The Area
When we think of Greece, the iconic blue and white colors of Cycladic architecture often come to mind, harmoniously blending history, landscape, and climate. However, Halkidiki offers a different perspective—one that contrasts lush greenery and rolling hills with stunning coastal scenery and crystal clear waters. With its vast pine forests, and even oak and chestnut trees in the northern part—many of which are classified as Natura 2000 reserves—Halkidiki will surprise you with its natural beauty, revealing a side of Greece rarely seen on postcards.
Halkidiki is a peninsula composed of three sub-peninsulas, commonly referred to as “legs”:
Kassandra, “the Mythical” – our home base
Sithonia, “the Unexplored”
Athos, “the Holy”
Located in the northeastern Mediterranean, this region is rich in history attracting visitors from all over the world. Halkidiki and more particulary Kassandra, offers a wide range of accommodation options, from rental apartments to luxurious 5-star hotels. Kassandra’s eastern side is the most touristic, featuring long sandy beaches and lively beach bars, while the western side is quieter and more rugged, particularly in the south—offering perfect sites for scuba diving and snorkeling.
For the best mobility, renting a car is highly recommended. All major rental companies (such as Hertz and Avis) operate here, along with numerous local agencies that allow you to pick up and drop off your car at Thessaloniki’s “Makedonia” Airport. Alternatively, you can use the “Ktel” bus service, which connects the entire peninsula, though transfers may be required.
Beyond scuba diving, Halkidiki offers a variety of attractions, from shopping and nightlife to cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. This combination of diverse activities and breathtaking marine environments makes Halkidiki the perfect diving destination for the whole family.
What to see in Halkidiki
In Greek mythology, Kassandra was the site of the epic battle between the Giants and the Olympian Gods. The rich mythology surrounding Halkidiki reflects early attempts to explain the region’s unique geological formations.
Today, Kassandra’s treasures go far beyond its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Let’s take a closer look at some of its most fascinating points of interest.
Petralona Cave
In the West of Halkidiki, you can visit Petralona Cave, impressive for its structure and its formations of stalactites and stalagmites. There, the oldest testimony to the presence of humans in Greece can be found. It is the skull of a primitive man who lived 200,000 years ago classified as Homo heidelbergensis, probably the common ancestor of Neanderthal Man (Homo neanderthalensis) and Modern Man (Homo sapiens). After two years of restauration work, the cave is open again to the public and the impressions by the visitors are excellent. To couple with the visit of Anthropological museum in a close distance.
Mount Athos
Holy Mount Athos, home to a complex of twenty monasteries, has been an Orthodox spiritual center since 1054. It occupies the entire third peninsula of Halkidiki, with its central mountain range reaching 2,033 meters above sea level—one of the highest peaks in Greece. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Athos enjoys an autonomous, self-governed status and is open to visitors, though entry is restricted to men.
For those who cannot visit, a popular alternative is a daily boat tour along the Athos coastline. Various tour operators offer cruises that provide stunning views of the monasteries from the sea.
Holomontas mountain
Holomontas rises in the north part of Halkidiki peninsula at a more of 1.000 meters high. It’s a reserve of a rare biodiversity with rich fauna and flora, tall trees as well as herbs and low vegetation, classified as “Natura 2000” area. The administrative capital of Halkidiki, Polygyros as well as mountain villages like St Prodromos, Taxiarhes will surprise you by their traditional color and their local specialties. Holomontas is ideal for walks through woodland paths and lush greenery.
Αncient Olynthos
lynthos is situated between Kassandra and Sithonia, built on two hills. Favored by its strategic position, it became the capital of a formal Chalkidian League in 432 B.C. and one of the great military powers in the North of Greece. It was destroyed years later (in 348 B.C.), by King Phillip II of Macedonia (the father of Alexander the Great). Olynthos is of great archaeological value as the houses and their contents are unusually well preserved. The movable findings retrieved from the site form a very interesting collection which is exhibited in the local museum.
In general, Kassandra, with its natural lush vegetation and its strategic location, has attracted the interest of habitants of southern Greece from a very early period. Other important ancient colonies are Skioni, Afitis, Sani, Aigi, Neapoli … whose signs are still visible today.
Posidi Cape
On the western coast of Kassandra, Posidi Cape is a stunning natural formation with a distinctive “sand wedge” that extends into the sea. It’s shape constantly shifts due to sea currents and tides. While swimming at the tip of the wedge is not allowed, Posidi offers two beautiful sandy beaches, each with contrasting sea conditions—calm on one side, wavy on the other. Visitors can also admire the old lighthouse built in 1863 and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over Mount Olympus.
The Sanctuary of Ammon Zeus
Situated near the sea, in present-day Kallithea, the Sanctuary of Ammon Zeus dates back to the 8th century B.C. Originally dedicated to Dionysus—the god of wine, fertility, and theater—it later became a place of worship for Asclepius, the god of healing, and Ammon Zeus in the 4th century B.C. The name “Ammon Zeus” derives from the Egyptian god Amun—known as Ammon in Greek—who, like Zeus, was considered the king of the gods. Discovered in 1968 and excavated between 1969 and 1970, this remarkable archaeological site adds a fascinating chapter to the region’s rich ancient history.
Afitos or Athitos
A short distance from Kallithea, Afitos contrasts with its modern neighbor, surprising visitors with its stone-built houses and adherence to traditional Greek architecture. Perched 50 meters above sea level on a rocky hill overlooking the Toroneos Gulf, this charming village offers breathtaking sunrises over Sithonia’s mountains, spectacular sea views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A place where nature and history harmoniously blend, Afitos has hosted a folklore museum since 1980. One possible origin of its name comes from the ancient Greek word “Aphitis,” meaning “abundance of plants.”
