Things to Do in Nea Michaniona: A Weekend or a Full Week, Planned by a Local

Nea Michaniona isn't a resort with animation teams and hotel towers. It's a fishing town with a harbour, a sandy beach and people who say good morning. That's exactly what our guests love about it, and that's what we want to show you.

People often ask us for “a plan”. So we sat down and wrote what we'd tell friends visiting for the first time: first for a weekend, then for a whole week. Take what suits you and leave the rest. On holiday, plans are there to be broken.

A weekend

Saturday: sea and harbour

Breakfast in the garden, no rush. Then head down to Tourbali beach, 1.2 km from the house. It's shallow, Blue Flag awarded and has room for everyone. Meze for lunch right on the beach, then a slow afternoon.

When the sun drops, walk to the harbour. The boats are tied up, the fishermen are cleaning their nets and the tavernas are lighting the charcoal. Pick one and order whatever came in today. We explain how in our fish taverna guide.

Sunday: Angelochori

Six kilometres from the house is Angelochori. Swim on its long beach in the morning, and if it's windy you'll see the colourful kites of the kitesurfers. In the late afternoon, climb up to the 1864 lighthouse for sunset, with Mount Olympus across the water. If you've seen a better one, tell us.

A full week

With seven days, keep the weekend above and add:

Day 3: The Epanomi shipwreck

About 20 minutes south, Potamos Epanomi is the wildest beach in the area, with dunes and open sea. At its southern end, a few metres offshore, sits the rusty shipwreck. Bring a mask. And if you like wine, there are wineries in Epanomi that welcome visitors (see our winery guide).

Day 4: Thessaloniki

Half an hour by car. Park and walk: the White Tower, the seafront to Zongolopoulos' Umbrellas, Aristotelous Square, Modiano market for olives and spices, Ladadika for dinner. If you still have energy, go up to Ano Poli for the view from the castle walls.

Day 5: A lazy day

We mean it. Sea in the morning, barbecue in the garden in the evening. Pick up fish or meat in the village and light the charcoal. Our guests tell us these are the evenings they remember most.

Day 6: Halkidiki

The start of Kassandra is about an hour away. Leave early, choose one beach, not five, and come back for dinner at the harbour. Also read Halkidiki or Thessaloniki?

Day 7: Your favourite, again

The last day is for going back to the place that stole your heart. If you're flying out, the airport is only 15 minutes away, so there's time for one last swim.

If it rains

• Museums in Thessaloniki: The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture sit side by side and easily fill a morning.
• NOESIS: The Science Centre and Technology Museum, about 23 km from the house. Great with kids.
• Fish soup at the harbour: A cloudy day is the best excuse for kakavia.

Evenings

Michaniona has no big clubs, and thank goodness for that. Evenings are for strolling the quay, ice cream and dinners that run late. For more buzz, Perea and Neoi Epivates, 15 minutes away, have beach bars and a long promenade. And if you're here in late August, don't miss the Panagia Faneromeni festival, the biggest event of the year in the village.

FAQ

Is Nea Michaniona worth it for a holiday?

Yes, if you want a calm seaside holiday with easy access to Thessaloniki (about 30 minutes) and Halkidiki (about an hour). It's a fishing town, not a resort, and that's exactly its charm.

Do I need a car in Nea Michaniona?

Not for the beach, the harbour and the village shops. For Angelochori, Epanomi, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, a car makes life much easier.

What can I do if it rains?

Head into Thessaloniki: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, Modiano market. With kids, NOESIS (Science Centre and Technology Museum) is about 23 km away.

Sources: Visit Central Macedonia, Nea Michaniona · Visit Thermaikos, Angelochori