Crete or Chalkidiki in June is better. Crete vs Halkidiki. Comparing Crete and Chalkidiki

Beaches and sun, culture and ancient history, shopping and a variety of souvenirs, you name it. The difficulty for guests is to choose mainland and island resorts, or.

Each of them has its own characteristics, they relate to location and climate, entertainment and beach holidays, excursion programs to historical monuments or architectural masterpieces. Let's try to figure out where it is better to go on vacation, choose the Halkidiki peninsula or blessed Crete.

Halkidiki or Crete - where the climate is better

The peninsula of Halkidiki occupies territories in the north of the Aegean Sea, the external outlines of the geographical object resemble a trident, the elongated “fingers” are Sithonia, Kassandra, Agion Oros, known as Athos. This shape significantly increases the length of the coastline, the number of beaches and places for recreation.

The climate is favorable, the hottest days are in late July - early August, while the peninsula remains green. The heat, due to the relative dryness, is well tolerated by tourists, regardless of their age and physical condition.

The island of Crete is, without a doubt, the main tourist center of the entire Mediterranean; they know how to organize a luxurious holiday in all respects. Three seas surround the magical island, so tourists can expect different landscapes and different climatic conditions, although in general everything is good from this point of view. The Mediterranean climate that reigns on the island provides dry, sunny weather, with the exception of the southern coast of Crete, where it is much hotter in summer. In July and August there can be winds, so the sun is not as noticeable. On the other hand, at resorts the wind is used in various sports activities.

Hotel base on the mainland and on the island

Halkidiki is ready to provide its guests with hotels of varying levels of comfort and service; you can find affordable apartments or stay in a fashionable 5* hotel. A common practice on the peninsula is to locate hotels not in resort towns, but at some distance. On the one hand, a calm, quiet pastime is ensured, on the other hand, you need to look for ways to get to a club, a disco or take a stroll through the local shops.

The island has hotels of different levels of comfort; the most luxurious complexes are located on the northern coast. Tourists who want to save money on accommodation should pay attention to the south or west coast. Many hotels offer two meals a day, but experienced travelers advise limiting yourself to breakfast at the hotel and having dinner outside. It is known that gastronomic tourism in Greece is a special place.

Greek activities and attractions

Among the entertainments, tourists prefer walks around resort towns, gatherings in Greek national restaurants and bars. Beach fun is represented by a large number of water attractions, sports or near sports games. In the immediate vicinity of the vacation spot you can find discos, clubs, and entertainment centers. There are playgrounds and a water park for children (it will be of interest to all categories of vacationers).

There seems to be no end to the sights in Halkidiki; there are both very ancient ones, dating back to ancient times, and more “young” ones, medieval fortresses, monasteries, and ancient harbors. The main natural monuments are Mount Athos and the famous Athonite Orthodox monasteries and monasteries.

There are so many attractions in Crete that you can leave here completely untanned, if you set yourself the goal of seeing at least half of it. There are natural and historical monuments created by ancient people and modern inhabitants of Crete. The brand of the island is the Palace of Knossos, built during the heyday of the Minoan civilization under King Minos. He remained in people's memory, not only as the owner of a gigantic palace with 1000 rooms. According to legend, it was in these places that the famous labyrinth was located, in which the terrible and terrible Minotaur lived. There are a huge number of monasteries in Crete, which are also under the close attention of tourists.

Even the simplest comparison of holidays on the Halkidiki peninsula and Crete allows you to see big differences that relate to climate, hotels, and cultural programs.

Tourists who:

loves hot, dry climates and greenery;
dreams of relaxing away from the noise and hubbub of cities;
alternates hotel stays with visits to clubs, shops, and entertainment centers;
is a fan of pilgrimage tourism.

The island of Crete is best suited for travelers who:

dream of quality rest;
going to see as much as possible;
planning to meet the Minotaur.

Surely, everyone is wondering where to go on vacation in Greece? There are so many islands, such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and others, as well as the mainland of Greece that can delight you with the sea and high-quality resort areas - Halkidiki (Kassandra and Sithonia).

In my opinion, Greece is a unique combination of a seaside holiday with a rich excursion program to natural and architectural attractions. Someone will say, why is Italy or Spain worse? Absolutely no worse, but! Holidays in Greece are cheaper for tourists than in other European countries at Mediterranean resorts.

Greek resorts are “varied”: those who need a dry climate for health reasons are welcome to Crete, those who are delighted with the lush greenery are Rhodes, those who prefer luxury and comfort are welcome to Halkidiki.

