The Sani Festival in Halkidiki will be celebrating its 30-year anniversary with a special performance by the world’s beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
Every summer, from July to August, Sani Festival at Sani Resort brings together Greek and international artists. Set in glorious open-air surroundings of the natural amphitheatre surrounding the castle ruins upon Sani Hill, this unique location provides the perfect atmospheric arena that holds up to 3,000 guests.
World’s leading tenor Andrea Bocelli
Rooted in jazz, the first Sani Festival took place in 1992 and since then, the programme has diversified and the venues expanded to accommodate a wide programme of music and performing arts, from classical music to modern dance and musical theatre.
“This year, 2022, we’ll be honouring the history of the Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a wonderful range of performances including Andrea Bocelli, who will put his signature on the last day of the celebratory Sani Festival on August 20th, the most anticipated music event of the summer! Recognised as an icon of the greatest Italian vocal tradition, he has managed to bring classical music to the top of the global charts, with albums like Romanza, Sacred Arias, Sì and Believe,” announced the organisers of the event this week.
From July 9 through to August 20, there will be a range of top-class concerts with some of the world’s best artists on stage from the jazz, pop and rock genre, including renowned musician Bob Geldof and the Bobkatz, Afro-Cuban artists Chuco Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera, beloved artist and a Greek audience favourite, Jack Savoretti; as well as leading Greek performers such as Manolis Mitsias, Christos Thivaios, Eleni Tsaligopoulou, Penni Baltatzi Dimitris Basis, Rena Morfi, Doros Dimosthenous, Rita Antonopoulou, Kostas Thomaidis and Kalliopi Pouska.
“This musical embrace of the Mediterranean is a tribute to Sani Festival in Halkidiki, which has always celebrated multiculturalism in music. With performances in Greek and foreign languages, the programme features songs much loved in our country and abroad,” conclude the event’s organisers.
Greece has ranked second in the world again for the “Blue Flag” quality award list of beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats.
The great news has come just in time for those deciding where to head for their summer swims; with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) announcing at a special event on Monday, that Greece was named second among 53 countries on the 2022 Blue Flag quality award list.
Coastal stretches across Greece have been awarded 581 flags, marinas have received 15 in total and six tourist boats have been accredited by the Blue Flag label, which corresponds to 14 percent of the total number of beaches awarded by the program this year.
Halkidiki’s beaches received the highest number of accolades with 96 flags, followed by Attica, Crete and Rhodes.
Spain has retained the title of world leader in Blue Flag awards in 2022 with the country’s beaches, marinas and tourist boats having received a total of 729.
The prestigious Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.
The International Jury Blue Flag 2022 for the northern hemisphere, chaired by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded 5,042 Blue Flags in 74 countries, 4,194 for beaches, 732 for marinas and 116 for tourist boats.
Sani Gourmet Festival, the internationally recognised gastronomic event of Sani Resort in Halkidiki, returns in 2022 for its 15th anniversary.
And this year, the fine-dining institution is celebrating the “Contemporary Greek Culinary Scene”, with nine of Greece’s leading chefs combining international influences and their own personal flair into well-known, authentic dishes that will be served to guests for what is set to be a memorable experience.
The Sani Gourmet Festival, which has been a successful event year in and year out, entices visitors from all over the world. This year it will take place from May 20 to 24, with five days of gourmet-related workshops, including; wine tastings, presentations and cooking demonstrations.
“Now in its fifteenth year, we’re proud to be celebrating the Greek culinary scene and welcoming Greece’s distinguished chefs from the 20th until the 24th of May at our acclaimed haute cuisine celebration, Sani Gourmet. Globally recognised for bringing together exciting, new chefs and already established culinary heavyweights, each chef will create a unique degustation menu paired with exceptional wines,” announced Sani Resort.
