Pefkohori

In ancient times the village was known under the name of Capshare. It was a part of the 12 villages of the Halkidiki peninsula, which during the Ottoman Empire belonged to the leader of the white eunuchs Gazanfer Aga. Since the Balkan countries are very close, Serbian and Bulgarian speech can be often heard here.

The village is 100 km from Macedonia airport. You can get to the spot by bus from there. To do this, take route 78A and reach KTEL Halkidikis. Then you have to transfer to the regular bus. Travel time is 1.5–2 hours and th eprice is approximately 15 euro. Please note that there are 3 stops in Pefkohori, check beforehand which one is closer to your accommodation.
If you are traveling with a large family, to save time, it is better to book a transfer in advance. The driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area, help you with your luggage and take you to the required point

Pefkohori is quite a large village. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other. You can also walk to the main square, which is just above the main road. You don't need a car to get around inside Pefkohori, and it is difficult to park one in high season.

You will need a rental car if you are going to visit the famous beaches of Kassandra, go to Loutra spa center or walk in other villages. The bus service is not well developed and cabs are unprofitable for long trips.

Pefkohori is not a place for fans of olden time to go. There are no archaeological excavations, unique monuments of paleological culture or other antiquities. There are only a couple of small old churches.

However, you should not be upset. There is a monastery of John the Russian, which is located 4 km from the village — a quiet, peaceful place where several monks live (there is a Russian-speaking one among them!), who will gladly tell you a couple of interesting stories about this place. The monastery keeps the relics of the Saint, who was an ordinary soldier during his life and who was captured by the Turks. They tortured him for a long time, but they could not make him abjure a religion. By the end of his life, he even won authority among them and performed miracles. 

It is important: the monastery is located on a mountain, so the path will be very difficult if you travel without a car. You can learn a few phrases in Greek so you will be able to ask the way from locals.

We also recommend you to go to the small village of Loutra Agia Paraskevi, which is located between Pefkohori and Loutra. The way takes about 15 minutes by car. There is a modern spa center Thermal Spa Agia Paraskevi. You should definitely swim in the outdoor hydrogen sulfide swimming-pool with the views of pine-covered rocky cliffs and the turquoise expanse of the sea. The staff is very friendly and customer-focused. After swimming, relax on the sun loungers with a cup of coffee, or in comfortable chairs with a cocktail. There are also additional services: sauna, massage.

We recommend you to finish the bath procedures in the Archontiko tavern, where the locals like to have supper. The restaurant specializes in meat dishes. Here they are served on large wooden trays with a side dish of fried potatoes and vegetables. You definitely will not be able to resist spiced ribs, a huge meaty steak with blood or wings with mustard sauce. 

The vacation in Pefkohori is measured and calm and focused mainly on swimming and sunbathing. Though you can't call the village boring. There is a very developed infrastructure, a large number of taverns, eateries, bars and supermarkets. There are post offices, pharmacies, ATMs and gas stations - everything you could need. In summer Pefohori fills up with tourists and there is hardly room to spare on the central beach.

Active rest

The main attraction of the village is the sea. Most of the time it is quiet and serene. That is why we strongly recommend you such type of holiday as a one-day cruise. There are several companies in the village that offer such services. They are on the pier and sell tickets there.

Just imagine: early in the morning, you put fresh pastries from the nearest bakery, sandwiches, fruit, cheese and homemade wine into a picnic basket, take your friends or soulmate with you and meet the day in the open sea. Then you go to a secret picturesque place with crystal clear water, relax on the beautiful beach, and for lunch you stop at Neas Marmaras for a fish tavern. The whole trip takes up to 8 hours. 

You can also visit one of numerous beaches and ride a banana, rent a boat or a catamaran. We recommend you the following beaches:

• The Blue Carpet is located on the territory of the same-name hotel but everyone can visit it — it is enough to make a reservation in advance. The minimum order value at the bar is from 15€ per person. However, it is worth it — the Blue Carpet boasts comfortable sun beds and a high level of service.
• Tridente Mare beach bar is another hotel beach. It is located exactly on the other side of the village. Equipped with the same sunbeds with thick mattresses, boasts a chic Instagram palm alley and excellent service.
• Agistri bar is located in front of the entrance to the village. Cozy sun loungers, attentive waiters and an extensive cocktail list will create a wonderful mood for the whole day. If you're looking for silence and unobtrusive lounge music, this is the place.

