This summer (June 2025) we finally had some time to go exploring again. A Chalkidiki tour had been on our agenda for a long time, as we wanted to explore Greece beyond the well-known islands. Chalkidiki is a peninsula in northern Greece and a very popular holiday destination. The peninsula lies southeast of the city of Thessaloniki and extends into the Aegean Sea.

Chalkidiki is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, rich history, and unique geographical shape. The peninsula is divided into three “fingers” (as it is often called), running from west to east: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos. We have visited all three peninsulas as well as Thessaloniki and would like to introduce you to the region’s most beautiful highlights in the following article. Enjoy browsing!

  • General information about Chalkidiki
  • Preparing for your trip
    • 1. Best time to travel to Chalkidiki
    • 2. Getting to Chalkidiki
    • 3. Parking at the airport (BER)
    • 4. Booking a rental car
  • Our Chalkidiki tour – route & Duration
  • Chalkidiki Round Trip – Kassandra
    • Kassandra – Our Accommodation
    • The most beautiful highlights on Kassandra
  • Chalkidiki Round Trip – Sithonia
    • Sithonia – Our Accommodation
    • The most beautiful highlights on Sithonia
  • Chalkidiki Round Trip – Athos
    • Athos – Our Accommodation
    • The most beautiful highlights on Athos
  • Chalkidiki Round Trip – Thessaloniki
    • Thessaloniki – Our Accommodation
    • The most beautiful highlights in Thessaloniki
  • Costs of our Chalkidiki Round Trip
  • Review and Conclusion

General information about Chalkidiki

Many travel to

Chalkidiki Round Trip Map

Each “finger” of Chalkidiki—Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos—tells its own fascinating story and offers great highlights and experiences. The western finger, Kassandra, impresses with lively beach resorts, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. In the center, Sithonia, reveals a less developed, natural oasis with hidden coves, lush forests, and pristine beaches.

The eastern finger, Athos, on the other hand, is a holy place, a separate monastic state largely inaccessible to the public, yet harbors a spiritual aura and a captivating history of Orthodox Christianity. The hospitable atmosphere, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and warm welcome from the local population make Chalkidiki a perfect vacation spot for us.

Preparing for the Trip

As with any trip, there were a few things to organize and clarify in advance for our Chalkidiki tour. When is the best time to travel to Chalkidiki? What’s the best way to get to the peninsula? Where can I book a cheap rental car? In the following section, we’ll answer all these questions.

1. Best time to visit Chalkidiki

The best time to visit Chalkidiki depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do during your stay. Generally speaking, Chalkidiki has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild, wet winters. We were on the peninsula just before the start of the high season (early June) and would plan to do it again. The temperatures were super pleasant, and we had great weather every day (26°C and above). We were also able to swim in the sea without any problems (estimated at 21°C to 22°C) and relax by the pool during the day. Furthermore, the beaches and other tourist attractions were neither crowded.

If you choose the high season, you should expect high temperatures. Daytime temperatures are generally hot and dry (up to 32°C), perfect for beach holidays and water sports. However, it’s advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to protect yourself from the intense sun. The beaches and tourist attractions are very busy during the peak season (June – August). But even away from these spots, you’ll still find secluded bays and beaches.

Best time to visit Chalkidiki

Best time to visit Chalkidiki: End of May to end of September

Spring (March – May) is said to be a very pleasant time to visit Chalkidiki, as nature begins to bloom and the landscape becomes green and vibrant. Temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it can be a bit cooler in the evenings, so you should bring light clothing with an extra sweater or jacket for the evenings.

Autumn (September – November) is also said to be a great time to visit Chalkidiki, as temperatures are still pleasantly warm and the excessive summer heat is finally subsiding. The beaches are also less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding beauty in peace or go on long hikes.

In summary, the best time to visit Chalkidiki is from the end of May to the end of September. During this time, the Mediterranean climate is at its best. Up to 12 hours of sunshine per day await you, water temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, and only a few rainy days.

2. Getting to Chalkidiki

We flew from Berlin to Thessaloniki. You can fly directly from Nuremberg, Memmingen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, Stuttgart, Dortmund, Munich, Hanover, Cologne, Hamburg, and Bremen. Our flight only took around 2 hours and 30 minutes. We flew with EasyJet, with whom we’ve had nothing but good experiences. We then returned with Ryanair. We booked both flights separately, as this allowed us to benefit from significantly better flight times. We paid a total of €225 per person including hand luggage. Book flights to Chalkidiki here*.

