Destination Experiences

No holidays could be perfect without living unique experiences and discovering more than your surroundings. As a guest in our luxury resort in Greece, you will taste authentic recipes of Mediterranean cuisine and cheer with local wines and signature cocktails in our Relais & Châteaux restaurant and bar. If you are looking the perfect setting for relaxation in Halkidiki that can be found in our luxury villas with private pools.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to discover the wild, natural beauty of the peninsula on a private yacht, roaming by car, or with a helicopter ride. Cruise around Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and an independent state that includes 20 Orthodox monasteries. Pay a visit to Ouranoupolis, the town of the Sky that welcomes pilgrims and prepares them for their spiritual journey to the Holy Mountain, or visit the traditional shipyards of Ierissos.

Away from our luxurious villas in Greece, you can enjoy various gastronomic activities with wine tours in traditional cellars, honey tastings and fresh sea food.

Enrich your luxury family holidays in Greece with physical activities in nature like mountain biking in Holomondas or water sports into the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea.

The authentic Greek experience of hospitality and luxury is all still here, and the visitors of Avaton Luxury Beach Resort will be delighted to discover it at any season.

Cruise Around Holy Mount Athos

A UNESCO World Heritage Monument and an independent state, the Holy Mount includes 20 Orthodox monasteries. It is inhabited by 2.000 monks and it is the only monastic state in Europe and one of the very few in the world! A cruise around Holy Mount Athos is a once in a lifetime experience which will travel you 1.000 years back, in the time of the Byzantine Empire!

Aristotle's Park & Ancient Stagira

Stagira is the place where the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born, raised and died. Stagira was one of the most important cities of the area and the place where Aristotle was inspired to research the laws of nature which he later taught to Alexander the Great. Today, guests could visit the remaining of the ancient city and Aristotle’s park which has interactive instruments operating with the laws of physics described in Aristotle’s books.

Cruise Around Holy Mount Athos

An UNESCO World Heritage Monument and an independent state, the Holy Mountain includes 20 Orthodox monasteries. It is inhabited by 2.000 monks and it is the only monastic state in Europe and one of the very few in the world! A cruise around Holy Mount Athos is an once in a lifetime experience which will travel you 1.000 years back, in the time of the Byzantine Empire!

Aristotle's Park & Ancient Stagira

Stagira is the place where the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born, raised and died. Stagira was one of the most important city of the area and the place where Aristotle was inspired to research the laws of nature which he later taught to Alexander the Great. Today, guests could visit the remaining of the ancient city and Aristotle’s park which has interactive instruments operating with the laws of physics described in Aristotle’s books.

Tower of Ouranoupolis

Ouranoupolis is the town that welcomes pilgrims and prepares them for their spiritual journey to Mount Athos, hence its name which means city of the Sky. Prosforiou tower is the greatest monumental structure in Halkidiki. It was built in 1344 by the Vatopedi Monastery on the protection of Ouranoupolis by pirates and was funded by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II. In May 1379, the domestic of Thessaloniki, John Palaeologus, hosted the tower. Later, the tower hosted immigrants from Asia Minor in 1924. Today, the tower is a museum that hosts Byzantine art exhibitions.

Visit the traditional shipyards of Ierissos

The shipyard tradition of Ierissos started 100 years ago and the craftsmanship techniques passed from father to son. The ships constructed here are handcrafted and made exclusively by local wood using traditional methods. Ierissos shipyards (also called “karnagio” in Greek) are some of the very few traditional ones remaining in Europe. Meet and greet the local craftsmen to learn more about their profession and the nautical life.

Tower of Ouranoupoli

Ouranoupolis is the town that welcomes pilgrims and prepares them for their spiritual journey to Mount Athos, hence its name which means city of the Sky. Prosforiou tower is the greatest monumental structure in Halkidiki. It built in 1344 by the Vatopedi Monastery on the protection of Ouranoupolis by pirates and was funded by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II. In May 1379, the domestic of Thessaloniki, John Palaeologus, hosted the tower. Later, the tower hosted immigrants from Asia Minor in 1924. Today, the tower is a museum that hosts Byzantine art exhibitions.