The A-list contemporary Greek chefs who will create degustation menus – inspired by their signature dishes and perfectly paired with Greek and International wine labels are- Sotiris Evaggelou, executive chef at Salonica; Liza Kermanidou, talented pastry chef from Pantechnicon / Café Kitsuné; Adam Kontovas, head chef at Kobra; Gikas Xenakis, head chef at Aleria ; Vasilis Mouratidis, executive chef of Squirrel & Andromeda; Dimitris Pamporis, executive chef at Treehouse / Bubo; Giorgos Papazacharias & Thanos Feskos, head chefs at Delta Restaurant; Manolis Papoutsakis, founder and chef at Haroupi / Ten Tables; and Alexandros Tsiotinis, executive chef and owner of CTC.
Dazzling deep blue waters, lush pine forests, luxurious hotels, award-winning fine dining restaurants, small coves with fish tavernas, chic beach bars, archaeological sites, traditional villages, and Holy Mount Athos; Halkidiki promises a wonderful getaway for all!
Set in the prefecture of Macedonia, Halkidiki (birthplace of famous Greek philosopher Aristotle) is divided into three peninsulas- Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos- also referred to as the “three legs.”
Just an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, it’s the perfect coastal getaway for locals in Northern Greece and the best way to get there is by driving along the provincial road 25, which begins from Thessaloniki International Airport and becomes more and more beautiful as you go along!
Discover the 20 Best Things to do in Halkidiki
Sail around Halkidiki
1. Be adventurous
Halkidiki offers many paths for mountain biking and hiking walks around the peninsulas on woodland tracks and along coastal pathways. The forests of Mount Holomontas in the centre of Halkidiki are the perfect escape destination for travellers who want to explore nature, including hiking trails, horseback riding, or hit the many mountain biking trails of Olympiada on Athos.
2. Explore a charming fishing village
Nea Fokea, a picturesque little harbour busy with fishing and sailing boats, offers beautiful views from its seaside promenade and an amazing sandy beach. Boasting a range of cafes and taverns on the seaside, it’s a charming spot with traditional narrow streets and home to some very important historical monuments, including the Byzantine-era Saint Paul’s Tower and Saint Paul’s Cathedral.
3. Visit a historic site
Arnea is a place that features Halkidiki’s traditional past blending in nicely with its modern-day vibe. The Ministry of Culture has declared Arnea a historic site because of its rich history and its important examples of traditional Macedonian architecture. Make sure to visit the Historic-Folklore Museum of Arnea, which is housed in the historic mansion known as the “Yiatradiko”. Also check out the old village school dated back to 1872, the small church of Agia Paraskevi, the church dedicated to Agios Stefanos and in Arnea you can learn about old-time crafts such as weaving.
4. Get up close to Petralona Cave
Named one of the most stunning caves in all of Europe, Petralona features stalactites that sparkle in the dark. What’s even more special is that hidden among the stalagmites, is a 700,000-year-old skull of an early human (Archanthrapus) that has been discovered. Aged 30-35 years, he was considered elderly for that time.
Visit one of the many vineyards
5. Set foot on Aristotle’s hometown
Macedonia is the birthplace of one of the greatest Greek philosophers. Near the village of Olympiada you will come across Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. In the village, you’ll find the Alsos of Aristotle, a park with a compass, pendulum and prism, highlighting Aristotle’s work that has become famous worldwide.
6. Travel to Nikiti
Stroll through the narrow paved alleys and admire the beautiful stone villas with their charming courtyards filled and blossoming flowers. Make sure to check out Agios Nikitas stone church and then to go down to an area that has a big red maple tree and sit at one of the local taverns and enjoy some traditional dishes.
7. Dive into the deep blue sea
Halkidiki offers an unlimited choice of water sports including windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, canoeing and kayaking. You can also hire a boat and sail around Mount Athos, or visit the Drena islet.
8. Enjoy local delicacies
Visit one of the many agricultural farms where you can take part in a cooking class and learn to prepare local dishes using fresh local produce. Halkidiki is famous for its olives, high-quality olive oil, artisan bread and gourmet cheeses, as well as for its traditional sweets and pastries. Whether in a traditional tavern, a local bakery or a gourmet restaurant, make sure to try as much of the local cuisine as you can. One of the best places to staple local delicacies is on the village of Arnea, famous for its honey, jams, wine, and tsipouro (as are most of the villages in Halkidiki).
