I could name a thousand reasons to visit Kassandra, but I think you know most of them already! It is a heavenly place, with endless sandy beaches and pine-covered areas that reach to the turquoise sea. Cosmopolitan settlements strongly reminiscent of the Aegean islands and night entertainment that is remembered all over the world! Come and meet the first leg of Halkidiki.
A few words about the area
Kassandra is the westernmost peninsula of the prefecture of Halkidiki and is essentially the so-called "first leg". It is surrounded by Toroneos Gulf on the east (known as Kassandra Bay) and Thermaikos Gulf on the West. It is undoubtedly the most touristically developed part of Halkidiki and one of the most famous summer resorts of the whole country. The main characteristic of Kassandra is the sandy beaches with the green waters, the intense vegetation and the nightlife that never stops! Below I have selected for you what I think you should see someone visiting the area for the first time.
10) Kassandrino-Mola Kalyva
You certainly won't see Kassandrino appearing on most lists for Kassandra, since it's not particularly touristy and certainly not what we think of when we hear Halkidiki. It is a traditional mountain village, in a valley drowned in greenery with about 250 permanent residents. Its history is long, since according to findings the village was inhabited from antiquity and during Byzantine times. Kassandrino was completely destroyed by the Turks in the destruction of Kassandra in 1821, but it was rebuilt after 1826 by those who survived and slowly returned to their place. But one of the main reasons for someone to visit this particular village is the secular taverns with delicious appetizers and local meats.
You can combine your visit to Kassandrino with another very beautiful settlement just 6 km from there. I refer, of course, to Mola Kalyva, a seaside hamlet which seems to have taken its name from a guardian, who had the monks in that area. His name was Molas, and he lived in a hut. The beach of the area is not touristic, and the tranquility of the place combined with the heavenly landscape will compensate you.
9) Polychrono- Kriopigi
In the ninth place I have placed two villages that have largely kept their traditional character, but have many modern elements. The first of the two is Polychrono, which has seven kilometers of beach, cobbled alleyways, fish taverns and a history that dates back to 650 BC. Its name comes from the word "Polychroo", which the local farmers called because of the many flowers that were there. In addition to its wonderful beach and unique natural beauty, in Polychrono, you will find temples from the previous century, as well as a Folklore Museum.
Right next to Polychrono we find Kriopigi. A beautiful settlement in the middle of the first leg that combines forest with sea and is considered an ideal destination for family holidays. It is built amphitheatrically offering a panoramic view of the Gulf of Kassandra and is perhaps one of the most strategic points of the entire leg. The village is actually divided into two districts. The one above the main road and the one that stretches below it. The first is the oldest and not at all touristic. It is full of small stone houses with large gardens, which are reminiscent of another era. It has a paved square with picturesque taverns, in which is also the village church, Saint George. While there you will also find a spring with cool water (that's where Kriopigi got its name from). But also a small stone amphitheater, in which theatrical performances are held during the summer months. The "new" district, on the other hand, is another world. Small stone houses give way to newly built country houses and picturesque taverns to luxury hotels. And the further down you go, the more nature enchants you and the view of the sea takes your breath away. Kriopigi beach is excellent. Without "fanfare" he has managed to get a blue flag a few times. But don't expect a beach bar, there isn't one. Only one canteen stands there, serving the bare essentials, coffee, water and ice cream.
8) Agia Paraskevi – Loutra
Agia Paraskevi is located in the hinterland of Kassandra and takes its name from the homonymous church on the outskirts of the village. This particular village has a rich history, having been destroyed three times by the Turks, with the last one in 1821. Stone-built houses, quiet alleys, picturesque taverns and beautiful paths through the lush forest are just a few of what you will see in Agia Paraskevi.
There are two things for which Agia Paraskevi is famous, the production of honey and the thermal baths of Loutra! The baths of Agia Paraskevi are located approximately five kilometers from the village, in the settlement of the same name which is located in front of the sea. There you will find mainly holiday homes, rooms for rent and hotels, as well as the thermal springs that are famous for their rare healing properties and attract thousands of tourists every year.
7) Nea Fokea-Sani
Nea Fokea is one of the newest villages of Kassandra, having been founded only in 1922, but the area has been inhabited since ancient times. A trademark of this seaside village is the Byzantine Tower of Saint Paul, which stands proudly in its picturesque harbor. Of interest is also the chapel of St. Paul, located at the entrance of the village. It is essentially a carved, in the rocky rocks of the village, Macedonian tomb, which causes the awe of visitors, as according to tradition Apostle Paul fled there to escape from his persecutors. Finally, fish lovers will have the opportunity to taste fresh seafood in the dozens of taverns of the village or buy directly from local fishermen.
A few kilometers from there, you will find another settlement worth visiting. I am referring, of course, to Sani. It is certainly not a picturesque or historical village, but its blue beach is considered one of the best in Halkidiki! There you will find fully equipped hotel complexes and campsites, which make the area an attraction for many Greek and foreign tourists.
