Situated on the West of the Kassandra peninsula, the most popular and populated of Halkidiki, Sani offers magnificent views of Mount Olympus and the shimmering Aegean Sea. Sani is a privately developed ecological reserve with abundant wildlife that offers exclusivity in a safe and relaxed environment. The beautiful long coastline with hidden coves and little bays feels private and secluded. Emerald pine trees and olive groves are fringed by a long powdery beach and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, perfect scenery for exploring the water sports facilities that are available. The delightful marina surrounded by luxury hotels provides plenty of choices of cafes, bars and restaurants where the visitors will experience relaxation and Greek hospitality.
DAY 2 SANI-PORTO KOUFO 34 MILES
PORTO KOUFO
Porto Koufo located on the South-West point of the Sithonia peninsula, is actually one of the two ports of ancient Toroni. Literary meaning Deaf Port because of it being so well protected that the sound of the sea could not be heard. Today is regarded one of the largest natural ports in Northern Greece, stretching about 1.5 kilometers in length. Over the years it has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a hideaway for Turkish pirate ships that attacked Halkidiki. Even more recently during the Second World War, the Germans used the harbor as a U-boat (submarine) base for the Northern Aegean and some of their fortifications can still be seen. Nowadays, it is a popular small fishing village that offers peaceful and relaxing vacations. The view of the surrounding countryside seems untainted - cliffs surrounding the port create the feeling of a village on the shores of a mountain lake, ideal for trekking. Porto Koufo is also a great place for scuba diving where in the deep harbor numerous caves wait to be explored - the most famous being Erika’s cave with an entrance of 12 meters under the surface of the water. Porto Koufo is famous for its fresh sea food and rightfully hosts the annual festival "Fishing of the Tuna" in September.
DAY 3 PORTO KOUFO-ATHOS 35 MILES
ATHOS
Athos (Agion Oros) is the easternmost of Halkidiki’s peninsulas. Is a unique Christian monument untouched by the passing of time and a living monument of Byzantine culture inhabited solely by monks and hermits for well over a thousand years. Athos rises majestically out of the sea to a height of 2.033 meters, covered with virgin forests and overwhelming physical beauty. The first organized monastery was founded in 963 and a century later it was declared that “no smooth faced person” be permitted to violate its sanctity. This prohibition is still enforced and no female may set foot on Mount Athos. Men wishing to visit the Holy Mountain are admitted by special permit only. The peninsula of Athos alone offers unique sights as it is known for its aquamarine waters, delightful beaches and extraordinary surroundings, the closest it can get to paradise.
DAY 4 ATHOS-SAMOTHRAKI 81 MILES
SAMOTHRAKI
Samothraki is a relatively small island located in north Aegean and owes its distinct morphology to the imposing mass of Mount Saos with the highest peak at 1.611 meters called Feggari (Moon), as the mountain runs through the entire island - legend has it that Poseidon sat on its top to watch the Troy war. As a result the mountainous Samothraki has plenty of green, running waters and many large waterfalls. The island is known worldwide for the famous statue of Nike (Victory) of Samothraki that was found on the island on 1863 and today graces the Louvre Museum in Paris. Also, is famous for the Kaveiria Mystiria that were organized during the ancient times, making Samothraki one of the most important religious centers of the ancient world. Samothraki offers stunning natural surroundings with pebbly beaches, streams and rivers, pristine natural beauty, famous healing sources and many archeological finds. The trademark of the island is the wild goats moving around freely all over the island.
DAY 5 SAMOTHRAKI-LIMNOS 40 MILES
LIMNOS
Limnos is situated on the North of the Aegean Sea. The beautiful volcanic island of Hephaestus, the Greek ancient god of fire, is embellished with sheltered gulfs, extensive and gorgeous sandy beaches and landscapes of volcanic rocks, alternate with small hills and traditional villages of stone houses. The fertile land produces goods of unique taste and excellent quality, such as the renowned Muscat of Limnos, a Designation of Origin of Superior Quality sweet white wine and the cheese Kalathaki (meaning small basket) that is left to dry and mature in small straw baskets following the traditional way. The island’s capital Myrina is filled with the colors of tradition with old stone mansions and paved alleys, hosting an impressive Byzantine castle on a rocky peninsula.
DAY 6 LIMNOS-ALONNISOS 67 MILES
ALONNISOS
Alonissos is part of the Sporades complex, and is famous for its incredible natural beauty and the amazing beaches. Pine forests, olive groves and orchards form a magnificent natural landscape while the miraculous herbs growing into the island keep alive the deep-rooted tradition of folk medicine and homeopathy. The pristine sandy beaches of crystal clear waters offer unforgettable moments of serenity and the picturesque harbor and capital of the island, Patitiri, with the stone paved waterfront capture the essence of a typical Greek island. Alonissos main characteristic is that it hosts the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins and the largest on the world population of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus-Monachus. According to scientists, 2/3 of the total Monachus-Monachus seals, which are considered as the most endangered mammals on earth, live in the Greek seas. The Marine Park consists of the area between the southeastern Skopelos and Alonissos, 94% of which is sea; the remaining 6% is composed of little inhabited islands, with great ecological significance and unrivaled beauty, making this the largest protected sea area in Europe.
DAY 7 ALONNISOS-SKOPELOS 9 MILES
SKOPELOS
Skopelos is located between the islands of Skiathos and Alonissos and belongs to the Sporades complex. With golden coasts, azure waters, traditional architecture, eye-catching landscapes and virgin pine forests covering more than half the territory, it is obvious why Skopelos was selected as the perfect set for the famous movie “Mamma Mia”. The island is famous for its numerous churches, with over 360 churches, chapels and monasteries and the sandy beaches with pine trees reaching to the shore. An island paradise where the blue of the sea meets the green of the landscape.
DAY 8 SKOPELOS-SKIATHOS 22 MILES
SKIATHOS
Skiathos is the most popular and cosmopolitan island of the Sporades complex. A paradise on earth with pine forests and crystal clear waters of picturesque and unspoiled beauty. The impressive beach of Lalaria is accessible only by sea while the beach of Koukounaries has been declared the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Besides the breathtaking sceneries, Skiathos is famous for the bustling nightlife and entertainment with thousands of visitors every year. The island bursts of life with bars, open air clubs, beach parties, concerts, art exhibitions and events for every taste.