Visit the traditional shipyards of Ierissos

The shipyard tradition of Ierissos started 100 years ago and the craftsmanship techniques passed from father to son. The ships constructed here are handcrafted and made exclusively by local wood using traditional methods. Iersissos shipyards (also called “karnagio” in Greek) are some of the very few traditional ones remaining in Europe. Meet and greet the local craftsmen to learn more about their profession and the nautical life.

Island Hopping at Drenia Isles

Drenia is a complex of many, small, uninhabited isles with sandy, virgin beaches and crystal clear waters offering limitless opportunities for adventure. A day trip of island hopping by boat or private yachting is the ideal way to explore them. Hope from one island to the other in less than 10 minutes and visit Amouliani Island with a traditional seaside village, traditional restaurants and the famous Alykes beach.

Excursion with Private Yacht

Island Hopping at Drenia Isles

Drenia is a complex of many, small, uninhabited isles with sandy, virgin beaches and crystal clear waters offering limitless opportunities for adventure. A day trip of island hopping by boat or private yachting is the ideal way to explore them. Hope from one island to the other in less than 10 minutes and visit Amouliani Island with a traditional seaside village, traditional restaurants and the famous Alykes beach.

Excursion with Private Yacht

Reach for the sky

Enjoy a helicopter ride to admire the natural beauty of Halkidiki. See all the tones of green and blue created by the reflections of the local forests into the crystal waters of the Aegean. Discover the beaches that only a bird’s view could uncover.

Reach for the sky

Enjoy a helicopter ride to admire the natural beauty of Halkidiki. See all the tones of green and blue created by the reflections of the local forests into the crystal waters of the Aegean. Discover the beaches that only a bird’s view could uncover.

Local Towns & Villages

Traditional Village of Ouranoupoli

A village full of life, ideal for an evening stroll or dinner by the sea.

Explore theTraditional Village of Arnaia

The traditional, picturesque village of Arnaia is a vibrant community that treasures the past. This is where you should go to get a real feel of what life is like in Halkidiki's mountains, to see examples of traditional architecture and to find out more about old-time crafts such as weaving in the Folklore Museum. Go horse riding in the forest next to the village and visit Domaine Claudia Papayianni winery to learn more about the local wines. Have a wine tasting in the cellar of the property. Finish your day with a traditional meal in the local restaurant specialized in wild meat.

Traditional Village of Ouranoupoli

A village full of life, ideal for an evening stroll or dinner by the sea.

Explore theTraditional Village of Arnaia

The traditional, picturesque village of Arnaia is a vibrant community that treasures the past. This is where you should go to get a real feel of what life is like in Halkidiki's mountains, to see examples of traditional architecture and to find out more about old-time crafts such as weaving in the Folklore Museum. Go horse riding in the forest next to the village and visit Domaine Claudia Papayianni winery to learn more about the local wines. Have a wine tasting in the cellar of the property. Finish your day with a traditional meal in the local restaurant specialized in wild meat.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, ideal for those wishing to visit Byzantine monuments and Malls.
Vergina: In Vergina archaeologists discovered the ancient city of Aigai, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kings. Some famous tombs of the royal dynasty are those of King Philip II and the young prince Alexander IV. Vergina is located 75 km away from Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki: Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, ideal for those wishing to visit Byzantine monuments and Malls.
Vergina: In Vergina archaeologists discovered the ancient city of Aigai, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kings. Some famous tombs of the royal dynasty are those of King Philip II and the young prince Alexander IV. Vergina is located 75 km away from Thessaloniki.

Gastronomic Activities

Wine Tour &Tasting

Learn about wine production methods and history. Visit the cellar and enjoy a wine tasting experience of the local wines.

Halkidiki Honey Tasting

With one of the most diverse flora in the world, Halkidiki produces honey with rich texture and aromas of levander, thyme, oregano, pine and wild flowers of the area. Meet the local beekeeper to teach you about bees and beekeeping. Sweeten your palate with honey tasting.

Wine Tour &Tasting

Learn about wine production methods and history. Visit the cellar and enjoy a wine tasting experience of the local wines.

Halkidiki Honey Tasting

With one of the most diverse flora in the world, Halkidiki produces honey with rich texture and aromas of levander, thyme, oregano, pine and wild flowers of the area. Meet the local beekeeper to teach you about bees and beekeeping. Sweeten your palate with honey tasting.