Each island or peninsula in Greece is unique in its own way. Greek hospitality cannot fail to touch even the hardest heart of a demanding and strict tourist.

Let's take a look at the most popular resorts in Greece: the islands of Crete and Rhodes, as well as the Halkidiki peninsula, such as Sithonia and Kassandra (entry to New Athos is only possible for men, and only with a pre-issued permit).

☀ Weather and climate in Crete

Crete is located south of other islands and resorts in Greece, so the season on this island begins in May and ends at the end of October.

The average water temperature in May is +20 degrees, the average maximum is +26 in August, and in October +23 degrees.

✈ How to get to the island of Crete

There are two international airports on the island of Crete: Heraklion in the center of the island on the northern coast and Chania in the north-west of the island. Charter flights mainly fly to Chania Airport).

It is better to buy air tickets for the summer period in advance. The closer the high season is, the higher the price will be.

Airfare in the period from May to October starts from 9600 rubles. and up to 19,000 rub. per person in both directions.

You can find cheap tickets to Crete, as well as choose the optimal period of your holiday, using the low price calendar on the website Aviasales.ru.

For your convenience, I have already formed all the summer months in this calendar and set the rest period - 7-12 days 👇

♒ Map of resorts and beaches of Crete

According to Greek law, all beaches belong to the state, therefore, tourists will have to pay for beach infrastructure - umbrellas and sunbeds for 3-5 euros per set per day.

On this island you can find various types of beaches and entries into the sea: narrow rocky and wide sandy, pebble and bays with large boulders, as well as with cold rivers flowing into the sea.

To help you navigate the beaches of the island of Crete, I suggest you familiarize yourself with with an interactive map of resorts and beaches of Crete.

In order to find out which beach is at a particular resort on this sunny island, just click on the flag ⛳.

🏨 Hotels on Crete

Most tourists find it difficult to decide on a hotel - either the beach is rocky or the hotel is not very good. Therefore, I would not recommend that you focus on staying in a hotel, but book a modest but decent 3*-4* hotel, rent a car and drive around all the bays, lagoons - everyone will find a suitable place to their liking, and at the same time visit various towns and villages of this hospitable island.

It’s worth overpaying for hotel amenities, food and smooth sandy sunset only if you are planning your vacation with small children, or this is not your first time vacationing in Crete.

It is profitable to book a hotel, as well as air tickets, either in advance or closer to departure - suddenly the last places will be “burning” and you will be able to profitably rent a hotel in Crete. However, remember that when booking a hotel at the last minute, you will have to choose from what is left. And as you know, the best is always sold out first.

The best prices, in my opinion, as well as profitable promotions and special offers can be found on the website Booking.com.

Initially, I analyze prices for all service sites for hotel booking using a search engine RoomGuru.ru.

As practice shows, the best prices and favorable booking conditions are provided by the service Booking.com .

For youth holidays in Crete, Malia and Hersonissos are most suitable. That is, mostly urban beaches, with a large number of bars and discos.

For lovers of rocky beaches with waves - Kalymnos, for divers - Alonissos.

For lovers of a calm and measured holiday, it is better to give preference to the surroundings of Rethymnon (Platanios, Adelianios Kampos - with wide beaches and greenery). Walking around Agios Nikolas, Elounda (considered an expensive and fashionable holiday destination in Crete) will seem wonderful.

For family holidays, as a rule, hotels are built with a family holiday concept, suitable infrastructure, and a gentle approach to the sea (for example, hotels from the Grecotel or Aldemar chain).

Well, now, let’s briefly look at each resort in Crete.

1. Heraklion

★ Heraklion - attractions and entertainment

Heraklion itself is a very small city, despite the fact that it is the capital of the island. The most interesting things are concentrated in the city center and closer to the port.

The main attraction of Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos, which is a 15-minute drive from the city.

The ancient architecture of the city, museums, cozy cafes and taverns, a market with souvenirs - this is what characterizes Heraklion.

For those who independently plan their trip around the island by bus, you should know that most commuter and intercity bus routes start from Heraklion: both in the eastern direction and in the western direction.

The main thing is not to forget about the color of such KTEL buses - cream or green. The average cost is from 2-15 euros per ticket.

If you want to do more than just look at “dead” architectural objects and silent monuments, book excursions organized by local Russian-speaking residents of the island. Thanks to the guides, any attraction will come to life, breathing in a breath of history.

