Halkidiki, the Bright Peninsula

• Taking your eyes off the sea for a moment and getting lost in the greenery of the forest that stretches to the Varvara waterfalls, a refreshing little stream that can be reached through a secret path. Itinerary. 

• Trying to unravel the mysteries of Mount Athos, where on more than 20 monasteries and 2,200 monks live. Only men are permitted to tread the soil of this extraordinary principality: enjoy a family cruise to admire the mythical mountain from the sea. Itinerary.

• Following in the footsteps of Aristotle, the great thinker, along the Strymonic Gulf and onto the ancient city of Stagire, where archaeologists claim to have found his tomb. A path has been dedicated to him, which allows you to explore Greece in a different way. Itinerary.

• Traveling from islands to islands in the small archipelago of Vourvourou. Stopping for a moment on the island of Diaporos, which is surrounded by an incredible blue lagoon wherein you can swim in its shallow waters. Embarking on a kayak or sailboat to get closer to the wild coast. Itinerary. 

• Hitting the small roads through the hilly landscapes of the Sithonia Peninsula. After being carried away by the pleasant scents released by the maritime pines, cool off in one of its many coves, which are hemmed by crystal clear waters.

• Playing the sailors and taking out time to visit the impressive Bay of Koufos. A true natural wall, this reputedly impregnable port has already been mentioned in Antiquity. It is even said that, from this preserved space, one cannot even get any sound from the sea … try listening! Itinerary.

• Letting yourself to be amazed by the Greek vineyard and the many varieties that develop there: within the Domaine de Porto Carras from Asyrtiko, Athiri, Malagouzia or Sauvignon Blanc … there will always be a problem of choice! The entire family can get on their bikes and explore the hillside. Mom and Dad can equally use this opportunity to savor the local elixir between two strolls!  Itinerary.

• Letting yourself to be carried away by the secrets of the Cave of Petralonà hidden at the foot of Mount Katsika. In addition to the numerous stalactites and stalagmites that bristle its walls, you’ll get to learn more about the skeleton of the Petralona man. Being over 700,000 years old, it was found during excavation and remains an object of fascination, both for tourists as for scientists. Itinerary. 

• Wandering among the old stones of the village of Afytos and letting yourself to be enchanted by the charm of its narrow streets. From its stone terrace, you’ll be able to admire the breathtaking view of the sea. Continue the road towards Kassandrino, a small picturesque village surrounded by pine trees. Itinerary. 

• Sitting down to savor dishes of subtly grilled octopus, accompanied by honey and a few quarters of figs: a sun-drenched specialty where the flavors of the earth and the delicacies of the sea come together! The octopus (oktopus in Greek), is one of the essentials of Aegean cuisine.

• Letting yourself to be enchanted by the outdoor shows of the Kassandra Festival, which reanimate the Siviri Amphitheater during the months of July-August. For about 20 years, music greats such as Ray Charles and Evanthia Rempoutsika have been meeting in this fishing village. Both young and old will get enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this summer event. Itinerary.

Behind its picturesque white façade, Massalia serves traditional dishes in an atmosphere reminiscent of Greece in its most typical way. You will kind of feel like you are dining on your charming terrace, in the sweetness of a summer evening. What’s on the menu? Zucchini patties, squid with green beans and tomatoes or octopus with beetroot and caramelized onions … Between two meals, children can go play on the adjacent plot or at the nearby playground!

Do you seek after a trendy place that’s equally suitable for the little ones? In a skillfully tropicalized atmosphere with a fanciful touch, The Elephant Beach Bar serves refreshing cocktails, tasty juices and snack packs on the go. Its swings, small wooden huts and large colorful cushions will delight the little ones, who can play on the beach while their parents enjoy their drinks or lounge on the facility’s sunbed. Itinerary. 

Platanorema Farm is an agricultural holding that’s lost in the mountains. Located in an exceptional natural environment, this family-run facility is more than just a restaurant. Most of the ingredients come from the farm (meat, cheese, vegetables). Do not miss out on the pitas that are baked on a wood fire right before your eyes or the traditional pies accompanied by excellent and the freshest Greek salads. Platanorema is a dream place for children, who can cuddle and feed animals, go for a horse ride or learn about pottery.