6) Fourka-Poseidi
Fourka is a gem of architecture and tradition. An area drowned in green, with pine trees, olive trees and various other flowers, traditional preserved mansions, small chapels and a blue beach, Skala Fourkas, which has won a blue flag many times. In fact, the locals used to say that in Fourka you will see the most beautiful sunset in Halkidiki!
Poseidi, on the other hand, is widely known for its student campsite based in the area. During the summer months thousands of students from all over northern Greece flock to this place to spend their holidays. Of course, this picturesque village has to show other things besides camping. First and best the Lighthouse of Poseidion, which was built in 1864, as well as the Mendi, in which is located the Temple of Poseidon, built on a strip of land near the sea.
5) Kassandria-Siviri
In sixth place we meet initially Kassandria. A town of 3,500 inhabitants, which in the summer months counts up to 25,000 inhabitants! It is located in the middle of the peninsula and is the seat of the entire Municipality of Kassandra. In fact, the town hall, the health center, the police station and many other government buildings are housed there. It got its name from King Kassandros of Macedonia, while there are references to the area since the 16th century! Walk from the main pedestrian street to the main square and then get lost in the small cobbled streets, browsing old mansions, excellent examples of local architecture and centuries-old historic temples.
A breath away from Kassandria is the charming Siviri. It is a seaside settlement, which in recent years has developed particularly. The coastal walkway will remind you of a Cycladic island, while characteristic of the area are the fantastic taverns, overlooking the green environment with the enchanting beaches.
4) Kallithea
Kallithea is the place that beats the heart of nightlife in Halkidiki. There are most of the nightclubs of the first leg, as well as large beach bars, cafes, restaurants and hundreds of other shops. Besides, Kallithea is one of the villages of Halkidiki that stays "alive" throughout the year, maintaining its character even in the winter months! Of course, Kallithea attracts thousands of tourists for the important archaeological findings that have come to the surface after archaeological research done on its beach. Archaeological finds include the Temple Of Zeus Ammon (Doric style constructed in the 4th century BC) and the Basilica of Solina!
3) Pefkohori-Paliouri
If Kallithea is the heart of the first leg, then surely Pefkohori would be its central artery. This particular settlement is undoubtedly one of the most developed in the whole country attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every summer. Its name is not accidental since it is located in an area full of pine and olive trees, being an earthly paradise. In Pefkohori you will find some of the best beach bars in Greece, five-star hotels, award-winning restaurants and luxury shops. At the same time you will find secluded beaches, charming guesthouses, picturesque taverns and tourist shops. In short, a place for every purse.
Although it is located just a few kilometers from Pefkohori, Paliouri has a completely different character. It is located at the southernmost tip of Kassandra and is mainly known for its wonderful beaches. Their blue waters and golden sand will surely impress you.
2) Afitos
Afitos or Athitos, opinions differ, is one of the most beautiful villages of Kassandra. A settlement with beautiful alleys, stone mansions, wonderful beaches and hospitable people. When one is there, it is worth visiting the Church of Saint Demetrius (1859) in the center of the village, the Aletra Mansion which functions as a Folklore Museum and walking up the Rock, in order to have a panoramic view across the Toroneos Gulf.
1) Hanioti
And at the top of the list could not be any other village than my beloved Hanioti. According to tradition the village took its name from its first inhabitant who came from Chania in Crete and settled in the old village located in the hinterland of Kassandra! It strongly resembles an island, with its labyrinthine cobbled alleys, full of life, its hundreds of small shops, its award-winning beach and its intense nightlife throughout the day!
How to go
There is no airport in Halkidiki, the nearest being Thessaloniki. So the transition to Kassandra can be done either by your own means of transport or by bus. If you choose the first option, you will move on a brand new road, without tolls, which in many parts may be congested. In the second case, you will have to go to the bus station of Halkidiki, which are located outside the center of Thessaloniki to buy your ticket. During the summer months the itineraries are very frequent, so you will not have trouble finding one!
Where to stay
Kassandra is one of the most popular summer resorts in the country, which means an abundance of accommodation. My opinion is to choose for your stay the villages towards the end of the foot, where the best beaches are located and generally beats the heart of the area! First I recommend Liogerma Apartments & Restaurant in Pefkohori Halkidiki! It is a complex of accommodation in the most strategic point of the area, which also has a restaurant. Also, very good choice is the Palia Plateia Apartments, a breath away from the center of Pefkohori and Villa Evi, in the same village!
What to eat
Being in Kassandra, you should definitely try some of its famous local products. Halkidiki is famous for its honey, fruits and vegetables, sweets and, of course, its fresh seafood. For seafood, I recommend Faros in Hanioti, Balatsos in Kriopigi, Bakalis in Pefkohori and Aelia Bar Restaurant in Agia Paraskevi. For local flavors you should go to Anthoula in Kriopigi, for good meat in Zachos in Kassandrino, while for Italian cuisine and pizza in Capri in Pefkohori, Eygeyston in Kallithea, Da Leonardo in Polichrono and Bistro in Kriopigi. Finally, don't forget to try loukoumades from the Akri in Siviri.
Read my article about the second leg of Halkidiki, Sithonia here
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Mouzakidis Pantelis
