What sea is washed by pov cassandra. Greece, Chalkidiki Peninsula - "Greece"

Kassandra is a charming peninsula located in the western part of Halkidiki. Thessaloniki is located nearby. Kassandra is connected to the rest of the region amazing bridge from Nea Potidea. This village is the starting point of every traveler arriving here. It is difficult to call Kassandra a peninsula, since it is completely separated from the territory of Halkidiki by the Gulf of Potidea. It offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.

In ancient times, the name of the peninsula was different. The Greeks called it Phlegra (“place of fire”). Ancient Greek myths say that Giants lived here. Creatures were born from drops of the blood of Uranus, which fell on the body of the goddess Gaia. It was here, according to mythology, that there was a historical battle between the Giants and the gods of Olympus for world power. The giants threw huge rocks onto Olympus, and Zeus sent lightning to Phlegra, burning the peninsula to the ground.

One of the myths says that a rock thrown by the Olympian gods during the battle crushed the Seismic Giant. However, the boulder did not kill him, and he remained on Cassandra. Since then, when the Giant tries to get out, the Earth suffers an earthquake. The rock thrown by Poseidon crushed another Giant - Aphos. Named after him famous mountain. The war between the gods of Olympus and the inhabitants of Phlegra continued for a long time. Everything changed after a prediction given to the gods. It said that the help of a mere mortal would decide the outcome of the battle. Then it was decided to turn to Hercules, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. The warlike young man defeated Alkeon, who was the first among the Giants. This meant the complete victory of the gods. The daughter of Alkeon, Pallini suffered bitterly and, unable to bear it, threw herself and her sisters into the sea. Poseidon's wife Amphitrite did not let them die. The goddess wrapped the girls in seabirds. The name of the eldest gave the name to the peninsula. It changed in 315 BC. The Macedonian king Kassander, having chosen the peak, built Kassandria there. Then the name spread throughout the territory.

Now Kassandra is a modern resort welcoming guests from all over the world. Greeks also come to the peninsula to take a break from routine and relax. Equipped beaches and developed infrastructure attract tourists. The traveler is greeted by kilometers of open-work coastline, turquoise waves of the sea, and most importantly - active nightlife: traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants, creative bars, discos, clubs - you can find entertainment to your liking on every corner. Along with this, Kassandra is a place thermal springs And wide choice places to stay: from small cozy hotels to expensive apartments, from family hotels to luxurious hotel complexes. Lovers have a nice holiday They will appreciate the golf courses, marinas, and SPA centers.

Tourists of the younger generation who love to relax after sunset will appreciate the Kallithea area. Stylish clubs are found here at every turn. Before this, there is always the opportunity to drop into one of the many cafes or bars, of which there are plenty in Halkidiki. The evening will not be boring on such a wonderful trip. Local restaurants invite you to enjoy unconventional dishes from chefs or taste traditional Greek cuisine - the choice is yours.

Administrative division

The current municipality of Kassandra includes:

Kassandria (administrative center of Kassandra),
Sled,
Nea Fokia,
Afitos,
Kallithea,
Kriopigi,
Cassandrino,
Furka,
Hanioti,
Pefkohori,
Polychrono,
Siviri.

It is known that Kassandra is the birthplace of the famous philosopher Aristotle. Stagira will open a lot for visitors interesting facts about the life of the great thinker, and the beauty of the surrounding nature will give you an incredible walking experience.

These places are significant for the religious world. Saint Athos and the monastic state of Agion Oros are a place of pilgrimage for parishioners from all over the world.

Petralona Cave keeps many secrets. Unique natural monument was opened in 1959. A year later, the skull of an archanthrope was found there. Research conducted by scientists has shown that the found remains belong to the oldest man on European territory: he is about 700 thousand years old. You can see more than just fossils and skeletons. The cave also displays wonderful natural figures: stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates.

The Kassandra Peninsula is full of myths. A touch of history lurks around every corner. Who knows, maybe in just a minute the Giant will again attempt to escape from the ground. Scientists, for example, say that the nature of the peninsula was completely different, the hills of Kassandra are fragments of a meteorite or the consequences of an eruption of an ancient volcano, and where it was, sulfur smoke is still visible above the surface.

Among the cities of Kassandra, Kallithea deserves special attention. The bays of Lidico and Anthony Quinn fascinate with their extraordinary beauty, opening up space and allowing thoughts to wander freely. But this is not the only advantage of Kallithea. Top class tourist infrastructure includes everything a modern tourist needs. Coming here means decorating your life with bright shades of nightlife, and therefore young travelers will appreciate the selection of bars, discos, and clubs.

Nea Moudania is famous for its annual Festival of the Sea. This international event brings together tourists who want to experience all the delights of a beach holiday. The port provides an excellent opportunity to take a yacht cruise along the Aegean Sea, feel the breath of the elements, and disappear into the vast expanses.

Green Hanioti is waiting for everyone to live a few days in paradise. Surprises await shoppers here. Demanding travelers can confidently head to Nea Flogita. Holidays here are a great option for family vacation. Young children will have plenty to do, as there are many playgrounds and entertainment complexes located in the city.

In search of peace and tranquility, you should go to the Kholomond Mountains. The cleanest air with the aroma of pine needles, the opportunity to hunt, ride horses or on foot, pick mushrooms - tourists who love active recreation will be happy. New cozy hotels combine comfort and accessibility.

Cassandra is notable for the fact that a large number of small ancient villages introduce visitors to local traditional cuisine. A check for a restaurant or cafe will be inexpensive, and the visitor will receive fresh products, be it seafood, vegetables or cheeses. For those who prefer to cook their own food, a strong recommendation: visit the local market. Low prices for the best products are not a myth, like many things on Kassandra, but a reality.

The Mouzenidis Travel company organizes tours to any corner of Greece. It becomes easier to visit the Kassandra Peninsula, spend time usefully, and relax your soul and body thanks to experienced consultants. Convenient flight from anywhere in the world, company representative offices near tourist spots, the opportunity to choose the tour you like right at home - the modern tourist receives services high quality easily.

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Attractions

Afitos

Afitos is a small settlement on the territory of Kassandra. Ancient legends say that the first titans were born in this place, and later their battle with the gods took place.

The town has existed for more than 300 years. In ancient times, this picturesque settlement was a large metropolis that minted its own coins. Afitos was destroyed several times. The last major reconstruction of the city began in 1827. At this time, stone houses atypical for Greece were erected. Many structures and architectural structures erected in XIX century, today are the main attractions of Afitos.

On the main square of Afitos is the Church of St. Demetrius, built in 1859 on the ruins of a temple destroyed by the Turks.

Saint Demetrius is highly revered by the Greeks. The temple dedicated to the Saint contains ancient icons, mosaics and other ancient religious objects. The architecture of the church is a three-nave domed basilica.

