16.08.2013
Халкидики — настоящий райский сад Греции, который туристыlove for a combination of luxurious beaches, clean sea, developed infrastructure and historical monuments. Nature endowed the peninsula lush forests and a variety of herbs that fill its air with healing aromas. And also Halkidiki owes its popularity to successful location and streamlined flight program. This allows the peninsula in the summer season to take hundreds of thousands of tourists.
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Halkidiki geography and how to get there
The peninsula is well recognizable on the map of Greece. By his form he reminds trident, consisting of three peninsulas – Athos, Cassandra and Sithonia. To get to Halkidiki, you need get to the nearest big city of Thessaloniki. May to start October, he accepts charters from many Russian regions. Of Moscow has regular flights throughout the year.
Halkidiki climate
The peninsula has a mild climate, and even in the midst of summer heat easier to carry than on the southernmost islands of Greece. Average July temperature is + 30 ° C, the water in the peak season warms up up to + 26 ° C. You can swim comfortably in Halkidiki from the end of May until end of September, although in some years the weather allows you to swim in early October.
Halkidiki districts
Each of the three “fingers” of the peninsula has its own characteristics:
- Kassandra is the most popular peninsula on which focuses a lot of hotels for every taste, taverns, night clubs and shops. Despite its popularity, even in high the season will not be difficult to find a secluded place on Kassandra or Calm beach for family holidays. Among the resorts of the peninsula The most popular are Kalithea with excellent sandy beaches, Paralia Dionisiu – a place for a relaxing holiday, lively Hanioti and Pefkohori with beautiful pine groves;
- Sithonia is a peninsula that is perfect suitable for a relaxing holiday, including with children. Less here hotels, respectively, fewer tourists. The beaches of the peninsula – picturesque secluded coves. Among the resort villages of Sithonia stand out Vourvourou village with an exotic coast, lively Neos Marmaras and Nikiti – a small but developed town with beautiful beaches;
- Athos is a peninsula mostly famous the mountain of the same name and the monastic state. However, part of Athos intended for recreation: there are comfortable hotels, shopping and entertainment for children. On this peninsula tourists takes the city of Uranupolis with clean safe beaches and several places of interest.
Also on Halkidiki, except for the settlements on three “fingers”, there is popular tourist town of Nea Kallikratia. It is located just 30 km from Thessaloniki. Nea Callicratia is known for its many entertainment facilities and a variety of fur products.
Attractions in Halkidiki
One of the reasons to visit Chalkidiki is the Holy Athos, known as the only monastic autonomy in the world. Today you can count 20 monasteries, several monasteries and hundreds of different buildings: from the hermitages to separate cells. Among the important relics that are stored on Athos, stand out belt of the Blessed Virgin, the relics of the saints, numerous miraculous icons and the Gifts of the Magi. See it all with your own eyes in two ways. Men can get special visa and make a pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain. BUT women are allowed to inspect Athos only from the sea – on Halkidiki organize special cruises.
Also on Mount Athos is to see the tower Prosphoria. This is the main landmark Ouranoupoli, built by the Byzantines of stones and cobblestones. It was intended for the monks who ruled Compound Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos. And today the halls of Prosphoria serve for exhibitions.
Not far from the village Petralona is the famous Petralona Cave. This is one of the most important. attractions on Halkidiki, created by nature itself. The cave, decorated with stalagnat, has underground galleries – they open to the public. In the 1960s, archaeologists found in Petralona cave the skeleton of an ancient man and many artifacts. Based on what was found near the cave opened Anthropological museum, worth a visit.
Ancient monuments are partially preserved even in the territory modern resorts. So, in Califaea, you can visit the ruins Temple of Ammon Zeus. They are located overlooking the sea and were found during the construction of a new hotel. Is located nearby cave associated with the ancient cult of Dionysus. And to learn all the history of Halkidiki, from ancient times, is worth going to Polygyros. The city has an archaeological museum with an impressive collection.
Choosing for the rest of Halkidiki, it is not difficult to visit the most interesting sights of continental greece. About 4 hours takes the road to the monasteries of Meteora – complex, built on top of the steep cliffs of ancient. For visits are open 6 monasteries, each of which is famous unique frescoes, relics and mosaics.
It is worth a trip to the legendary Olympus, which will organize hiking and cycling. Located near the French-Byzantine Platamon Fortress – a magnificent building of the XIII century is excellent preserved. Popular among tourists in Halkidiki enjoy day trips to Kastoria – here you can buy fur products and admire the architecture of the city as well as the thermal spa Loutraki, whose sources are known healing properties.
Shopping in Halkidiki
From the rest you can not return without shopping, and in Chalkidiki shopping opportunities are not limited. In major resort cities There is a good selection of shoes and clothes. Wishing to update wardrobe Worth a trip to Thessaloniki – here work outlets and shopping centers with boutiques of famous brands. As a souvenir you can bring leather shoes or bags made by local craftsmen, high-quality textiles, lace, fragrant honey or durable dishes from olive wood.
