Greece has many unknown hidden gems, and one of them is without any doubt the Halkidiki Peninsula. This region is, in my opinion, of unique natural beauty, it has stunning sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters and beautiful whitewashed landscapes. Greece is not just islands like Santorini, Rhodes, Crete or Mykonos and exotic beaches, but much more. Those who are not familiar with the Halkidiki Peninsula cannot imagine how different its territory is and worth discovering. From the very first time we visited it was love at first sight, and every time we return we discover something new!!!
The enchanting Halkidiki Peninsula, is located in the north, in the region of Central Macedonia, south of Thessaloniki. Looking at it on a map, it will remind you of a hand with three fingers which stretch into the Aegean Sea: Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. The capital is Polygyros, located in the center of the region and built on the southern slopes of Mount Holomontas.
The Halkidiki Peninsula offers everything a visitor could wish for:
- Traditional cuisine can be enjoyed both in the small villages perched on the mountains as on the countless beaches.
- Nightlife lovers will not be disappointed as they will find night clubs, seaside taverns and bars
- Archeology lovers will appreciate visiting Olynthos, Stagira, the Petralona Cave, Potidaia, and Toroni.
- The mines of Skouries where gold is extracted are also of interest.
- For those who like just walking around aimlessly can do so on the many white sandy beaches and narrow streets of the traditional villages.
- If trekking and mountain bike riding is your thing well then Mount Holomontas is the perfect place for you!!
Don’t forget that the Halkidiki Peninsula is also the birthplace of Aristotle and the blessed land of Orthodoxy.
How to get to the Halkidiki Peninsula
The closest airport is The International Airport of Thessaloniki, located about 15 km from the center of Thessaloniki, and receives daily flights from Athens and also regular flights from the various Greek islands and from abroad. Once you arrive at the International Airport of Thessaloniki, it is better if you rent a car, as thinking of exploring the Halkidiki Peninsula by public transportation is not advisable due to the vastness of its territory. The costs of renting a car are not very high and certainly lower than in the various Greek islands. In order to rent a car, a credit card is required therefore do not to forget to bring it with you.
The travel time by car or taxi from Thessaloniki airport to the first peninsula is of around 70 minutes, to the second around 90 minutes and to the third around 110 minutes. However, you can find seaside resorts at only 30 minutes from the Airport. Leaving the airport just follow the indications and head south towards Nea Moudania.
Using your own car will allow you to stop in the most beautiful places and slowly discover the magnificent views over the surrounding vineyards and the olive groves that seem to stretch to infinity, until you reach the east coast and meet the incredible sea of Kassandra, the first “finger” of the Halkidiki Peninsula.
Nea Moudania, the second largest city on the Halkidiki Peninsula is, in my opinion, one of the ideal places to stay in when visiting the peninsula. In this area, and especially on the seaside of Dionisios Beach, which is 3 km from Nea Moudania, you can find accommodations for all budgets. Personally, I suggest the Luxury Resort Ikos Oceania nestled in a park of olive trees that comes to lap the beautiful beach: I am sure it will leave you with indelible memories!!!
Nea Moudania beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and almost every year is awarded the Blue Flag eco-label award for the quality of the water. This beach is disabled access friendly and has a lifeguard which is very important when you travel with kids. It’s 2 km sandy beach extends up to the beach of Dionysiou, on this beach you will find sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, taverns, restaurants all in a very short distance. Facilities where you can rent a wide range of water sports equipment. You can also take a walk on the hill of Panagia Korifini where there is a beautiful church set in an idyllic landscape. Nea Moudania has the largest shopping center in Halkidiki with all kind of shops, post office, banks, health centers, clinics, and veterinary clinics. From Nea Moudania you can take excursions to the Sporades Islands ( Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos).
Come discover Halkidiki with me
Kassandra
Rich in beaches and incredible views, it is the most populated and least mountainous of the three peninsulas. It lies at the western end of Halkidiki, about an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki. Those looking for nightlife are sure to find it here, many in fact are the clubs located along the coast or in the villages. Kassandra has SPAs and hotel facilities of all types and prices and hosts two important festivals “Sani” and “Siviris.”