9. Become a beekeeper for the day
Holy Mount Athos
The region is also well known for producing honey of the highest quality and if you want to experience something different head to the Mountain Holomontas in the centre of Halkidiki, where a friendly beekeeping family welcomes and invites you to visit their place, up to the mountain. Here they will show you what it takes to be a beekeeper; as you can be dressed in a beekeepers suit, to live and take part through all the special process of beekeeping.
10. Walk through the vineyards
The vineyards of central Halkidiki stretch from the low hills near the sea and the grape varieties are cultivated to produce the white Regional Wines of Halkidiki including Roditis and Sauvignon Blanc. The red Regional Wine of Halkidiki is produced from the Xinomavro, Grenache Rouge and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. One of our faves is the Metochi Mylopotomas wines, which are from Mount Athos.
Visit Seven Seals Microbrewery in the small town of Ierissos, where you can taste the first-ever local handcrafted Halkidiki beer. Located on the east coast of the Akti peninsula, Seven Seals recently opened to the public and is the perfect place to quench your thirst on a hot day.
12. Explore the Peninsula of Kassandra
Kassandra is Halkidiki’s popular peninsula famous for its buzzing beach bars and annual festivals. Make sure to visit Afitos, the traditional and most beautiful village of Kassandra. Located on the north-eastern side, Afitos has many historical Greek Orthodox churches, stone houses and cobbled alleys. Also, make your way over to the thermal spa of Agia Paraskevi, which offers rejuvenating treatments in its saunas, hydro massage facilities and hammams.
13. Wonder through Sithonia
Ekies All Senses Resort
With so many places to explore, visitors here are blown away by the small secluded bays that are surrounded by lush trees and other vegetation on Sithonia. Make sure to visit the village Parthenonas, which features stone houses, great local taverns, a museum, splendid sea views and magical sunsets. Porto Koufo village is also a great spot to taste freshly caught fish. At night make your way over to Nikiti, which has a chic new promenade lined with classy restaurants, all-day cafes and boutiques- here you can enjoy a drink while admiring the spectacular view.
14. View Mount Athos from a distance
The third finger is Athos, home to one of the most sacred monasteries in the world, Agios Oros- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Athos is made up of 24 monasteries, which can be viewed by sea on a coastal cruise; this is the only way for women to see the area as no women are permitted at Agios Oros- only men aged 18 and over are permitted to visit (and require permission before arriving). You can however visit Ouranoupoli the closest village to Agios Oros, which has a beautiful view of the islands of Ammouliani and Drenia. It also features the Byzantine tower of Prosforios and some local taverns and cafes.
15. Splurge on a luxury hotel
Halkidiki has a range of hotels to choose from and is home to many five-star luxury hotels that have become a popular option for many international guests.
Swim in the deep blue sea
Danai Beach Resort: Tucked away in its own little pocket of golden beach and pine forest in Nikiti, it includes a range of restaurants and private beaches.
Grecotel Margo Bay: With views of Kassandra Bay, rooms come with private balconies. The hotel has a range of restaurants and bars set by the water.
Eagles Palace: A family-owned, 5-star beach resort set next to the monastic state of Mount Athos, it features 157 rooms, suites and bungalows, plus a private sandy beach.
Ekies All Senses Resort: This luxury hotel has a beachfront location on the Gulf of Vourvourou in Sithonia and offers a beach bar, romantic sunsets and sea views.
Sani Resort:The family-run Sani Resort sits on an ecological reserve stretching across 1,000 acres, with endless golden beaches and is one of the most popular resorts for families.
Kavourotipes Beach
16. Swim in the bluest of blue waters
The list of beaches in Halkidiki really is endless and here are some that need to be added to your list-
Halkidiki is renowned for the many cool beach bars that are packed with locals and international visitors each year over summer. For those who love the buzzing vibe add these ones to your list- Manassu Beach Bar, MOA Beachbar, Orca Bar, Molos Seaside Bar, Agistri Bar, KOHI Beach bar, Navagos, Yalla Beach Bar, Agios Ioannis Beach Bar and Talgo Beach Bar.
