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Outdoor Sports to Enjoy in Halkidiki, Greece

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Halkidiki, which is located in Northern Greece, is one of the most popular destinations in that area of Greece. Loaded with gorgeous natural beauty and plenty of resorts to keep travelers satisfied, this is a place that you won’t want to miss.

It’s also a bit off the beaten track, so you have a chance to enjoy the best Greece has to offer without the stifling tourist crowds. It’s also known for being a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some things you can do while in Halkidiki:

Enjoy a Running or Hiking Tour in Sani

If you want an adventure, an organized running or hiking tour is just the experience to enjoy in Kassandra in Halkidiki. The trail taken is comfortable, but considered advanced, so almost everyone will be able to enjoy it. It leads through small parts of forest road. Many areas along the trail offer panoramic views of the Thermaikos Gulf. This particular trail will take 90 minutes if you are running and 1 hour and a half if you are hiking. This is the perfect activity for a family or group of friends. There are English-speaking trained mountain guides and sightseeing stops can be made along the way.

Explore the Wonders Underwater by Diving

There are many dive centers around the Halkidiki Peninsulas. The dive sites around the peninsulas are unique and fascinating and a paradise for anyone who loves underwater adventures. The underwater landscape around Halkidiki is greatly varied from crystal clear waters to the darkness of underwater caves.

One of the most interesting dive sites is located off the coast of Kassandra just northeast of the Sani Resort. This is the Mitilini wreck site. Mitilini was a 40 meters long German merchant ship that was built in 1941. In 1961, after a strong storm, the ship hit a reef. Many of the wine bottles the ship was full of remain intact today.

If you dive here, you will also see many beautiful fish who shelter in the ship. Porto Valitsa is another dive site in Kassandra. This one is in the bay of Paliouri. At this site you will immediately notice the rocks and sharp cliffs. When diving, you will see a lobster shelter, octopus shelter, and many beautiful and unique fish.

Go Windsurfing in Halkidiki

Halkidiki, Greece is home to many wonderful beaches. There are over 100 beaches in Sithonia alone. Windsurfing is an outdoor activity that will appeal to people of all ages. There are a number of water sports centers around Sithonia where you can rent equipment and even get on-site instruction that will give you more confidence and knowledge for holding up the sail as you’re out on the water. A great benefit to windsurfing, besides being out on the water, is that you are treated to an incredible view of the beaches, pine forests, and landscape of the peninsulas around you.

Enjoy a Mule Riding Tour

If you are spending time in Sithonia, Halkidiki, you will want to take advantage of the mule riding tour that will take you to place that tourists usually don’t visit. In addition to the breathtaking nature that surrounds you, you will discover hidden parts of Sithonia. The mule riding tour begins in Sarti Village and lasts about 4 hours. If horses are more your style, horseback riding is available around Halkidiki. There are many tours available. Some require more riding skills while others are suited to beginners. Free riding takes the horses through forest trails.

As you can see, there are some interesting things you can do in the outdoors while visiting Halkidi. You can’t go wrong with any of these activities!

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