The Kassandra Peninsula was formerly called Pallene or Flegra meaning “place of fire.” According to the Greek mythology, the area was home to giants and became a battlefield when they tried to banish the gods away from Mount Olympus.
What to do and see in Kassandra
Nea Potidea
also known as “the gateway to Kassandra” it is the first village you encounter when crossing the bridge that connects the Kassandra Peninsula to the mainland. Kassandra is an island connected to the mainland by the Potidea Channel that joins the Toroneos Gulf to the Thermaic Gulf allowing the transit of fishing boats coming and going, especially from the Toroneos Gulf. Here are preserved the walls of the fortifications erected by Justinian to protect the ancient cities of Potidea and Kassandra from enemy attacks.
Nea Potidea beach is one of the first ones you come across and is located on the eastern side fronting Sithonia, Halkidiki’s second peninsula. It is not one of the most beautiful but its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and turquoise-blue sea with gently sloping seabed are perfect for those with children and those who like to swim. This beach is very well organized, in fact, you can find facilities with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and a wide choice of water sports to entertain children and adults alike. However most of the beach is available for those who like to use their own equipment, it is one of the Blue Flag beaches of Halkidiki which provides lifeguard supervision and disabled access. There are restaurants and typical Greek taverns such as the “Ta Kastra” where you can enjoy dishes of excellent fresh fish and seafood, shops, game rooms, and amusement park for the little ones, and many accommodations ranging from simple apartments, B&Bs, small hotels and luxury facilities.
Afytos
One of the most beautiful villages I have seen is Afytos. Dining in one of its restaurants on its stone “terrace” offers a unique breathtaking view of the Toroneos Gulf and Sithonia. Afytos is a unique combination of natural beauty and creativity from man. Strolling along its cobblestone streets, its small shops and its houses made of local stone composed of sand and shells brought by the Arvanese, (who with the local population, built the village at the beginning of the 19th century), one almost feels that time has stopped at the beginning of the last century. The small village square houses, the church of St. Demetrius built around 1857, is the only domed basilica in Halkidiki. Also worth seeing are the springs of Vrisitsa and Moudounou.
Afytos has 3 beaches; the central one is the less popular because it is purely rocky, with stone slabs even on the seabed, so not really suitable for families with children.
To the right of Afytos is Liosi beach, named after the bar of the same name. This beach is very long and narrow and has the advantage of being uncrowded. The entry to the water is gradual and mostly with rocky slabs at the bottom. The beach is very well organized with bars, sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as a large free beach for those who bring their own equipment.
On the left side there is Varkes beach, which in Greek means “boats” the only entirely sandy beach in Afytos. The advantage of this beach is that being downwind it has an almost always calm sea that allows the docking of small boats. Varkes beach is beautiful, with gradual depth therefore perfect for families with children. The sea is clean and has incredible colors, the water is turquoise and crystal-clear, one part of the beach is free while the other is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. The only disadvantage is that it is quite crowded during the high season….
Kallithea
Kallithea one of the best known locations and has very ancient origins, there are finds dating back to 4000 B.C. It was a refugee village, they had settled after the “population exchange” during the Asia Minor catastrophe of 1922. It was founded by Greeks coming from Turkey in 1925 and called Neos Maltepes (Neos means new and Maltepe was the name of their village on the Sea of Marmara, near Constantinople (Istanbul). In 1950 the village was renamed Nea Kallithea, which literally means “beautiful view.” Before 1925, Kallithea was populated mainly by monks, who had villas and functions independent of the Russian monastery on Mount Athos.
Kallithea is one of Kassandra’s most popular locations, especially among young people who love nightlife and dancing. Here you find the summer home of many bars and nightclubs that relocate from Thessaloniki for the summer season. Kallithea offers a wide range of accommodations, for all budgets from luxurious to budget hotels, apartments, and B&Bs. There are also many restaurants, traditional taverns and bars who are open day and night.
The beach of Kallithea is located on the eastern outskirts of Kassandra, in the picturesque Gulf of Toroneos, and is one of the most famous and beautiful on the peninsula. The beach is long, with very fine, soft sand and the sea is beautiful and transparent with clear waters that range from blue to turquoise. You will not fail to recognize it as it has been awarded the Blue Flag, and is surrounded by conifers and eucalyptus trees. It is the ideal beach for families with children, as it has a gently sloping sandy seabed. On the beach of Kallithea you will find sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars for a drink or grab a quick bite to eat, as well as many water sports to entertain young and old.