3. Parking at the Airport (BER)

This time, we didn’t take the train to the airport, but used our own car. We wanted to be flexible and still be able to drive home after our late arrival. So we booked a parking space at the airport in advance with Parken-und-Fliegen.de*. The Easy Parking Airport Parking Garage is a 5-minute drive from BER Airport. Free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes from the parking garage to BER and back (between 3:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.). At the entrance, we simply scanned the QR code and were able to enter the parking garage. We paid only €61 for parking for the entire duration of our trip.

4. Booking a Rental Car

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that we almost always (99%) book our rental car at www.billiger-mietwagen.de*. We always find the best prices on this site. You can also cancel your rental car free of charge 24 to 36 hours before arrival. For our Chalkidiki tour, we booked a small car (Mitsubishi Space Star) for a total of €177. You don’t need a special car for a trip like this. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, a small car is perfectly sufficient. We always book the following services to ensure the best possible coverage:

  • Full/full fuel policy
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Comprehensive insurance and theft protection with no excess (through reimbursement)
  • Glass/tire protection
  • Underbody protection
  • Offer can be booked immediately
  • Excellent customer reviews

Chalkidiki Round Trip Rental Car

Our Chalkidiki Round Trip – Route & Duration

We took 10 days for our Chalkidiki tour and, looking back, would say that 10 days are perfect for this region. And even if you only have 7 days, a Chalkidiki tour is worthwhile; you’d just have to shorten the length of stay in each location. Since the distances between the peninsulas are quite short, you don’t spend much time in the car getting from A to B anyway. A longer stay is also possible, of course, as there is so much to discover and see. Our itary for Chalkidiki was as follows:

  • 3 nights Kassandra
  • 2 nights Sithonia
  • 2 nights Athos
  • 2 nights Thessaloniki

After landing in Thessaloniki, we immediately picked up our rental car and drove on to Kassandra. We stayed there for 3 nights before continuing on to Sithonia and Athos (2 nights each). We ended up spending 2 more nights in Thessaloniki before flying back to Berlin. We wanted to settle in and enjoy our time, especially at the beginning of the trip. In retrospect, we would recommend staying longer on Sithonia and deducting a night for Kassandra. This is simply because we liked Sithonia better. The peninsula is more pristine and the scenery is even more beautiful.

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Chalkidiki Round Trip – Kassandra

The Kassandra peninsula is the westernmost of the three peninsulas in Chalkidiki and is characterized by its vibrant tourist infrastructure. Here you will find numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars that attract holidaymakers from Greece and abroad, especially during the summer months. We spent the first three nights on this peninsula and are now sharing our best highlights and travel tips for Kassandra.

Kassandra – Our Accommodation

We stayed in a cool and modern suite at the Mirablue Luxury Residences* hotel. This accommodation is located in the resort of Pefkochori and is just a seven-minute walk from the beach. The hotel offers a beautiful pool with loungers and a lush garden, a bar, a small fitness room, and air-conditioned rooms and suites with balconies. A small breakfast was served at the pool bar in the morning.

We booked the split-level studio because we especially wanted space. The studios are modern and tastefully furnished and feature a kitchenette, a couch with a table, a TV, a bathroom with a shower, a comfortable double bed, storage space, air conditioning, a safe, and a balcony with a view of the pool and garden. Book a room here*.

Kassandra Mirablue Luxury Residences Pool Kassandra Mirablue Luxury Residences Studio Kassandra Mirablue Luxury Residences Studio

The most beautiful highlights on Kassandra

Plan at least 2 days for your trip to Kassandra to explore one or two corners of the peninsula. There are numerous beaches and beach bars, picturesque bays and some villages worth seeing on the peninsula.

Popular tours from Kassandra:

  • 5-hour sailing trip from Kassandra*
  • Chalkidiki: Scuba diving for beginners on Kassandra*
  • From Chalkidiki: Meteora & Monasteries day trip with transfer*
  • Boat rental Kassandra (boats without a license)

1. Pefkochori

Pefkochori is a popular resort with a long promenade, many shops and tavernas, and a lively beach. The resort is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, attracted by its beaches, clear turquoise waters, and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Away from the main road, however, the village itself is quiet and relaxed.

