Halkidiki has one of the cleanest, most idyllic coastlines in the world. Besides the classic beach-side sports, there is a wide spectrum of water activities on offer. For those ready to jump into the deep end, scuba diving will open up a whole new world of underwater life. A rich variety of fish, corals, sponges, and octopuses can be spotted, while the area’s shipwrecks and underwater caves will keep you spellbound. Novices can take lessons at one of the area’s diving schools.

Yacht sailing is another popular local treat. The summer’s rays and cool night breeze make gliding through the waters all the more enjoyable. Daily cruises to the monasteries of Mount Athos, the ‘Holy Mountain’, are also available from the ports at Ouranoupoli and Ormos Panagias.

Finally, if you wish to unwind, don’t hesitate to visit the thermal springs at Agia Paraskevi, whose therapeutic, mineral-rich waters come complete with swimming pools, saunas and hydro-massage facilities.

With its wide-reaching network of walking trails, connecting one village to the next, Kassandra is the perfect place to go hiking. The most breathtaking vistas of forests, mountains, wetlands and beaches are waiting to be discovered.

Countless opportunities are also available to ambitious cyclists, who can plan their course through the easygoing coastal roads, or the more challenging ones on the hills above the coastal villages of the area. Almost all of these routes can be navigated digitally on Google Maps or Bing Maps.

Travellers to Halkidiki have the chance to delve into the region’s history at nearly every corner. Especially worth visiting are the Petralona caves, home to pre-historic fossils and the 700,000-year-old ‘Petralona skull’, which belonged to an early hominid.

Enthusiasts of ancient Greece will be enamoured by the sanctuary of Ammon Zeus in Kallithea, the ruins of the town of Olynthos, and the city walls at Potidea. Other time-honoured gems include the temple of Poseidon at Cape Possidi, also host to a self-revolving 19th century lighthouse. Keen museum-goers will come across a fine selection of Byzantine artefacts at the Ioustinianos Centre of Byzantine Culture at Nea Flogita.

Halkidiki’s diverse habitat has plenty in store for nature lovers too. In the hills above Polychrono lies Mavrobara Lake, housing rare species of the European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and the Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica). This site is one of many where wildlife can be seen in their natural habitat.

A number of Halkidiki’s wetland marshes, such as the bird sanctuary near Nea Fokea, are protected by the European Natura network. Access to these areas is regulated, which makes seeing them up close especially rewarding.

For those who seek it, Halkidiki has entertainment that caters to all tastes, at all hours around the clock. Kassandra in particular presents an array of temptations: cocktails by sunset, a morning coffee in a traditional kafeneio, or long evenings listening to Latin, jazz and reggae. If you want to immerse yourself in the area’s nightlife, you will find a long list of bars and clubs that will be buzzing until the early hours of the morning.

At the same time, Kassandra has many quiet places by the sea, which are best suited for relaxing with your partner or family. Polychrono is one of these locations: full of laid-back spots that are ideal for couples, with child-friendly shallow waters.

You can also join one of the local cultural events, such as the festival of Siviri, a celebrated platform for classical and traditional Greek music, or the Sani Festival, a melting pot of jazz, cinema, and the performing arts.