Polychrono
The ancient city of Neapolis stood in Polychrono, its archaeological finds coming to light, little by little, as excavations revealed its secrets. In the archaeological area on the Giromiri Hill, you can admire the remains of houses and a cemetery dating back to the 6th century B.C.. There are also several historical churches in the village, such as the church of Agios Athanasios from 1912 and the church of Christ from 1860 Christ.
Polychrono is a very lively locality and in recent years has turned into a popular and rapidly developing touristic location. Its name comes from the colours of the many flowers that characterize the landscape. In spite of everything it is still quite quiet, if we compare it with Pefkohori and Hanioti as it is smaller than the latter. Along the coast road there are many shops, restaurants, taverns, bars and nightclubs, this street is closed to traffic from 7 p.m. until after midnight and becomes a busy and lively promenade where you can enjoy traditional food and tasty sea food in the various restaurants and taverns. There are also hotels of various categories, Inns and B&Bs to suit all budgets.
Polychrono beach is located between the villages of Kriopigi and Hanioti and is awarded the Blue Flag every year for its organization and cleanliness. This fine sandy beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Toroneos make of Polychrono one of the best beaches on the Kassandra Peninsula. Thanks to its location, one can admire beautiful sunrises. The beach is perfect for those who enjoy water sports such as canoeing, jet skiing and pedal boats. Mavrobara Lake (Turtle lake), located in the forest between Kriopigi and Polychrono, is a lake of rare beauty and of major ecological importance three different and rare types of turtles live there.
Paliouri
It is really worth going out of your way to visit the village of Paliouri, one of the most traditional of Kassandra, it has narrow scenic roads and old traditional houses. This charming village is well-known for its abundant nature, famous honey and olive oil of the highest quality, which are sold in the local shops and used as essential ingredients in the taverns of the village.
It is said that, in ancient times, the city of Theramvos was located where Paliouri lies today. The great Greek historian Herodotus relates that the city of Thermavos was destroyed by Xerxes and his Persian army. According to archaeological finds, the ancient city of Theramvos was located near the town of Agios Nikolaos.
Paliouri is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, an ideal place for hikers. Not far from the village you can find beautiful beaches, the most famous are: Alonaki, Chrousso, Xina, Avlaki, and Roditis. The beach of Xina can be reached via a dirt road that leads to the lighthouse of Kanistros. As you drive along the road you can see other beaches and the church of Agios Nikolaos.
Nea Skioni
Nea Skioni is small fishing village relatively new, as it was rebuilt in 1918, near the old city of Skioni, it is surrounded by beautiful nature and stretches along the sandy coastline in the south-west of Kassandra, perfect for a relaxing holiday with your family. Nea Skioni is just a few kilometers away from the hot springs of Aghia Paraskevi which are worth a visit.
Nea Skioni has the shape of an amphitheater built around a small marina, where you can stroll along the long paved promenade next to the anchored fishing boats that supply the local taverns with fresh fish every day. The modern Nea Skioni village is a touristic location where you can find hotels and B&B, traditional taverns, ouzo bars, cafés and several shops as bakeries, butchers, pastry shops, there is also a private health clinic you never know!!! Nea Skioni is the perfect place if you are looking for a quiet summer holiday with your family, breathtaking sunsets and no loud music. However if you are looking for nightlife well then Nea Skioni is not a good choice for you.
Every year, usually on the first weekend of August, you can attend the three-day anchovy festival (gavros), where music and dancing take center stage. You will be able to taste fresh anchovies and local wine offered by the municipality of Nea Skioni.
The Nea Skioni beach has been awarded the Blue Flag many times, there is a large playground for the children and a beach volley court. The white sandy beach is very long with crystal-clear waters and you can enjoy long walks along the coastline. The sea is always calm and has incredible colours ranging from blue to turquoise with shallow waters up to twenty meters from the shore: a real paradise for families with children !!!!. A rich vegetation of maritime pines acts as a natural umbrella, in the hottest hours, for those who prefer to use the free beach and their own equipment. At the various beaches you can find sunbeds, umbrellas and bars where you can have a drink or a bite to eat. Those who enjoy water sports will find a wide choice of activities, from classic water sports to beach volleyball.
