Halkidiki, Greece

The northern Greeks have a saying, ‘there’s no place like Halkidiki’, and they’re not far wrong. However, despite its bewitching beauty, the coast of mainland Greece is often overlooked in favour of its islands. Those who do head to Halkidiki, just an hour south of Thessaloniki, find three beach-blessed peninsulas that stick out into the Aegean Sea like fingers: Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. All have deep-scented pine forests that unfurl towards golden sand, edged by the turquoise water that is so synonymous with Greece.

Kassandra is the busiest: action-packed with smart resorts, lively restaurants, a plethora of land activities and every water sport imaginable. Neighbouring Sithonia is wilder, its coves and bays quieter, with laidback beach bars and local tavernas serving up the catch of the day. The third peninsula Mount Athos feels like you’re off the beaten track.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Halkidiki’s holy mountain, scattered with more than 20 monasteries. An important religious destination, catch a boat from the coastal town of Ouranoupolis to glimpse this monastic site and let the peace and serenity work its magic. Although the coastline of Halkidiki dazzles, the few who venture inland will find another world of mountains, vineyards, traditional villages, caves (don’t miss Petralona with its sparkling stalactites and 700,000-year-old history), cypress-covered hills, and waterfalls with natural pools, perfect for wild swimming. Halkidiki has a little slice of Greece for everyone.