18. Taste some of the most superb dishes
There is no shortage of great places to eat in Halkidiki, a place that boasts many award-winning restaurants. For all the foodies, these won’t disappoint- Tomata at Sani Marina, French restaurant Squirrel, Water Restaurant also serves French cuisine in Sani, check out Bubo Fine Dining, Marina in Potidea, Alexis at Sani Resort, H Marigoula in Polygiros and Boukadoura in Nikiti. We also highly recommend Oceanidis seafood tavern and Massalia in Nea Fokea and one of our absolute favourites is Sousourada in Afytos, which serves seasonal food made with locally sourced produce.
19. Jeep around town
Diaporos Islet
Explore Halkidiki on a Jeep safari through the hills of the Kassandra or Sithonia peninsula, this is a great way to explore all the charming villages and remote beaches.
20. Sail to a secret island
The beauty of the Diaporos and the surrounding tiny islets is a local secret that is shared only with those who often visit the area of Vourvourou for their summer getaways. This is an area that can only be experienced by boat, and those who do so, do not regret it.
Getting there
The airport closest to Halkidiki is Thessaloniki, from here we recommend hiring a car and making your way from there. Otherwise, you can catch a bus line 79A, which connects with KTEL Halkidiki.
Spring is a perfect season to explore Greece. Visitors who plan their holiday during this time enjoy the perfect temperature, the few crowds, and the beautiful blossoming surroundings. Check out our top picks for experiencing Greece before the high summer season!
Patmos
Part of the Dodecanese, Patmos is also known as the “Island of the apocalypse” and is of great biblical importance. With a strong spiritual character, the island plays host to many religious festivals and feasts, which are a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience the local traditions and history of Patmos. The capital, Chora, is not only the island’s centre of activities but also a very charming village. Its narrow alleys and the amazing view of the Aegean Sea make it a perfect place for wandering. When the sun is out, head to some of the beautiful beaches including Psili Ammos, Vaya, Kampi, or Psili. Drawing a cosmopolitan crowd, it is a place of unique beauty and a great spot to enjoy some wining and dining, especially in the Skala area.
Livadi Geranou beach @alistartayloryoungSkala Village @greeka
Nafplio
One of the most (if not the most) romantic towns in Greece, Nafplio is located in the Peloponnese and is only a two-hour drive from Athens. Stroll through the picturesque bougainvillea alleyways and stunning town square before you explore the magnificent history including the Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, the War Museum, a clock tower, a 12th century Byzantine church. Also, make sure you check out the wonderful museums and fantastic monuments. The weather usually warms up from early March and by end of April, you should be able to have a swim in warm water!
Mount Olympus
Olympus is known as a great winter spot however, here you can enjoy pristine nature all year round. With a maze of hiking trails that lead through fragrant forests, the trees are cut through with streams and waterfalls, and it looks magical throughout Spring. Explore Olympus’ wonderful nature that is filled with rich flora and fauna and head to the village of Litohoro, which is a great place to begin day trips and tours around the area and on the mountain.
Gytheio
This pretty port town (with an authentic Greek atmosphere) is ideal in the months of April and May. Boasting a wonderful range of seaside taverns, make sure you try some of the local delicacies and dishes; and in the evenings, have a cocktail at one of the all-day cafes/bars. Many visitors enjoy hiking around Gytheio and exploring the old footpaths that lead to historical churches, charming villages, secluded beaches, and breathtaking views of the sea. From here you can easily visit the nearby islands of Kythira and Antikythira.
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Nafpaktos
This gorgeous seaside town (once a famous navy battle) offers a relaxing vibe all year round. Nafpaktos is a buzzing and non-touristy seaside spot with a picturesque harbour filled with a range of wonderful restaurants and cafés. Conveniently located between Delphi and Olympia, it is a great place to explore nearby areas. Make sure you visit the Venetian Castle and when weather permits head to the beach of Psani (close to the main town) or drive to Chiliadou and Monastiraki.
