How is the Greek economic crisis affecting tourism?

According to The Guardian, tourism already accounts for about 18 percent of the economy in Greece. In the current economic crisis, the Greek government is making initiatives to try to lessen the impact. With approximately 52 percent of all visitors to Greece coming between July and September, priority is being given to encouraging alternative tourism which will bring visitors outside of the high season, such as agritourism and religious tourism. In order to generate foreign investment in the tourism sector Greece has taken steps to make this easier. In addition, landing and takeoff fees for aircraft have been waived and visa restrictions for non-EU citizens have been lifted.

Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ Crescent Moon can report that our contacts in Halkidiki tell us that it is business as usual for them. Not only tourists but Greeks have continued to happily holiday in the area. Perhaps because of the depressing news all the time, escapism is still high on the agenda. And what better place to escape to than the beautiful pine-clad hills and Blue Flag beaches of Halkidiki.

Around 2.335 million British nationals visit Greece every year (Source: Civil Aviation Authority). Why not join them and take advantage of beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation and great value for money. 

Thessaloniki - a great city break and more

Thessaloniki has something for all tastes and makes a great city break prior to heading off to Halkidiki. It is the second city of Greece by size after Athens, and was the European Capital of Culture in 1997. Nestled on the Gulf of Thermaïkos on the Aegean Sea, it is a cosmopolitan city and well worth a visit. Roman ruins can be seen dotted around the centre, including the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, both built in the third century AD, as well as a host of Byzantine monuments and churches. Other rulers of Thessaloniki have also left their mark, the Ottomans gave the city it's most famous landmark, the White Tower.

Many of these ancient sights are easily walkable thanks to the city's manageable size. Walk to the seafront and you can you take the the locals’ favourite volta (stroll) to the symbol of the city, the White Tower. Explore the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants here or browse the wares of the street sellers. On a clear day you can see Mount Olympus on the other side of the bay.

The city has been the home of Greece's greatest musicians, artists, poets and thinkers. It has some of the finest hotels and best restaurants in northern Greece. It also has a rich culinary tradition, with restaurants serving up some mouthwatering menus. Its most traditional eateries are ‘tsipouradika’, named after the spirit ‘tsipouro’ (a bit like ‘raki’). These are small, lively places with tables packed tightly and a buzzy atmosphere.

For culture vultures there are museums. Not to be missed is the Archaeological Museum, the home of King Philip's tomb treasure, and the state of the art. For more contemporary tastes head down to the Port for the Photography and Cinema museums or the museum of Contemporary Art.

But Thessaloniki does not just have a rich history, it is a thriving modern city with a buzzing cafe culture. Go to Kitchen Bar by the Port for great views across the bay, a funky vibe and great cocktails.

Make a visit to trendy Ladadika district, the old merchants quarter of Thessaloniki. With its narrow paved streets and neoclassical buildings, mainly restored as cafes, restaurants and jazz bars, you get a taste of what Thessaloniki looked like before all the new blocks of flats were built, as well as experiencing lively nightlife.

Another part of town which comes alive at night is the Ano Poli (upper town) which nestles behind the enormous Byzantine city walls.

We at Crescent Moon suggest a city break for your hen or stag do, or as a great start to a wedding or honeymoon in Halkidiki. Contact us now to book a free consultation.

Sithonia

The second finger of Halkidiki is much more rugged and mountainous. Roads are windy for the first part then become more gentle as the coastline gets flatter. The coastal road drive is stunning, with little bays coming into view around every bend. You are surrounded by the lush greenery and the smell of the pines (pefka) is ever present. Choose a different beach every day, and even the very popular won't be unpleasantly packed, especially during the heat of the day. Greeks head for the beach generally in the late afternoon, after the main heat of the day has gone. In fact many will be just arriving when the "mad dogs and Englishmen" are packing up for the day. Halkidiki's beaches are mostly sand or shingle. What makes them so great is the lack of crowds and the crystal clear water.

THE AREA

Halkidiki is a peculiar land formation consisting of three parallel peninsulas, known as 'fingers' . This makes for an incredibly long coastline and many varied beaches. There are distinct differences between the three peninsulas.

KASSANDRA

The first and nearest to Thessaloniki international airport is Kassandra. It's nearness to the airport and the city means that this is the most popular and developed of the three 'fingers'. The “neck” of Kassandra is flat but it starts to rise as you move down the “finger”. Famous for it's pine trees (pefko in Greek, as in Pefkohori meaning 'pine village') and beautiful beaches. Here you will find many cosmopolitan resorts that blend modern and traditional with natural beauty.

As you drive down the Perimitri Kassandras (main coast road) you are surrounded by lush vegetation and a riot of colour from the many flowering bushes and trees. The villages are mainly built along the main road, although not exclusively and some of the more interesting are worth diverting to. Check out Afitos with it's stone-built houses and stunning views.

Steer away from the main centres on Kassandra like Kalithea where there seem to be wall to wall fur boutiques, tacky tourist shops and packed streets.