Sani
Sani is one of the most beautiful places on the Kassandra Peninsula. To get there, after passing Nea Potidea, you have to turn right and, near Nea Fokaia, follow a large sign that will give you clear directions to your destination.
Sani is well-known for being an exclusive holiday location. However, it is not only beaches, luxury resorts and incredible views but also a lot of archaeology. Not far from Gerani Beach you will find the impressive ruins and grave sites of an ancient settlement specialized in the production of sea salt. In Sani stood the acropolis and was a flourishing city until the Roman Empire. In the following centuries, dependencies were established in Sani that were subordinate to the monasteries of Mount Athos. One of these was the monastery of Stavronikita protected by the tower, built in 1543 and still in excellent condition, that stands on the hill of Sani. Every year in summer, the Sani Festival is held around this tower, where artists from all over the world perform. Those interested can find more information on the following website: https://sani-resort.com/festivals/sani-festival
Not far from these remains you can find vast marshy areas, lakes and wetlands such as marshes, lakes and forest landscapes where more than 50 percent of Greece’s native bird species are found. Most of this paradise is protected by the “Natura 2000” organization. Driving along the roads leading to the natural reserve, one encounters vineyards, old churches, historic traditional villages, lush forests, green hills and wide coastlines.
Next to the Sani Hill and tower is the luxurious Sani Resort where one can spend an exclusive holiday with a view of Mount Olympus. The Sani resort covers a private area of 4500 acres, surrounded by the Kassandra pine forest, golden beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. I assure you, without fear of contradiction, an unforgettable vacation!!!
Within walking distance of the Sani Resort, is the famous Blue Flag award-winning beach of Bousoulas. This white sandy beach is clean and has shallow waters, ideal for families with children. There is a bar where you can have lunch or a drink. In short, you will find all the ingredient to rediscover the small pleasures of life !!!!
Sithonia
Sithonia is located between Kassandra and Mount Athos. If nature is what you are looking for then this is where you should go and to be honest it is my favorite!!!
Sithonia is a beautiful stretch of land with a wonderful natural landscape that extends into the Aegean Sea. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Kassandra and the Gulf of the Holy Mount also known as “Singiticus“. On this peninsula you can explore charming coves, beautiful beaches, small fishing villages and traditional villages perched on mountains. Sithonia is a paradise for relaxation and the ideal place for romantic getaways for couples, as well as perfect for a family holiday or to spend a few relaxing days.
This paradise is home to the most astonishing beaches in Greece with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters where you have the choice of free, wild and secluded beaches or organized beaches with umbrellas and sun beds at a cost. There are excellent hotel services for all budgets, apartments for rent or modern luxury resorts. Nature lovers can take advantage of hiking trails and diving spots. You can also find traditional taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy fish and traditional Greek cuisine.
The Sithonia Peninsula, in the heart of Macedonia, lies not far from Thessaloniki and begins in the north with Nikiti one of the main towns along with Neos Marmaras. It has lots of small villages such as: Metamorphosis, Porto Koufo, Parthenonas, Kalamitsi, and Ormos Panagias each of which has features worth discovering.
Our favorite resort, which I can absolutely recommend is, Ikos Olivia nestled in a park of centuries-old olive trees, where you will find excellent service, the first requirement for an unforgettable holiday. Ikos Olivia is located in Gerakini, in the Gulf of Toroneos, between the Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas, about 40 minutes from Thessaloniki Airport: an excellent location for visiting both the Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas.
I recommend you to rent a car as public transportation is rather erratic.
What to do and see in Sithonia
Nikiti
Nikiti is the first town one encounters on the Sithonia Peninsula. This beautiful town, which is located on the west coast of the peninsula and fills up with tourists in the summer, is divided into two parts the coastal one with its long sandy beach and the old one called Agios Nikitas.
Nikiti beach, located in the village itself, is a narrow strip of very clean white sand stretching for several kilometers surrounded by pine and olive groves. The sea water has shades ranging from turquoise to emerald: a real feast for the eyes!! It is advisable to wear rubber shoes as there are both small and large pepples and often sea urchins on the seabed. The water is mostly shallow and is ideal for families with children. The beach is well organized and you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. For those who love water sports and diving, you can rent banana boats and catamarans, or take advantage of the services offered by experienced instructors at a local diving club.
