Greece’s Secret Shores: Pristine Beaches Await In This Hidden Gem Destination

Greece’s Secret Shores: Pristine Beaches Await In This Hidden Gem Destination


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Everyone knows that in terms of a European summer time getaway, Greece is the last word vacation spot – the sun-kissed seashores of Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini have formally taken over our social media feeds.

What you won’t know, although, is that what you see on-line is only a sliver of the marvel that’s the Greek shoreline and that the true beachy gems of the nation are saved hidden far-off from the curious eyes of vacationers.

Living proof – Halkidiki.

Woman on a boat in the blue lagoon of Vourvourou on peninsula Sithonia, Chalkidiki (Halkidiki), GreeceWoman on a boat in the blue lagoon of Vourvourou on peninsula Sithonia, Chalkidiki (Halkidiki), Greece

The gorgeous area that stretches over what locals name “the three fingers” is likely one of the greatest locations in the complete nation to absorb each the pristine seashores and that genuine Greek small-town really feel that’s been misplaced in additional widespread hotspots.

And now that Halkidiki was formally topped the prefecture with the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in all of Greece, I figured it was time to faucet into my 10+ years of touring to the area to assist uncover this hidden gem of a vacation spot for good.

A Area Stuffed With Film-Like Seashores

I’m not right here to knock down the unbelievable attract of locations like Mykonos and Santorini – they’re each value a go to.

Mykonos, GreeceMykonos, Greece

However so far as seashore high quality goes, neither of those locations holds a candle to Halkidiki, which is the place most Greeks select to spend their summers as a substitute.

Similar to I discussed, the area is split into three “fingers,” and for many first-time guests, the primary peninsula, Kassandra, is your best option.

Right here, you received’t solely discover a few of the liveliest cities (extra on that under), but additionally a few of the greatest industrial seashores within the nation – compared, Sithonia and Mount Athos, the 2 different “fingers,” are quieter and extra off-the-beaten-path.

Aerial drone view of Port Glarokavos, Halkidiki, GreeceAerial drone view of Port Glarokavos, Halkidiki, Greece

Glarokavos, Paliouri, and Sani Seashore, particularly, are must-sees for all seashore fanatics, and the excellent news is that they’re all driving distance from each other.

For these of you keen to get adventurous, Kavourotripes Seashore in Sithonia and Ammouliani Island close to Mount Athos could be one of the best picks, although be warned that getting there isn’t as simple.

Taking In That Genuine Greek City Allure

I’ve all the time been the sort of traveler who appears for a superb mixture of pristine shores and energetic cities when touring through the summer time, and in Halkidiki, I’ve managed to seek out simply that.

And whereas there are quite a lot of locations all through the area that match the invoice, if you happen to’d ask me to call my favourite, it might be Pefkochori.

Beach in Pefkochori, Halkidiki, GreeceBeach in Pefkochori, Halkidiki, Greece

The seashores appear to be one thing straight out of a postcard, the city itself is energetic however nonetheless stuffed with that genuine Greek allure, and there’s a Lemonis Bakery (considered one of my all-time favourite locations to get desserts) proper close to the middle sq..

An in depth second could be Nea Moudania.

The seashores right here, whereas gorgeous, lack just a little one thing in comparison with Pefkochori, however this one’s a correct metropolis and Halkidiki’s largest municipality, so there’s extra to do and see right here.

Nea Moudania, Halkidiki, GreeceNea Moudania, Halkidiki, Greece

And if you happen to don’t thoughts a quieter summer time retreat, I’d extremely suggest making the 11-minute drive to Nea Poteidaia, a shocking seaside city the place the locals are pleasant, the seashores are one-of-a-kind, and the bougatsas are to die for, particularly if you happen to get them at Μπουγάτσα Kαφές Yammy-Yammy.

A Price range-Pleasant Mediterranean Getaway

There’s a cause why so many Greeks flock to Halkidiki through the summer time as a substitute of the overpriced hotspots we get bombarded with on our social media feeds – they get the identical actual views and expertise for a fraction of the worth.

Let’s begin with lodging.

Most locations within the area are both boutique accommodations or family-run guesthouses that cost anyplace between $40 and $70 an evening, and the general expertise is not like something you’d discover at your run-of-the-mill resort.

Guest making a card payment at a hotel check-in deskGuest making a card payment at a hotel check-in desk

Final yr, I booked a 2-bedroom, 2-balcony residence in Nea Poteidaia for $65 an evening, and the hosts, a beautiful aged couple, went above and past, going so far as to depart a home made cake and a bottle of Raki behind.

Positive, the facilities won’t be the identical as what you’d get in a 5-start resort, however the value-for-money ratio is insane.

The meals is fairly moderately priced, too.

Greek souvlaki with tzatziki and fried potatoesGreek souvlaki with tzatziki and fried potatoes

Fast meals common $5 per individual, whereas going for a two-course meal at a sit-down restaurant may cost you one thing nearer to $15-$20 per individual, and let me inform you, I’ve by no means had a single chunk of meals that was something lower than superb.

The Good Place For These Who Need To Discover As A lot Of Greece In As Little Time As Doable

Not solely is Halkidiki famously near Thessaloniki, which is one of my favorite cities to go to, however touring inside the area itself is remarkably simple, too.

I’d extremely suggest getting your palms on a automobile, although.

Two women driving in a carTwo women driving in a car

Driving, particularly in Kassandra, is doable by virtually everybody (city streets are very well-maintained and parking is a breeze), and you will get from one facet of the peninsula to the opposite for beneath an hour – that offers you loads of alternatives to see every little thing I talked about up to now and extra.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.



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