Not far from the church, in a stone mansion from the 19th century, there is a Folklore Museum. The museum's collection consists of household items, kitchen utensils, tools, and works of art donated by local residents. The museum perfectly reflects the traditions and culture of the settlement.

Near the sea there is an unusual place called “stone balcony”. Here tourists and residents of Afitos walk along the embankment, enjoy beautiful views and relax in restaurants and cafes.

Kallithea

The resort of Kallithea, popular among tourists, was an ancient religious center many millennia ago. It was in this place that archaeologists found the remains of the temple of Zeus-Amon and the sanctuary of Dionysus.

The Temple of Zeus-Amon is the main attraction of Kassandra and an important historical value for Greece.

The place for worshiping the gods was located in picturesque place with incredible views and springs flowing nearby. Here the inhabitants of the island brought gifts to the gods, performed ceremonies and rituals. They decided to build a temple on the site, but it was not possible to build it quickly. In the second half of the 4th century BC, a temple dedicated to Zeus and Amun was erected.
The temple was surrounded by statues and columns, inside of which there was an open space. At the entrance to the sanctuary, a stone threshold was built into which spring water flowed.

During the Roman Empire, the temple flourished - an amphitheater and an altar were added.

Not far from the temple is the cave of Dionysus. The ancient Greeks worshiped the god of fertility and winemaking in this beautiful place surrounded by springs.

Archaeologists suggest that the sanctuary existed from the 8th to the 2nd centuries BC. e.

Today, only ruins remain of the majestic religious buildings. They are valuable historical objects. Entrance to the territory of the ruins is free. Every tourist can visit the most ancient places of pilgrimage.

Potidea

The history of Potidaea goes back to ancient times. This area has been inhabited since antiquity. The city fell several times and was rebuilt again.

The main attraction of the settlement is the Nea Potidea canal, dug in the first century BC. The canal was surrounded by fortress walls dating back to the era of Justinian. The canal separates the Kassandra peninsula from the mainland of Halkidiki. Previously, people crossed the canal by ferry. Now there is a large bridge over it, connecting the peninsula with the mainland. From the height of the bridge there are incredible panoramic views. The canal was reconstructed in 1930. Near the canal, fortress walls have been preserved, which in the distant past protected the peninsula.
The main religious places of the island are the Church of St. George, the Temple of Panagia Faneromeni, the Church of St. Nicholas and St. Eustathius.

Nea Fokea

Modern Nea Fokea was inhabited in ancient times, and its modern appearance was given to it in 1922 by settlers.
There is an obelisk in Phokea. In the 20s of the last century, archaeologist Felix Chartiu conducted excavations on the territory of the settlement. At this time, terrible events took place in the city - the massacre of the Greek population. Hanging French flags from the windows of houses, Chartier covered many local residents. The obelisk was erected in memory of the bloody incident and the scientist who saved people's lives.

Not far from Phocaea there was a settlement of St. Paul, settled approximately in the 14th-15th centuries. Every June, St. Paul's Church hosts a religious festival in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. According to legend, St. Paul hid in a local cave from his pursuers.

The temple preserves the Holy Spring, to which a dark, narrow underground corridor leads. Wall paintings and a marble column also survived.

Temple of Poseidon

During excavations in the quiet fishing village of Possidi in the 90s of the last century, archaeologists discovered the Temple of Poseidon.

Surprisingly, the sanctuary was not mentioned in any chronicle, although it was a cult place for more than a thousand years. Archaeologists discovered 4 buildings, the oldest of them dates back to the 11th century BC, the rest - to the fifth.

Sacrifices to the god Poseidon and sacred rites were performed in the temple. Near the temple, fragments of marble were found with the names of the people who performed the sacrifice. Male names predominate, because Poseidon was worshiped by sailors.

The Kassandra Peninsula is the western tip of Chalkidiki in Greece, connected to mainland Greece by a bridge. Currently this is one of the best places in Europe for archaeological tourism and beach holidays.

This peninsula was named by the ancient Greeks in honor of Alexander the Great's father, Caesar Cassander. He ruled here before the new era and became the founder of a large trading harbor. Ancient Greek legends say that Kassandra is the homeland of the Giants.

Tourism in Kassandra

Halkidiki is the northeastern part of Greece. Kassandra, as a small part of Halkidiki, has a length of about 50 km and a width of no more than 15 km. The coast of Kassandra is one of the cleanest in Europe; many local beaches have Blue Flags.

This is a great place for a vibrant youth holiday in discos and bars, as well as for parents and children to relax on beaches and playgrounds. There is a suitable place for every guest of Cassandra.

Climate and weather

The high season in Kassandra lasts from April to October. And the most best time for relaxation - all summer. Due to the proximity of the sea and the climate here, thalassotherapy is widely practiced.

In winter, the daytime air temperature fluctuates around +16C. Sea water temperature is +3C. In summer, the air temperature is about +22C - +25C, and the sea water heats up to +23C and above.

Resorts of Kassandra

This is a small resort village located on the shores of Thermaikos Gulf and has a picturesque bay. On the shore of the bay near the village there is an ancient Byzantine tower. According to legend, St. preached from it. Apostle Paul.

The tower and bay are named after this saint. Not far from it is underground spring with healing water and an ancient chapel. Nea Fokea is a wonderful holiday destination for newlyweds and couples with children.

Nea Potidea

This is a very comfortable and calm town with magnificent sandy beaches with Blue Flags. As an attraction, there are the ruins of an ancient fortress. A great place for beach lovers.

Most of the rural houses in this village are built in the traditional Greek architectural style. There is also a museum of ethnography, ancient quarries, a healing spring, and several Orthodox churches.

Aya Paraskevi

This village is famous throughout Europe for its sulfur springs. People come here to take hydrogen sulfide baths, which have a beneficial effect on the human body.

This town is famous for its Byzantine fortress Stavronikita. After a great holiday local beaches It will be interesting to wander among the ruins. There are also many shops with goods at affordable prices.

Pefkohori

This resort seems to be created for lovers of solitude. Here tourists will be delighted by low mountains, pine forests and sea beaches. You can fully enjoy nature and the absence of noisy crowds.

Nea Moudania

This is a modern town with a port from where you can go for walks along the Aegean Sea. In mid-summer, a sea festival takes place in Nea Moudania, bringing actors and musicians from many countries around the world.

This resort is famous for its ancient monument - the Temple of Zeus. It was erected on the Kassandra Peninsula for the third millennium. And next to it is the sanctuary of Dionysius, where drunken orgies are still held to this day.

In this resort town a lot of greenery and sandy beaches. The tourist infrastructure is well developed: many restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, shops. At night there are discos with cool DJs. An excellent place for youth recreation.

The sandy beaches on this peninsula are famous for their cleanliness and well-groomed conditions. Their total length is more than 50 km and they have all the necessary beach infrastructure. It is known that the waters of the Aegean Sea are among the cleanest and most transparent in Europe.

