9/05/2009

Polichrono in Chalkidiki, Greece – Paradise on Earth - Part 2

Polichrono in Chalkidiki, Greece – Paradise on Earth - Part 1

Polichrono in Chalkidiki, Greece – Paradise on Earth - Part 2:

Fun activities and things to bring


Polichrono may not seem like a lot at first sight, with its small, chic villas hidden behind large, stunningly beautiful rhododendron shrubs in vibrant colors. Because of its position, all fun activities are mostly focused on the seafront – which is precisely where the Greeks here place most emphasis. The terraces and taverns by the sea offer anything from delicious Greek food to natural and yummy drinks and sweet treats, at prices that, while over what we would pay on an everyday basis, are accessible to most pockets.

Snorkeling, though, is one activity that requires little money and is extremely fun. Equipment for it comes cheap and, for what it’s worth, offers an almost priceless insight into the life of the gorgeous creatures going about their business in the coral blue waters. On this note, one thing for which this small Greek village is famous for is the ability to boast of the cleanest waters around, a blend of vibrant blue and green that makes any photo of the place seem like a postcard from some exotic destination with a name one can hardly pronounce.

So, there is going to the beach at the top of list of to-do things, closely followed by snorkeling. Of course, there are also several other water sports daredevils can indulge in, granted they have the courage and the money to do so. Should neither of the two be in short supply, staying in Polichrono can be an extremely fun adventure, the kind one may end up looking to repeat the next year.

If water sports and tanning are not high on your priorities list, then there’s also the option of booking trips to nearby regions for sightseeing. Mount Athos and Sithonia (the other two peninsulas that make up Chalkidiki) are only a few Euros away, as also is Thessaloniki, arguably the most crowded and busiest town of this part of Europe, as well as one of the best shopping places around. If this doesn’t suit your fancy either, then there’s the option of seeing the nearby resorts, some of which are bigger and, consequently, offer more attractions, including night clubs where the party rarely, if ever, stops.

As for the things you should pack from home, you must remember Polichrono can get very hot, even as early as June. First of all, you need sunglasses and hat, sunscreen and after sun lotion, and plenty of summery, airy clothes. Secondly, you need to buy yourself a beach umbrella (if you don’t wish to use the many sunbeds available from terraces upon order) and a good book to keep you company as you work on your tan. Another word of advice that health specialists never seem to cease to stress: do not stay out in the sun between 12.00 and 16.00. Not only will you get sunburned and suffer the most ferocious kind of heat, but you will also risk developing skin cancer later in life from the exposure.

Conclusions

Polichrono is not necessarily a pensioners’ haven, although it’s often labeled as such. With its many attractions and the wide range of options it offers in terms of spending a vacation in both a relaxing and fun way, it is ideal for families as well, but also for anyone who is looking to break free from the harsh reality of everyday life. With its blue and green waters, its exquisite restaurants and bars, the unmistakable Greek hospitality and the kind of cityscape that you only see on postcards and perhaps movies, Polichrono is clearly the closest thing to heaven on Earth, a tiny piece of paradise that is both attainable and accessible. See the gallery below for more.

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