Why savvy travellers are swapping the Cyclades for Halkidiki

Words: Josephine Price

If Greece has a region to serve every holiday need, Halkidiki is a perfect fit for those wanting to swap the crowded Cyclades for the quiet luxury of the Aegean coastline. From the luscious landscapes of the three-pronged peninsula, Greece shows off its smart side, filled with nature and nurturing destination hotels. 

On the easternmost Athos stretch of Halkidiki, Eagles Palace is a charming Greek holiday destination less than two hours from Thessaloniki airport. You’ll find this family-run resort hotel nestled by the tree-fringed, golden-sand beaches of the region’s third peninsula, the sacred site of Mount Athos and its monasteries. Here, you’ll find the timeless elegance of the luxury, five-star Eagles Palace and the hidden gem of 42 Eagles Villas nestled on a hilltop. Both stays are proud members of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. 

A modern icon reborn

This seaside escape has been warmly embracing visitors for more than 50 years, embodying the essence of philoxenia – a classically Greek approach to hospitality and service that’s rooted in warmth and generosity. For 2026, Eagles Palace is welcoming guests back into a reimagined space after a three-year renovation that has elevated the coastal luxury spot into something endlessly classic and refreshingly modern. Expect newly designed interiors and refined architecture across the resort. The transformation extends to the rooms themselves, too: 152 individually furnished sea-view rooms, suites and bungalows have been sensitively redesigned, with the one-storey bungalows in the gardens a particular highlight. For those seeking the height of privacy and luxury, the 180sqm Presidential Bungalow delivers an oversized private pool, walk-in closets and sweeping sea views.

From fine dining at Kamares – where a one-Michelin-star chef has designed a seasonally inspired menu – to taverna-style vibes at beachfront Armyra, the dining options across the resort’s six restaurants cater to guests so well that venturing further afield is deliciously unnecessary. Being catered to with such variety and imagination – from the wood-fired flavours at the Vinum wine cellar to the outdoor theatre of the Patio Bistro – feels like a holiday within a holiday.

Exploring the Athos peninsula

Beyond the hotel, Mount Athos frames the tip of this peninsula, offering a dramatic pine-forested landscape of soaring peaks and monastic settlements. While the sacred site is home to a closed community of monks, the hotel offers private cruises around the coastline, offering a sensitive glimpse into how life operates in this part of the world that has remained unchanged for more than a thousand years. The Unesco World Heritage Site is a study of devotion and spirituality, and the hotel sits in a harmonious spot of rare proximity to the historic settlement. 

From the hotel, set sail for the idyllic Drenia Islands, just a short boat ride away, for a taste of quiet luxury. Eagles Resort offers exclusive access to a secluded beach decked out with sun-loungers and parasols on the island of Pena, meaning you can float over and stretch out for the day. Meanwhile, back at the resort, if you’re seeking more adrenaline-boosting activities or something to entertain younger family members, there is a kids’ club and a full water sports centre offering everything from stand-up paddleboarding to sea kayaking and PADI scuba diving courses.

When to visit

Whether you’re looking to connect or escape, there’s plenty to stimulate the mind or help you switch off at Eagles Resort. The resort opens to guests in May, a sweet spot that carries all the warmth and wildflowers of early Greek summer without the peak-season crowds. July and August bring long golden days and a livelier atmosphere, while September is a favourite month for many, when the Aegean remains warm and the resort settles into a more languid rhythm.. 

Book your holiday at Eagles Palace or Eagles Villas

All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at Eagles Palace and Eagles Villas with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.