On the beaches of Nea Fokea there are small bays with warm water, where small children will be comfortable and safe to swim. Adults can go deeper into the now fashionable snorkeling.

There are many bars along the beaches of Afitos. This is entertainment for adults, as well as young people who like to spend time at night discos in search of extreme entertainment.

There is parking for boats and yachts on Glarokavos beach. From here you can always take a boat trip around the Kassandra Peninsula, exploring the surrounding area, or go yachting with a coach, etc.

The golden beaches of Pefkohori are popular among young people and couples with children. There is very fine, soft sand and a gentle entrance to the sea. The beaches are well equipped, like all the others in Kassandra.

Sights of Kassandra

In ancient times, the inhabitants of Kallithea worshiped the Egyptian sun god Amun and the ancient Greek sky god Zeus. These gods were closely intertwined in their minds. This became known to scientists based on the results of archaeological excavations.

During excavations, archaeologists discovered inscriptions on the ruins of the temple sanctuary that Poseidon is a sea god who has been worshiped in Greece since the 2nd millennium BC, i.e. long before the Roman era.

One of the monks from St. Athos also recalls the Temple of Poseidon in his manuscript. IN mid-19th century, next to its ancient ruins, a lighthouse was built, which has been perfectly preserved to this day - another local attraction.

This Orthodox church stands a few kilometers from Pefkohori in the village of the same name. The village itself is surrounded by pine forest. You can go to church at any time to be alone with God. The villagers will show you where the key is.

Temples of St. Paraskevas were also erected in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. In the village of St. Paraskeva also has a thermal spring, which has no analogues in Europe, with amazingly healing, healing water.

This monastery was founded in the late 80s of the last century in Pefkohori. It contains the relics of John, revered in Greece, who is considered here a wonderworker and patron of Hellas.

Today in this monastery six monks live. The abbot invites Greeks and tourists from other countries to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the life of the monks and explore the interior of the monastery.

This medieval tower was erected at the beginning of the 15th century on Kassandra in Nea Phokea by Byzantine craftsmen. Its height is almost 20 meters. The tower stands on a hill next to the bay.

Chapel of St. Paul was built much later than the tower - in the 60s of the 19th century. From it there is a passage into a cave where a spring with holy water flows. Local residents are convinced that it is in the cave of St. Paul baptized people.

This Orthodox church stands on the main square of Afitos. It was built in the mid-19th century in the form of a basilica with domes. The Greeks claim that this is the only church in this architectural style in Halkidiki.

Church of St. Demetrius has a magnificent interior decoration and a rich iconostasis. It is active and services are held here regularly. Tourists have access to the church, but to do this they need to pay €2 for a ticket.

This is a small village, ideal for families with children. There are magnificent natural attractions here: olive groves, cleanest lakes. You can visit the local nature reserve where they live rare species turtles.

How to get to Kassandra?

From Russia, first of all, you need to get to the airport in Thessaloniki. There are regular flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Thessaloniki + charters in the High Season. Getting to Greece by other means of transport is more difficult and takes longer.

From Thessaloniki Airport to Kassandra you can travel by regular bus, taxi or rented car. There is a bus stop near the airport, from where you should go to the bus station and buy a bus ticket there. To Kallithea it costs €9.8.

You can order a taxi in advance to go straight from the airport to Kassandra online at Kiwi Taxi. You will definitely be greeted by a taxi driver with a sign with your name written on it. A transfer to Kallithea costs at least €150.

You can rent a car, since rental companies operate everywhere. At the airport you will definitely find several rental offices. We recommend renting a car for the entire holiday: it is convenient and will cost less.

Kassandra is a peninsula in northern Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea, located between the two gulfs of Toroneos and Thermaikos. It is one of three that make up the larger Chalkidiki. The Potidea Canal separates the Kassandra Peninsula from the mainland. The region has a developed tourism infrastructure; many tourists from various countries come here. From the airport northern capital Thessaloniki can be reached here by bus or taxi.

Greece (Chalkidiki) Kassandra

Greece (Chalkidiki) Kassandra Detailed map in Russian.

Tourism is central to the economy of this region. The coast, 15 km wide and stretching for 50 km, is sandy and sandy-pebble, alternating with picturesque capes and bays, and is one of the cleanest in Europe. There are no big cities on the northern coast; all entertainment is concentrated in small coastal towns and villages, many of which are popular resorts with developed tourist infrastructure: hotels, shops, restaurants.

Attractive landscape

Tourists are provided with Greek taverns, discos, bars and other entertainment. Hotels of any class for both budget and wealthy vacationers. The most prestigious and fashionable ones are located near the coast. A wide choice of active pastimes: hiking and cycling in the mountains and pine forests, exciting voyages on yachts or scuba diving in the depths of the sea.

Weather and climate

The climate in the region is considered Mediterranean, with dry summers and mild winters.

From the beginning of May to the end of September it is sunny and rarely rains. Holiday season begins in May, the air at this time warms up to +23 °C.

The area is protected mountain ranges Because of the cold winds, the water in the sea quickly warms up. It’s comfortable to relax with children in June, the air temperature rises to +27 °C, and sea ​​water warmer than +22 °C.

July and August are the hottest times

July and August are the hottest times, the air at this time heats up to +30°-34°C.

At the beginning of autumn, it is still warm here at +27 °C, but there are significantly fewer vacationers; dry, sunny days persist throughout September.

The first rains begin in October, and the rainy season begins in November.

Kassandra (Greece) attractions

Ancient Greece experienced periods of Byzantine and Ottoman influence, the culture of this country was formed over thousands of years and today has a variety of incarnations.

Afitos is a village in Greece, impressive with its ancient architecture, historical temples. In the center is the Church of St. Demetrius, built in 185. Next to the church there is a small ethnographic museum.

Fact! The village of Neya Potidea is one of the oldest and most beautiful places with the ruins of an ancient castle and a beautiful church.

South of the village of Neia Potidea, there is the village of Neia Fokia with a picturesque bay. At the very edge of the sea rises a Byzantine tower built in 1407 in honor of the Apostle Paul.

Sani Resort offers views of Mount Olympus. During construction work they found here archaeological finds indicating that there was previously an acropolis of ancient Sani. At this place in 1543, the servants of the Athos monastery built a watchtower, which still stands today.

The town of Olynthos is one of ancient settlements, in which the ruins of a beautiful town with buildings decorated with mosaics and a developed sewage system remain. An archaeological museum was opened on the territory of archaeological excavations in the town of Olynthos.

Petralona Cave

Not far from the village of Petralona there is a cave of the same name. The remains of an ancient European man and the fossilized remains of prehistoric animals were discovered here. Petralona Cave is famous for its extraordinary stalagmites.

