Things To Do in Nea Moudania

A slow walk along a beach is a perfect way to while away an afternoon, and Nea Moudania's beach is the best place for it. It's a two-kilometre-long stretch of white-gold sand that rolls up the coast to Mouries. It starts by the busy harbour, but carries on until it's just you and the sound of the waves.

The bonus of being in a relatively big town is that it’s packed with bars and restaurants, which are gathered around the promenade. This is a popular spot for cocktails, with big-name DJs often playing sets down here. If you’d prefer a quieter night, meanwhile, there are always the beachside tavernas. Or, for something different, you’ve got the open-air theatre by the waterfront.

Erodios is the best known – and many think the best – of Nea Moudania’s tavernas. You’ll find it next to the sailing club, near the port. It serves up a range of traditional Greek dishes, though – naturally – fish is the big story. Decor wise, you’ve got smart linens and chandeliers, while the main restaurant opens out onto a pretty patio, complete with huge palm trees.

You’ve got the full choice of watersports here, from windsurfing and water-skiing to pedalos. There’s also a yacht club that organises sailing and fishing competitions. And if it’s fishing you’re after, you can always hire a boat from the port and head off under your own steam. Meanwhile, for those who like to get active, there’s usually some soccer, tennis or volleyball going on down at the sands.

You’ve got all the shopping you’ll need, from supermarkets and pharmacies, to bakeries and hair salons. There are also places where you can pick up gifts like candles and photograph frames. Shops are open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 2pm, then from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. And don’t forget Halkidiki’s biggest market, which happens every Wednesday morning near the bus station.

The port isn’t just about fishing boats – you can also take sightseeing cruises around the peninsula. From the deck of a boat, you’ll get to see sights you might otherwise miss, such as holy mountains and ancient monasteries that cling to the cliffs. The coastal views are pretty special, too. And back on board, there’s often live music and Greek dancing.

Just on the western outskirts of town is the Oceania Club Spa. It's a hotel-come-spa, and is the best place in the area for a bit of spoil-me time. It's got an impressive list of treatments, like royal jelly and honey face scrubs, and aromatherapy massages. Best of all, you don't have to be a guest of the hotel to book in for some pampering.

Baklava are sweet Greek treats, and Nea Moudania is the best place to get them. There's a bakery called Chatzifotiou on the main road towards Nea Potidea, in the north end of town, that's widely regarded as the best patisserie in the area. It offers up bite-sized bits of heaven like cream pies and sticky sweet pastries.

You’ll find this place on the seafront near the Ikos Oceania Hotel. It’s a great chill-out spot during the day, and there’s often live music in the evenings. In terms of atmosphere, it’s pretty low-key. And it’s a big hit with the locals, who you’ll find out in force at the weekends.

Nea Moudania just happens to hold the biggest market in Halkidiki. It springs into life every Wednesday, just behind the bus station. It's a good place to pick up embroidery and leatherwork, as well as fresh local produce like honey, olive soap and ouzo. Get there early, though, as the market traders will be shutting their stalls come midday.

This week-long folklore festival makes use of the town's ancient amphitheatre and features dancing, live music and theatre shows – all based around local traditions. It finishes up on Sunday with a huge feast. The main dish is sardines, and they're washed down with generous amounts of wine.

For authentic Greek dishes and seafood made with the freshest ingredients, head to the Marina Tavern. It's just by the marina, and comes with an al fresco terrace and a handful of tables next to the beach. Plus, the staff here will give you a really warm welcome.

The humble sardine becomes the star of the show at this week-long festival, which takes place down by the waterfront. During the week you’ll find lots of related events, like live plays and concerts. But the highlight is always the feast, where you can tuck into freshly grilled fish and sample some of the finest local white wine.

The tavernas here serve up proper, authentic Greek food. Portions are on the generous side – you can often get away with ordering a starter as a main. Keep an eye out for the pastitsio – this pasta, meat and béchamel dish is a tasty Greek take on lasagne. And as you’d expect from this port town, seafood is a big-time speciality – make a beeline for the stuffed cuttlefish or grilled mussels.

There’s nightly live music at this chic cocktail bar, set on the ground level at the Ikos Oceania Club. This big five-star resort offers a choice of fancy drinking and dining options, including an all-day beach bar. But the Blue Bar is the ideal spot for a sophisticated sundowner, plus it stays open until after dark.