You can sign up for excursions from Heraklion on the website, here is a list of the most popular:

2. Rethymnon

Located 78 km west of Heraklion airport. It is difficult to see the city from the highway - it is hidden in the thickets of blooming oleander. The entire city can be explored on foot in 15 minutes.

This region can please you with its developed infrastructure of resort areas, as well as a variety of beaches from wide sandy to narrow sand and pebble.

Even the city beach of Rethymnon is very clean and awarded the blue flag:

Since the terrain of Rethymno is flat, and is not located in a bay - that is, not protected by mountains and hills, the wind often blows on the beach and there are waves in the sea.

★ Rethymnon - attractions and entertainment

The main attraction of Rethymno is the ancient city itself, including the port and the Venetian fortress of Forteza.

You can find out what excursions you can still visit from the Rethymno region on the following websites:

These are sites where you can sign up for customized excursions from private guides.

3. Bali

The heavenly name of a small resort town 40 km from Heraklion (to the west) has nothing in common with the island of Bali of the same name in Indonesia.

This resort area is characterized by windless bays with a gentle slope. The further inland from the sea, the higher the climb up the mountain. Therefore, be careful when choosing a hotel on the second and third lines - it’s easy to go down, but to go up after swimming in the sun...

Bali Bay is a region for a relaxing holiday; there are no attractions as such. This place is also convenient because there are regular buses to Heraklion and Rethymno, since all excursions in Crete start from these cities.

4. Chania

This city has its own airport, therefore, when purchasing a package tour to the Chania region, charter airlines will arrive here, and not to Heraklion (150 km).

The city limits of Chania are characterized by beaches with dark golden sand, a gentle slope and a not very wide beach strip. Outside the city, the beaches become a little wider and are located in small bays.

People go to this resort mainly to walk and look, and not to relax near the sea in a hotel. Almost every building in Chania is an architectural monument (Venetian port, market, fortress). The city itself is very green, surrounded by white limestone mountains.

5. Ammudara

Located 10 km from Heraklion airport. This small resort town is suitable for a leisurely family holiday.

The beaches are mostly wide and sandy. The recreational infrastructure is well developed.

There are places to get out of the hotels - cozy little streets with cafes and restaurants. Water City Water Park is 20 km away.

If you buy tickets in advance online, you can get a 15% discount:

6. Gouves

Located 15 km from Heraklion airport, as well as Amoudara, it is suitable for a calm, measured holiday. Gouves is characterized by a gentle slope, sandy beaches and developed infrastructure.

Unlike the previous resort, located in a bay and reliably protected from the winds, in Gouves the area is open, the bays are not deep, there can be waves and wind.

Gouves has a 5-kilometer illuminated promenade along the coast with a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants.

7. Malia, Stalida

The resorts, transforming one into another, are located 30-35 km from Heraklion. The beaches are mostly sandy with a gentle slope into the sea.

During the day it is a quiet place to relax, with good quality hotels, and at night it is a noisy, party place. Especially popular among the British and Scandinavians. Lots of bars, shops and discos.

8-10 km away is the Aqua Splash water park (27 euros/adult and 16 euros/child).

8. Agios Nikolaos

Located in the eastern part of Crete, 56 km from Heraklion. Located in the beautiful Mirabello Bay.

Previously just a fishing village, it is now a resort with a touch of luxury. And indeed, the city is decorated with colorful houses, ancient quarters, two embankments - one near the sea with salt water, the other with fresh water. And all this beauty is framed by mountains and palm trees.

The beaches can be either sandy or pebble, mostly small. The entry into the sea is gentle. Everyone chooses a place to relax according to their taste - within the city limits, or along the coast.

In the bay of Agios Nikolaos the water is unreal

crystal, and the landscapes against the backdrop of mountains

Simply amazing!

Agios Nikolaos is a miniature town with a promenade for evening walks. In the center of the city lies the "bottomless lake" of Vulismeni, surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants and taverns serving delicious seafood.

★ Agios Nikolaos - attractions and entertainment

The main attraction of the resort in Agios Nikolas is Lake Voulismeni. A walk along the Koundourou promenade with beautiful views of Mirabello Bay will bring you great pleasure.

Historical attractions include archaeological museums and cathedrals.

9. Elounda

Distance from Heraklion to the east, 70 km. Located in the prefecture of Agios Nikolas.

It is considered a fashionable resort. The level of hotels is high, the territory is huge. The price range for accommodation here is much higher than in other resorts in Crete.

A beautiful and cozy town, it was founded in the 15th century by the Venetians. The world fame of this resort came after the Walt Disney film studio made a film about local residents in 1977.

