HANIOTI
Area: Halkidiki
Country: Greece


Location:
On the E coast of the Kassandra peninsula, towards its S end. 62 miles S of Thessaloniki, 57 S of the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 23740

Position:
Land gently sloping to NE-facing shore. Dirt tracks lead inland to lovely rolling countryside.

Description:
Big, vibrant tourist village between main road and sea, it is devoted almost entirely to the needs of tour groups but is by no means brash or overpowering. With its pretty central square and winding streets suggesting greater age, this modern, low-rise resort is surprisingly relaxing. Its great strength is a traffic-free frontage to a very good beach with a pine-shaded park at one end. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations in this Land of Aristotle; a beautiful and varied peninsula where tourism is growing rapidly, though under controlled conditions.

Suitability:
Relaxing venue for groups of most ages. Hordes of Greeks holiday here from mid June to the end of August.

Accommodation:
The full range except for top class luxury, with middle-rated hotels in the majority.

Shopping:
Hanioti has many souvenir shops selling ceramics, jewellery, leather, clothes and tourist trinkets. There are, however, no real local specialities (except very good honey) and ideally a day should be allowed for a trip to the high streets of Thessaloniki.

Beach:
Long and at least 25 yards deep, of light coarse sand and scattered pebbles. Clear waters; good view of Sithonia peninsula opposite. Sun lounger and umbrella hire.

Entertainments:
Daytime: few sights but good countryside for strolling. Nightlife: music-bars and tavernas as well as the more stage-managed entertainments offered by the larger hotels. A disco just off the main road.

Eating:
Many opportunities to treat the palate, with pastry shops and ice cream parlours supplementing the ubiquitous tavernas and pizza restaurants.

Public-transport:
6 buses daily, Paliouri to Thessaloniki and back.

Local-excursions:
Mount Athos boat trip from Ouranopolis; sightseeing/shopping to Thessaloniki; Classical Tour to Pella and Veria (full day); exploring some of the hinterland villages; caves of Petralona.