AD | A Halkidiki Holiday in April with Jet2

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited by Jet2 to experience their new April package holidays to Halkidiki. We received complimentary flights and hotel stay, with full board catering. We met all other expenses ourselves. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.

I love Greece. In fact our last sunshine holiday before the great foreign holiday embargo of 2020/2021 was in Naxos. And our first sunshine holiday when we returned to travel in 2022 was Samos. So when Jet2 invited me to try out one of their new early-season package holidays to Halkidiki, I jumped at the chance for a little April sunshine, and to explore a brand new region of Greece to me.

Er, Halkidiki? Where’s that?

Other than an unscheduled day in Athens thanks to ferry issues, all of our Greek holidays have been on the islands. So it was time to find out more about Halkidiki. Located in Northern Greece, Halkidiki (aka Chalkidiki) is a vast peninsula in the Central Macedonia region.

Jutting out into the Aegean are three smaller peninsula “fingers” – Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. Each has its own geography, and its own personality. Kassandra – where we were based – is the most developed, and being closest to Thessaloniki attracts students and locals seeking a beach getaway. Sithonia is perfect for nature lovers, with spectacular beaches and forests. Athos is the most isolated of the peninsulas, a monastic state which can only be visited by men granted a special visa.

As we discovered, it really is worth renting a hire car to explore beyond your resort. There are traditional villages, hidden beaches and secret coves; and the city of Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest – is only an hour away. The roads are mostly well maintained and it is easy to navigate the region.

Our Jet2 Experience

Jet2 offers direct flights to Thessaloniki airport from Birmingham and other airports around the UK. We flew with Jet2 to Rome last year, so already knew how reliable they could be. With 22kg of luggage as standard – and unpredictable April weather ahead – we knew we could pack plenty of clothing options. Not enough warm options as it turned out…

Jet2 offer a range of accommodation options in Halkidiki. Fancying a bit of 5* luxury – and a change from our usual mid-range choices – we opted to stay at Sani Beach, located on the Kassandra Peninsula, about a 50 minute transfer from Thessaloniki airport. Sani Beach is featured as one of Jet2’s “Indulgent Escapes” packages, which means ultra-luxurious hotels, private transfers, an additional 3kg baggage allowance, priority lane passes, a complimentary in-flight drink and a voucher towards onboard Jet2 Shop purchases. Mr Fletche snaffled both our vouchers to enhance his aftershave collection. I just sat back and enjoyed the free prosecco.

As we start to descend the bright lights of Thessaloniki spread out below us like a sparkling spiderweb. Laid out before us is Greece’s second city. Our passports are checked and stamped (the only Brexit advantage?) and we are reunited with our suitcases in minutes. A quick process that Birmingham airport could learn a thing or two from.

A relay team of red-jacketed Jet2 staff point us to our private transfer. We are bundled into a minibus made for two dozen people. Our driver takes off like he’s desperate to get home for his Friday night tea but eventually settles into a less manic driving rhythm.

Weather in Halkidiki in April

When I told people I was heading to Halkidiki in April, their first reaction tended to be “wow, a bit of sunshine, lucky you!” And even I felt a bit smug about getting away from the lingering UK winter. But as I religiously checked multiple weather apps, it became clear that the Halkidiki climate in April may not be conducive to long days sunbathing by the pool. Rain, cloud and temperatures rarely getting out of the teens.

Average April temperatures in Halkidiki are around 16-20°C (65-69°F) and it lingered around 17°C during our week. Our first day was spent under perpetual cloud, with intermittent drizzle. It was like being back in England. Yet we still managed to spend an hour reading on a sunlounger by the pool – albeit fully dressed.

The following couple of days followed a similar pattern, sunny mornings warm enough for us to shrug off our clothes into swimwear, but turning windy in the afternoon. And this was no gentle warm breeze. This was cold. I was grateful that my portable phone charger doubles up as a handwarmer. We valiantly resisted adding more layers for a while before realising it was ridiculous and we were definitely turning blue rather than brown.

April temperatures mean less chance of sunburn. Or so I thought. Don’t be fooled by the lower temperatures. Or by the wind. After an initial slathering of Factor 30 in the morning we headed off to the beach. Under the shade of a huge parasol we felt confident enough to expose our sun-starved bodies to the sun. In the height of summer I usually liberally apply suntan lotion and hide my legs from any slight ray of sunlight for fear of burning. I did not apply the same logic to spring sunbathing.

What to pack for Greece in April

If I’d packed as I would pack for a UK April holiday then I wouldn’t have gone far wrong. To my array of summer dresses, strappy tops and delicate sandals I should have added a raincoat, a pair of jeans, more “athleisure” wear and as many hoodies and sweatshirts that my (generous Jet2) luggage allowance would permit. Also gloves. And a blanket scarf. And a hat for windy days/hair control.

7 Fun Things to do in Halkidiki in April

Eat delicious seafood at a traditional fishing village such as Nikiti or Porto Koufo

Take a boat cruise to Mount Athos – the only way to see some of the monasteries built into the rocks of the third peninsula

Explore the beaches of Kassandra and Sithonia

Relax with a glass of local wine, beer or a refreshing spritz in a waterside taverna at Afytos or Neos Marmaras

Explore caves and sites of archaeological interest. It’s Greece – ancient settlements are EVERYWHERE.

Shop for local produce, in particular honey, olive oil, soap and cheese

Take a hike – there are diverse hiking trails across Central Halkidiki and Sithonia Peninsula in particular, taking in lush forests, ancients settlements and spectacular waterfalls.

So, is Halkidiki in April a good idea?

Despite the slightly chillier temperatures than I would usually expect on a “sunshine” holiday, April was a wonderful time to visit Halkidiki. There are spectacular verdant landscapes, not adversely impacted by a long dry summer. Spring flowers line the verges at the side of the roads, and wildflower meadows nestle in the mountains.

Without the temptation to lie by a pool all day, we explored every inch of our hotel and took advantage of walking the forest trails and utilising the spa. On our road trip to visit some of the villages and beaches of Halkidiki, roads were relatively quiet and it was easy to find space to park. Some restaurants may not have been fully open, but we were always able to get a table at those that were.

Other good things about Halkidiki in April? Less people in general – and less children as we took our trip outside of the Easter holidays. No sweaty, sticky days. Or nights – being able to sleep beneath a quilt rather than tossing off thin sheets. Accommodation costs are cheaper in April, meaning you get more bang for your buck.

Greek getaways aren’t just for summer. If you’re happy to sample local life beyond the pool and the beach then I definitely recommend an April trip to Halkidiki with Jet2.