FOURKA
Area: Halkidiki
Country: Greece


Location:
Halfway down the W coast of the Kassandra Peninsula. 57 miles SE of Thessaloniki and 52 miles SE of its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 23740

Position:
Fronting long beach; separated by main road from attractive hills covered with olive and fir trees.

Description:
Officially called Skala Fourkas, the resort area is a modern development that spread from the town of Fourka proper, which is located a couple of miles inland. Squeezed between the main road and beach, the resort grew quickly due to its long fine coastline, but it lacks genuine atmosphere, and there is only a nominal centre. Along the coast are the usual mix of restaurants and bars, as well as amusement arcades and one large disco.

Suitability:
Almost exclusively middlemarket. Suits young and old in search of a relaxing break.

Accommodation:
Wide mix of apartments and hotels, none very big and none top-of-the-range; mostly middlemarket with a few basic options as well.

Shopping:
Large array of tourist shops, virtually none with a genuine Greek feel. Holiday items galore, from sandals and beach towels to Greek ceramics and honey.

Beach:
Well over a mile long but relatively narrow in most places. It has reasonably good sand with a few pebbles, and more pebbles in the sea. The shore gently shelves, providing for good swimming except in the few areas with seaweed. Sunbeds and umbrellas for hire; some water sports available.

Entertainments:
Daytime: most people relax by the beach or pool. Nightlife: mainly bars and tavernas, or the large disco. Occasional concerts at the modern Sivrius amphitheatre, 3 miles away, featuring top international artists.

Eating:
Good range of bars, snack bars and restaurants.

Public-transport:
Bus stop on main road; service to Kalithea and on to Thessaloniki.

Local-excursions:
Cruises around Gulf of Toroneos or to Sithonia (half day); monasteries at Mt Athos or island of Skiathos (long day); sightseeing/shopping in Thessaloniki; Classical tour to Pella (full day); caves of Petralona (full day); small spa town of Loutra (half day).