Hanioti is a lovely picturesque family resort brimming with parks, lovely restaurants and bars, charming squares, shopping opportunities, fabulous lush nature and the beautiful beach. Next door, Polychrono also boasts many restaurants, bars and entertainment on the glistening sands. The Kassandra peninsula is steeped in history following many excavations uncovering monuments, most likely of the ancient city of Neapolis.
Halkidiki is known for its jutting peninsulas which feature Mediterranean forests giving way to sandy beaches in sheltered bays. Kassandra, the most western, is the most developed. The second peninsula is Sithonia. It is less touristy and boasts secluded coves, mountainous villages, verdant valleys and isolated beaches. The third is Mount Athos. It is a closed monastic community where the entrance is only allowed to men with special permission. You can still admire Mount Athos at a distance if you join a boat trip along the coastline. Halkidiki is so picturesque and has the magical ability to please everyone! If you can tear yourselves away from the 71 alluring beaches over 550km of coastline, you should drive around and visit the impressive sites such as the Cave of Petralona, Byzantine towers, ancient monuments, beautiful monasteries and special vineyards and olive groves.
Mavrobara Lake is 3km west of Polychrono where you can hike or rent bikes to explore the alluring nature, local wildlife and the gurgling springs. It is very pretty and worth a visit for a picnic or a stroll. Halkidiki offers endless biking opportunities. There is a Halkidiki bike guide for directions and inspiration. There are wonderful hiking and climbing opportunities along several trails and peaks including Mount Holomontas, Mount Itamos and Mount Stratoniko.
Petralona’s Cave is located in the western part of Mount Katsika. It was accidentally discovered in 1959 and is full of red-earth covered stalagmites and stalactites earning its other name of the Cave of the Red Stones. In 1960 the remains of the skeleton were found approximately 700,000 years old!