The coastline of Elounda is indented with bays, the beaches are sandy, and the slope is gentle. The favorable location of the beaches in bays provides reliable protection from wind and strong waves.

From the coast you can see the island of Spinalonga:

Rhodes Island

☀ Weather and climate in Rhodes

The island is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea from the west, and from the east by the Mediterranean Sea.

The season in Rhodes begins at the end of May, but the water temperature becomes comfortable for swimming from mid-June +21 degrees.

The swimming season lasts until mid-late October, the sea is still warm +24, +22 degrees. But keep in mind, it is always wet at the beginning and end of the season.

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The climatic feature of the island is that on the west coast it is often windy and the sea water is choppy (Ixia, Ialyssos). For a relaxing beach holiday, it is better to book a holiday on the east coast of the island (Kalithea, Lindos).

✈ How to get to the island of Rhodes

On the island of Rhodes in Greece, planes land at the airport of the city of the same name in Rhodes, in the north of the island.

🔔 Learn more about how to search for cheap flights: "How to find cheap flights".

The minimum cost of air tickets per person in both directions during the holiday season starts from 10,000 rubles. Agree, quite good?

🔎 You can find out how much a ticket will cost for your holiday dates here: "Calendar of low prices for air tickets to Greece, Rhodes island".

♒ Map of resorts and beaches of Rhodes

Unlike Crete, Rhodes is greener, the beaches are surrounded by hills and rocky coves. Beaches can be either sandy or sand and pebbles.

In order to find out about the beach at a specific resort on this sunny island, just click on the flag.

🏨 Hotels in Rhodes

You can book hotels in Rhodes from RUB 8,000. per room for a week or more. Again, it all depends on your preferences and needs: proximity to the city, distance from the beach, what type of vacation you like - active, sporty or relaxing.

The island is very small, the attractions on it can be counted on one hand. However, there is no less entertainment in Rhodes than in Crete.

You can choose the optimal location of the hotel, and also decide on a specific option on a trusted website Booking.com.

💡 If you are planning your trip for the first time, then I advise you to study the article: "How to find hotels in the price-quality category, where to look for them and how to book".

Resorts of Rhodes

1. Rhodes

Rhodes is located in the north of the island of the same name. The optimal balance between excursion and beach holidays. The city of Rhodes itself can suit both history and nightlife lovers.

2. Faliraki

The most party place on the island. Beaches are sand and pebble. 5 km from Faliraki is Afandou Beach - the longest beach on the island. The village of Afandou itself is buried in cypresses, pines and oaks. This is a very ancient village built in traditional Greek style.

The relief around the beach is flat, but the seabed, on the contrary, is characterized by changes. Afandou Beach is considered deep-sea, so the water in the sea is cool. The landscape near the beach is “bald”, it is very difficult to find shade.

3. Kolymbia

Kolymbia is located exactly in the middle, between the capital and Lindos (25 km). It's only about half an hour from Rhodes airport. Kolymbia beach is 3 km away from the main highway. A path leads to this beach through a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The southern part of the beach is flanked by a tavern, port and chapel.

The advantage of Kolymbia beach is its location in the bay. A gentle slope and virtually no waves are an ideal place for families with children.

Kolymbia is a good place for active tourists to relax. From this point it is easy to reach both Rhodes and Lindos, as well as the Valley of the Seven Springs.

4. Lindos

It is 56 km away from the capital of the island of Rhodes. Lindos is a small provincial town with narrow streets and sidewalks paved with snow-white stone.

Lindos is characterized by sandy beaches with picturesque lagoons, excellent infrastructure for recreation: cafes, restaurants, bars, discos, and a market. In the city you can see both ancient buildings and churches with ancient icons.

The beach strip of this part of the east coast lasts almost 30 km, the nature around is picturesque.

5. Gennadi

A resort in the south of Rhodes, 18 km from Lindos and 64 km from the capital.

This resort town is located on a flat area, 500 meters from the sea. It attracts tourists with its narrow streets, cozy atmosphere and the flavor of a Greek settlement. There is all the necessary infrastructure (cafes, exchange offices, shops, pharmacy). The beach is mostly sandy, sometimes there are pebbles.

Halkidiki

Weather and climate in Halkidiki

The Aegean Sea washes Halkidiki. This sea is “cooler” than the Mediterranean, so the swimming season begins a little later than, for example, on the island of Crete, and ends earlier - towards the end of September it already begins to rain.