Beaches nearby

While vacationing in Pefkohori, you should definitely visit the most popular beaches of Kassandra, which are within 10 km of the village:

• Xenia. A beautiful sandy beach about 3 km long with many bars. The place is partying and is the center of attraction for young people. The coast is covered with fine white sand and surrounded by a pine forest. Those who like to sit on their own with their umbrella will also find a place.
• Hrousso - Xenia's neighbor. Clean sand, calm sea, picturesque views - the main reasons for its popularity. It is ideal for a holiday with children.
• Golden beach. It is a neighboring bay, which is less known, but no less beautiful. This beach is more quiet than the neighboring, so it is a more suitable place for unity with nature. And it is gorgeous here. Of course, there are also bars: the Golden beach of the same name, a small Summer time and a bohemian Lago. Visiting the latter is a special kind of pleasure. Fortuitously located behind the cape, it almost always boasts a lack of waves and perfect sand. Stylish sun loungers with plenty of space between them, pleasant music and a view of the picturesque cliffs will allow you to have a wonderful time. Note: the bar has an Adults only concept.
• Glarokavos. A secret beach which not everybody knows about! Just exit the main road in front of Xenios port Marina and you will reach the beautiful natural marina lake. Go to the part where it is connected to the sea. The views are the most beautiful there. You can take a lot of vivid photos and spend the day at the beach bar by the strait. Since the coastline is wide and you can only get here by car, even in August you will find a place here and you can have a little break from the hustle and bustle of the village.

Shopping

In the village you will find many small shops where you can buy token gifts for your friends and family. We recommend you to visit the Aroma of Greece shop, which offers a good range of olive oil and honey from local apiaries, and Memories with its extensive range of 40 kinds of spices, cosmetics based on olive oil and elements of home decorations.

Do you want to buy some clothes? There are a lot of shops around with a wide assortment. The Kohili boutique is popular. Here you can find quality beautiful swimwear and summer clothes of Greek designers.

Rest with children

You will not have to think about things to do with the children in Pefkohori. There are many playgrounds with children's slot-machines in the village. There is a seasonal amusement ground Dinos Luna Park, which opens every evening and works until late. It has a lot of entertainment for the youngest kids — a carousel and a swing, and for school children — different machines, trampolines and a small ferris wheel.

Behind the village there is another amusement park called Crazyland. Now it is the largest water amusement park in all of Greece. Many inflatable rides give full freedom to act. Each visitor is necessarily provided with a bright life jacket.

Leisure for adults

At night this place is atmospheric, cozy and very romantic. We advise you to enjoy a glass of mojito on a sun lounger in the Veranda bar. It is hidden in the lanes near the center, so there will be few visitors in it. 

If you wish loud music, then go to Menta. The bar is located on the waterfront, in the evenings it is noisy and fun here but you will not manage to dance much.

If you want to break into a lively dance, visit the Umbrellas. There the bright pool parties are held after the sunset. It is especially popular among the Greeks. The bar is located outside the village, so it is better to go there by car.

If you are here at the peak of the season, it may seem that Pefkohori is populated only by foreigners, who are happily chattering foreign languages in numerous beach bars, cafes and restaurants. The enterprising locals endeavored excellently: the village has a lot of accommodation of different set and cost. You can live in splendour and comfort on the first line or watch beautiful sunsets from your room in the heart of the village, which is located on a small hill. In any of these situations, a great pastime is provided.

Apartments

The local people actively rent their apartments during the high season, but you will have to spend time and nerves in order to find a suitable option. There are much more lovers to save than possible options.

Villas

The village has a large number of accommodation options - from small cottages to luxurious two-story mansions with a swimming pool. To find the best option, it is better to book in advance. In Pefkohori there is the biggest selection of villas for rent of all Kassandra villages. The bigger and more interesting villas are situated at the edge of Pefkohori, as well as at the end of the peninsula. This does not exclude walking distance from Pefkohori: there is a small road which runs parallel to the sea and you can easily reach the settlement. The advantage of such a location will be the lack of hustle and the freer beaches.

An alternative option is to choose a villa in Paliouri/Kanistro, for example, gorgeous Agnanti villa on the first line. There are many high level complexes. You will spend your vacation in true privacy, and if you want, you can drive to Pefkohori. It takes no more than 10 minutes.

