The Halkidiki peninsula lies around 69km south-east of the northern port city of Thessaloniki, which is the second biggest city in Greece and an financial and cultural centre of the Balkan area. Halkidiki is divided into three long "fingers" which stretch out into the Aegean Sea - namely the areas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Mt Athos.

Halkidiki can be accessed by road, or by air through Thessaloniki's International Airport (code: SKG). Several domestic flights connect Thessaloniki with the other major Greek cities and the islands, while frequent charter flights arrive from abroad.

The state-run KTEL offers a daily coach service from Athens to Thessaloniki and from there to Kassandra and Sithonia, while local buses transport visitors between inland villages and coastal resorts. Trains are also available from Athens to
Thessaloniki.

Furthermore, Vergina, the birthplace of Alexander the Great is just two hours away as well as the glorious but unspoiled beaches of Kassandra and Sithonia peninsula. And for those really in the mood for meditation and complete relaxation you could round off your stay in one of the monasteries of nearby Mount Athos.