Things to do in Halkidiki

Board a sightseeing boat cruise and explore the southwest side of the Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. Marvel at the rugged landscape and be amazed by the legacy of those who, over a thousand years ago, managed to construct these spectacular buildings. During the cruise, see 8 monasteries from a close distance from the boat, including the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou, the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou and the Holy Monastery of Panteleimonos, amongst several others. Learn about the history of these religious sites from the onboard commentary. Discover more about the restrictions on entering this sacred area, as well as more information about the monastic lives of its inhabitants If you are lucky, you may also spot some dolphins throughout the cruise. Enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the coastline and the Aegean Sea throughout the journey.

Take part in a guided sightseeing cruise around Mount Athos bay in Halkidiki to view the imposing western part of the Holy Mountain Athos in a Glassbottom vessel. On Tuesdays, the tour stops at the center of the village of Ammouliani, while on Thursdays and Sundays, it stops at Alykes beach. After getting the chance to see 6 out of 9 of the local monasteries, take some fantastic photos as your boat passes the gorgeous Drenia islets or Donkey Islands as the locals refer to them.  Explore the majestic island of Ammouliani by stopping there for 1.5 hours where you'll have the opportunity for swimming or to have lunch. 

Begin your adventure at Mikro Karydi beach in Vourvourou. Upon meeting you, your guide will ensure that you have all the equipment necessary for an enjoyable kayaking tour. The guide will also show you some basics about the kayak to ensure your safety throughout. Each double kayak has a portable cool-box containing sandwiches, fruit, bottles of water, and juice. Set off from Karydi beach, the most famous beach of Halkidiki, to see even more beautiful beaches along the way. Your first stop will be on the South beach of Diaporos island. Here, you will have some free time to explore the beach, take photos, swim, snorkel, and relax. You will also have the chance to discover the eastern side of Diaporos island Then, pick up your paddles again and head to Mirsini beach. After some free time here, you will make one more stop on a very small and wonderful beach on Kalamonisia island. Finally, return to Mikro Karydi where you will take a commemorative group photo and receive a surprise gift.

Delight in a fun cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat from Ouranoupoli's port to the famous beaches of Sithonia and the islands of Vourvourou and Diaparos. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and savor a traditional Greek barbecue meal for lunch. Board a glass-bottom boat from the port of Ouranoupoli and set sail. Pass over the most famous reef of the area and admire the yellow corals. Travel to the second peninsula of Halkidiki, Sithonia, and take some photos of the picture-perfect beaches. Next, stop at the Blue Lagoon for 2 hours. Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the bay at a depth of 2 meters. After swimming and snorkeling, replenish your energy with a barbecue full of traditional Greek flavors, such as souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. Enjoy a glass of wine and beverages for your children with your meal, but inform the local partner a few days in advance if you require a vegetarian meal. Once you've had your lunch, make your way to Alikes beach on Ammouliani. Stop for 1.5 hours for more swimming opportunities at the port of the lagoon, or sip a cocktail at one of the various beach bars. The tour concludes with a return to Ouranoupolis in the evening.

During the 3-hour class, learn the basic rules about scuba equipment and practice essential diving skills in the shallows, before going on a unique, guided, and safe underwater adventure with your PADI instructor. Get the experience of personalized training as you dive in small groups of 3 students or fewer. Progress at your own pace while you meet new friends. The dive site is selected for its ideal conditions for beginners and abundant sea life. The area is well known for its crystal clear water assuring excellent visibility, the absence of currents and of dangerous species and the easy access to a multitude of dive sites. See all the typical marine life in the Mediterranean sea: octopuses, sea anemones, starfishes, moray eels, sea slugs (nudibranchs), and a lot of fish varieties swimming around you. The program is aimed at beginners, so no license or previous experience is needed. All diving equipment is provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old which makes it an experience suitable for the whole family. Furthermore, once you realize that you want to become PADI certified, you will have already done the first step. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program can be credited towards your PADI Open Water Diver course, the world's most popular and widely recognized scuba course.

Book a glass-bottom boat tour to Mount Athos and admire the breathtaking view of the monasteries from the water. Enjoy a cruise suitable for women and families who are not allowed to visit Mount Athos for religious reasons. Enjoy a cruise around the imposing western part of the Holy Mountain Athos. Take in views of the breathtaking holy monasteries of Halkidiki and be amazed by the unprecedented natural beauty of the stunning coastline and ocean views on the horizon. Listen to live traditional music when on the boat. Take advantage of the onboard bar, where you can buy food, soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks.

Swim in refreshing waters, snorkel with colorful marine life, and savor a delicious meal on the beach with this cruise. Travel from Thessaloniki to Ormos Panagias in comfort aboard an air conditioned bus and cruise to Ammouliani on a sightseeing boat. Start your unforgettable day with a transfer form Thessaloniki city to Ormos Panagias from where your cruise will begin. Feel the wind in your hair as you sail to Ammouliani, a beautiful island complex where the boat stops at a charming village where you can take a short walk. Head to Banna Beach for two hours of free time. Soak up some sun, go for a swim in crystal-clear waters, and snorkel. Next have a mouth-watering lunch right on the beach (included in the price). On your way back to Ormos Panagias, enjoy 30 minutes in the turquoise waters close to Vourvourou and between Diasporos islands.

Climb aboard an elegant sailing boat in the port of Nea Fokea and sail along the stunning coastline of Chalkidiki. Make your way to the village of Afytos, where you can cool down with a swim in the crystal clear waters and soak up the scenery. Continue to Kriopigi and go ashore to enjoy a refreshing drink at a small beach bar. Get served a fruit salad and enjoy another swim or top up your tan in the sun. Next, feast from a lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit with water, wine, apple juice, coffee and iced tea at Kalithea Beach Cruise back along the coast and get dropped off at the port of Nea Fokea in the late afternoon at the end of your amazing experience.

Following early morning pick-up from central locations in Thessaloniki, travel by luxury air-conditioned bus to Ormos Panagias in the northeast of the Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki. Climb aboard a boat and sail towards the south of the Athos Peninsula, soaring to a maximum altitude of 2,033 meters. Continue north along the western coast and admire the mysterious and miraculous mountain that has been the center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism for centuries.  At the end of an approximately 4-hour cruise, stop in the village of Ouranoupoli. Enjoy some free time to discover the beautiful village at your own pace. Go for a stroll, browse the little shops or eat a traditional meal at one of the best taverns in the village. Return to Ormos Panagias as you are treated to a wonderful program of traditional dances and Greek music. Arrive in Ormos Panagias at around 17:00, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Thessaloniki.

Visit hotspots only the locals know about during this off-road Jeep safari tour. With an experienced driver and guide you will get to explore unknown landmarks such as the village of Kassandrino, a prehistoric volcanic lake, Agia Paraskevi, and eat a delicious lunch at a family-owned tavern. Start your day of adventure at 9:00 AM by meeting your guide in front of your hotel. Your guide will introduce you to the day's itinerary before you set-off on your expedition. Stop at the old village of Kassandrino and witness one of the oldest temples in the area. Learn the history of the village while tasting local products from nearby farmers. Commence your off-road experience whilst travelling to a prehistoric volcanic lake. Spot beautiful turtles bathing and swimming in its waters. Continue on to the highest point of Kassandra. This is the perfect spot to see all 3 Peninsulas at the same time and some of the North Aegean islands. Follow an uncharted path through a pine forest to the south side of Kassandra and see the volcanic area of Agia Paraskevi. Climb down to the West Coast and enjoy your final stop at a family tavern with views of the gorgeous ocean. Enjoy a relaxing drive back down the West Coast to return to your starting destination.