Chalkidiki vacations
Chalkidiki is the peninsula with the characteristic of three fingers named as legs by Greeks as appears on the map of Greece and which is stretched into the Aegean Sea.
It is located in Northern Greece, roughly in the center of Macedonia.
To the North it shares borders with the prefecture of Thessaloniki, the country second largest city.
To the South, East and West Chalkidiki juts into the Aegean Sea.
The main peninsula terminates in three smaller ones, namely Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, well known as the Holy Mountain, an independent administrative district.
Its winding coastline is marked by four sizeable gulfs, the Thermaic Gulf to the west, the Gulf of Orfanou to the east as well as the Gulf of Toroni and
the Mt Athos Gulf in the south.
According to latest statistical data of the National Statistical Services, Chalkidiki has a population of about 80000 inhabitants.
The capital city is Polygyros. The vast majority of the locals are Christian Orthodox and the currency is Euro since 1 January 2001.
The prefecture of Chalkidiki covers an area of 2886 square kilometers.
Its special shape resembles a trident piercing the Aegean.
Due to the area geomorphology, Chalkidiki has the longest stretch of coastline in mainland Greece, estimated to be more than 500 km of sandy beaches and attractive bays.
To the north of the coastal region the country becomes mountainous.
In the center of the prefecture lies Mount Holomodas or Holomontas 1165 m and at the eastern lies Mount Athos 2033m.
Recently, Chalkidiki was divided in 14 municipalities.
Chalkidiki can be easily accessed by car and bus, with regular bus schedules.
It is also very close to Thessaloniki about 60 km and the airport Macedonia.
The road network is among the best in Northern Greece.
However, its close distance to Thessaloniki results in traffic congestion during high season periods.
In Chalkidiki you see combinations of golden sandy beaches, crystal-like sea and half-mountainous ground.
These combinations are the first impressions that makes visitors to love this place.
The Mediterranean climate, unrivalled natural beauty of sea and sun in all the traditional villages,
historical value along with the modern resort capacities, attract more and more tourists every year.
Chalkidiki is the place that matches everybody lifestyle.
Chalkidiki is the ideal place for couples and families who like excursions, nature, swimming, sunbathing and water sports activities.
Also for those who like glamour resorts or an exciting nightlife in modern and exotic summer clubs, Chalkidiki is definately the place to go.