The stunning region of Chalkidiki is situated in central Macedonia and consists of the Kassandra peninsula, the Sithonia peninsula, and Mount Athos. Chalkidiki is a popular tourist region with many resorts and lovely beaches. It is easily accessible from Thessaloniki, the second largest Greek city. Due to its large size, tourism in Chalkidiki has spread all around. The first peninsula is the busiest, while the second peninsula is less frequented but equally beautiful. Holidays in Chalkidiki are full of amazing days on the beach and long romantic nights.

More specifically, the first leg of Chalkidiki is Kassandra and has popular tourist resorts with organized beaches. The second leg is Sithonia, with less organized resorts and more secluded coves. The third leg, Mount Athos, is a closed monastic community where entrance inside is allowed after special permission to male visitors only. The boat trip from Ouranoupolis is a must-do experience. The boat takes you on a tour around Mount Athos, a region with lovely beaches and impressive Byzantine monasteries.

Mount Athos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054. Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The so-called ‘Holy Mountain,’ which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. The layout of the monasteries (about 20 of which are presently inhabited by some 1,400 monks) had an influence as far afield as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art.