Nea Phokea
Moving north along the eastern side of the peninsula, we reach Nea Phokea, founded in 1922 by refugees from Phocaea in Asia Minor (‘Nea’ meaning ‘New’ in Greek). The Phocaeans, the first Greeks to make long sea voyages, founded the modern-day Marseille in France at around 600 B.C.. Nea Fokea is a typical seaside village with a scenic harbor hosting traditional tavernas and cafés. Nea Phokea’s most iconic landmark is the Tower of Agios Pavlos, built in 1407 on a maritime cliff. The tower serve as a headquarters in the Greek War of Independence and stands as a symbol of Nea Phokea’s historic past.
Sani Marina
Whether you own a yacht or not, Sani Marina is a must-visit destination in Kassandra. Piazza welcomes you into a world of cosmopolitan flair, with its chic boutiques, elegant restaurants, and stylish bars. At the same time, the serene ambiance is enhanced by the surrounding natural beauty, culminating in a breathtaking Mediterranean sunset from the top of Sani Hill—just a 10-minute walk away.
Nea Potidaea
Potidea marks the entrance to Kassandra. The reason?, Its famous ca(nal, which measures 1,250 meters in length and 40 meters in width, connects the Thermaic Gulf with the Toroneos Gulf. Effectively, it transforms the Kassandra peninsula into an island. Though only a few ruins remain of the ancient Potidea, it was originally built by the Corinthians around 600 B.C.. Today, Nea Potidaea retains the charm of a fishing village, nestled between two seas.
- Activities
What to do in Halkidiki
1. Gastronomy
Halkidiki is the perfect destination to savor the healthy Mediterranean cuisine. A wide variety of restaurants and traditional taverns for any budget, invite you to indulge in delicious dishes made from the finest natural ingredients. The region’s unique microclimate supports the production of exceptional local products, including olives and olive oil (Halkidiki’s olives are a distinct variety), pine forest honey, wines made from Greek or French grape varieties, fruits (apricots, cherries).
These local delicacies can be found in specialty food boutiques or at weekly open-air farmers’ markets held in different villages (e.g., every Tuesday in Kassandreia, every Wednesday in Nea Moudania).
No exploration of Halkidiki’s gastronomy would be complete without mentioning its full of life, food festivals and traditional feasts. The Sani Gourmet Festival is an annual international gastronomic event where renowned and up-and-coming chefs meet to create exceptional culinary experiences. Other notable festivals include the Sardine Festival in Nea Moudania (mid-July), the Mushroom Festival in Taxiarchis (end of August), the Kouzina Festival in Eastern Halkidiki.
2. Art
In Kassandra, you have the opportunity to experience various artistic expressions and creativity.
Sani Festival
Since 1992, the Sani Festival, an international artistic event, has been held on the homonymous hill. As the organizers highlight, it is a celebration of music and culture, bringing together Greek and international artists from diverse backgrounds, strengthening the cultural bonds between them.
Kassandra’s Festival – Siviri
Running from early July to the end of August since 1993, this festival hosts renowned artists demonstrating various forms of art and human expression. The main events—concerts, theatrical performances, and dance shows—take place at the amphitheater of Siviri, while parallel events, including exhibitions (paintings, photographs, sculptures, and graphic art) and film screenings, are held in other communities of Kassandra.
3. Sports
If you want to stay active after your dives or enjoy an alternative activity with family and friends who don’t dive, don’t miss the opportunitiy. From playing games in Waterland, the biggest amusing waterpark in Greece in the entry of Thessaloniki to hiking at Mavrobara Lake or in Holomontas Mountain and Birdwatching at Sani Wetland or in Paliouri Forest (classified Natura 2000).
Halkidiki offers endless outdoor activities, some of them can be practiced year-round. Depending on your skills and level they offer a fantastic way to explore Halkidiki’s stunning natural landscapes.
4. Thermal Springs
Kassandra is home to natural healing thermal springs in Loutra Ag. Paraskevis, where our office is located. Nestled in a breathtaking landscape of rocky beaches, pine trees, and crystal-clear seawater, these thermal baths offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
The spa facilities include outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, steam baths, showers, and hydro-massage services for individuals and groups. Physiotherapy and relaxation massages are also available. For a perfect ending to your visit, enjoy an aperitif on the terrace of the spa center’s café, taking in the stunning sunset and the colorful reflections over the Aegean Sea.
5. Nightlife
If you’re a fan of clubbing, Kassandra has exactly what you’re looking for. The area around Kallithea is famous for its nightlife, featuring clubs with both emerging and well-known stars of the Greek music scene.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed evening to share your diving experiences with friends, you’ll find a variety of stylish bars scattered throughout the region—authentic representations of Greek colors and spirit.
Why Choose Us
Personalized
Approach
Every diver is unique to us. We tailor our approach to your individual needs, schedule, and learning pace—so you can feel safe, confident, and enjoy every moment.
Multilingual
Instructors
Our instructors speak English, French, and Greek. They are always ready to answer your questions and discuss any topic with you, ensuring clear communication and support at every step.
Experienced
Training Team
Our instructors have been working together for many years, forming a strong and cohesive team. Their individual and shared experience ensures high-quality training with a focus on safety and comfort.
Environmental
Protection
Our dive sites are located in a protected Natura 2000 area, which strengthens our commitment to conserving and respecting the marine environment.
Up-to-Date
Equipment
We comply with Greek legislation and manufacturer guidelines (Cressi, Coltri, etc.) to ensure all equipment is regularly maintained and updated—from tanks to snorkels.