Car & Van Hire - Nikiti Chalkidiki

Nikiti Chalkidiki (also "Halkidiki"), usually just known as Nikiti, is a great family destination. This charming old fishing village is divided into two zones: the old town, with narrow streets and old buildings, and the new beach area. With its marina and beachfront attractions, Nikiti has become a hotspot for visitors from around Greece and beyond. Whether you're looking for fun in the sun or you want to explore Greek culture, you'll find plenty of opportunities in Nikiti.

You'll know when you're in Old Nikiti as the asphalt roads change to cobblestones, and the atmosphere seems to become calmer. Here you can visit the Folklore Museum, housed in an old school building from 1870. You can also take a look at the church of Agios Nikitas, which has long been the heart of the village. This is a pilgrimage destination, with thousands of pilgrims from around the region coming each year to celebrate the feast of Saint Nikitas in style.

Aside from these buildings, the old town is worth exploring. There are several traditional cafés and restaurants, and shops selling artisan goods. Be sure to sample the regional specialities, including locally grown olives and pine honey. In fact, Nikiti is one of the main beekeeping areas in Greece. With car hire in Nikiti Chalkidiki, you may well see dozens of beehives as you drive around the outskirts of town. Keep your windows rolled up, just in case!

On the beach, you'll find plenty of options to keep the whole family happy. Diving and snorkelling are popular activities in the area, and you can also take a sailboat or a sea kayak out for a day trip to Diaporos Island. This lush island has an almost Caribbean feel and will make you feel like you've been transported to a tropical paradise. There are different beaches to suit every budget, from natural spots where you'll have to bring your own picnic lunch to fancy private resorts with all the modern conveniences you could imagine. Whatever you choose, you'll find soft white sand and the crystalline blue waters of the Aegean, just what you need for a successful beach holiday.

Car or van hire in Nikiti Chalkidiki will allow you to enjoy a long road trip. Why not drive to Thessaloniki, famous for its ancient ruins and spectacular museums? The city is about 100 km away, making it a great choice for a day trip. Go for a stroll around the long promenade or sit at the harbour, enjoying some flavour-packed seafood while you admire the views of the sea.

Nikiti's main industry is tourism, so the town is very quiet outside the peak summer months. You generally won't find much traffic, or have difficulties parking. Even in summer, there are enough parking spaces to avoid scrums. Ensure you are carrying cash, as parking meters will not generally accept cards. You should also have enough cash to pay for petrol. In smaller towns like Nikiti, petrol stations often do not have facilities for card payments.

If you want to explore the old town, you will need to go on foot. Park your car on the outskirts before the streets turn from asphalt to cobbles. The old town is small enough that you can walk around it comfortably before returning to your vehicle to continue your adventures.

There are no major roads around the region of Chalkidiki. If you are driving between towns, you will usually find yourself on smaller country roads. These can be difficult to get used to: this is a mountainous region, so you can expect plenty of sharp twists and turns. When turning in a blind spot, local drivers will usually honk their horns to alert oncoming vehicles of their presence. You might want to do this, as it's considered polite in the area. The plus side is on these mountain roads, you'll often enjoy stunning views of olive groves and the surrounding countryside.

Watch out for animals on the roads. Flocks of sheep don't usually pose problems. As they are timid, they will normally try to run from your car. Goats can be more stubborn and may respond aggressively if you honk your horn. It's better to wait it out and let them pass at their own pace. Stray dogs are, sadly, also a common sight on rural Greek roads. Drive slowly around them, as they may bolt across the road without warning.

Another hazard comes in the form of motorbikes and mopeds, both common sights on mountain roads. Keep your cool and watch out for these speedy two-wheeled vehicles, often driven by reckless youngsters.

If you are driving to Thessaloniki, watch out for weekend traffic. City dwellers often head out in the direction of Chalkidiki on a Friday evening, returning to Thessaloniki on Sunday afternoon. Keep these timings in mind to avoid traffic jams. If you plan your trip to the city on a weekday, you'll find clearer roads.