Last Updated on September 22, 2024
Ocean gulls soared beside as our cruise boat departed the charming village of Ouranoupoli, the gateway to the holy peninsula of Mt Athos in Greece. Suddenly, a middle-aged Greek lady on deck grabbed my wife Vivien’s hand, placing a slice of bread inside, gesturing for her to feed the hovering gulls. This was accompanied by instructions in rapid Greek, which we did not understand.
Smiles all around as we were encouraged to follow her lead until a gull nearly took Vivien’s finger.
Thankfully, the first of twenty Mt Athos’s Eastern Orthodox monasteries – some dating back 1,000 years appeared – ended the friendly, chaotic cultural exchange. Impossibly built on densely forested slopes reaching 6,670 feet, these castle-like sanctuaries contrast with the area’s undeveloped nature.
As access is restricted to the location on Halkidiki’s third peninsula, Athos Sea Cruises was the best way to see the UNESCO World Heritage site. It was one of many high points during our visit to Sithonia.
Halkidiki region, part of Central Macedonia, boasts scenic mountains and 340 miles of coastline with three magnificent peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. The middle peninsula, Sithonia, is just a 1.5-hour drive southeast of Thessaloniki and its international airport.
Whether seeking seclusion or adventure, Sithonia’s laid-back vibe and easy navigation make it a perfect getaway.
Acrotel Athena Pallas Resort
Five-star Acrotel Athena Pallas Resort on the upper western side of Sithonia was our home for three nights. Overlooking the Toroneos Gulf’s calm shores, Acrotel has three resorts wrapped up into one: Athena Pallas, Acrotel Armona, and Acrotel Athena Residence.
An olive grove separated the Residence from the rest of the resort, adding a distinct Greek touch. With 20 luxury maisonettes built around manicured lawns and a beautiful 6,500-square-foot resort pool replete with café cum swim-up bar, the Residence was perfect for an independent travelling couple like ourselves.
Despite the tranquility of our spacious king-bed maisonette with daybed and airy balcony, the resort’s wealth of activities and dining options beckoned. Facilities included two other resort pools, a water gym, tennis courts, mini golf, a games room, two-lane bowling alley, an extensive kids’ program, and many adult-orientated activities.
The resort’s beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas, is accessible via an underground walkway. Additionally, shuttle bus services, bike and car hire, and walking trails invite further exploration. Many organized tours and water sports, including boating and scuba diving, are available through Guest Services.
As seems to be the way for many resorts in the Halkidiki region, half or full-board dining is the preferred option when booking accommodation, and Acrotel is no different.
Restaurant Doxato was the highlight of our culinary journey at Acrotel Athena Pallas. Choosing half board, we savored the extensive smorgasbords, rich with traditional Greek products and international dishes. The well-designed indoor and outdoor dining space, alongside the hygienic food service area, allowed guests to move around easily.
Breakfast offered a comprehensive selection of continental options, hot dishes, and made-to-order plates. The traditional Greek coffee station was delightful, with individual briki pots over charcoal.
The themed dinner buffets continued to impress, offering more dishes than we could sample, including vegan and vegetarian dishes and a kids’ corner. The dessert buffet with an ice cream bar always drew a crowd.
Other restaurants include poolside Lemoni, which serves contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes, and Dionisos, where ancient Greek recipes come to life complemented by fine wines.
The monastic cuisine themed Hierion offered a spectacular gala dinner, shrouded in secrecy, while Cook & Eat 1939 hosts cooking classes. The Pool Bars and White Olive Main Bar serve refreshing tipples and tasty treats.
Exploring Sithonia and Halkidiki
Meandering the area in our rental car revealed idyllic beaches, many with Blue Flag status, enchanting villages, and historical sites.
Decidedly calm and picture-perfect, Porto Koufo, Greece’s deepest harbor, has a dark past serving as a German submarine base in WWII. Towering cliffs protect the harbor around the entrance while white sandy beaches and an esplanade with colorful tavernas invite lingering.
Toroni Beach’s well-organized, long sandy beach leads to a headland with ancient ruins.
The old village of Nikiti stole our hearts with its narrow stone-paved streets, restored houses and taverna under the sprawling maple tree. The hilltop overlooking the picturesque fishing port and village of Neos Marmaras provides a perfect spot for a sunset picnic.
Wine buffs would find Domaine Porto Carras vineyard a treat with its excellent wine tasting.
As the bells of Saint Stefanos Church echoed through Arnea, nestled in the Holomontas Mountain foothills, we wandered among over 60 well-preserved Macedonian stone buildings dating back to the 1820s, each with plaques sharing their history. The Weaving and Folklore museums were fascinating, but what impressed us most was the sense of community. After Sunday church service, locals gathered in the town square’s cafes and tavernas, and the camaraderie was palpable.
Although we didn’t visit the “Christmas village” of Taxiarchis, surrounded by two million fir trees, or Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki, they are reputedly well worth seeing. Olynthus Archeological Site, occupied from the Neolithic Age, was the first city to use the Hippodamian City urban planning system.
Sithonia offers breathtaking landscapes, beaches and history, while Acrotel Athena Pallas Resort provides the perfect retreat with luxury and outstanding dining, making it an ideal base for exploration.
