Hiding away in Halkidiki

 

 Sometimes one just wants to stay home, not see anyone, and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist. If only home were seamless luxury, lapped by pale blue waters, fringed with a sandy beach, nestled in a fragrant pine forest, gazing over endless peaceful sea views, and staffed to perfection. The Five Star Greece annual retreat took place in just such a home, half way down the coast of Sithonia; the middle finger of Halkidiki. The trouble was, so divine is Halkidiki EST, the house we stayed at, so pampered and protected were we, so surrounded by beauty, that no one wanted to go out and explore the area, visit the beaches, hike the trails, view the historic sites or test the tavernas. We did of course as we are professionals, but it was a wrench to leave this paradise.

 

Rewards do await those who manage the separation ; the Old Town of Nikiti is a gem – the early Christian Basilica of Sophronio dates from the early 5th Century, and the folklore museum has an utterly charming display of artifacts preserving the history of rural life in Nikiti. Free, but do donate! 

Bee-keeping is an essential part of Sithonia’s culture, and Natalia, one of the team, is herself an accomplished bee-keeper and well connected to the network, we can arrange very bee-spoke experience for apiculturally- minded guests, and for any Winnie the Poohs who happen to be with them. 

For the more active, there is riding nearby, and golf on the Porto Carras golf course. You can also taste the wines at the Domaine Porto Carras – Greece’s largest single organic vineyard in Greece, 450 hectares or hillside. Perhaps best to play golf before the winery. 

For Speliologists, the Petralona cave is a magnificent experience not to be missed with its dramatic stalagmites and echoing chambers. 

Not far away is Halkidiki NT- open aspect and on a large beach, clean, slick lines and, sleeping 16, a great choice for a large family group in the summer. 

Diaporos Island is a tiny speck of an island, just a handful of houses, no roads, no infrastructure, no shops, no ferry, no pretension, no helipad, only accessible by private boat. It has the most glorious bays and sandy beaches and we loved the shipping tycoon feeling of being picked up by private launch, taken to the dock where a waiting member of staff served us iced drinks, and escorted us by golf cart to the two villas we represent there – Halkidiki Beach House is a small jewel on a pristine white sand beach, a huge array of services and amenities, perfect for a family who can’t quite keep up with the Onassis’s of this world but want to get a feel of private island life. Close by is Halkidiki WH – a hugely spacious, sprawling beachfront villa for 20 people or so, also with its private beach and a totally relaxed and easy vibe. 

We recommend a stopover in Thessaloniki before catching the plane home – the city is one of the new capitals of cool – a great culinary scene and, as evidenced in its rich traditions – buildings museums, archaeological sites – referencing its classical Greek, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Jewish and Ottoman heritage, a object lesson in how different cultures and faiths all co-existed together in fruitful creativity. 

Villa inspection is a hard job, we have to overlook the obvious glamour and try to find faults- not always possible – but the team does their best!  

Don’t miss our destination guide of Halkidiki

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