city famous for its ancient monuments, including the Ancient Agora and the 1,700-year-old Arch of Galerius. The city also features the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which is one of the largest museums in Greece, featuring a collection of art and artifacts from as early as the prehistoric times.

Blue Lagoon

This beautiful secluded bay is located between the Diaporos and Agios Isidoros islands, off Sithonia’s eastern coast. Its shallow turquoise waters, fine white sandy sea bottom, and schools of colourful fish make the lagoon a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Boat rentals and day cruises are an easy way to explore the natural wonder of the islands and the lagoon.