Perfect holidays in Halkidiki (Pefkochori resort village)
Having five years of experience in the tourism industry, and having thoroughly studied the features and opportunities of Greece as a tourist destination, as well as a country with a rich history and traditions, I decided to share knowledge and advice not only with clients, but also with readers who are going to Greece and want to know more details to make their holiday more comfortable and enjoyable.
The resort village of Pefkohori is an excellent choice for those who want to be equally surrounded by a fragrant and dense pine forest (pefko in Greek means “pine tree”, and “hori” means village) and the cleanest sea; for those who love comfort at the highest level, refined and simple Greek cuisine; also for those who want peace and tranquility, relax with children, and for those who love parties and entertainment, traveling with loved ones or friends. Here you can find everything you want, for every taste, financial opportunity and mood.
Pefkohori is located on the part of the Chalkidiki peninsula called Kassandra, located 93 kilometers from Macedonia International Airport and only 115 kilometers from the northern capital of Greece - Thessaloniki. The village is located in a pine grove. Sand and pebble beaches are awarded a blue flag every year (an international award given for the impeccable quality and cleanliness of the beach area and water) - many tourists are guided by the presence of a blue flag to choose a place to relax and swim, especially for children. From the beach you can see the silhouette of the holy Mount Athos, and the cozy streets of the village are buried in bright southern colors.
Where to eat? Bakalis tavern - right on the waterfront, with tables near the water for a great view while eating and improving appetite, there is a wide variety of seafood dishes (fish, shrimps, mussels, oysters, crabs, octopuses, squids, literally everything that can be imagined), prepared according to special traditional recipes. Tavern "Vlachos" - traditional Greek cuisine from seafood, meat and vegetables, it is also located on the embankment of the village, if you decide to swim or sunbathe before or after a meal, there is also a sun lounger at your disposal. If you want a more refined presentation and interior - you are in "Asterias Sea Food Restaurant". It specializes in Greek seafood cuisine and offers original recipes, old and brand new. Prices both in taverns and restaurants are quite democratic - you can dine from 15.30 euros per person, respectively, and if a large company, then it comes out even less. And most importantly, the quality and freshness of the products are at the highest level.
For a quick and satisfying meal while on the beach, you can go to “Leo de grand creperie” - burgers, pancakes with various fillings, traditional Greek gyros + sun lounger. There are also several pizzerias with affordable prices in Pefkohori: Roma Pizza, Capri's Pizza and Smile. Greece is famous for its bakeries and pastry shops, Lemony is a prime example of a family business where the owners pass on recipes and technologies from generation to generation and put their soul into their business. I advise you to try traditional bread and pastries (crispy sticks, pita) with different fillings (the most popular are spinach and feta).
To choose traditional Greek products for home and as gifts for friends and family, it is worth stopping by Aroma of Greece (among other things, a large selection of olive oil and local high-quality honey), and Memories (on the waterfront) - there you will find stylish and practical souvenirs for the home, Greek products based on olives, more than 80 types of spices, a variety of cosmetics and body care products.
Let's move on to entertainment. “Akrotiri Beach Bar” is a cafe, sun loungers, showers, a playground with slides, all right at the edge of the beach. “Yalla Beach Bar” (Akrotiri Beach) is pine trees, palm trees, a professional and friendly team of bartenders, cocktails for every taste, water sports.
If you love wild parties with DJs and fireworks - then you can enjoy coffee in the daytime at Kavo Paradiso, which opened the season at the end of May. The bar and night club “Orca Bar” is open 24 hours, prepares a wide variety of summer cocktails and gathers noisy and crowded companies at parties. In addition, other very popular nightclubs are located very close, in Kallithea.
Forward to sea adventures! How do you like the idea of a one-day boat cruise (Boat Adventure)? Tours for 11 and passengers, swimming in the open sea, internal rest cabin (especially important if you want to go with children), all precautions are provided. The cruise program includes stops at Villas Karras and Neas Marmaras, walks in marinas, lunch in a tavern and walks. You can also use the services of the Mouzenidis Travel company for renting yachts: both sailing and motor yachts and make an unforgettable trip, feeling like a captain and master of the waves. Mouzenidis also offers a cruise on the Toroneos Gulf, a unique scenic spot with crystal clear azure waters; swimming in the open sea, a walk in Neas Marmaras and lunch (there are excellent taverns, for example, Limanaki and Ta Kimata, but more on that in the next posts). Such a cruise can give you the opportunity to visit secluded beaches that you could not get to in any other way.
Do you want to experience the delights of underwater life? "TRITON Diving School" with experienced instructors who speak several languages, will teach beginners the basics of diving, and for experienced amateurs there are intriguing offers of night dives and dives to wrecks.
For little travelers, a mini Luna Park with a variety of slides and attractions is equipped on the embankment. If you like hiking, in the village it is interesting to see the traditional church of the 19th century and the partially preserved old mill, walking along the road parallel to the beach, look at the neighboring villages of Chanioti and Polichrono; or climb the mountains, where you will meet numerous apiaries (local honey is very much appreciated among the Greeks and guests of Hellas), olive groves and wonderful landscapes.
To travel long distances, it is better to rent a car (cost per day - from 35 to 50 euros, depending on the brand); you pay for petrol, car insurance is included, additional insurance or services can optionally be ordered). You can drive around Pefkochori, discover new places and beaches of Halkidiki or even visit other cities in northern Greece. For example, close to Pefkohori and the town of Loutra there are healing sulfur springs and a spa center (open all days until 7 pm, and on Sunday until half past two, entry 5 euros). So you can combine excellent relaxation and wellness treatments. And for lovers of motorcycles, ATVs and buggies, the company "Moto rent cruise" offers rental for a period of 3 days or more at affordable prices and free roadside assistance.
Finally, a few interesting facts about Pefkohori: in addition to a large number of tourists (from Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria and other countries), the Greeks themselves often visit their country houses for holidays and vacations, and it will be very interesting to observe their traditions and habits. interesting.
Pefkohori beach is conditionally divided by the pier into three parts: on the left are hotels and apartments, on the right of the pier is the city beach (the purity of the water is perfect everywhere), villas and apartments start again to the right, and the beach becomes more sandy. Xenia beach - ideal for small children. Sun loungers and umbrellas on any beach are provided free of charge, you only pay for drinks offered by local cafes or bars.
The whole of Greece, and specifically Halkidiki, is one of the best places to relax, starting from May and ending in September, or even October. Such an experience must be felt and enjoyed by the opportunities and beauties that this beautiful country pleases its guests with.