Hotels

Blue Carpet Suites is a luxury three-storeyed aparthotel located on the first line at the very beginning of the village. The red ribbon was cut in 2018 — it means that everything here is absolutely new, from pipes in the bathroom to chairs on large terraces. Most of the rooms have a fantastic sea view. For those who prefer privacy, there are special rooms with separate mini-pools. The area around is arranged, the trimmed lawns and soft armchairs are everywhere. One of the hallmarks of the hotel is a stylish swimming pool with sun loungers in the water. There is also a gourmet restaurant Kanela, which can be accessed without being a hotel client. This hotel is worth taking note for those who plan a wedding in Greece.

Tridente Mare is a boutique hotel with its own pool, beach, bar and a couple of good restaurants with the a la cart system.

Rigakis is a good variant for those who want to live on the first line by the sea and at the same time save a little money without losing comfort. The rooms are quite spacious and a buffet breakfast is included into the price. The hotel has its own sandy beach with sun loungers and a bar. The only drawback is a large number of stones in the water near the beach. The sea urchins like to settle on them — they do two jobs, acupuncturing hotel guests. The issue is resolved by buying a pair of special slippers.

Breakfast 

If for a Frenchman the ideal breakfast is a fresh croissant and a cup of espresso with an orange fresh, then for a Greek it is bugatsa and frappe. In the village there is enough options to treat a modest and immodest sweet tooth — there are both popular chain stores of Lemonkis and Artohora and small family establishments like Bugatsa Kostas and Panagiotidis Bakery.

We also advise you to try the traditional Greek doughnuts loukoumades in Loukoumades tis Giagias Pefkohori Halkidiki.

Lunch

If you can not imagine a perfect holiday without a fragrant slice of pizza of thin dough with stringy parmesan, we recommend you to go to Pomodoro. A large range of pizza, Caprese salad, into which mozzarella is added not spared, pasta with seafood and traditional lasagna will make even a true Italian exclaim “Bravissimo”!

Do you like grilled chicken? On the main road, To Kotetsi offers crispy wings, juicy baked chicken with lemon sauce and more.

Dinner

Bakalis is considered to be one of the most popular taverns on the coast. A huge plate of delicate mussels and homemade white wine with subtle hint of flowers and spices — what could be better? In the evenings, when there are no sunbathers, the tables are placed right on the beach, and you can sit at the water's edge. The tavern is open all year round. After the end of the season, when there is no more inflow of visitors in the tavern, you can always find free tables and taste fresh cooked seafood without haste.

Vlachos is one of the most popular places for evening rendezvous with both locals and vacationers. The high level of service, the quality of food and the correct serving make guests come back here again and again. You can order a fish plate, baked octopus with vegetables, chicken kebab or mussels in order to enjoy delicious food, wine, a diverse audience speaking different languages and a beautiful sea sunset.

Tsaparis is an institution of a rather unusual type for Europe. If usually the concept of the establishment is based on a unique design, unique service, original dishes, then in this place all the attention is focused on ouzo (traditional Greek vodka based on anise). The menu consists exclusively of those dishes that will properly fetch out the peculiar taste of this alcoholic beverage. So, according to the locals, it is better to take feta fried on all sides with sesame seeds, shrimp in garlic sauce, lobsters and signature salad to the anisette. The owner of the establishment carefully controls the level of service. The attentive attitude to guests bears great fruit: at any time in the evening it is very crowded here. Therefore, we recommend booking a table in advance.

Note: this type of institution, where the traditional Greek vodka is a queen of the menu, is called ouzeri.

If even during the vacation you like to practice the skill of cooking, then here you can improve your skills by adding simple but very tasty recipes of traditional Greek dishes to your thriftbox of knowledge. And to buy products for them we go to Masoutis or Discount. Do you want the freshest farm fruits and vegetables? Every Tuesday there is a market in Kassandra, where local producers come together.

• The high season begins in July. If you are an introvert and do not want to fight for a sun lounger, it is better to wait until the end of August. An even better solution would be to rent a villa in the quiet Kanistro area nearby, and go to Pefkohori when you want to be active.
• Be sure to try the honey of the Pefkohori beekeepers! It has a very rich taste and aroma with a hint of fresh pine needles.
• June and September are the best months for a relaxing family holiday.