Hidden gems
& popular destinations
One of the many perks of traveling in Halkidiki is the endless coastline that forms several breathtaking beaches. Starting from Margarita Sea Side Hotel there is a great variety of spots of heaven that you can reach.
Sani beach for instance, near the city of Thessaloniki, is one of the most popular beaches in Kassandra. It forms several pockets where you can enjoy the golden, soft sand and the shallow, crystal clear waters. Traditional taverns, restaurants, bars, and of course water sports facilities are available. Plus, the beach is accessible. Another choice is Kavourotripes (which translates in Greek to “the burrows of crabs”), also known as Portokali beach. Its name literally means Orange beach, probably because of the amazing golden sand and the iridescent waters under the summer sun that make its colors look golden-orange. It also has a spectacular view of Mt. Athos, surrounded by pine trees and white rocks. Akti Xenia (also called Paliouri) is one of the most renowned beaches in Kassandra, among families too. It is hidden in a small bay, with always calm waters, soft sand and pine trees. Keep in mind beach bars host parties at night on the weekends there. Possidi beach for some is the most impressive beach of Kassandra for its transparent turquoise waters and bright, almost white, sand. The beach has watersport facilities, some beach bars and it is also accessible. Plus, you should be there during sunset, as the horizon stretches, the view is sensational. If you feel like going wilder, Armenistis is the best place for you. The beach -because of its lush vegetation and pine trees- feels like a haven for relaxation. It is also an extremely big beach with emerald waters and soothing white sand where you can find if you feel like, some traditional taverns to treat yourself to Greek “tsipouro” with some “mezes” (snacks that accompany strong liquor). Neos Marmaras is not a single beach, rather than a village with many astonishing sandy beaches. The main beach is located on the south side and most of it has natural shade from pine trees. It is also accessible, and the waters are gradually deepening which makes it perfect for both kids and swimming. Plus, at the village you can find many taverns for when it’s time to grab a bite.
Fun Times in Halkidiki
Margarita Sea Side Hotel prides itself on planning with you not just your luxurious stay but your dream vacation.
Whether you want to feel the thrill of a jeep safari or the luxury of a small cruise; whether you want to take scuba diving lessons, snorkeling or a fishing expedition is in your mind; or if you simply want to rent a private boat for some easy-going wondering around the hidden bays of Halkidiki, we will make the arrangements for you, so your relaxation and fun is uninterrupted. We can organize daily activities according to your wishes and needs, make recommendations, and, of course, bookings at any restaurant, nightclub, or other type of facility that you are interested in. Just come to the reception, and we will offer personalized services to you so that this vacation will be full of extraordinary moments that will become your best memories.
Thessaloniki
Where it all happens
Thessaloniki is a lot more than what meets the eye, or the biggest city of northern Greece; It is a melting pot of cultures, colors, flavors, and fun. Even if you simply stroll at the harbor and taste the famous local “trigona” desserts (cone-shaped pastry with vanilla cream and syrup), you will feel the vibrant vibe of the town and its youth.
The White Tower, located at the harbor, is the emblem of Thessaloniki. It was built in the early 16th century and tells a story about the city’s historical past. Initially, it was part of the perimeter walls, used as a defensive stronghold. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a prison and when the Ottomans decided to change its color, the story is they used lime to whiten it. Inside the White Tower, there is a permanent exhibition taking the visitor on a historical journey through a set of applications, projections, sound records, and a few artifacts. For more information, please visit www.lpth.gr.
But the city’s past is much older than the White Tower. It begins in ancient times and there is proof of its rich cultural heritage at the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum presents permanent exhibitions that include unique masterpieces of ancient Greek art dating from prehistoric times to late antiquity. Some of its artifacts date back to 200.000 years ago; let that sink in. For visiting hours and tickets, please check the museum’s website at https://www.amth.gr/en/visit. Another excellent cultural stop is the Museum of Byzantine Culture which currently hosts 11 permanent exhibitions from “Early Christian churches, cities, and dwellings” to the “Byzantine legacy in the years after the Fall, 1453-19th c.”. The museum is a scientific institution that focuses on Christian, Byzantine, medieval, and post-Byzantine periods, mainly from the geographical area of Macedonia. For opening hours and tickets visit: https://mbp.gr/en. A very famous Byzantine monument of the city is the Church of St. Dimitrios (Hagios Demetrios), which is considered the patron saint of Thessaloniki. It is officially on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO since 1988. Underneath the Church, as the level of the ground gradually rose over the centuries, a crypt was formed that is considered the place of martyr for St. Dimitrios and other Christians of the early Roman period. Nowadays, the crypt is an exhibition space open to the public with a collection of sculptures, capitals, closure slabs, and vessels. The entrance to the site is without charge but there is a dress code for long trousers/skirts and opening hours vary. Even if you are not in the mood for museum hopping and sightseeing, Thessaloniki presents plenty of opportunities for shopping and is well-known for its dynamic nightlife. High-end brands and designer houses shops can be found all over the main avenues of the city center. When the sun sets down you can enjoy cocktails at many bars on the seafront or try a Greek night out with a visit to “Ladadika” where you will discover a picturesque walkable area, full of taverns with traditional flavors and music.
Take a trip
Unique destinations
create memorable moments
While in Margarita Sea Side Hotel, there are several fascinating trips we can help you plan to some exquisite destinations.
Waterland is a waterpark covering an area of approximately 150,000 sq.m., at the outskirts of Thessaloniki, with eight different slides, several pools suitable for all ages, games, and installations. It is the first waterpark ever in Greece, and it even has a zoo. For more information please visit https://www.waterland.gr/en/hours. If you are into sightseeing, the Archeological Site of Aigai -now called Vergina– is a no-miss. The city of Aigai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. It was discovered in the 19th century. This is where Philip II was assassinated and his son, Alexander the Great, was proclaimed king. The most important remains are the monumental palace, decorated with impressive mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. In fact, one of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II. The archaeological museum of Vergina is one of the most important museums in Greece and the site of Aigai has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status as “an exceptional testimony to a significant development in European civilization, at the transition from classical city-state to the imperial structure of the Hellenistic and Roman periods”. Read more at https://www.aigai.gr/www.aigai.gr/en/visit/organize.html. Another once-in-a-lifetime destination is Meteora, the largest historical site of Greece in terms of the area it covers. This is a vast complex of giant rock formations, scattered on a plain, with monasteries made on the picks of the cliffs centuries ago. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official holy place for Greece since 1995. Today, 6 out of the 24 monasteries are still active and open to the public. This is not however an easy trip; 5 of the monasteries (Great Meteoron, Varlaam, St. Nikolas, Roussanou, and Agia Triada) have staircases to climb with the only exception being the monastery of St. Stefanos that has a small bridge to cross. The stairs to climb per monastery range between 150 to 300 steps. The view and the experience, however, are spectacular and surreal. Meteora is a perfect example of nature’s glory and human’s will to get closer to God. Visiting hours and more information available at https://www.visitmeteora.travel/monasteries-visiting-hours-and-days/ Under strict preconditions also requiring visa-issuance, Mount Athos is an option for a truly remarkable spiritual journey. Women are not allowed in the sanctuary which is an autonomous state covering the third peninsula of Halkidiki. Mount Athos consists of 20 monasteries, surrounded by pine trees, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site too. If you only wish to admire it from a distance, a cruise with a private yacht by sea is the best way. For detailed information about the Monasteries please visit the official website of the Municipality of Aristotle http://www.dimosaristoteli.gr/en/
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