The waterfront is bustling with restaurants, taverns and bars where you can enjoy traditional dishes and fresh fish. There are many accommodation options in Nikiti to suit all from budget to luxury hotels, apartments and villas to make your holiday unforgettable. The marina in the northern part of the beach, classified as a “Blue Flag” port, hosts sailing boats and yachts.
Ancient Nikiti, built on a hill around the church of Agios Nikitas, constructed in the late 19th century, next to the old 14th century Church of the Assumption. Nikiti is very charming with its superb Macedonian architecture and traditionally built stone houses. Walking through this neighborhood will give you a taste of the atmosphere of the past.
Neos Marmaras
The town of Neos Marmaras is the most important on the Sithonia Peninsula and is located on the slopes of two mountains, Itamos and Tragoudeli (singing mountain). It was founded in 1925 by Greek refugees from Turkey, more precisely from the island of Marmaras.
Neos Marmaras has a small port where tourist boats moor for excursion to Mount Athos, sailboats and fishing boats supply the various restaurants with fresh fish every morning. Almost all the shops, bars and restaurants are located close to the harbor, where, for those who enjoy having a good time, there are many trendy nightclubs and bars.
This area is ideal for hiking as the flora of Itamos located above Neos Marmaras, often called Dragoudelis by the locals, is rich and rare. If you are lucky, you may see deers, roe deers, foxes, wild boars and other animals.
Apart from the lovely beach of Porto Karras, not far from Neos Marmaras, there are many other beaches that are worth seeing, such as the busy beach of Ai Giannis that lies between Nikiti and Neos Marmaras and is famous for the parties that take place during summer. A few kilometers away you have the exclusive beach of Spathies, which, almost every year, is awarded the Blue Flag for its clear sea and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Also worth mentioning are the beaches of Akti Koviou, one of the most beautiful on the coast and perhaps in Halkidiki, the beach of Lagomandra, Akti Elias, Paradeisos and Tristinika. In order to get to these beaches and enjoy their beauty, you have to rent a car or motorcycle, I think it is really worth it.
In and around Neos Marmaras you can find all kinds of accommodation from luxury hotels and resorts to apartments, villas, and B&Bs
Parthenonas
Parthenonas is a quaint village perched about 350 metres on the side of Mount Itamos, about 6 km from Neos Marmaras. To tell the truth, we arrived there by chance, seized by a sudden desire to visit something unexpected. The road is on tarmac for about 40% then on gravel. We arrived as far as the village of Parthenonas, where one feels taken back in time and you can feel a sense of serenity. From here, the view of the Gulf of Toroneos and the island of Kelyfos (this island is also known as the Turtle Island because of its shape) is simply unforgettable.
It seems that Parthenonas is mentioned in the writings of Herodotus when he speaks of a settlement called Parthenopolis located in the area of modern Parthenonas. A few years ago, a sanctuary, maybe of Zeus, pottery from the Archaic period (10th century B.C.) was found which would prove the existence of a settlement at this location.
The modern village dates back to Ottoman rule and has gone through periods of prosperity and neglect. In 1973, shipping magnate Yannis Carras started building the resort of Porto Carras, as a result many inhabitants of Parthenonas moved to the coast, in Neos Marmaras, to work. Because of this the village was abandoned and became a ghost village. Twenty years later, some foreigners moved to Parthenonas, renovating the old stone houses, opening taverns, restaurants, small guesthouses and hotels.
My advice is to spend a day there and climb to the top of Mount Itamos from where you can see Mount Athos to the east and Mount Olympus to the west. Walking the hiking trails through beautiful olive groves, having a coffee or a drink in one of the restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Toroneos and the island of Kelyfos is truly priceless.
Porto Koufo
Porto Koufo is a very small and quiet fishing village 25 km from Neos Marmaras. A peculiarity one encounters when driving along the road leading to this location is the incredible pine forests, which can be seen in the photo below.
Porto Koufo is the safest and largest natural port, in Greece and is where almost all the regions’ fishing boats unload their catch. One thing is certain, in the taverns of Porto Koufo you will eat the freshest fish.