The average air temperature in October in Halkidiki drops to 20-21 degrees. In addition, the Halkidiki half is located a little further north than the Greek islands.

Unlike the islands, Halkidiki is less windy, since the “fingers” reliably protect each other from the wind. Another difference is humidity - Halkidiki is a greener island, the climate here is humid. That is why June and September are considered the best months for vacation, since the “humid” heat is more difficult to bear than in a dry climate.

How to get to Halkidiki

There is no airport on the peninsula itself, so all tourists fly to Thessaloniki. Flights from Moscow are operated both with transfers (Athens, Heraklion) and direct. Direct flights are operated by the following airlines: Aeroflot, Elinair (Greek Elinair), Aegan Airlines (Agen Airlines).

From Thessaloniki airport, drive about an hour to the beginning of the peninsulas (about 60 km).

You can buy the cheapest tickets to Thessaloniki for 7,700 rubles per person for the month of September. During peak months such as July and August, air tickets can cost up to RUB 18,000. per person.

Hotels and apartments in Halkidiki

Unlike a holiday on the islands of Greece (Rhodes, Crete, Kos), the cost of a holiday in this part of mainland Greece will be somewhat more expensive.

The price for apart-hotels (hotels with rooms with a kitchen) and 2* hotels starts from 11,300 rubles. per room for a week.

You can choose apartments in Halkidiki on the website Booking.com.

The cost of accommodation in hotels with breakfast included starts from approximately 15,000 rubles. per room for a week.

You can compare prices for hotels and apartments on the website RoomGuru.com.

Map of resorts and beaches of Halkidiki

The beaches in Halkidiki are mostly sandy, with a smooth sunset and windless bays.

Just like in any other resort in Greece, there are city beaches and those located in secluded places, in small towns and villages, as well as wild beaches - without any infrastructure for tourists.

To get information about the place you are interested in, just click on the flag on the map.

The Chalkidiki peninsula is divided into three parts: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos.

➤ Kassandra Peninsula

The most popular resort among tourists. The Kassandra Peninsula has a well-developed recreational infrastructure. As a rule, hotels are located at a distance of 50-115 km from the airport.

Kalithea village

The most popular beach in this resort is Kriopigi Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag.

Most cafes and taverns open at 11-12 noon and stay open until late.

It should be borne in mind that there is a steep descent down the stairs to the pristine sandy beach.

Four kilometers from Kallithea, there is the town of Afitos, a walk through which will bring you no less pleasure than visiting the historical sights of the area.

Nea Potidea

Also considered attractive to young people. The city of Poseidon itself is located on ruins, so it will also be of interest to connoisseurs of cultural heritage.

Pefkohori

Literally translated as “a village built in a pine grove.” This village is also called "Sosnovka". All the necessary infrastructure for recreation is developed - restaurants, taverns, pizzerias, cafes, night clubs.
There are not many attractions, except perhaps the 19th century Village Church. It is in Pefkochori, in apiaries, that the famous Greek honey is produced.

Afitos

The village of Afitos enchants at first sight: cozy streets, “homely” hospitality of hotels, measured pace of life.

An ideal place for those who are tired of the city bustle. There is a lot to see in Afitos: the Church of St. Demetrius, the Katsanis mansion, and you can also go on a boat trip, excursions to parks and reserves.

It should be noted that Afytos is located on a steep slope, so the descent to the beach and the ascent are very tiring.

Nea Fokea

Nea Fokea is a former fishing village, which over time has transformed into a full-fledged resort with its own tourist infrastructure.

Suitable for a relaxing and leisurely holiday. Among the attractions is the Byzantine tower of St. Paul.

Nea Moudania

It is a dynamic town with its own industry and agriculture.

Residents of Thessaloniki have built their dachas along the coastline of this area.

Suitable for those who prefer urban recreation - going to the shopping center, cinemas, and attending festivals.

➤ Sithonia Peninsula

It is impossible not to fall in love with the crystal clear waters of small coves and bays, wild beaches, pine forests and olive groves.

Compared to Kassandra, Sithonia is less lively, so it will appeal more to romantics, as well as those who are tired of city noise and dust.

A huge number of attractions, places of cultural and architectural heritage, temples, churches unite the wonderful peninsula of Sithonia.

The border with the mainland, unlike Kassandra, is very arbitrary.

Nikiti

A small resort town with its own infrastructure: apartments and hotels, restaurants, sandy beaches.

Neos Marmaras

Large town in Sithonia. If you plan to rent a car and come here in it, parking will be problematic.