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Halkidiki
Set in a peninsula in the north of Greece and consisting of three ‘legs’ which create a stunning endless coastline, Halkidiki feels like a dreamy island, even though it’s mainland. Home to natural thermal springs, beautiful beaches, and plenty of things to see and do. The Kassandra leg of Halkidiki is one of the most popular spots and is perfect for a Spring getaway; here you will find a variety of boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. From various wellbeing retreats to adventurous sports, here you can enjoy hiking, cycling, yoga, and many more outdoor activities. Explore the lush landscapes, and take a day trip to nearby Thessaloniki, Greece’s wonderful co-capital.
When it’s time to travel again, it’s time to go as green as possible. And we are already daydreaming of Greece’s best hotels that are leading the way in eco-friendliness!
Gone are the days where hotels were all about a stylish lobby and crisp white bedsheets. Today it’s about delivering unique hotel experiences with sustainability. Thankfully, hotels have realised that going green doesn’t mean cutting back on luxuries – and not only will it benefit our planet, but it will do our body, mind, and soul a world of good too. So we’ve rounded up nine of our favourite hotels in Greece that are putting sustainability first!
Eumelia Organic Agrotourism Farm, Laconia
Leading the way for Greek agro-tourism, Eumelia is a high-end, sustainable farming retreat in southern Greece. Set among rich olive groves and an abundance of fertile terrain, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in their farm-to-table philosophy. Fruit for breakfast is from the gardens and almonds are gathered each afternoon for a snack. Enroll in a cooking workshop or hike up famous Mount Taygetos, where you’ll be met with panoramic views of Laconia. You can also join yoga retreats, workshops, and events for well-being.
Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas, Ioannina
Having received many international awards for sustainable development, this resort located in the region of Zagori blends in with its natural surroundings and reflects the architectural aesthetics of nearby villages. Aristi is built in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape and the local architectural style. Only local materials, stone, and wood were used for the interior and exteriors of the resort. The operational needs of the buildings are both environmentally sustainable and with a very low impact on nature. Wastewater is processed to ensure that released water is as clean as possible, all materials are recycled, staff are all locals and all dishes served to guests are made with locally produced ingredients. Aristi is included in the 21 most environmentally friendly places in the world, according to National Geographic.
Ekies All Senses Resort, Halkidiki
Set in Sithonia, Ekies All Senses Resort is a family-friendly spot where guests can relax and unwind. With a desire to blend seamlessly into the environment, it’s more like a cozy beach house than a luxury resort, perfect for those who prefer a more casual vibe. Constructed with sustainable and eco-friendly materials (think Greek marble, recycled pine planks, and rattan furniture) the resort has a minimal waste policy and the chefs here use products picked from their own vegetable and herb garden.
Coco-Mat Eco Residences, Serifos
Coco-Mat’s design team was very careful about every piece displayed here and furniture is made with natural materials, such as cotton, silk, coconut fibres, herbs, wool, and linen. Architect George Zafirious followed bioclimatic architecture principles to ensure that natural air conditioning flows throughout the spaces, while ample natural light floods the two-storey apartments. Brushed concrete floors, bleached cotton, and up-cycled wooden furniture complete the bohemian feel.
Eagles Palace, Halkidiki
Eagles’ vision is to contribute to a green, eco-friendly presence on the Athos Peninsula. One of the first Greek eco-hotels, here beach-cleaning initiatives are regularly organised with local primary schools and a huge emphasis is placed on local produce, as dishes are served with herbs grown from neighbouring gardens, and olive oil is harvested from the surrounding groves. Located in Halkidiki, it’s home to unspoiled landscapes, history, and culinary delights. Here you are footsteps away from a Blue Flag Beach, which ensures a gold standard worldwide for environmentally safe, clean water beaches.
Levendis Estate, Ithaca
Perched on Ithaca’s hillside, Levendis is backed by mountains and spectacular seascape vistas. With a unique collection of activities, the hotel boasts farming cottages that are hidden within enchanting gardens that overlook the infinity pool. You can completely disconnect as there is no WiFi, while farming influences flow through the entire estate, with a focus on preventing water waste. Birdlife contributes to the compost system and 100% natural cleaning products are used throughout, while water from nearby Kalamos spring is said to offer healing properties.
