6-DAY THESSALONIKI & CHALKIDIKI

Day 1: THESSALONIKI, VICTORY OF THESSALIA

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most important Greek city, you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel.

Thessaloniki, whose name means “the victory of Thessaly,” is a city with a glorious past and the cultural and economic center of the Macedonian region for centuries. During the Byzantine era, it was the “co-reigning” city, second in population and prestige after Constantinople (now Istanbul).

You will have the opportunity to visit several of its unique monuments, such as the White Tower, the Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, and the Byzantine Culture Museum, which was awarded the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize for the year 2005, a distinction awarded to a Greek museum for the first time.

Day 2: FROM THESSALONIKI TO THE PENINSULA OF CHALKIDIKI

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, your journey will take you from Thessaloniki to the captivating Chalkidiki Peninsula, also known as Halkidiki to the locals. This region boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with its prongs extending into the Aegean Sea, resembling the trident of Poseidon.

Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, stands out with its stunning golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant entertainment options. The accommodations offered here are spacious, diverse, and of the highest quality. Nea Fokea, Haniotis, and Possidi are among the most popular bays in Kassandra.

Sithonia, situated between the cosmopolitan Kassandra and the monastic retreat of Mount Athos, strikes a perfect balance. Its mild climate, pine forests, sandy beaches, and charming islets just off the coast make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts. Along the coastline, you’ll find traditional seafront guesthouses, marinas, and archaeological sites like Ancient Olynthos and Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle. Sarti, Kalamitsi, Karidi, Lagonisi, and Tigania are some of the beloved beaches in this area.

The final peninsula is the revered Mount Athos, also known as Agio Oros, which serves as a unique male monastic society. In the heart of this peninsula, a long range of hills and mountains rises, culminating in the majestic Mount Athos itself, towering 2033 meters above sea level.

This autonomous and self-governed territory of Greece is restricted to monks and male visitors, providing them with an opportunity to experience the Byzantine era’s way of life and spirituality for a few days. They can immerse themselves in the mysticism of Orthodox religion, appreciate exquisite hagiographic artwork, and revel in the untouched beauty of nature. Each day, up to 100 Orthodox and 10 non-Orthodox men are permitted to enter this enclave for a visit, while women are forbidden from accessing the area.

Just outside the boundaries of Agios Oros, you’ll discover the town of Estagira, the birthplace of the renowned philosopher Aristotle.

It is highly recommended to spend the night in Sithonia, allowing you to fully savor its charm.

Total distance: 200 kilometers

Day 3: DISCOVERING CHALKIDIKI

After enjoying a filling breakfast, you will have this day free to discover Halkidiki at your own pace.

We suggest starting by visiting Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, which stands out for its amazing golden beaches, crystal waters, and endless entertainment opportunities. Here the offered accommodation is large and varied and to the highest standard. The most popular bays in Kassandra are Nea Fokea, Haniotis, and Possidi.

The last peninsula is the holy Mount Athos or Agio Oros, a unique male monastic society. In the center of the peninsula rise a long range of hills and mountains, culminating in Mount Athos itself, 2033 meters above sea level. Very near Agios Oros, you will find the town of Estagira, the birthplace of the great philosopher Aristotle.

Having visited and discovered some of the beaches and incredible sites of the peninsula, you will have a well-deserved rest at your hotel.

Day 4: CHALKIDIKI AT YOUR OWN PACE

After enjoying an exquisite breakfast, you will have another day free to discover Halkidiki at your own pace. We suggest continuing the adventure to those places you did not have the chance to go to the day before and so you can either visit Estagira (the birthplace of the great philosopher Aristotle) ​​or Agio Oros.

Day 5: FROM CHALKIDIKI TO THESSALONIKI, THE RETURN

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart from Chalkidiki to Thessaloniki, where you will stay for the rest of the day before you commence your return journey. We suggest using the afternoon to stroll along the seafront of Thessaloniki, the favorite walk of the city’s residents.

Prepare your cameras as there will be lots to see and photo shoot! For example, you will see the umbrella sculpture, a typical postcard image of the city, or the Statue of Alexander the Great on horseback.

Thessaloniki is a veritable open-air museum due to its historical monuments, all easily accessible on foot. After a full day exploring the city, you will enjoy a nice rest at your hotel.

Day 6: GOODBYE THESSALONIKI! FAREWELL GREECE!

After a hearty Greek breakfast, you will drive to Thessaloniki Airport, where you will return to your rental car and bid farewell to your adventure in northern Greece.

From all of us at Greca Travel, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory forever!

Have a nice trip! Or as Greeks say, “Kalo taksidi!“