Chalkidiki has a lush greenery not often found in Greece, with half of its land mass spread thickly with pine, oak and beech tree forests. Low mountains are scattered throughout with Holomondas (1,165 m), Hortiatis (1,201 m) and Stratoniko (913 m) among the tallest peaks. The Greeks call Chalkidiki "paradise on Earth". Despite its northern location, Chalkidiki's climate is definitely Mediterranean, though don't be surprised by a sudden, brief, yet refreshing downpour in the heart of the summer.