Native Eco Villa, Santorini
Offering three private designer villas, all situated in Imerovigli, Native Eco’s unique Cycladic architecture blends in beautifully with modern decor. The villas are recognised for their ecologically friendly building technique and materials. This was the first property on Santorini to be awarded the “Green Key” accolade, which has lead the way in promoting eco-friendly practices. Only materials from the island have been used to carve out this slice of Cycladic luxury. Expect white walls, sumptuous Coco-Mat linens, and artisan seagrass baskets.
Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel, Crete
The adults-only Royal Marmin Bay overlooking the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda Crete architecturally blends in with the natural environment and is one of the first energy-efficient, ecologically green hotel in Greece that offers ideal five-star choices for those searching for both relaxation and luxury. Offering guests five types of accommodation options, the hotel’s eco-philosophy features energy-autonomous rooms and smart architectural choices offering accommodation in a clean environment.
To Armiro Boutique Houses, Naxos
These picturesque beach houses in Plaka are a footstep away from the sea. Found in an idyllic place suitable for the entire family, To Armiro’s five unique villas have a small private garden full of local flora. The Cycladic architecture and the unobstructed view of the Aegean Sea, all contribute to providing a lasting memory of Naxos’ breathtaking landscape. Characterized by its eco-friendly construction and its distinguished material and furniture, it comes equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and features ceiling fans for cooling. The breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients such as organic olive oil, honey, and traditional Naxian cheese.
With breathtaking sea views, laid-back vibes, and lush cocktails- there are so many beautiful beachfront bars all over Greece, where you can relax and unwind all day and night! And although the list can go on forever, we’ve rounded up our Top 20!
Hydronetta, Hydra
Embraced by rocks and enwrapped by the sea of Hydra, this beach offers a magical spot to swim and dive. And when you are done you can sit at one of the little tables shaded with straw umbrellas to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Scorpios, Mykonos
This bohemian-luxe social club by the sea comes complete with a restaurant, boutique, bar, and event space. It’s one of the island’s most popular spots, so it’s a good idea to get here early over the peak summer season.
image @annabellkutucu
Ftelia, Mykonos
Retro hues of ochre and burnt orange add a summery warmth to this beach bar that has talented chefs on site creating fresh seafood dishes and homemade desserts to accompany your drink of choice.
Nammos, Mykonos
This is where the world’s rich and famous gather every summer to enjoy the much-loved Mykonos vibe. From Jon Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey to the world’s best football players and Victoria’s Secret models- you are bound to spot a celebrity.
La Grotta Beach Bar, Corfu
Built in the 60s in a little cove near Paleokastritsa, this cool beach bar still draws huge crowds each summer. The bar is open all summer long from morning until late at night so you can have an exotic cocktail overlooking the illuminated bay below.
Piedra del Mar, Corfu
This exclusive beach bar is set over three levels. Starting with the sun loungers, located a step away from the sea, it continues to a lounge bar for drinks and ends with a fine restaurant for a late lunch or dinner.
Copla Beach Bar, Lefkada
Set right next to Kathisma, one of the most striking beaches on the Ionian, this beautifully designed bar compliments the stunning surroundings.
Sorokos Bar, Koufonisia
Set right next to the beach, this bar offers the most relaxing summer afternoons, while your nights will liven up with the music of their guest DJs and superb cocktails.
Krabo, Athens Riviera
Perfectly located on a secluded bay in the exclusive Kavouri area, here you can soak up the Greek sun on full-service sunbeds and wooden cabanas or head to the restaurant to enjoy a Mediterranean lunch or dinner under the pergola.
Astir Beach Bar, Athens Riviera
A high-end beach bar with stylish cabanas, here you can sit back and unwind as waiters take your order.
Ciel, Syros
This romantic all-day restaurant and beach bar in the heart of Syros serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes, plus lush cocktails and a huge selection of Greek wines.