What makes Pefkochori particularly attractive is its blend of traditional Greek charm and modern tourism. The main street, which runs along the coast, is lined with taverns, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Here you can try typical Greek dishes and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Pefkochori Kassandra Beach Pefkochori Shopping Evening in Pefkochori

2. Mountain Village of Afytos

Afytos (also spelled Afitos) is a super-charming mountain village on the Kassandra peninsula. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful villages on the peninsula and is characterized by its traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and breathtaking sea views. Particularly beautiful are the whitewashed houses, the flower-decorated balconies and windows, and the wrought-iron railings.

The narrow alleys and cobbled streets give the village a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. Here, you can stroll through the alleys and browse the charming shops. The village is situated on a hill that offers impressive panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. We found Afytos truly worth seeing!

Afytos Mountain Village Kassandra Afytos Mountain Village Kassandra Afytos Mountain Village Kassandra

3. Possidi Beach

One of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the Kassandra peninsula in Chalkidiki is Possidi Beach. Located on the west coast of the peninsula, it is characterized by its long, golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This beach is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing beach holiday and wanting to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Possidi Beach has room for everyone, as its length is truly impressive. The golden pebble sand is fine and soft, ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. The clear, shallow waters also make Possidi Beach very suitable for families with children. Parking was free during our visit, but there is no other tourist infrastructure on site.

Possidi Beach on Kassandra Possidi Beach on Kassandra Possidi Beach on Kassandra

4. Eldoris Restaurant Beach Bar

On our exploration, we happened upon the Eldoris Beach Bar. We took a break here and enjoyed the super cozy vibe of the bar. There are modern beach chairs and seating areas on the beach that you can use. In the first row, you must order something for a minimum of €30; in the second and third rows, there is no minimum order.

We sat down in the restaurant and ordered some treats (the giant “Ferrero Rocher” is recommended). The beach bar is really cool, the staff very friendly, and the selection of food and drinks is sufficient. A perfect and very cool location for a stopover or a day at the beach.

Eldoris Restaurant Beach Bar Possidi Beach Kassandra Eldoris Restaurant Beach Bar Possidi Beach Kassandra Eldoris Restaurant Beach Bar Possidi Beach Kassandra

5. Glarokavos Lagoon

The Glarokavos Lagoon is a beautiful small natural area on the Kassandra Peninsula. The lagoon is located near the village of Pefkochori and is a popular destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It is known for its breathtaking scenery and calm, clear waters. We flew our drone here and took some great shots.

The lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation and pine forests, which create a truly beautiful backdrop. The beaches offer various beach bars (e.g., Faros Seaside Bar), the Crazy Land Waterpark, and other opportunities to get active. The shallow water is safe for swimming and playing.

Glarokavos Lagoon Kassandra Glarokavos Lagoon Kassandra Glarokavos Lagoon Kassandra

6. Kallithea

Kallithea is a lively and popular resort on the Kassandra peninsula. The name “Kallithea” means “beautiful view” or “beautiful panorama,” and you can admire this in some places. Kallithea is known for its beautiful beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear water. There are also numerous water sports activities that you can try.

The town also has numerous shops, bars, clubs, and tavernas where you can dance the night away and enjoy Greek music. We recommend the super cool Blú Seaside Café Bar (everything is designed in Hawaiian style) with a stunning view of the sea and the beaches.

Kallithea Kassandra Kallithea Kassandra Kallithea Kassandra

7. Paliouri Beach

Paliouri Beach (also known as Chrouso Beach) is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Kassandra peninsula. Located near the village of Paliouri, it is known for its crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and picturesque surroundings. The area is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, pine forests, and olive groves, giving the beach an idyllic setting. Along the beach, there are several beach bars and taverns where you can enjoy drinks and delicious meals. Various water sports are also offered in the bay. Reportedly, this beach gets very crowded during peak season, which is why we were only recommended to visit during the off-season.

