My boyfriend and I wanted a cheap holiday - a week in the sun where we could relax and do not a lot basically!
We booked an internet deal through Thompson Holidays for £190 each (incl. flights, transfers and accomodation) for a week in Self Catering appartments.
Our flights were from Birmingham to Thessaloniki (which is the nearest airport to Halkidiki). The flight took around 3 hours and we then had an hour and a half transfer from the airport to our resort - Fourka.
Halkidiki is split into three penisulars, Kassandra, Sithonia and MountAthos. These are near the north of main land Greece and are surrounded by the Aegean Sea. Kassandra and Sithonia are supposed to be the livliest of the three, although they are not busy or crowded. Mount Athos is a Monks Republic and is usually only seen by people from sea.
Fourka is on the west coast of the Kassandra penisular. We stayed in the Julia Studios, which had a great pool/bar area, lovely gardens and clean/simple rooms (Kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and balcony), From wandering around the resort, I think most of the accomodation available in Fourka is pretty similar.
Fourka is home to quite a small selection of bars and restaurants, most of which are situated around The Plazza. The Plazza is a square with grass, trees and flowers in the centre, a small road and car park and then bars, restaurants and a few shops surrounding.
The restaurants all provide pretty much the same cuisine, traditional greek food (Salads, Souvlaki (kebab), lots of Lamb and Veal dishes) along with options such as 'Steak and Chips' for those who are not to keen on trying the local fare. The prices are all reasonable - expect to pay around 30 to 45 Euros for a two course meal with a couple of drinks. I would recommend the two restaurants right on the beach on The Plazza, one specialises in Seafood and both were fantastic - great food and good value with a view of the sun setting over the sea which is feet away from your table.
The bars around The Plazza usually sell beers such as Amstel, Heiniken or our favourite, Mythos. There's always a wide selection of spirits and mixers - just remember the measures are alot more generous over there!! Most of the bar tenders are happy to make any cocktail for you - just let them know what's in it! Eros bar is definately recommended - it's art deco style is very trendy and the drinks are good value and the owner/bar tender is very friendly (even gave us free drinks on our last night!). There is a nightclub on the beach in The Plazza although I'm afraid it was not open while we were there.
The views in Fourka are either of a clear blue sea or beautiful pine clad hills. It is a very relaxing town and you really get a feel for the Greek way of life. We were there at the begining of June and it was quite quiet then, although we were told that it gets busier in the Greek holiday season in the middle of June.
The beaches in Fourka are sandy, although there are some stones as you get into the sea. It's worth walking down the beach as some areas are nicer than others - all are clean, but some are quite close to appartments and there's quite alot of seaweed in some spots! The sea is beautifully clear.
The only thing I think would improve the area is if perhaps some of the 'empty' areas were cleaned up a little - it seemed such a shame to see rubbish in wasteland on the way back to the appartments when most of the resort was so pretty.
If you want a relaxing holiday, then I would definately recommend Fourka in Halkidiki. If you are after a week of clubbing then it might not be for you! For the money we spent, it was a very good holiday and I would say that it is ideal for couples or young families.
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Great review. We have just returned from Hanioti in Halkidiki and loved it. Although, it sounds a bit cheaper then where you went - we paid no more than 27 euro for a 2 course meal (usually a starter of fried peppers and main of Pork Slouvaki) and a couple of drinks - that was for 2 of us. It was much cheaper than the Greek Islands, which we usually visit xxxxxxx
JulyBunny 30.06.2005 14:27
good review, ive never been. staz x
Whinger 28.06.2005 00:58
Fabulous informative review! Well worth the 'E' Rating !! I went to Halkidiki in 1990 and stayed at the Athos Palace hotel ... I had a fantastic time and it was such excellent value for money. Well Recommended! Tim
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Jun 13th, 2005
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