Kalypso Beach, Crete
This is one of the most unique beaches in Greece. Set in its own secret cove a short drive from the beach village of Plakias in Crete, you come here to swim, snorkel, soak in the sun while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Agistri Bar, Halkidiki
For a casual place to spend all day and night in Halkidiki, head to Agistri, where the water is crystal clear and the vibe is refreshing.
KOHI Beach Bar, Halkidiki
This bar is located on one of the most beautiful beaches of Halkidiki. The blue water and the pines that almost reach the sea make this majestic spot one of a kind!
Sotos Beach Bar, Aegina
Located in Agia Marina, here sunbeds spread over formations of rocks, and the sea is entered into by diving off them. Then sit back and enjoy drinks and casual dishes as you watch the sunset.
Soros Beach, Antiparos
For a casual yet chic experience, head to Soros where you are served refreshing tailor-made cocktails and a great selection of regional and international wines.
Kaiki Beach Club, Spetses
A short walk away from the centre of Spetses town, you can chill out on comfortable wooden cushioned loungers or a cabana, as the beach attendants will serve you anything you choose from the beach bar or restaurant menu, until sundown.
Tinos Surfing Lessons, Tinos
Kolymbithra is one of the best beaches in Tinos and Tinos Surf Lessons beach bar makes it even more unique. A small camper van converted into a bar, the wooden tables and chairs and umbrellas shaped like mushrooms and woven by local basket-makers make this small beach bar a place you will never forget.
Kavos Lounge Bar, Skyros
From stepped terraces cut out of the rocks, you can dive straight into the sea and jump onto a paddleboard. Then you can make your way back up and enjoy the views while sipping on a cocktail.
Limanakia Vouliagmenis Bar, Athens Riviera
Set between the coastal suburbs of Varkiza and Vouliagmeni, by day, you can swim off the rocks and at night you can enjoy a drink as you sit back and take in the Athens Riviera.
Those of you who travel frequently to Halkidiki, surely have heard of Diaporos, a small island opposite the village of Vourvourou, where the beaches boast crystal clear turquoise waters.
By Maria Athanasopoulou
The beauty of the Diaporos and the surrounding tiny islands is a local secret that is shared only with those who often visit the area of Vourvourou for their summer getaways. This is an area that can only be experienced by boat, and those who do so, do not regret it.
In fact, in recent years, boat rental companies have increased their activity to Vourvourou, since the interest of visitors has increased every year, as many tourists want to see up close the beautiful small islands of the area.
Last year, we decided to take a daily cruise in the waters of the Diaporos, and imagine our joy when we learned we can in fact rent a boat for the entire day, that does not require a skipper! So, we started very early in the morning, departing from Thessaloniki and in about an hour and a half, arrived at the boat rental company we had chosen, in Vourvourou!
Initially, the manager showed us the basics and we went for a short walk to steer the boat in front of him (we were two families with one boat each and two aspiring drivers for each boat). The boat had a 30-horsepower engine and was really easy to drive, as long as you realise that this is not a toy and you do not need to go too fast. We must respect others in the water, the environment and always be careful when driving!
After the boat’s demonstration was over, we loaded our belongings and our all-day cruise in the waters of the diaspora began! First of all, for those who want to have a comfortable experience, make sure you have with you your hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Also, be prepared that when you are on a boat for many hours it will be somewhat different from when you are on the ground. You will be spending a lot of time in the water so if you get seasick, it may be an idea to be prepared for hours in the sea.
Our first stop was at a beach of Diaporos, with green shallow waters, which was amazing! Since we also had small children with us, a shallow beach was the appropriate solution, especially since the children could get on and off safely from the boat and enjoy the sea! We stayed there for almost four hours, enjoying the pristine waters of the Diaporos island and the experience of getting to remote beaches.
We enjoyed the sea and some lunch, which we had prepared (the portable refrigerator with snacks, ice water, soft drinks, coffee, etc. is necessary when you are on a boat all day and visiting pristine beaches that are not organised and have no taverns or beach bars). We boarded the boat again and for about four hours we toured all the area, seeing as many beaches as we could and admiring the natural beauty of this area. We dropped anchor wherever took our fancy and dived into the green waters. We swam in gorgeous places, took many photos, captured short videos and made memories as we enjoyed riding the boat at sea!
