Holidays: Playground of the Kings

IT is called Greece's best-kept secret. It boasts the only paradise on Earth and it has its own Valley of the Kings. The province of Macedonia is indeed a revelation.

The secret is simple...it is where the Greeks themselves go for their holidays.

Macedonia (not to be confused with the ex-Yugoslav republic of the same name) has lush countryside, beautiful beaches, lots of sun - and a great selection of wonderful local wines.

The water is crystal clear, the people are warm and friendly, and, unlike some holiday destinations, it does not suffer from overcrowding. Halkidiki has 45 European Blue Flag beaches along its unspoilt 300-mile coastline.

Some of the best white sand beaches are at Sani Beach Holiday Village in Kassandra.

With so much local agriculture and fishing, the food is more varied than in many other regions of Greece.

The city of Thessaloniki, with its many pavement cafes and bars, is a great place to spend a few days.

And it's also a good base for exploring the area's archaeological wonders.

The Valley of the Kings at Vergina is where for centuries the ancient kings and nobles of Macedonia were laid to their rest.

Don't miss the museum, with its spectacular displays from the tombs of Alexander the Great's father and son.

Alexander himself - his name and face are plastered all over Northern Greece - was laid to rest in Alexandria, the city he founded in Egypt.

It's believed his tomb was destroyed in a fire.

Mount Athos is a tiny republic given to the monks who inhabited a variety of monasteries on the peninsula by the Byzantine emperors over 500 years ago.

Each week just four Greek men and 11 foreign nationals may visit it for a few days, with special permission.

Women are not allowed there - so that the monks will not face temptation. How it has survived the Women's Movement is a wonder.

VERDICT: A month in this very attractive region of Greece would not be long enough. But no matter how long you have - go. You won't be sorry.

FACT FILE

Olympic Airways (0171 409 3400) fly four times a week from Heathrow to Thessaloniki. Fares from pounds 251.70 return.

One week's half-board at the Sani Beach costs pounds 485 per person (late August) with Thomson Sun (0990 502 555).

Sunworld (0990 550 440) have seven-day packages to Halkidiki during August for pounds 335 per person.

Cup of coffee....................pounds 1

Meal for two..................pounds 12 Small beer......................pounds 1.95

Car hire...............pounds 15 per day

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