Travel Eye on Polychrono (Halkidiki)

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Overview:

Polychrono is a compact, sleepy, beachside village whose population more than doubles in summer but still manages to retain an unhurried atmosphere. Basically a purpose-built tourist area, it comprises a mixture of traditional-style and modern low-rise buildings stretching from the coast back to the main road, a distance of only 500 yards and readily covered on foot.

Along the sea front, shops, bars and restaurants form a ½-ml-long strip. There is little development inland of the main road but as the terrain rises into olive groves, this area affords the best views over the village and out to the Aegean Sea.

Its relaxed ambience and proximity to the beach makes it a good choice for families with young children. Not for those who want to dance through the night.

Greek, English and other foreign languages such as German are widely spoken in tourist areas. Most road signs are bi-lingual, and there are English newspapers and radio stations.

The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states including Greece. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and bureau de change. Exchange rates can fluctuate from one bank to another, so shop around.

Traveller's cheques in all major currencies are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily at all banks. Generally, banks in Greece charge an exchange commission of 2 per cent. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. The subtropical summers by the sea are hot and dry with clear blue skies, often cooled by a system of seasonal breezes known as the "meltemia". The mountain areas are much cooler and often covered with snow in the winter. Winters are mild in the low lands, frost and snow is very rare. Most rainfall occurs between November and March. On average the sun shines 3,000 hours per year, that's 8.5 hours a day. Solar heating has becoming popular as a result.

Locality:

Polychrono is on the east coast of the Kassandra peninsula, almost midway along. (it is 59 mls SE of Thessaloniki, 54 mls SE of its airport by generally well-maintained road). It is between the main road and the sea, on gently sloping ground with low hills and pine woods inland.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The beach here is 30 ft wide and over ½ ml long, it consists of pale sand with small pebbles. Calm and gently shelving, it is ideal for children and casual swimmers. Remarkably clean water. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire along most of its length.

For such a small town there is a good number of clothing outlets as well as places to buy the usual basic commodities and souvenir requirements. A few minimarkets are available. True shopaholics go to Thessaloniki.

During the daytime there is beach and water-based activities which includes snorkelling, pedallo hire, and sunbathing. The nightlife here is very low key and mainly limited to tavernas and bars. It is not for night owls seeking round-the-clock entertainment.

There are plenty of restaurants but little variety outside of Greek or fast food.