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Chalkidiki A peninsula with three smaller peninsulas outlining the shape of a fork dipping into the iridescent Aegean Sea, Chalkidiki, also called Halkidiki was largely overlooked after Greece’s first tourism boom a few decades ago, although later this undiscovered gem became increasingly popular, and invested in. Yet because Chalkidiki outlived Greece’s first bout of modern vacationing, developers appear to have learned from past lessons; local culture and identity have been well-preserved here, and crowds are, well, you could hardly call them crowds. Paradoxically, it’s better for tourism this way.
Naturally, the three sub-peninsulas – along with numerous, nearby islands – serve to maximize the Chalkidiki’s beach area – an impressive and extensive selection of secluded, white sand stretches reveal a virtual paradise for the Greek tourist. Intermittently, white and pink adobe houses dropping up along the contoured shore serve as picturesque reminders of Greece’s ancient history, to the pleasant soundtrack of waves lapping up against the rocks.
A good place to start out on Chalkidiki is the western most Kassandra peninsula, which a quick severing just north of N. Poidai would turn into an island. And although it’s the most popular destination in Chalkidiki, “undiscovered” and “island-like” are still apt words to describe Kassandra, which provides a cool mixture of dense green vegetation, blinding white sand and clear, aquamarine water. Enjoying water sports and relaxation on Neos Beach you won’t be completely alone – beautiful, savvy tourists from around the world will join you in this pristine destination; you’ll enjoy them, not be overrun by them.
Sithonia is tucked in neatly between the Toroneos and the Mount Athos gulfs. It competes fiercely with Kassandra for its utter tranquility, yet seems to preserve even more of the timeless civilization, with a huge number of buildings and olive orchards edging up against powdery tan, relaxing beaches.
Mount Athos is by far one of the most is one of Greece’s most mysterious ancient spiritual centers where the Hellenistic arts are still practiced. To this day, only a select few men are allowed inside the sacred temple, although any tourist can view the impressive Byzantine structure, a white-walled fortress creeping up to the side of the mount, from the a ship cruising by on the eastern shore of Mount Athos. This may seem like a let down, but experiencing this fly by vista only adds to the sense of mystery and ancient customs that make Chalkidiki, in the center of Macedonia, truly enchanting. |
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