DISCOVER GREECE DISCOVER CHALKIDIKI
Our post-EuRegMe destination has rightfully been called a glimpse of paradise on earth. Endless coastlines spreading across crystal blue waters lead to numerous secret gardens with rich vegetation. No camera, no canvas, no picture could ever sufficiently capture the beauty that surrounds Chalkidiki. Nature has done all the work for us: from the sand to the rock, from the mountain to the hill and from the heart to the mind, there is a perfect place for everyone in Chalkidiki, no matter your tastes.
General Information Reminiscent of Poseidon’s trident, Chalkidiki is located in Central Macedonia, 100 km south of Thessaloniki and consists of three smaller peninsulas: Kassandra, named after the ancient Greek prophet; Sithonia, named after Sithon, son of Poseidon; and Athos, one of the ancient giants who during the legendary battle between Gods and Giants threw a rock on the earth which created the Athos peninsula. Chalkidiki has a total population of 105,000 people with the capital being Polygyros, a small traditional Greek town. The average temperature during April and May is 15 and 19 degrees Celsius approximately: keep in mind that the sea is always warmer!
The History Chalkidiki boasts some magnificent archaelogical sites and a colourful history with a plethora of ancient settlements and a multicultural vibe. The Cave of Petralona One of the most impressive caves in Europe, the Cave of Petralona has shown that Chalkidiki has been inhabited since Stone Age times. The most important finding, that of an ancient human skull called “Archanthropos” is believed to be 700,000 years old. “Archanthropos”
is – to this day – the oldest European! The unique labyrinthine interior of the cave is decorated with countless stalactites and stalagmites, fossils and the mystique of the unknown.
Ancient Olynthos
Founded in the 7th century BC, Olynthos is a well preserved ancient Greek city from the Classical Period. Here you can admire the oldest and most elaborate mosaic flooring! Callisthenes, Ephippus and Euphantus all originated from Olynthos.
Stageira (pronounced Sta-ghee-ra)
The Beaches Yes, it is true that Chalkidiki first made a name for itself as a swimmer’s paradise, with endless wonderful beaches across the 3 peninsulas. With an amazing 550km of crystal blue coastline after all, it was bound to happen.
Founded in 655 BC by Ionian settles from Andros, was one of the most elaborately organized conurbations of the Classical Period; and it is still admirable today. Stageira is also the hometown of Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers in history: Aristotle was born here in 384 BC.
Vourvourou, Nea Potidea, Toroni, Sarti, Chanioti, Sani and Fourka, Marmaras, Kavourotripes are some of the names you should remember. But since an image is worth a thousand words, we will let photography speak the beauty of the sea.
Vourvourou Beach, Sithonia Marathias Beach, Sithonia
Sani Beach, Kassandra
Alykes Beach, Ammouliani Island
As of 2014, 35 blue flags were awarded to beaches throughout Chalkidiki. Do you see why?
The landscape If you thought Chalkidiki is one huge, incredible beach‌well think again! Mountainous to the north and coastal to the south, the entire area is covered in pine trees and lush vegetation with a unique aroma, certain to awaken all your senses. If you particularly love hiking, there are numerous trails around the prefecture of Halkidiki, particularly in Sithonia, to explore. Follow the path to isolated beaches, or to secluded spots with incredible view. Either way, you won’t regret it.
Sani, Kassandra
Kakavos Forest
Mount Athos
Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the Athonite State. Mount Athos is considered the cradle of orthodox Christianity, serenity and spirituality. Unfortunately, women are not allowed within the premises of the misogynist State: but don’t be discouraged as cruises around the peninsula are available all year round.
Seemingly untouched by time, Mount Athos stands proud and mighty on the Athos peninsula. A World Heritage Site since 1988, Mount Athos is an autonomous polity within the Greek State, officially named Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. There are more than 20
And that is the view from the cruise ship. Who needs to go in after this anyway?
And this, our friends, is only a small taste of what you will experience during the PostEuRegMe in Greece. So join us and immerse yourself in a life changing experience! We hope we have given you a small insight to the incredible experience of our Post-EuRegMe in Chalkidiki and maybe - just maybe - driven you to join us! Lots of love & excitement, Social & Post-EuRegMe team