Halkidiki
The birthplace of
Aristoteles
Based in Sani’s picturesque Marina we cruise around the quiet coves and harbours of Halkidiki. We enjoy gentle walks through traditional villages, we explore the unique Macedonia architecture, and along the way, we drop our anchor at the best local taverns to taste Mediterranean cuisine at its best.
In a week’s time, we will cruise our modern sailing boat along the turquoise coasts of Kassandra and Sithonia. Departing from Sani Marina, we visit by bicycle the thermal springs of Agia Paraskevi, explore small bays, including the underwater life of Porto Valitsa, and swim in blue clear waters. We will anchor in Porto Koufo, a natural harbour protected by giant rocks, and later on, we visit the picturesque Islet of Diaporos swimming in its electric blue waters. The traditional village of Arnea is also in our way, an exampleatory city of Macedonian architecture, where we will enjoy sightseeing and a wine tour in Claudia Papayianni’s Estate. Many opportunities will arise for biking, watersports, and party in one (or more) of Halkidiki’s famous beach bars. Just come aboard and enjoy.
Suggested program:
1st day
You arrive at Thessaloniki and transfer to our sailing boat at Sani Marina, approximately a 1-hour drive. A safety and orientation briefing will be given, where you will meet your crew and fellow travellers. We will then relax and enjoy a welcome dinner at a Sani Resort-awarded restaurant. You can also take the opportunity to explore this bustling resort, enjoy the party atmosphere of Sani’s nightlife or just have a cosy rest on board.
Included meal: Dinner
2nd day
We start our sailing day heading south to Nea Skioni. We then transfer to Agia Paraskevi, one of the traditional villages of the region, famous for its thermal springs. We explore the area with a bike tour* taking breathtaking views from the cliffs out to sea into the southwest of the Kassandra Peninsula. We finish the tour at the thermal springs** to enjoy bathing in healing waters with therapeutic qualities.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Guided | Moderate easy |Km 16 |Duration 2hrs, optional
** Thermal springs
3rd day
We head to the east side of Kassandra to explore the underwater life of “Porto Valitsa” at Paliouri Bay. We will follow the “Discover Scuba Diving” Program* guided by professional dive instructors. (Certified PADI, IANTD and CMAS). We cross Toronaios Gulf to end our day at Porto Koufo, the biggest and safest natural harbour in Greece. Thucydides refers to it as ‘the deaf harbour’, a name that remains until today i.e. so well protected one cannot hear the sea. We anchor for the night and enjoy our dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Optional: This program is for anybody who is 8 years or older and wishes to try diving with TRITON SCUBA CLUB – our official diving partner. Everybody has the opportunity to dive unless you have certain health problems which you will discuss with the trainers. The whole process is carried out according to relevant laws and rules of various diving organizations such as PADI- CMAS- IANTD. Our major aim is to achieve the highest safety and enjoyment possible for our guests, as well as excellent service.
4th day
We begin the day by sailing towards the east side of Sithonia, passing the southmost cape of Sithonia and enjoying an impressive landscape of high rocky cliffs. As a sailing time-out, we will swim and snorkel at the secluded bay of Kleftiko, near the village of Kalamitsi. We will play with water-skis and other water sports* after we stop for some local delicacies and a sip of ouzo at the tavern of Skala Sykias. Sarti is a vibrant tourist town with a large sandy beach and lots of water sports. We will spend the night here.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Water sports, optional
5th day
Prepare your cameras for some magnificent photos today. In the morning we will visit “Kavourotrypes”, a series of small-width sandy beaches with amazing rocky shapes and turquoise coloured sea. Kavourotrypes along with Karydi, Vourvourou and Sarti form a rocky coastline of the east side of Sithonia, interrupted by small enclaves of well-hidden sandy beaches, thus creating an astonishing natural environment. After these magnificent beaches, we sail to the tiny island of Diaporos, surrounded by its natural forest and watered by a special blue lagoon. We overnight at the bay of Kriftos (hidden bay) on the north side of the island, which used to be a pirates’ heaven in the old years. We will dine and enjoy the stars.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6th day
Sailing northwards, we reach Pyrgadikia, on the northern coast of Singos Bay. We drive up to the mountain village of Arnea*, declared by the Ministry of Culture as a historic site due to its important examples of traditional Macedonian architecture. On the outskirts of Arnea, you will be offered a guided tour of Claudia Papayanni’s Estate. The tour concludes with wine tasting**. Having the taste of wine fresh in our mouths, we transfer to the famous grove of Agia Paraskevi, just 800 meters north of Arnaia, to enjoy lunch in the magical forest of oaks. Here the visitor from around the area completes the tour in the most delicious way by admiring the beauties offered by the nature. Afterwards, heading the short distance to the exotic beach of Trani Ammouda, we relax and enjoy the sunset.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Sightseeing in Arnea
** Wine tasting
7th day
Early in the morning, we return to Thessaloniki MAKEDONIA Airport to catch our flights. For those who have time a guided walking tour can be organised to get to know the city of Thessaloniki.
Included meal: Breakfast
Please note that our itineraries may be altered, either for operational reasons (windward) or in response to your feedback. Please ensure you have read the latest tour description before booking your tour.