The ancients described Porto Koufo as the “Deaf Port“, as they believed that everyone in the bay could not hear any sound of the sea. So if you are looking for a place to rest away from the hustle and bustle, this is the place for you. The view, of the port, as you drive along the road is breathtaking. The huge rocks that rise and spread over the bay make the opening leading into the open sea so narrow that it looks like a huge lake.
The Porto Koufo beach is really quiet as not very touristic. In the village, you can rent apartments and find a few hotels where you can book a stay.
If you have a boat you can explore some of the caves that you can see along the coast. Kartilia is most probably, one of the most fascinating places, that can be reached by boat.
Vourvourou
Vourvourou is located in Halkidiki, in the north-eastern part of Sithonia. The houses in this locality are in harmony with the unique beauty of the region with its stretches of pine trees and exotic beaches. A place, which during your holiday in Halkidiki, I absolutely recommend you visit. Vourvourou stretches along the beach facing an archipelago of nine islands, the largest of which is Diaporo.
This area has magnificent and unique beaches with white sand and calm waters. The most popular are Karidi Beach with its pine trees which almost touch the sea, Livari Beach and Mpara Beach.
In Vourvourou you can find all kind of accommodations from apartments to villas, budget rooms and hotels for all pockets. The house which have a particular architecture belong to some professors of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki: I personally recommend a visit. There are taverns, restaurants, pizzerias, beach clubs, bars, cafés, and supermarkets.
Diaporos Island
The island of Diaporos is part of the small but beautiful archipelago of Vourvourounissa. Its natural bay, which can be reached by hiring a boat in Vourvourou, is just beautiful with shallow and crystal-clear waters. Kryftos, a large natural bay seven hundred meters long, where the ruins of the temple of Agios Andreas dating back to the pre-Byzantine era have been found. There is also a Christian cemetery from 540 A.D. that was destroyed by the Huns during their invasion. The other islands that form this beautiful archipelago are Kalogria, Ambelisti, Kalamonisa, Prassonisi, Peristero, and Agios Isodoros.
On this paradise, the only things you can find are a few villas and a luxury hotel. If you would like to visit this paradise, there are agencies that can organize a one-day tour of the various islets. Should you choose to visit the island by yourself, it is very important that you do not forget to bring enough food and water and, above all, to book a boat well in advance as, especially during high season. I assure you that it is a unique experience.
What to see and do at Mount Athos
Mount Athos
Mount Athos, also known as the third finger of the Halkidiki Peninsula. In fact, it is a true autonomous republic independent of the Greek state and for the exclusive use of the Orthodox Church. The only downside of this peninsula is that the access to the Mount is granted only to men according to the rule, enforced by law, known as “AVATON,” which prohibits the access to women. Men and boys under the age of 18, together with their father, can be given a special permit based on religious requirements, interests or anthropological studies. Therefore, women have no access at all and only a few have actually managed to cross the borders of Mount Athos, among them a group of partisan women during the Second World War liberation. Women are allowed to see the beautiful Byzantine monasteries of Mount Athos from a minimum of 500 meters.
Those fortunate enough to obtain a permit will find themselves in a world steeped in peace and religiosity that is completely closed in on itself: there are no paved roads, shops, hotels or anything else we are used to in our daily lives. Visiting Mount Athos means to experience silence and meditation, wether inside or outside the 20 inhabited monasteries. Karyes is the only populated centre on Mount Athos. This village is the monastic as well as the Greek administrative seat of the small republic. According to the 2011 Greek census, Karyes had 163 inhabitants, making it the largest village on the Holy Mountain. This is where most of the tourists who are waiting to explore the monasteries stay.
If you want to go, even if you are a woman, just go to the small village of Ouranoupolis, the gateway to Mount Athos, where you can buy tickets and take a tour with large boats that last about three hours. Ouranoupolis is strongly influenced by the presence of the Holy Mount, in fact you will not find the usual souvenirs, but iconic and spiritual objects, scented incense and colorful crosses.
It is definitely worth it. Being able to admire Mount Athos and its 20 monasteries even from a boat certainly has its charm.
Unfortunately, as a woman, I have not been there, but I think it will be a priority on my next trip.
