There is a reason why Halkidiki is the most popular destination for German visitors traveling to Greece, and also for Germans who buy a home in Greece. In this article, we break down why Halkidiki is the ideal place to buy a second home for Germans, with the help of Bolle and Marko, the creators of the travel blog “Kommwirmachendaseinfach.”
About Bolle and Marko
Moin! Bolle and Marco met in 2014 via the Dating App Tinder and saw themselves for the first time in a Berlin club at the beginning of 2015.
Only 6 months later they went on a trip around the world together. Although they didn’t really know each other yet at this point, they still wanted to try it and just look at what was happening out there.
They went to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia, and later also to Morocco, Andalusia, Iceland, South Africa, Mauritius, the Caribbean and many other countries of the world. And they have been traveling the world since!
About Halkidiki:
Halkidiki (sometimes spelled as Chalkidiki) is a peninsula in northern Greece which is found to the East of Thessaloniki. It is 120 kilometers long and has 3 “legs” which protrude into the Mediterranean Sea. Depending on which part of the peninsula you find yourself on, you’ll be surrounded either by beach bars, nightclubs, or centuries-old Byzantine monasteries. The one commonality between every part of Halkidiki are the pristine beaches and sea views.
Wine in Halkidiki
Wine has been crafted in Halkidiki since the times of antiquity. In the 20th century, a phylloxera epidemic destroyed many of the grapevines, but the industry has been restored to the glory of its past.
The climate is classically Mediterranean and so the grapes are treated to long summers and short winters. The soil in Sithonia is nutrient-rich and does not retain water well. Some of the most famous wines in Sithonia are from Moschofilero and Robiola grapes. Among the well-known wine varietals from here are Xinomavro, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Limnio, which is mentioned in Aristotle’s writings, is also found here.
In the Kassandra municipality of Halkidiki, the vineyards are located on low hills. The grapevines have a view of the sea and the main varietals of this area are Roditis, Sauvignon Blanc, Xinomavro, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm climate and humidity from the sea make the sunny slopes of Kassandra an ideal spot for producing quality wines.
Rating Halkidiki for Germans
Sea View
Halkidiki has an extensive coastline of about 500 kilometers. Some parts of Halkidiki are undeveloped and there are many opportunities for beachfront homes. Some popular areas to get a sea view in Halkidiki are Sithonia and Kassandra.
Rank: 9.5 out of 10
Direct Flights
From Germany, you can fly directly to Thessaloniki from major airports, including Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. Then, you can take a quick car journey from the Thessaloniki airport, which is already outside of the city and on the border with Halkidiki.
In fact, the Thessaloniki airport is so close to Halkidiki that you will likely have a smaller distance to drive to reach your final destination than if you arrived on a Greek island.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Property Prices
Prices in Halkidiki highly depend on the area where you buy a home. According to national averages from Spitogatos, prices range from about 2000 Euros per square meter to 2500 Euros per square meter, depending on the region. This is relatively less expensive than the most popular Greek islands, which can reach up to 3000 Euros per square meter in some areas.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Internet Speed
Internet Speeds are available in Halkidiki via Speedtest by Ookla. Out of the towns listed in Halkidiki, the average is about 40 MBPS. Compared to other areas of Greece, this is about average.
Rating: 8 out of 10
English Speakers and Expatriate Community
If you choose one of Halkidiki’s most popular towns, like Sithonia or Kassandra, you will surely find English speakers or even German speakers. This area of Greece is growing a lot in popularity, so you can expect to see many visitors. If you choose to buy a home in the more remote areas of Halkidiki, the community of English speakers will likely be smaller.
Rating: 9 out of 10