Paliouri Beach Kassandra

Chalkidiki Tour – Sithonia

Sithonia is the middle peninsula in the Chalkidiki region and is located south of the capital Thessaloniki. The peninsula is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and untouched nature. Compared to the other two peninsulas, Kassandra and Athos, Sithonia is less touristy and therefore offers a relaxed atmosphere. We spent two nights here and present our top highlights on Sithonia in the following section.

Sithonia – Our Accommodation

During our time on Sithonia, we stayed at the wonderful Alegria Suites*. The owner is simply lovely and gave us a very warm welcome. The small, charming complex is just a 5-minute walk from Nikiti Beach and awaited us with a super cute garden, a great pool with sun loungers, free parking, and individually designed suites on two levels.

Our suite was very tastefully decorated and furnished with attention to detail. Downstairs, we had a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with shower and toilet, a sofa with a table and TV, and a balcony with comfortable seating. Upstairs, there was a comfortable double bed with bedside tables and storage space. Book your suite here*.

Alegria Suites Nikiti Pool Chalkidiki Alegria Suites Nikiti Chalkidiki Alegria Suites Nikiti Chalkidiki

The most beautiful highlights on Sithonia

During our time on Sithonia, we explored many corners of the beautiful peninsula. You should also plan at least 2 days here if you want to see something of the region. We found the Sithonia peninsula more pristine, scenically attractive, quieter, and more cozy than Kassandra. We would therefore recommend a longer stay here.

Popular tours from Sithonia:

  • 5-hour sailing trip from Sithonia*
  • From Nea Fokea: Sailing trip along the coast of Chalkidiki*
  • From Chalkidiki: Meteora & Monasteries Day Trip with Transfer*

1. Nikiti & Nikiti Old Town

A good starting point for exploring Sithonia is the resort of Nikiti. Nikiti is divided into two parts: modern Nikiti and the charming Nikiti Old Town (also known as “Nikiti Paralia” or “Nikiti Beach”). Modern Nikiti is located on the main road and is the lively part of the village, where shops, restaurants, cafes, and accommodation are located. It is bustling with life and a good place to shop or buy local products such as olive oil, honey, and handmade souvenirs.

The real highlight of Nikiti, however, is the Old Town. Nikiti Old Town is located on a hill above the modern part of the village and offers wonderful views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The old town is a picturesque labyrinth of narrow alleys, cobbled streets, and traditional stone houses that give the village a special charm. Here you can experience authentic Greek village life and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a delicious coffee.

Sithonia Chalkidiki Nikiti Beach Nikiti Sithonia Nikiti Old Town Sithonia

2. Karydi Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Sithonia peninsula is Karydi Beach, located in the east. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Nikiti. The beach is characterized by its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and fine, golden sand. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque rocks. The surrounding pine trees provide pleasant shade and create a very idyllic ambience. In good weather, you can even see the holy Mount Athos on the Athos peninsula of the same name.

The beach is very popular and very busy during the high season. But outside of peak season, the beach is a truly wonderful destination on Sithonia. There’s also the stylish Melia Restaurant, where you can get good coffee and delicious dishes. Not far from the coast is the offshore island of Diaporos Island, which you can reach by rented boat or as part of a tour. The “Blue Lagoon” is said to be unique. Rent a boat here.

Karydi Beach Sithonia Chalkidiki Aerial View Karydi Beach Sithonia Chalkidiki Karydi Beach Sithonia Chalkidiki

3. Kavourotripes Beach

During our exciting Chalkidiki tour, we also discovered the relatively small Kavourotripes Beach, which is also located on Sithonia. This beach is particularly impressive due to its stunning rock formations and the soft sand, which can be found between the rocks. The beach is very popular with tourists and locals, which is why it can be extremely crowded during peak season. There is a small snack bar on site, but otherwise no other infrastructure.

The name “Kavourotripes” derives from the natural rock formations that line the beach and look like smooth rocks (Kavouri) that invite you to sunbathe. “Troupes” means holes or holes, and indeed these rock formations are riddled with small caves and crevices that serve as natural sunSun shelters can be used. Here, too, the crystal-clear sea presents itself in the most beautiful turquoise colors.

