Kalives Holidays

Toes in the sand

Not to be confused with the island cousin of the same name, this Kalives is a laidback resort in Halkidiki in northern Greece – a new find for travellers. Drive just an hour from the urban bustle of Thessaloniki and you'll arrive at Kalives' chilled-out shores. A 30-minute cruise along the coast brings you to views that would make Dionysus stop in his tracks.

Pop to peninsulas

If you're up for adventure, check out the two headlands on either side of Kalives. These stone siblings have duked it out over millennia to see who's more fun. Kassandra's got swish beach resorts and mountain biking on forested trails, while laidback Sithonia boasts dive schools that'll train you into a modern-day Poseidon.

Sneak a peek at the peak

Legend has it that Mount Athos is the result of a boulder-chucking squabble between gods. Journey to the island of Athos via Ouranoupolis, a tiny village bursting with charm. A two-hour boat ride is the only way to glimpse the namesake peak – the holy mountain's off-limits to mortals, unless you're a monk.