Popular excursions include visiting the rock monasteries of Meteora and a cruise around the holy Mount Athos. For almost two thousand years, monks settled here, and civilization has not yet penetrated into this corner. Athos is the only Orthodox Monastic Republic where people live according to church canons. There are 20 monasteries here. Some of them are built on large rocks. Cruises are organized around Mount Athos, and men have the opportunity to visit the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery. Women are prohibited from entering the territory.

Monasteries on Mount Athos

In the villages of Arnea, Parthenonas and Afito, the original Greek architectural style has been preserved.

It is famous for the sights of Thessaloniki, there are a lot of them here, it’s impossible to get to know them in a day. The territory contains many different temples, monasteries, synagogues, mosques and many other attractions. It is worth seeing the archaeological museum, where archaeological finds from the prehistoric period and a large number of exhibits from antiquity are collected.

Most high peak country is the legendary Mount Olympus. Located around the mountain national park, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Greece.

Mount Olympus

Car rental

Renting a car in Greece is not difficult. Renting a car is convenient if you need to see hard-to-reach sights, drive along the coast, or visit different villages. This can be done in any tourist town or village.

Pay attention! The driver must be at least 21 years old.

In almost every hotel in Greece you can rent a car and the necessary equipment, including child car seats and boosters at no additional cost. The rental cost depends on the season, the availability of full insurance and various additional services. The range of brands and models offered is large. The roads throughout the country are excellent. The car is the most comfortable and convenient transportation for an overview of most of the sights of Greece.

Popular resorts

Kallithea (Greece)

Kallithea (the resort of the same name is on the island of Rhodes) is the busiest resort town. The life of the resort during the season is intense and subsides only in the morning. The bulk of the apartments are located outside the village of Kallithea.

The embankment has a sandy and clean shore, and it’s a great place to relax with children. The entrance to the sea is sandy and flat, without stones or sharp depths. There are almost never storms in Kallithea, as it is protected from the winds by the hills.

Kallithea (Greece)

The descent and ascent to the center of the village takes place along a long steep staircase.

The busy shoreline of the seaside town is covered in lush vegetation. There are many in the village inexpensive places where you can have a delicious lunch.

Hotel Atos Palace is located 2 km from Kallithea and 75 km from international airport"Macedonia" in Thessaloniki. On picturesque cape, among gardens with lush vegetation, is an eight-story hotel building. Designed for tourists of any category. The hotel operates an all-inclusive system: breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, snacks and drinks are served.

Hotel territory

Modern Kallithea was founded in 1925 by settlers from Asia Minor. Until 1950, its residents were engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. Today, the population of Kallithea is mainly employed in the tourism sector.

Today Kallithea is one of the most popular resorts region. The clean coastline and developed infrastructure attract tourists from all over the world.

Kallithea (Greece) has its own historical attractions - the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Dionysus.

Pefkochori (Greece) is a small village with modern infrastructure. It is located in a pine grove, and the streets of the village are buried in bright southern flowers. The sand and pebble coastline is awarded the Blue Flag. The silhouette of Mount Athos is visible from the shore. The coast of Pefkohori is divided into parts by a pier: on one side there are hotels, on the other - the city beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided free of charge if you buy a drink at the cafe or bar.

Pefkohori embankment

You can learn how to dive with multilingual instructors, and for the more experienced there are night scuba dives to wrecks.

For children, there is a mini Luna Park on the embankment with a variety of slides and attractions.

You can walk around and see the 19th century church and a partially preserved old mill. Climb the mountains and admire the olive groves and wonderful landscapes.

Greece is one of the safest countries to travel, but even here you need to be careful and follow simple safety rules. As everywhere else, petty theft and fraud occur.

Important! You should not carry it with you large sums cash. It is prudent to store documents and money in a hotel safe or place them in the most inaccessible place.

It is better to negotiate the cost of a taxi ride before the trip, otherwise the taxi driver will be able to deceive you by greatly inflating the price.

It is recommended to travel to Halkidiki during the high season; in the middle of summer it is very hot and crowded, and in winter it is depressing. Spring is more suitable for excursion holiday- it’s not very hot and everything around is blooming and fragrant. In spring, many unusual flowers and greenery bloom. From May to October you can visit resorts for beach time.

Halkidiki

In this region, only a few hotel restaurants operate on an all-inclusive basis. Most often they offer only breakfast or half board. At the same time, many hotels provide special meals for young children.

Greece loves children very much, which is why you can find a large number of parks, water parks and children's museums throughout the country.

Interesting! In Greece, there is a “Tax free” system that allows you to return tax on purchases, but it does not apply to the purchase of fur products.

You can bargain with the local residents of Greece. They can give a discount of 10-15 dollars on any product or accommodation.*

For traveling, it is most convenient to travel by rented car.

Having made a tour to any corner of Greece, you will remain from it for a long time unforgettable experience, thanks to its incredibly clean coastlines, mild climate, stunning natural scenery and variety of entertainment. National cuisine Greece is one of the most useful in the whole world. Everything is tasty, varied, healthy. The Greeks are hospitable people. Having been here once, you want to come back again.

*Prices are current as of August 2018.

Kassandra is a charming peninsula located in the western part of Halkidiki. Thessaloniki is located nearby. Kassandra is connected to the rest of the region by an amazing bridge from Nea Potidea. This village is the starting point of every traveler arriving here. It is difficult to call Kassandra a peninsula, since it is completely separated from the territory of Halkidiki by the Gulf of Potidea. It offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.

In ancient times, the name of the peninsula was different. The Greeks called it Phlegra (“place of fire”). Ancient Greek myths say that Giants lived here. Creatures were born from drops of the blood of Uranus, which fell on the body of the goddess Gaia. It was here, according to mythology, that there was a historical battle between the Giants and the gods of Olympus for world power. The giants threw huge rocks onto Olympus, and Zeus sent lightning to Phlegra, burning the peninsula to the ground.

One of the myths says that a rock thrown by the Olympian gods during the battle crushed the Seismic Giant. However, the boulder did not kill him, and he remained on Cassandra. Since then, when the Giant tries to get out, the Earth suffers an earthquake. The rock thrown by Poseidon crushed another Giant - Aphos. A famous mountain is named after him. The war between the gods of Olympus and the inhabitants of Phlegra continued for a long time. Everything changed after a prediction given to the gods. It said that the help of a mere mortal would decide the outcome of the battle. Then it was decided to turn to Hercules, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. The warlike young man defeated Alkeon, who was the first among the Giants. This meant the complete victory of the gods. The daughter of Alkeon, Pallini suffered bitterly and, unable to bear it, threw herself and her sisters into the sea. Poseidon's wife Amphitrite did not let them die. The goddess wrapped the girls in seabirds. The name of the eldest gave the name to the peninsula. It changed in 315 BC. The Macedonian king Kassander, having chosen the peak, built Kassandria there. Then the name spread throughout the territory.