It was an unprecedented experience for all. A unique way of seeing many places that we would not have been able to get to without a private boat. After that, we decided that every summer from now on, we will rent a small boat, so that we can visit other places with unspoiled natural beauty- that aren’t very crowded!
Maria Athanasopoulou is the founder of the tourism marketing company Respond On Demand. She is also the founder of the non-profit urban company Top Tourism. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the World Food Travel Association and she is also a Master Culinary Travel Professional. She serves as an ambassador of the World Gourmet Society in Greece and Cyprus, and she also serves as an ambassador of Green Destinations. She has given seminars for tourism professionals, as well as many speeches and presentations on tourism issues, in events in Greece and abroad. She is also a Sustainable Tourism marketing expert.
If you aren’t already aware of it, you will very soon come across it. Greeks and their knowledge.
Whether it’s regarding their ancient Greek ancestors, modern history, politics, or literature, they are walking encyclopedias of everything they have contributed to the world. It can be overwhelming finding yourself on the receiving end of a flurry of facts and figures. To make sure you know a thing or two about Ancient Greek philosophy, and be able to hold your own in conversation, here is a crash course on the most famous Greek philosophers- making it easier for you to discover more about the birthplace of modern philosophy during your next visit to Greece.
Aristotle
Artistotle in Aristotle Square Thessaloniki
Considered the father of Western philosophy, Aristotle was born in 384 BC Stagira, Halkidiki in Northern Greece and was the founder of the Lyceum, the Peripatetic School of Philosophy and the Aristotelian tradition. Taught by Plato, he became Alexander the Great’s teacher and was the first to develop a formal system for reasoning. He observed that the deductive validity of any argument can be determined by its structure rather than its content.
Famous quote–“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Visit- The Statue of Aristotle in Aristotle Square. Located in Thessaloniki, the central square is named on honour of Aristotle. The statue appears to be holding a pergamine paper in his left hand while his right hand rests with serenity on a higher marble base.
Socrates
Socrates at the Academy of Athens
Born in Athens in 399 BC, Socrates is considered to be the father of Western philosophy, and being the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought. Plato was his most famous student. Unlike many philosophers of his time, Socrates focused on ethics and how people should behave rather than on the physical world. He said that happiness came from leading a moral life rather than material possessions and encouraged people to pursue justice and goodness rather than wealth and power.
Famous quote- “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Visit – The Academy of Athens is Greece’s national academy and the highest research establishment in the country. The Academy’s main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens and features the Statue of Socrates.
Plato
Plato at the Academy of Athens
Born in 428 BC, Plato founded the first institute of higher learning in the Western World, the Academy in Athens. He believed that ruling a state must not be based on persuasion but on wisdom. Giving his theories a metaphysical aspect, Plato believed that two parallel worlds exist, the real world and the world we live in, which is a reflection of the real world. Like this dualism of reality, Plato also believed that humans are of a dual nature: body and mind.
Famous quote- “Love is a serious mental disease.”
Visit- The Statue of Plato in front of the Academy of Athens
Hippocrates
Not quite a philosopher, this physician features on our list because of the impact his medical philosophies made on the world. Regarded as the father of medicine, Hippocrates
was born in 460 BC on the island of Kos. He based his medical practice on observations and on the study of the human body. He held the belief that illness had a physical and a rational explanation and believed that the human body has the power to heal itself. According to Hippocrates, all is a matter of balance between the four elements of the body and people become ill when the balance was disrupted. To restore this balance, he didn’t use drugs, except for natural extracts and soothing balms.
Famous quote- the Hippocratic Oath. A modern version of the Hippocratic oath is still taken by medical students today and begins with “I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant. One of the promises within that oath is “first, do no harm.”
Visit- The Tree of Hippocrates in Kos is the plane tree under which, according to legend, Hippocrates taught his pupils the art of medicine. With a crown diameter of about 12 metres it is said to be the largest plane trewme in Europe.