Kavourotripes Beach Sithonia Kavourotripes Beach Sithonia Kavourotripes Beach Sithonia

4. The small village of Sarti

Our journey continued along the coast to Sarti. This charming little village is located on the eastern coast and is known for its picturesque location at the foot of Mount Itamos. Sarti has still retained its traditional charm and offers a super relaxed atmosphere right by the sea. We wandered through the alleys, ate ice cream, explored the beach, and enjoyed the great weather.

The village of Sarti offers a small selection of tavernas, restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can try traditional Greek dishes and buy local products. The local tavernas are known for their fresh seafood and other regional delicacies. From Sarti, you can also take excursions into the surrounding area, such as to the island of Ammouliani, the Blue Lagoon, or Mount Athos.

Sarti Sithonia Sarti Sithonia Sarti Beach Sithonia

5. Klimataria Beach

We drove further along the coast in our rental car and discovered the beautiful and quiet Klimataria Beach, which is located near a huge ghost town that was once prepared for construction but was never built. The small bay impresses with its fine sand, crystal-clear water, and picturesque coastal scenery. Beach bars and taverns serve you during the day. You can rent umbrellas and loungers on site for only €5 per day (may be more expensive during peak season).

Getting there: It’s easy to get lost in the maze of streets, and Google Maps is no help either. The best way is to drive via Sykia Beach and then take the road along the sea towards Linaraki Beach and Pigadaki Beach. Shortly before Tourkolimnionas Beach, keep right and continue up the road. You’ll have a beautiful view of Klimataria Beach. Then follow the road and turn left at the crossroads and follow the path to the beach.

Klimataria Beach Chalkidiki Klimataria Beach Chalkidiki Klimataria Beach Chapel Chalkidiki

6. Porto Koufo in the South

In the southwest of the peninsula lies one of Greece’s largest natural harbors, surrounded by a lush chain of hills. You almost have the impression of standing in front of a vast lake, but it is actually the deep blue Aegean Sea. Porto Koufo is almost 1,600 meters long and up to 550 meters wide and is also home to the small, sleepy fishing village with around 200 inhabitants. Here you will find a few tavernas, accommodations, and restaurants. In the harbor, you can see boats of all sizes and shapes, from small traditional fishing boats to larger yachts.

Porto Koufo Sithonia

7. Fishing Village of Neo Marmaras

The last stop on our Sithonia round trip took us to the pretty fishing village of Neo Marmaras, located in the west of the peninsula and at the foot of the Itamos Mountains. We walked through the town, strolled along the waterfront, browsed through some souvenir shops, and ended the evening in a cozy bar. The fishing village offers numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. Neos Marmaras is busy during peak season, but the village is still charming.

By the way, from there you can visit the old Byzantine mountain village (ghost village) of Parthenonas (approx. 5 km), which lies on the Itamos Mountains. Starting in 1922, the village began to lose more and more residents, as there were simply more attractive residential areas and jobs down in the beach areas. Today, the picturesque village is being revived and partially restored by wealthy Greeks in the traditional, northern Greek style. The view of the sea and the beaches is said to be fantastic.

  • Super delicious waffles are available at “Queens”
  • The great Mykonos-style bar “Molos”
  • Good coffee and sweet treats are available at “Nuovo Cafe Bar”
  • Well-stocked shop with natural products: “All with herbs”
  • Pretty clothes are available at “Connex Outlet”

Neos Marmaras Sithonia Neos Marmaras Sithonia Neos Marmaras Sithonia

Chalkidiki Tour – Mount Athos

Our Chalkidiki tour now took us over to the third “finger” of the peninsula, where we spent two nights. Mount Athos extends over approximately 335 square kilometers and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Here, you’ll primarily see steep mountain slopes, dense forests, a picturesque coastline, and countless monasteries and monks. We’ll tell you why in the next section. You should know that Athos is a very special peninsula.

Athos – Our Accommodation

Our starting point for our exploration was the small town of Ouranoupoli on the Athos peninsula. Here, we booked a super cozy self-catering studio at the Villa Almira Luxury Apartments*. The accommodation is just a stone’s throw from the town center and offers an incredibly beautiful sea view. We had the fantastic “Mare” apartment with a large double bed, kitchenette with cooking utensils, large wardrobes, air conditioning, a bathroom with shower, sofa, balcony, TV, and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival, we were given a large bowl of fruit and a bottle of wine. Book a room here*.