Now Kassandra is a modern resort welcoming guests from all over the world. Greeks also come to the peninsula to take a break from routine and relax. Equipped beaches and developed infrastructure attract tourists. The traveler is greeted by kilometers of open-work coastline, turquoise waves of the sea, and most importantly - active nightlife: traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants, creative bars, discos, clubs - you can find entertainment to your liking on every corner. Along with this, Kassandra is a place of thermal springs and a wide choice of places to stay: from small cozy hotels to expensive apartments, from family hotels to luxury hotel complexes. Lovers of a beautiful holiday will appreciate the golf courses, marinas, and SPA centers.

Tourists of the younger generation who love to relax after sunset will appreciate the Kallithea area. Stylish clubs are found here at every turn. Before this, there is always the opportunity to drop into one of the many cafes or bars, of which there are plenty in Halkidiki. The evening will not be boring on such a wonderful trip. Local restaurants invite you to enjoy unconventional dishes from chefs or taste traditional Greek cuisine - the choice is yours.

Administrative division

The current municipality of Kassandra includes:

Kassandria (administrative center of Kassandra),
Sled,
Nea Fokia,
Afitos,
Kallithea,
Kriopigi,
Cassandrino,
Furka,
Hanioti,
Pefkohori,
Polychrono,
Siviri.

It is known that Kassandra is the birthplace of the famous philosopher Aristotle. Stagira will reveal for visitors many interesting facts about the life of the great thinker, and the beauty of the surrounding nature will give incredible impressions from the walk.

These places are significant for the religious world. Saint Athos and the monastic state of Agion Oros are a place of pilgrimage for parishioners from all over the world.

Petralona Cave keeps many secrets. The unique natural monument was discovered in 1959. A year later, the skull of an archanthrope was found there. Research conducted by scientists has shown that the found remains belong to the oldest man on European territory: he is about 700 thousand years old. You can see more than just fossils and skeletons. The cave also displays wonderful natural figures: stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates.

The Kassandra Peninsula is full of myths. A touch of history lurks around every corner. Who knows, maybe in just a minute the Giant will again attempt to escape from the ground. Scientists, for example, say that the nature of the peninsula was completely different, the hills of Kassandra are fragments of a meteorite or the consequences of an eruption of an ancient volcano, and where it was, sulfur smoke is still visible above the surface.

Among the cities of Kassandra, Kallithea deserves special attention. The bays of Lidico and Anthony Quinn fascinate with their extraordinary beauty, opening up space and allowing thoughts to wander freely. But this is not the only advantage of Kallithea. Top class tourist infrastructure includes everything a modern tourist needs. Coming here means decorating your life with bright shades of nightlife, and therefore young travelers will appreciate the selection of bars, discos, and clubs.

Nea Moudania is famous for its annual Festival of the Sea. This international event brings together tourists who want to experience all the delights of a beach holiday. The port provides an excellent opportunity to take a yacht cruise along the Aegean Sea, feel the breath of the elements, and disappear into the vast expanses.

Green Hanioti is waiting for everyone to live a few days in paradise. Surprises await shoppers here. Demanding travelers can confidently head to Nea Flogita. A holiday here is a great option for a family holiday. Young children will have plenty to do, as there are many playgrounds and entertainment complexes located in the city.

In search of peace and tranquility, you should go to the Kholomond Mountains. The cleanest air with the aroma of pine needles, the opportunity to hunt, ride horses or on foot, pick mushrooms - tourists who love active recreation will be happy. New cozy hotels combine comfort and accessibility.

Kassandra is notable for the fact that a large number of small ancient villages introduce visitors to the local traditional cuisine. A check for a restaurant or cafe will be inexpensive, and the visitor will receive fresh products, be it seafood, vegetables or cheeses. For those who prefer to cook their own food, a strong recommendation: visit the local market. Low prices for the best products are not a myth, like many things on Kassandra, but a reality.

The Mouzenidis Travel company organizes tours to any corner of Greece. It becomes easier to visit the Kassandra Peninsula, spend time usefully, and relax your soul and body thanks to experienced consultants. Convenient flight from anywhere in the world, company representative offices near tourist spots, the opportunity to choose the tour you like right at home - a modern tourist easily receives high-quality services.

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Attractions

Afitos

Afitos is a small settlement on the territory of Kassandra. Ancient legends say that the first titans were born in this place, and later their battle with the gods took place.

The town has existed for more than 300 years. In ancient times, this picturesque settlement was a large metropolis that minted its own coins. Afitos was destroyed several times. The last major reconstruction of the city began in 1827. At this time, stone houses atypical for Greece were erected. Many buildings and architectural structures erected in the 19th century are today the main attractions of Afitos.

On the main square of Afitos is the Church of St. Demetrius, built in 1859 on the ruins of a temple destroyed by the Turks.

Saint Demetrius is highly revered by the Greeks. The temple dedicated to the Saint contains ancient icons, mosaics and other ancient religious objects. The architecture of the church is a three-nave domed basilica.

Not far from the church, in a stone mansion from the 19th century, there is a Folklore Museum. The museum's collection consists of household items, kitchen utensils, tools, and works of art donated by local residents. The museum perfectly reflects the traditions and culture of the settlement.

Near the sea there is an unusual place called “stone balcony”. Here tourists and residents of Afitos walk along the embankment, enjoy beautiful views and relax in restaurants and cafes.

Kallithea

The resort of Kallithea, popular among tourists, was an ancient religious center many millennia ago. It was in this place that archaeologists found the remains of the temple of Zeus-Amon and the sanctuary of Dionysus.

The Temple of Zeus-Amon is the main attraction of Kassandra and an important historical value for Greece.

The place for worshiping the gods was located in a picturesque place with incredible views and springs flowing nearby. Here the inhabitants of the island brought gifts to the gods, performed ceremonies and rituals. They decided to build a temple on the site, but it was not possible to build it quickly. In the second half of the 4th century BC, a temple dedicated to Zeus and Amun was erected.
The temple was surrounded by statues and columns, inside of which there was an open space. At the entrance to the sanctuary, a stone threshold was built into which spring water flowed.

During the Roman Empire, the temple flourished - an amphitheater and an altar were added.

Not far from the temple is the cave of Dionysus. The ancient Greeks worshiped the god of fertility and winemaking in this beautiful place surrounded by springs.

Archaeologists suggest that the sanctuary existed from the 8th to the 2nd centuries BC. e.

Today, only ruins remain of the majestic religious buildings. They are valuable historical objects. Entrance to the territory of the ruins is free. Every tourist can visit the most ancient places of pilgrimage.

Potidea

The history of Potidaea goes back to ancient times. This area has been inhabited since antiquity. The city fell several times and was rebuilt again.