Good developed infrastructure combined with ecological places for recreation.

One of the most luxurious hotels with its own embankment, helipad and promenade is Porto Carras 5*.

Toroni

A crowded and popular town. The beaches are wide and sandy and pebble. Also, this place will be interesting for those who want to see the ruins of the Toroni fortress and take colorful photographs of the landscapes and wild beaches.

Sarti

Sarti is also characterized by wide sandy beaches, many hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns.

By the way, you can often see octopus tentacles drying near restaurants. At the exit from this town there is a small embankment and a mini-port in the bay.

On the road along the coast of the Sithonia Peninsula, you can also come across beaches with campsites.

Vourvourou

Considered one of the best beaches in Sithonia. Vourvourou is a complex of villas and cottages. It gets very crowded in high season.

In the vicinity of the beach you can find strangely shaped stone blocks hewn by water. One of the resort's popular beaches is Karidi Beach.

Which resort in Greece to choose for your holiday is up to you to decide. I just briefly talked about each of them to help you find a guide in finding “that” place for your ideal vacation.

I wish you crystal clear waters and eucalyptus groves!

Yours, Valentina Sorokina,

(archive) / Greece

Good afternoon My boyfriend and I, after much torment in choosing a summer vacation destination, settled on Greece. But now we are tormented by another question: to go to the islands (for example, to Crete) or on Halkidiki? I would like the beaches to be good and to see What and in the evening there was somewhere to go. Those. We are looking forward to everything from our holiday:) Please advise What choose! And in general, do you think we are the right country? chose? Thank you in advance.

Laura I’ve been to a lot of places... My advice is if you’re planning to go together... then Greece is the wrong choice... I would chose Italy or Spain. IMHO Greece is an ideal country for a holiday with children ( Halkidiki here they dominate, in my opinion, over other resorts in Greece). In Italy or Spain is much more interesting and more party-oriented (the nature is more beautiful in Greece and then... CHALKIDIKI!It seems so to me.) Take an inexpensive hotel and travel around Italy, Spain. France is also a good option... Monaco, St. Tropez, Nice... You'll go to a calm and relaxing Greece with your friends!))

(archive) / Greece

The two most popular tourist destinations sometimes offer a difficult choice between them - what to choose for a Greek holiday, Halkidiki or Crete?

First of all, you need to understand which Halkidiki you want to compare with Crete - Kassandra, Sithonia or resorts in between. Kassandra is significantly different from Sithonia, which you can read about in our separate article. But in general, you can try to figure out the difference this way.

Comparing Crete and Chalkidiki

Let's try to compare and at least in some points decide which one is better.

Transfer from Russia is convenient in both directions. Direct flights from major Russian cities will take you non-stop to Thessaloniki (to be in Chalkidiki in an hour or two) or to Heraklion on Crete. Travel time from Russia is approximately the same.
Crete is an island, therefore, if you want to be in another part of Greece, you will have to use a ferry or plane. Chalkidki is a peninsula; by bus you can go to the Northern capital of Greece and Athens. If you don’t really like airplanes and plan to visit different Greece, then this fact may be decisive.
There are almost no well-known attractions in Halkidiki. Of course, there is something to see here (such as the birthplace of Aristotle, the Petralona Cave), but Cretan famous places cannot be compared. We all know the myths and legends of Crete from school, and the numerous attractions associated with them are sometimes why we go to this island in the first place.
Natural attractions are richer in Crete - gorges, high mountain ranges, caves, trails. Accordingly, alternative tourism is more developed here - mountaineering, hiking, etc. Halkidiki looks more flat and predictable in this regard; first of all, staying here is a beach holiday.
Let's compare the weather: Crete - the south of Greece, Chalkidiki - the north, and this is worth paying attention to especially for those who plan to come on vacation not in the summer. In spring or autumn it is warmer in Crete; September and early October are generally the high season. In Halkidiki, already at the beginning of September the temperature drops slightly and the rains begin. In summer it is also cooler here than in Crete by at least 4 degrees. If you don't tolerate heat well and like a more comfortable summer temperature, Kassandra and Sithonia will provide this sooner than Crete.
Some travelers like to visit the traditional villages and settlements of Greece to better understand its history, spirit and mood. There are more such places in Crete and in some places they have perfectly preserved their way of life and traditions. Therefore, for curious, restless tourists, Halkidiki may not seem too rich in this regard, but Crete will please you.

We hope that we helped you decide on some points and understand what would be the best choice for you - Crete or Chalkidiki.

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