Halkidiki

Reaching south from Thessaloniki like a three-pronged trident, Halkidiki is northern Greece's summer playground, a mainland region ringed by some of the country's cleanest and most inviting beaches. Its three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, each have a distinct character, so travellers can choose between lively resorts, secluded coves or spiritual seclusion, all within a couple of hours of Thessaloniki's airport.

Kassandra, the westernmost and closest peninsula, is the most developed. It packs in organised beaches, cosmopolitan resorts, beach bars and nightlife around towns like Kallithea, Pefkochori and Afytos, making it a favourite for families and holidaymakers who want amenities close at hand. Sithonia, the middle finger, is wilder and greener, its indented coastline hiding countless pine-fringed bays, campsites and the smart marina resort of Porto Carras. Here the beaches feel more natural and the pace is slower.

The third peninsula, Athos, is unlike anywhere else in Europe. It is home to the autonomous monastic state of Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than a thousand years of Orthodox monastic life continue undisturbed. Access is restricted to male pilgrims with permits, but boat cruises from Ouranoupoli let all visitors admire the dramatic clifftop monasteries from the sea.

The best time to visit is from May to September, with June and September offering warm water and lighter crowds than the busy July and August peak, when Greeks and Balkan visitors fill the resorts. Spring is green and fragrant with pine and herbs, while winter is quiet, with most coastal businesses closed and life retreating to the villages.

What makes Halkidiki special is its variety within a compact area, and its accessibility. There is no ferry required: Thessaloniki airport lies around an hour to ninety minutes' drive from the peninsulas, and a hire car makes it easy to sample all three fingers. Add ancient sites such as the birthplace of Aristotle at Stagira and caves like Petralona, and Halkidiki becomes far more than a beach destination.