The main attraction of the settlement is the Nea Potidea canal, dug in the first century BC. The canal was surrounded by fortress walls dating back to the era of Justinian. The canal separates the Kassandra peninsula from the mainland of Halkidiki. Previously, people crossed the canal by ferry. Now there is a large bridge over it, connecting the peninsula with the mainland. From the height of the bridge there are incredible panoramic views. The canal was reconstructed in 1930. Near the canal, fortress walls have been preserved, which in the distant past protected the peninsula.
The main religious places of the island are the Church of St. George, the Temple of Panagia Faneromeni, the Church of St. Nicholas and St. Eustathius.

Nea Fokea

Modern Nea Fokea was inhabited in ancient times, and its modern appearance was given to it in 1922 by settlers.
There is an obelisk in Phokea. In the 20s of the last century, archaeologist Felix Chartiu conducted excavations on the territory of the settlement. At this time, terrible events took place in the city - the massacre of the Greek population. By hanging French flags from the windows of houses, Chartiu sheltered many local residents. The obelisk was erected in memory of the bloody incident and the scientist who saved people's lives.

Not far from Phocaea there was a settlement of St. Paul, settled approximately in the 14th-15th centuries. Every June, St. Paul's Church hosts a religious festival in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. According to legend, St. Paul hid in a local cave from his pursuers.

The temple preserves the Holy Spring, to which a dark, narrow underground corridor leads. Wall paintings and a marble column also survived.

Temple of Poseidon

During excavations in the quiet fishing village of Possidi in the 90s of the last century, archaeologists discovered the Temple of Poseidon.

Surprisingly, the sanctuary was not mentioned in any chronicle, although it was a cult place for more than a thousand years. Archaeologists discovered 4 buildings, the oldest of them dates back to the 11th century BC, the rest - to the fifth.

Sacrifices to the god Poseidon and sacred rites were performed in the temple. Near the temple, fragments of marble were found with the names of the people who performed the sacrifice. Male names predominate, because Poseidon was worshiped by sailors.

One of my favorites resort places The Greeks themselves and foreign tourists have a peninsula in the north-east of Greece, whose outline on the map resembles an open three-fingered palm. And most of all hotels are on the first, western finger of Halkidiki: Kassandra, this is the name of this “peninsula on a peninsula”.

General information



The “finger” of Kassandra protruded 50 km from the land and its coast is washed by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea: the western coast faces the Thermaikos Gulf, and the eastern beaches of the peninsula are located on the shores of Toroneos Gulf. At its widest point, from the western to the eastern shore is approximately 15 km.

What does the peninsula look like from a bird's eye view? Birds, unfortunately, won’t tell us this. But filming from a helicopter, paraglider or using a controlled photo drone will delight you with beautiful cozy bays and emerald hills with unique plants. Then the rich and vibrant greenery from the hills slowly descends and smoothly turns into an endless thread beach coast. True, in some places this thread breaks, giving way to picturesque steep cliffs and stones.



And in the shade of green pine trees on Kassandra hide the necklaces of luxury hotels. There are restaurants, taverns and many entertainment venues here.

Unlike the other two jagged fingers of Halkidiki - Sithonia and Athos, some of the resort villages of Kassandra have a vibrant nightlife. The Kassandra Peninsula is the most populated and developed by tourists in the Halkidiki region. During all three summer months, at the very peak of the season, which coincides with the holidays, there is a real invasion of young people and simply party-goers.

Weather



The sunniest days are in July and August; only one day at this time can be gloomy, and on the other 30 there is not a single cloud. In June, the sun shines in the sky over Kassandra for an average of 28 days. It is also warmest in the last two summer months, +29-30 ⁰С, and in June the daytime temperature, according to long-term observations, is +26.4 ⁰С. And the sea is warmest in summer too, + 24.9-29.9 ⁰С. In summer the rains are light, only 8-20 mm.



You can swim on the beaches of Kassandra and Halkidiki in general from mid-May to mid-October.

In winter in Kassandra it is + 10-13 degrees, and it rains most at the beginning of autumn (about 3 days in September), at the end of winter, in February - 4 days, and at the beginning of spring (March) - also 4 days. It can rain in January and February, but in March the most precipitation falls - about 52 mm, this is the “wettest” month on Kassandra. In winter, small winds blow over the peninsula - approximately 4.2-4.7 m/sec.

Beaches and resorts

Many of Kassandra's beaches are marked " Blue flag» for compliance with European standards, and best beaches to Halkidiki are here. Let's do it short review and we'll visit some famous resorts and beaches of the peninsula.

This town, located on both sides of the main highway of the peninsula, is a kind of “gate to Kassandra”. To get here, you need to cross a bridge over an ancient canal that simultaneously connects two sea bays of the Aegean Sea and separates the northern part of the “palm” of Halkidiki from Kassandra. Or just sail on a pleasure boat from any point Greek coast. The canal was dug 2000 years ago and reconstructed in 1930.



And although the modern settlement for Greek refugees from Turkey was founded here less than a hundred years ago (in 1922), the history of this place is ancient, rich and interesting.



Now Nea Potidea is a multi-functional resort of Kassandra with excellent beaches, developed infrastructure and entertainment for every taste: windsurfing, diving, parasailing. On the local beaches you can play beach volleyball, billiards and tennis.

There are also comfortable beach hotels in this place (Potidea Palace, Pomegranate Spa Hotel), and inexpensive budget ones that attract young people.


Pomegranate Spa Hotel

There are good sandy and sand-pebble beaches and hotels in Nea Pontidea on both banks, but they are mainly located on the eastern: there beach line wider and longer. The sand is golden and the sea is shallow and clean. The embankment here is lively, with taverns, a variety of shops and souvenir shops. Lots of bars and discos.

And on west bank there is a small pier where fishing schooners are moored and you can rent a boat. This resort in Halkidiki is popular among the local population.

Most of the hotels on Kassandra are on the eastern shore, although the most famous Sani complex is located almost at the beginning of the western coastline. Let's start with him.

Sani resort is the largest in Kassandra. The complex of 4-5 star hotels was built in the north-west of the peninsula and occupies a huge territory.



In the center of the complex there is a bay for boats and yachts. The beaches from there stretch on two sides, the sandy strip is mostly wide. The entrance to the sea is convenient for children and adults and is also sandy. There are discos and animation for children. The beaches are always crowded.

Let's continue Kassandra's journey along the eastern part of the peninsula, “looking” at the Gulf of Toroneos and the neighboring finger - Sithonia. From Nea Pontidea we move from north to south.

The best place in Kassandra for a relaxing family holiday with small children. Nea Fokea has two beaches on opposite sides of the bay, both of coarse sand and some small pebbles. There are more visitors on the beach, which is closer to the tower, near the pier. Here in the beach bar there are umbrellas and air mattresses. On the beach a little further along the shore in south direction There are fewer people and it is almost wild. The picturesque estuary is always full of fishing boats, and in the summer - yachts and cruise boats. The water, like everywhere else on Kassandra, is clean and transparent.