Athos Accommodation Athos Accommodation Athos Accommodation

The most beautiful highlights on Athos

During our time on the peninsula Athos. You should also plan at least 2 days here if you want to see something of the area. Since most of the peninsula belongs to the autonomous monastic republic, only a small area remains to explore. Women are not allowed to enter Athos, and men need a kind of “visa” to visit the monasteries and monks.

Popular tours from Athos:

  • Athos: Glass-bottom boat tour and visit to the island of Ammouliani*
  • From Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Peninsula Sightseeing Boat Tour*
  • Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos cruise with visit to the island of Ammouliani*

1. Monastic Republic of Athos & Mount Athos

Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain, is an autonomous monastic republic and a unique place in the Greek region of Chalkidiki. It is one of the most famous and fascinating religious sites in the world. The history of Athos dates back to ancient times (an interesting documentary can be found here). Already in the Byzantine era, the region developed into a major center of Orthodox Christianity. Today, about 2,000 monks live on Athos in over 20 different monasteries, some of which are more than a thousand years old.

The monastic republic is considered a center of Orthodox monasticism and is under the special protection of the Greek Orthodox Church. Due to its spiritual significance and the desire to preserve the monks’ traditional way of life, women are not allowed to enter Athos. Male visitors require special permission to visit the peninsula. This restriction has contributed to the monasteries and their way of life remaining largely untouched over the centuries.

Monastic Republic of Athos & Mount Athos

Around 2,000 monks and over 20 monasteries

Each monastery on Athos has its own unique architecture and history. Many of these monasteries house valuable works of art, ancient manuscripts, iconographic treasures, and rich libraries that preserve the cultural heritage of Orthodox Christianity. In addition to its religious significance, the landscape of Athos also provides a stunning backdrop for visitors and pilgrims. The blend of deep blue sea, steep cliffs, and lush vegetation creates an idyllic and at times mystical atmosphere.

If you are male and want to visit the monastic republic, you must apply for a permit in advance. You can apply for this at the Office of the Holy Parish of Athos in Thessaloniki. The monasteries accept pilgrims free of charge. However, since there is only a certain quota per monastery, you should call the respective monastery in advance. You can find all the details and contact details here: Entry to Athos.

Athos Monastic Republic Border

2. Exploring Mount Athos by boat

There is still a great way to get to know the peninsula a little better. Excursion boats depart daily from Ouranoupoli, traveling along the coast and offering views of some impressive monasteries. We also took such a tour and were able to gain a better insight into the monastic republic. While most boats are quite large, with space for up to 300 people, unfortunately, there’s no other option. During the tour, you’ll learn some interesting background information about the monasteries and monks. Book our tour here*.

Athos Boat Tour Monks Republic Athos Boat Tour Monks Republic Athos Boat Tour Monks Republic

We booked our tour via Booked with GetYourGuide*. We set off at 9:30 a.m. from the port in Ouranoupoli. Along the way, we were able to see eight monasteries, including the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou, the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou, and the Holy Monastery of Panteleimonos. We also got a close-up view of the mighty Mount Athos. It’s also interesting to note that a boat with only male visitors is allowed to sail within 100 meters of the shore. A ship with both men and women on board must sail at least 500 meters from the shore. Our tour lasted around four hours. With a bit of luck—and unfortunately, we weren’t that day—you might even see dolphins during the trip.

Athos boat tour

3. The small town of Ouranoupoli

Ouranoupoli is a charming coastal village located at the entrance to the monastic republic of Athos. The name “Ouranoupoli” translates as “City of Heaven,” reflecting its spiritual significance and proximity to the Holy Mount Athos. It is the last port reached before entering the autonomous monastic republic. The village is therefore the starting point for pilgrims and visitors who wish to glimpse the religious heritage and fascinating landscape of Athos.

Although Ouranoupoli is a relatively small town, it offers a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The village’s main street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes selling local products, souvenirs, and delicious Greek food. The coastline is also lined with beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Overall, we found Athos to be very quiet and idyllic.

Ouranoupoli Athos Beach Ouranoupoli Athos Beach Ouranoupoli Athos Beach

4. The beautiful Trimi Beach

A highlight of our Chalkidiki tour was definitely the trip to Trimi Beach near Ouranoupoli. This beach, with its bizarre rock formations and crystal-clear water, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The scenery is dreamy, and for a brief moment, you feel like you’re far away from civilization. The journey there is a bit arduous, but it’s so worth it!

