Central Macedonia Best Destinations

The sunrise over the cliffs of Mount Athos while the sun is reflecting at the calm waters of the Aegean sea.

Mount Athos

Area / Peninsula

The Holy Mountain is a monastic state of pristine beauty without much technology. No women are allowed in, and men follow the monks' program.

A rural narrow road among the dense vegetation and the mountain range of Olympus in the background..
photo: afilitos

Mount Olympus

Area / Peninsula

Home of the Greek Gods and numerous endemic species, Olympus is just excellent for trekking. Do not skip a visit to Dion - you will love it.

Mostly a winter destination thanks to two neighboring ski resorts; in Naousa, you can also visit Aristotle's School and enjoy hiking and wines.

An absolute hidden gem in terms of natural beauty, delicious food, and astonishing beaches, this place is the only inhabited island of Halkidiki.

This is a cute town close to the tomb of Alexander the Great's father. If here, enjoy your walks in the Jewish Quarter of Barbouta and visit museums.

This traditional settlement of mountainous Halkidiki is famous for its architecture and picturesque surrounding landscape. Explore on foot and by car.

A cute town made more interesting by many choices present close by: beaches, an impressive medieval castle, and almighty Olympus, Home of the Gods.

In Olympus' shadow, Litochoro stands out for its elegant blending of mountain and sea, jungly green beaches, as well as for its delicious food.

Close to the famous philosopher's birthplace, here you will find Aristotle's Theme Park, a series of beaches, and boat tours to Mount Athos.

Do you want to visit antiquities, eat well, and party hard? This large coastal city has a distinctive multicultural past and renowned nightlife.

The beach of Katerini is so popular that, in time, it grew into a village offering accommodation, restaurants, and other services to those visiting.

A panoramic photo depicting the houses of Asprovalta with the sea and the mountains as a background.
photo: Knop92

Asprovalta

Village

This coastal town attracts many local and Balkan tourists and offers experiences that range from waterfalls and beaches to lakes and ancient ruins.

If you prefer natural beauty and nightlife, Sithonia is abundant with isolated beaches, glamorous beach bars, and scenic drives. Best for families.

An aerial photo of one of the most famous beaches of Halkidiki, the beach of Afitos.

Kassandra Halkidiki

Area / Peninsula

With incredible beaches and nightclubs, Kassandra is a fitting choice for young people. That said, many calm villages make it a family destination too.

Here you can visit waterfalls and thermal springs, and enjoy the town's traditional architecture and a viewpoint. A ski resort is open in the winter.

If you are trapped in Thessaloniki during summer, Nea Kalikratia is your easy escape to an OK beach. It's well-organized and superbly family-friendly.

This is a busy fishing port with a promenade and an abundance of seafood restaurants and fish barbeques. Some tourists use it as a base for day trips.

An overview of the city of Polygyros surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation.
photo: Luc.T / CC BY 2.0

Polygyros

Town

The proof that Halkidiki is not only about beach life, Polygyros dominates with its mountainous landscape and culture as well as its hiking paths.

A village famous for its canal that connects the Thermaic with the Toroneos gulf. It has decent beaches, lovely beach bars, and good tavernas.

The town offers glimpses into Greece's Ottoman past, but it's mostly known for its lively nightlife, river fish restaurants, and live music bands.

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