There is a playground for children, all attractions are free, often in the center of the village there are puppet theater performances for children, and a local folk ensemble performs Greek dances and songs.

“Stone Balcony” of Halkidiki - this is the name of the small village of Afitos on east coast Kassandra in Greece.



The houses here are also made of stone, as are the streets of the village - all of them were paved with stone at different times.

A walk around the town is a pleasure: both along the central shopping street with shops and souvenir shops, and at a leisurely pace along the very quiet and shady side streets.

There are many flowers in pots here, hydrangea of ​​different shades has already become a distinctive trademark of Afitos.

The settlement is located approximately 500 meters above sea level, so the beach line of the village and the sea itself are all below.

Co observation deck There are wonderful sea views of Toroneos Bay. Your vacation photos from Greece will be great if you don’t forget to take a few shots with seascapes in this place on Kassandra. And in good weather From above, the outlines of the mountains in Sithonia are clearly visible.



But the descent to the sea, and especially the climb from the beach to the village on a hot day on foot, is tiring and takes from 20 minutes to half an hour. You can drive up to the beach by car and look for parking near one of the few hotels on the shore.

The beach stretches for 4 kilometers, in some places it is divided into small separate beaches, each of which has its own name: Afitis, Aristotelis, Varka, Mudunu and Liosi.

There are also several taverns and cafes downstairs, where if you take a drink from the bar, they will give you a sunbed and an umbrella - even for the whole day. There are several shower points, but they are open, without stalls. You don’t have to take bottled water with you or buy it in a cafe: you won’t suffer from thirst, water taps are installed in several places, and the drinking water here is very tasty. The beaches are uncrowded and quiet even at the height of the season.



The water in the sea is of wonderful color and clean, but entry for swimming is difficult - there are many huge boulders or flat, flat and very slippery stones. There is a danger of stepping on a sea urchin, so rubber slippers on the beaches of Afitos when swimming are advisable, or better yet, mandatory. Probably for these reasons, many tourists who choose this interesting place for a vacation live in Afitos, and go for a swim to nearby beaches in other villages on the coast.

The resort of Kallithea in Kassandra is the most popular place in Halkidiki. A distinctive feature of the beaches on the Kallithea coastline is the amazing properties of its sand. If you look at the seabed on a sunny day, it seems that everything is covered in small, small sparkles. The sea here is always calm: the low mountains of the first two fingers of Halkidiki do not allow sea winds and elements into the bay, so even a small storm is a rare occurrence.



All along Kallitheas Beach there are excellent facilities. In addition to those required for nice beach sun loungers, there is a sports town, a water sports center, and comfortable changing cabins. The nearest tavern always has coffee and you can have an inexpensive snack.

The most convenient place for swimming, especially with children, near the Ammon Zeus hotel. There is no danger of meeting with sea ​​urchins, there are no stones either, and the entrance to the water is quite shallow. There are shells, beautiful, although small.

According to reviews from tourists, the sites in the section near the Macedonia San and Afos hotels are also good. The entire beach line is quite wide.



Ahoy Club

Kallithea - center nightlife Kassandra Peninsula in Greece. During the season, you can meet many famous and popular Greek pop stars in the local clubs; they come to the resort with their concerts.

The most popular club places are Aqua, Pearl, Circo and Ahoy Club. Entrance to Kallithea nightclubs costs 10 euros, the price includes small single portions of alcoholic cocktails and beer. Nightclubs are located at a considerable distance from the city limits and do not interfere with the sleep of vacationers.

Kriopigi

The Kriopigi beach line (between Kallithea and Polychrono) starts from the ALEXANDER the GREAT BEACH hotel and stretches to the beach near KASSANDRA PALACE.



7 km white sand and small pebbles at the water's edge, a pine forest near the sea, wonderful air, calm water, quiet measured relaxation in numerous hotels, guest houses and campsites, wonderful views - this is how the Kriopigi resort on Kassandra is seen by everyone who loves this coast and visits Halkidiki from year to year.



The spring water here is very tasty, and the warm current in the sea is sometimes interspersed with cold stripes. Kriopigi in Greek means “cold springs”. The village and the entire resort infrastructure are located higher, and the road from there to the central beach of Pigadakya near the campsite takes approximately 15 minutes; you can get there by tram in 5-7 minutes.

The beach is equipped with sun loungers, showers and changing rooms, there is a boat rental and a bar with a tavern on the terrace just above the beach. The entrance to the sea is gentle, but in some places there is a danger of stepping on a sea urchin.

A small town closer to the southeastern part of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki. A wonderful beach with a full range of services, a wonderful large park, resort shops and cafes, taverns, restaurants. One of the shopping places in Greece where you can successfully buy good fur products. All fashionistas come here for fur coats.



Pefkohori

This town stretched along the sea, the penultimate one on the eastern coast of Kassandra, is known not only for its beautiful embankment, beaches and pine trees. In the nearby mountains there are many apiaries that produce the best honey in Greece. There are olive groves nearby, and the oil from local olives is of excellent quality. The resort is popular among European tourists.



Where to stay and what to eat

Hotels, rental housing


Akrogiali Boutique Hotel

On the Internet, on various travel portals, you can choose among more than six hundred accommodation options in Kassandra. These are apartments, villas, guest houses and, of course, hotels. Exactly one and a half dozen hotels on the peninsula are huge resort beach complexes, the rest, about two hundred of them, are ordinary. Some hotels and apartments, thanks to reviews from tourists, have the highest score for all comparable indicators - 10. Moreover, in this rating both elite five-star and small hotels with one star can coexist.

By the way, housing of level *1 and **2 and without them is the most on Kassandra. During high season, the cost of a double room per night ranges from 40-90 euros.



Mirabilia Boutique Hotel

Prices for renting class ***3 housing in July here are approximately 60-200 euros, ****4 from 100 to 250 euros, and a room in a five-star hotel will cost tourists 200-600 euros.

Usually the price includes breakfast, sometimes dinner. But to ensure that your summer holiday in Greece on the Kassandra Peninsula goes without surprises, worry about accommodation in advance, because by the beginning of the year most of the rooms in the local hotels are not available for booking. Moreover, when early booking Sometimes you can save a lot.

If you are not a fan of package tours, but prefer independent travel, it makes sense to rent accommodation on services like Airbnb or on the popular local Holiday Greece. On the first, Cassandra cannot boast of a large selection, but on the second there are quite adequate and profitable offers.


The White Villa at Sani

For example, it is easy to rent a ****4 star villa for the whole family or a company of 4-6 people for 180-200 euros per day. Such a villa can be located in the area of ​​large beach hotels, where all the resort infrastructure is nearby, and you can save on food compared to a hotel. These options always have a built-in kitchen unit, and a barbecue in the cozy area.