Discover Olympiada mussels & Ierissos fishing

Olympiada mussel farms are located where the Aristotle Mountains are reflected in the Strymonikos Gulf since the pre-Ottoman times. The underground rivers descending the mountains provide the sweetwater needed for the mussel production. As the mussel farmers of the area say “the secret for the world famous taste of Olympiada mussels is how clean the waters are, since mussels filter the water to feed themselves”. Visit the mussel farms to meet the local producer and taste the ocean in a bite! Join a traditional wooden fishing boat from Ierissos Bay to learn fishing techniques from the locals and taste a “Kakavia” soup cooked on board made with sea water and the catch of the day.

Discover Olympiada mussels & Ierissos fishing

Olympiada mussel farms are located where the Aristotle Mountains are reflected in the Strymonikos Gulf since the pre-Ottoman times. The underground rivers descending the mountains provide the sweetwater needed for the mussel production. As the mussel farmers of the area say “the secret for the world famous taste of Olympiada mussels is how clean the waters are, since mussels filter the water to feed themselves”. Visit the mussel farms to meet the local producer and taste the ocean in a bite! Join a traditional wooden fishing boat from Ierissos Bay to learn fishing techniques from the locals and taste a “Kakavia” soup cooked on board made with sea water and the catch of the day.

Physical Activities

Historical Hiking

The region of Halkidiki has 5 main walking routes- each one with unique characteristics and historical value from 3 to 17 klm. “Walk of Xerxes” route is the place where the Persian King Xerxes ordered a channel to be built in order to save time sailing to fight at the Greco-Persian war. “Aristotle’s Walk” route passes through the ancient Stagira where the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born and taught Alexander the Great about life and science. “Mountain Walk” takes place in the Holomontas forest which is protected by NATURA 2000 because of its natural beauty. Explore the historical and natural aspects of the area on foot as if you were attending one of Aristotle’s classes in ancient Greece.

Watersports & Scuba Diving

Dive into the infinite blue of the Aegean and discover the area from a different point of view. Feel the power of water on your body by doing water ski, SUP and canoe kayak to discover the hidden beaches of the area.

Historical Hiking

The region of Halkidiki has 5 main walking routes- each one with unique characteristics and historical value from 3 to 17 klm. “Walk of Xerxes” route is the place where the Persian King Xerxes ordered a channel to be built in order to save time sailing to fight at the Greco-Persian war. “Aristotle’s Walk” route passes through the ancient Stagira where the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born and taught Alexander the Great about life and science. “Mountain Walk” takes place in the Holomontas forest which is protected by NATURA 2000 because of its natural beauty. Explore the historical and natural aspects of the area on foot as if you were attending one of Aristotle’s classes in ancient Greece.

Watersports & Scuba Diving

Dive into the infinite blue of the Aegean and discover the area from a different point of view. Feel the power of water on your body by doing water ski, SUP and canoe kayak to discover the hidden beaches of the area.

Yoga & Fitness

Enjoy your yoga session on our pristine beach or while floating on water, under the shade of Holy Mount Athos. Meditate in our gardens overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea or experience a sunset meditation in our idyllic bay. Exercise with a personal fitness coach to tone you body, detox, improve your stamina and sleep.

Mountain Bike at Holomondas

Holomontas Mountain is protected area by NATURA 2000 because of its natural beauty and biodiversity. It is one of the thickest forests in Greece and holds a hidden treasure- Varvara waterfalls. It is the ideal escape for visitors who want to experience the nature, collect mushrooms, do mountain bike or just walk in the forest.

Yoga & Fitness

Enjoy your yoga session on our pristine beach or while floating on water, under the shade of Holy Mount Athos. Meditate in our gardens overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea or experience a sunset meditation in our idyllic bay. Exercise with a personal fitness coach to tone you body, detox, improve your stamina and sleep.

Mountain Bike at Holomondas

Holomontas Mountain is protected area by NATURA 2000 because of its natural beauty and biodiversity. It is one of the thickest forests in Greece and holds a hidden treasure- Varvara waterfalls. It is the ideal escape for visitors who want to experience the nature, collect mushrooms, do mountain bike or just walk in the forest.