It’s best to park your car here. From there, a trail winds down to the water and the rocks. Walk left along the rocks and, just before the end, scramble up the rocky and stony slope. Once you reach the top, the path leads back down the rocks to Trimi Beach. Sturdy shoes are definitely a plus! There is no infrastructure whatsoever on site, so it is best to bring your own food and drink.

Trimi Beach Chalkidiki Trimi Beach Chalkidiki Trimi Beach Chalkidiki

5. Excursion to the Island of Amouliani

Located directly in the sea off Ouranoupoli is the small island of Amouliani, which boasts picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and turquoise waters. Ferries depart several times a day from the port of Tripiti and take you to the island in 10 to 15 minutes. A one-way trip costs only €3.50 per person (€10 per car). This way, you can take a leisurely trip to the neighboring island. Times and prices can be found here. You can also rent a small boat and sail to the islands’ beautiful bays yourself.

Chalkidiki Round Trip – Thessaloniki

We spent the last two nights in the bustling and large city of Thessaloniki. After all the beautiful natural highlights, it was initially a bit of a shock to be back in the city. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed our time there and explored some beautiful corners. Thessaloniki is a very urban, young, and cool city, once you look behind its historic facade. We recommend at least two days in the city, as there is truly a lot to discover.

Thessaloniki – Our Accommodation

We stayed at the Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel*, which is located in the heart of Thessaloniki. It wasn’t far from the main attractions. That was the main reason we chose this hotel. Our room was small, but had everything we needed for our last two nights: a shower and toilet, air conditioning, a comfortable double bed, good Wi-Fi, and a small refrigerator.

We especially liked the common area. Although our room wasn’t as nicely decorated as it appears in the pictures, it was still okay for our stay. In the morning, there was a small breakfast, which you could put together in advance using a kind of “order list.” We prefer the buffet format, but this worked too. Book a room here*.

Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel Thessaloniki

The most beautiful highlights in Thessaloniki

With almost 1.2 million inhabitants, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and an important metropolis in the country. It is located in northern Greece on the Thermaic Gulf and has a long history dating back to ancient times. Thessaloniki has rich cultural, historical, and economic significance and is a major center for education, culture, and trade. There’s plenty to see locally, including the famous Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine church with impressive mosaics, the Rotunda, an ancient circular structure, the Arch of Galerius, and the White Tower, the city’s symbol.

Thessaloniki View

The city is also known for its lively atmosphere, which is reflected in the many cafés, restaurants, and bars. Thessaloniki residents are proud of their culinary tradition, and the local cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes, from seafood to hearty meat dishes. In addition, Thessaloniki is a significant cultural center with numerous museums, theaters, and events. The annual Thessaloniki International Fair is one of the largest fairs in Southeast Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The city’s top highlights in brief:

  • Hagia Sophia
  • White Tower
  • Waterfront promenade
  • Rotunda & Arch of Galerius
  • Aristotle Square
  • Old Town (Ano Poli)
  • Heptapyrgiom & Acropolis
  • Ladadika district
  • Modiano and Kapani markets
  • and much more.

To keep this post short, we will soon write a separate post about Thessaloniki. There you will find all the highlights and our tips for cool cafés and restaurants. If you still have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment. We will try to respond as quickly as possible.

Thessaloniki Highlights White Tower Thessaloniki Highlights Old Town

Costs of our Chalkidiki Tour

We have once again noted our expenses to give you an overview of what such a tour might cost. Of course, these expenses depend on your budget, the length of your trip, the period of your trip, and your own requirements. This 10-day trip cost us a total of approximately €2,500 (€1,250 per person). We spent most of the money on our lovely accommodations and on visits to restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Review and Conclusion

What a wonderful Chalkidiki tour! We thoroughly enjoyed our time in northern Greece and can only recommend this destination to everyone. Whether as a couple, as a family, with friends, or alone – Chalkidiki is suitable for everyone. In our opinion, the peninsula offers the perfect mix of beach, culture, nature, and relaxation. Look forward to a diverse region with numerous great highlights, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, delicious food, and very friendly hosts.