A separate apartment (2-4 people) in resort towns with excellent beaches in July can cost 50-70 euros per day, and during the peak high season in Greece it is very cheap.

Naturally, prices in early spring and October are somewhat lower, and many travelers for whom it is of interest not only beach holiday, willingly take advantage of this circumstance. After all, spring and autumn in Greece are also beautiful, and this is the most comfortable time for educational and walking tours. And the photo archive of tourists traveling around Kassandra in Halkidiki not in the high season is much more varied and interesting than that of “beach-goers” who have no choice, who are lazy to go on excursions in the summer.

Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form

What to try on Kassandra and how much it costs

You can eat delicious food everywhere in Greece - the Greeks themselves love it, and they will prepare and offer wonderful dishes of national cuisine for guests.


As throughout the country on the peninsula, in restaurants, taverns and other establishments you can try Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, seafood dishes and international cuisine. Most restaurants have indoor premises, but almost all have outdoor seasonal areas with wonderful views of the sea bays and neighboring islands.

Average bill for dinner or lunch for two in good restaurant with moderate prices it will cost 40-65 euros. On the menu to choose from: meat dishes, seafood, freshly caught fish dishes, good wine, cheese and olives, honey. As a gift from the establishment, you can receive a dish with fresh fruit. Many restaurants have live music in the evenings.

Here approximate prices:


Greek salad
  • a huge portion of Greek salad – 6-7 euros,
  • meat dishes – 9-10 euros,
  • vegetables stuffed with meat and rice – 7-8 euros,
  • large shrimp, grilled and served on a large platter – 15-17 euros.

You can have a quick snack or take food with you in small cafes, taverns and beach bars on the beach. The assortment includes local pastries made from puff pastry with cheese, spinach and other fillings for 1-2 euros (piece), salad and simple snacks from 4 euros. A large pizza for a group will cost 10-15 euros.

All cafes and restaurants in Kassandra start working from 11-12 o’clock and end late in the evening or at night. In many places the staff speaks Russian.

Prices on the page are for the 2018 season.

Attractions



Aristotle

Myths are the main thing with which the history of every corner of Greece is connected. Aristotle's homeland of Cassandra is no exception; it is believed that many battles of the ten-year battle between the Olympian gods and the Titans (Giants) took place here.

Previously, the peninsula had other names: it once bore the name Phlegra, and it was also called Palini, after one of the daughters of the chief of the Titans. But when King Kassander appeared on these lands and built the city of Kassandria, the first finger of Chalkidiki also began to be called Kassandra.

In Greek villages and towns, located both on the coast and closer to the center of the axis of the Kassandra Peninsula, there are many ancient monuments and attractions.

But from the very beginning, a little about the modern attractions of this resort region, which attracts many tourists from all over the world and also the Greeks themselves.

Sani Marina

In the vicinity of the luxury hotels surrounding the harbor, this place can easily be compared to a five-star yacht hotel. Its 215 berths can moor sea ​​vessels up to 25 meters long. The marina is huge - 32 thousand square meters. m. Here you can see the masts of luxurious snow-white yachts worth millions, colorful fishing boats, and boats of local fishermen.


There is a sidewalk along the perimeter of the entire harbor. This is the place for the morning promenade of the public relaxing on Sanya: shopping, souvenir shops and fashion boutiques, of which there are plenty.

The fish here swim at the piers along the shore, and adults and children feed them with pleasure and delight from their hands.



In the evening, tourists take seats in numerous cafes and restaurants along the promenade. Most establishments open on outdoor terraces during the season so you can admire sunsets and views of the lit-up harbor and sea.

Tower and Church of the Twelve Apostles in Nea Fokea



In the vicinity of the modern settlement of Nea Fokea there are many archaeological and historical monuments. One of them is a well-preserved tall watchtower dating back to 1407, which has become the hallmark of the town. At that time, the farmsteads of Athonite monasteries were located on these lands. The stones in the masonry of the medieval tower are tetrahedral in shape and vary in size; there are small windows. Four centuries later (1868), the Church of the Twelve Apostles was built nearby. Rare icons are kept in the church.

Temple of Zeus-Amun and Dionysius in Kallithea and Roman baths



Temple of Zeus-Amun

The Temple of Zeus-Amon is the oldest site preserved in modern times on the Kassandra Peninsula in Greece, albeit in the form of excavations.
These ancient buildings, dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC, were discovered near Kallithea relatively recently. Modern builders stumbled upon the remains of the sanctuary of the god Dionysius and the walls of the unfinished temple of Zeus-Amun in the 60s of the last century when constructing another new hotel on the seashore.

Ancient people knew how to choose places to worship the gods: the place is picturesque, from here there are wonderful views of both neighboring Sithonia and the “tail” of Kassandra herself. Many interesting archaeological finds were transferred by the monks to Holy Athos.



Saint Athos

Historians date the Roman baths in Chalkidiki in Greece to the 1st-2nd centuries AD. It is believed that they were used until the very end of the 4th century. During excavations in the back rooms, medical supplies were found: obviously, these small baths are a kind of prototype of today's spa salons. Ablutions were part of the worship of the god Asclepius.

There are no organized excursions to the excavations, but by purchasing guidebooks-brochures with detailed description, archeology lovers can explore them on their own, there are signs with inscriptions everywhere, and entry to the ruins is free.

Church of St. Demetrius (Church Agios Dimitrios) in Afitos


You will see old bas-reliefs and icons, the interesting architecture of the temple itself and its decoration when you visit the main church in Afitos. It was built on the site of the old Orthodox church in 1858. There is no other similar church in Halkidiki - a basilica with a dome. The inside of the temple does not seem as big as the outside. Now the old paintings are being reconstructed and restored.

Ethnographic Museum in Afitos

The museum is located in the same building as the library in a small village square. The building is stone, traditional construction.



In the first semi-basement floor there is an exhibition of household utensils and agricultural implements. A staircase from the hall a little higher leads to the local library, and along the third, steep one, tourists climb to the top floor, leading to an exhibition of a typical Greek house as it was in these parts 100 years ago.



In one of the rooms there is an exhibition of folk costume, in the other there is a living room (kafistiko) with an old loom, there is a bedroom, a kitchen, a dining room and a utility room.

Ours has come to an end virtual tour along the first “finger” of Halkidiki. You can quickly explore all its main attractions by car in two or three days. And it is not true that “Greece has everything.” There is no heavy industry or big chemistry here. There are also no large deposits of any significant minerals, the development and extraction of which is always associated with significant damage to the environment.

You won’t find all this on the Kassandra Peninsula (Chalkidiki), which we took a short trip to today. Here is the cleanest sea and wonderful people who do everything possible to make tourists feel good.

An interesting and educational video about holidays on the Greek peninsula of Halkidiki.

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