In another vein, the Atelier Restaurant of Avaton Luxury Villas Resort offers fine and creative cuisine. As a son of the soil, Chef Panagiotis Papadopoulos knows the subtlety of local flavors better than anyone. Freshly fetched fishes and seafoods (especially the mussels, for which the region is renowned) are enhanced by the peppery flavor of black basil, the famous black olives from Halkidiki or a touch of local cheese. Itinerary. 

In addition to its beaches and its waters that showcase light blue and dark blue appearances, the Greek seabed is also rich in abundant marine life. Not far from Sarti, Kalamisti Bay is home to a very active diving school, the Dolphin diving center. The young and old can look forward to sailing between underwater caves and corals, and maybe to get a chance to enjoy the night diving sessions! Itinerary.

For those who desire more than just sea water activities, the waterslides at Waterland’s water park  and their incredible convolutions allow families to have fun in the fresh waters of its many pools. In the heart of the pirate island, the little rascals can have fun like crazy, while enthusiasts of acrobatics meet at « have fun with Tarzan » where they can swing on rope ladders above pools. Itinerary. 

The Aristotle Park  is a playful and informative way of introducing the thinking of one of the Western fathers of thought to the little ones. The young and old can test some of the philosopher’s ideologies and inventions. This interactive theme park will allow them to approach, manipulate and understand the operation of the telescope, the prism for analyzing light or optical discs, all in a unique setting. Itinerary. 

Numerous combined circuits and cruises allow you to take to the sea and get closer to the impressive Mount Athos and its surrounding islands. A day spent on sailing with several stops in the small port villages, allows you to get deeply rooted into the Greek traditions, « people of the sea » par excellence since antiquity. Taking a cruise by boat, catamaran or, on a smaller scale, by sea kayak … the littles sailors will only have a problem of choice! Trip Advisor lists a wide range of cruises for a day or more.

The aspiring Indiana Jones and their parents can set out in Ancient Greece’s footsteps of by visiting one of Halkidiki’s most impressive places, the site of Ancient Olynthos. Dating back to 432 BC, its remains testify to its rich past. The enthusiasts must absolutely linger on the exceptional mosaics and its drawings. Do you recognize the animals and legendary creatures that have been depicted there? To complete the visit to the ruins, the Olynthos Museum offers a lot of additional information. Itinerary.

• With its long stretch of white sand bordered by the sea, the Sani Beach is perfectly suited for families. Located not far from the resort that bares the same name, this little paradise is surrounded by pines and olive trees that give it a special charm. Itinerary.

• Not far from the charming village of Afytos Beach, the beach baring the same name has been chosen by many families as the most beautiful beach in Kassandra. Being less rocky than its neighbors, the softness of its sand is suitable to the sensitive feet of toddlers. After swimming, explore the alleyways of this fishing village and get enthralled by the seaside atmosphere. Itinerary.
• Wild and unspoiled, Possidi Beach is a beach that’s worth it. Located on a tongue of land, it is accessible on foot. The windswept part of the shoreline is appealing to lovers of sea waves and deep waters. Meanwhile, other part of this beach, which is sheltered from the offshore wind is quieter and will delight families. Not far from here, the remains of a Temple of Poseidon pay tribute to the god of the oceans. Itinerary.

• With its pretty name, Lagomandra Beach is a large white sand beach. Its warm and shallow waters is very suitable for families with little children. Sunbeds and parasols can also be rented here. Itinerary.

• Be rest assured, you won’t come across any alligator at Crocodile Stone Beach (Fava Beach) but rather beautiful rocks that emerge from the turquoise water. In the hollow of this little intimate cove, children love to wade and play with the stones while the older ones can climb up these stones to then dive into the ocean! Itinerary.

• Made up of many restaurants, Nikiti is ideal for snorkelling. Here, you will a great variety of fishes; and with a gently sloping beach and clear waters, Nikiti is fast becoming the summer hotspot for sunbath-loving families! Itinerary.