The prefecture of Chalkidiki is located in Central Macedonia. It borders to the north with the prefecture of Thessalonica, to the east with the Peninsula of Agio Oros and it is bathed by the Gulf of Orfanos, while to the west it is bathed by the Thermaikos Gulf and to the south by the Aegean Sea.

Seat of the prefecture: Polygyros
Prefecture population: 104.894 (2001 census)
Distance of the prefecture seat from Athens: 546 km

The main areas of the prefecture are: Afytos, Ierissos, Kalandra, Kallithea, Kassandria, Neos Marmaras, Ouranoupoli, Polygyros, Porto Carras.

The prefecture of Chalkidiki is highly developed touristically, thanks to its abundant natural beauty, its extensive and beautiful beaches, and the verdant green landscape reaching all the way to the coastline, its rich history, the good road network, and its proximity to city of Thessalonica. It is an ideal destination for short or long vacations.

Polygyros is the seat of the prefecture, a beautiful town with excellent climate, large parks and abundant running waters, amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Prophitis Ilias, offering a magnificent view to the three peninsulas of Chalkidiki (the peninsulas of Cassandra, Sithonia, Agio Oros). Worth visiting are the church of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicolas), the country churches of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and Prophitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) and the area Paleoporta, where ruins of ancient Apollonia have been unearthed. In the archaeological museum of Polygyros you can admire important findings.

The picturesque town of Arnea is located in the northern part of the prefecture, built in a green landscape, well known for its traditional settlement and the fruit and wines production. A visit to the internationally famous Cave of Petralona is an absolute must.

In Afytos, you can visit the settlement of Athytos, the church of Agios Dimitrios (St. Demetrius) and the Folk Museum, as well as the springs of Vryssitsa and Moudouno. Kalandra is an organized tourist resort of Cassandra, where you can see the ruins of the ancient town Mendi, the lighthouse at Posidi and the churches of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and Kimissi Theotokou (Dormition of Virgin Mary). The cosmopolitan area of Kallithea boasts a beautiful beach with clear blue waters, as well as with archaeological sites such as the ruins of the Temple of Ammon Zeus and the temple of Dionysus and the Nymphs.

Kassandria is an organized tourist resort. Here, the pine trees embrace the clear blue sea offering a landscape of abundant natural beauty. You can explore the slab-paved little streets among the traditional houses and visit the 19th century windmill and the churches of Agios (St.) Athanassios and Gennisis Theotokou (Birth of Virgin Mary).

Neos Marmaras is one of the best-known tourist resorts of Macedonia, as it offers beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and also a lively night life. You can visit the old settlement of Parthenonas and the famous hotel complex of Porto Carras in the eastern part. In the town of Agios Nikolaos, you will surely be impressed by the 19th century houses, the little church of Agios Georgios, the area of Pyrgos, as well as the ruins of a early Byzantine fortress.

The seaside town of Ierissos is a modern vacation resort. It is worth visiting the ruins of the ancient town of Akanthos, the Byzantine castle in Krouna, the ruins of the castle in Kotsaki and the church of Agios Dimitrios (St. Demetrius), which is now a protected monument, after suffering extensive damage in the 1932 earthquake.

In Ouranoupoli, which is well known for its beach, you can visit the Tower of Prosforios, the biggest of the prefecture, and Frangokastro, a castle before the boundaries of Agio Oros. Form Ouranoupoli there are daily departures of little boats to Agio Oros.

The verdant little Ammouliani Island lies in the Gulf of Agio Oros and it is an ideal place for quiet holidays.

Other areas with points of interest, natural beauty and historical monuments are: Galatista, Metamorfossi, Nea Kallikratia, Nea Moudania, Nea Olynthos, Nea Plagia, Nea Potidea, Nea Roda, Nea Skioni, Nea Fokea, Nikiti, Olympiada, Polychrono, Sarti, Sykia.

Besides its enchanting beaches, where you can enjoy the sun and the sea and practice water sports, the prefecture of Chalkidiki offers many interesting options for alternative tourism in unspoiled nature, with activities such as climbing, hiking, MTB, etc. Here you can also find a variety of taverns, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs where you can relax and enjoy. The good hotel infrastructure and the modern tourist facilities will offer you the ideal combination of luxury and comfort.

The prefecture of Chalkidiki, with the landscapes of unique beauty, the rich history, the important archaeological sites and monuments, the exquisite beaches, the picturesque settlements with traditional architecture and throbbing night-life is a paradise on earth inviting you to experience unique moments!

How you can get here:

By road:

By bus: There is frequent daily service with KTEL busses from Athens to Thessalonica. From Thessalonica there is daily bus service to Chalkidiki.

By car: You can get to Chalkidiki by car: