Activities
Churches and Monasteries
The rich religious tradition of the area, combined with the influence of Mount Athos, has shown unique beauty and architectural temples, many of which survive from the early Christian years, while many were destroyed during the Turkish occupation. Indicatively, we mention the Early Christian Basilica of Agios Georgios in Nikiti with the magnificent mosaic floor of the 5th century and the Church of Agios Athanasios in Toroni, also an early Christian Basilica of the 5th century. Of particular interest are the Church of the Brigadiers in Potidea, dated 1872, the church of Agia Faneromeni in Nea Skioni with the magnificent frescoes of the 16th century, the church of Panagia outside the village of Megali Panagia, which houses the surviving 1780 staircase. , the Holy Temple of Taxiarchis Michael in the village of Taxiarchis that hosts the miraculous icon of the saint and the Holy Monastery of Agia Anastasia Farmakolytra in Galatista which was founded by Agios Theonas in the 16th century.
Hiking the enchanting Sithonia
To the west the Toroneos gulf and the view of the first foot and to the east the imposing Athos. There are lacy beaches around and the pines dominate the hills. Sithonia, the second leg of Halkidiki, is so beautiful that it is really worth touring off the road, on its paths, and discovering every bit of it. In Sithonia, six walking routes, numbered 7-12, have been engraved and marked with “Triena”.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving has grown significantly in recent decades and has been hailed as one of the fastest growing recreational sports in the world. Halkidiki and its crystal clear waters are the ideal location for diving. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience during your vacation in Halkidiki.
Museums of Halkidiki that are worth visiting
Halkidiki is characterized by an important historical and cultural richness, which has its roots in the depths of the centuries. Its archeological, Christian and folklore tradition is projected through its remarkable museums, guardians of the long history and the special heritage of the region and its people.
Archaeological Museum of Polygyros – It is located in Heroes Square in the city center and displays representative archeological finds from all over Halkidiki. The exhibits cover a time span ranging from the Bronze Age to the Roman period and come from the ancient Stageira, Toroni, Pyrgadikia, Afitos, the ancient city of Olynthos and elsewhere. Among the most important exhibits are an unfinished kouros of the Archaic period, a marble head of Dionysus from ancient Afitos, a column of a black figure from Vrasta (late 6th century BC) and finds from the city and the cemetery of ancient Olynthos (tel .: 2371022148).
Archaeological Museum of Olynthos – It is located in the archeological site of ancient Olynthos. It has only audiovisual material, the purpose of which is to give visitors a complete picture of ancient Olynthos, starting with the history of the city and continuing with a description of the excavation and restoration. The findings of the excavations are in the museums of Thessaloniki and Polygyros (tel .: 2373091000).
Anthropological Museum of Petralona – It is located 2 km from the village of Petralona, next to the Cave. Great finds are on display, such as copies of the mausoleum of the Ancient European of Petralona, the oldest traces of fire ever found, the first stone and bone tools (11 million years ago) and findings from open spaces before the cave era. The museum also has a conference room, geological and paleontological maintenance workshops and a library (tel .: 2373073365).
Christian exhibition in Ouranoupoli – The exhibition is housed in an old building near the tower of Ouranoupolis and the boarding point for Mount Athos. The purpose of the exhibition is to show visitors that Halkidiki has several important treasures of the Christian period, in addition to the countless treasures belonging to the Monasteries of Mount Athos. The exhibits (icons, frescoes, crosses and other relics) date to the First Christian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods and come from all over Halkidiki (tel .: 2377071389).
Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnaia – One of the most beautiful buildings in Halkidiki, near the central square of Arnaia, is housed in the doctor’s mansion. Its donors were the residents of the area who offered valuable and rare items of daily life and family heirlooms. The museum exhibits agricultural tools, beekeeping and carpentry, bread and coffee making equipment, textiles, rich photographic material, the village’s first radio station since 1941, and a 200-year-old fire pump (tel .: 2372350100).
Folklore Museum of Polygyros – It is housed in the Karagani house, in the center of the city, and includes, among other things, traditional costumes, agricultural tools and the representation of the urban house of the early twentieth century. All exhibits are donations from the residents and citizens of Polygyros (tel .: 2371023031).
Nearby places to visit
Here you will find some of the best places worth seeing in Halkidiki and your vacation will be unforgettable. Whether you are coming for the first time, or if you have visited Halkidiki again, there are things that will definitely beautify and fill your vacation.
Ierissos, Halkidiki is the oldest and largest village of the Municipality of Aristotle with 3,455 inhabitants in 2011. It is historically the continuation of ancient Akanthos, which was a colony of Andria from the 7th century BC and a great city of Macedonia, as reported by historians and is highlighted by archaeological research.
The present settlement was built from the beginning when the old one was leveled – after the deadly earthquake of 7 Richter, of 1932, which had its epicenter right here, near the sea. As evidenced by the excavations, the present city is built on the ancient cemetery of Akanthou.
Modern Ierissos is a beautiful and modern structured coastal town, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is the seat of the Municipality of Aristotle. At the entrance from Stratoni, the tower of Krouna stands out, in the center stands out the Cultural Center and a little further out opposite the port, the walls of Ancient Akanthos stand out.
Most visitors pass through Ierissos either to go from here to Mount Athos or to enjoy its sandy beaches. It has the advantage of having beaches suitable for swimming and awarded with a blue flag, beach bars, cafes and taverns in the settlement, on the coastal pedestrian street that make it a unique holiday destination. There are many accommodations – rooms for rent, studios, furnished apartments and hotels by the beach. There are also two camping. Leaving Ierissos towards Nea Roda you will see the old carnagia on the left.
Ammouliani – The only island inhabited in Halkidiki and enchants every visitor because it includes everything one dreams of within 4.5 square kilometers. Ammouliani is 120 km from Thessaloniki and is connected by regular ferry boats, which last only 10 minutes, with the opposite coast Tripiti. With a few things in your luggage you will find in Ammouliani the earthly paradise of carelessness and relaxation. This island is an idyllic combination of golden and fine sandy beach, blue-green sea, vegetation and giant rocks. Its secluded bays are the ideal destination for those who want peace and relaxation, while on the long sandy beaches you can indulge in water sports. Fresh fish and traditional Greek cuisine are not missing from Ammouliani. In a friendly environment, with the best standards of hygiene, the island’s restaurants are distinguished for the quality of the food and the exemplary customer service. The visitor can drink his coffee on Alikes beach or on the beach of Ai-Giorgis, gazing from above at these beautiful bays and going out for a drink at night in one of the discos of the island, if he wants to dance, or in a quiet bar. to enjoy the music of the waves. In Ammouliani the visitor can take the ferry to Tripiti at regular intervals during the day, while he has a pharmacy, police station, movie shops and printing shops, OTE and prepaid phones, fishing shops for fishing friends. , as well as motorcycle rentals.
Ouranoupoli is considered one of the most important resorts in northern Halkidiki. During the summer months, cruises from the village harbor on the west side of Athos can be seen every day, where you can see (from cruise boat) what monasteries are there. It can still enjoy the sea on its beautiful and clean shores or take a sea view on the opposite islands Drenia. For those who love nature there are plenty of walking paths in the nearby olive and pine hills. They also have the opportunity to visit the “Serbian” area on the northern side of the peninsula or the “Zygou Monastery” just 2 km from the village. The village can visit the Byzantine tower in a wing of which there is an exhibition of Byzantine antiquities and icons. In some folk art shops there are the famous carpets with Byzantine designs and goat hair carpets as well as examples of Byzantine hagiography or jewels made with natural raw materials. It can also provide organic products such as olive oil, wine, honey, tsipouro, oregano, various teas and more. In the evenings in the taverns you can taste the fresh fish of the Sigtigos and enjoy carefree moments in the various places of pleasure and if you are lucky you can also live cultural events that take place on the full moons of August.
Drenia islands
The locals call it “Gaidouronisia” and it is a small island complex two miles from Ouranoupoli and Ammouliani. You can go your own boat or rent a boat from Ouranoupoli or from Kambod. You can also take the boats that make the itinerary daily, from the stairs of Ouranoupoli (in front of Pyrgos), starting from 10 am until 6 pm per
The Aristotle’s Park, a unique theme park of Halkidiki, is located at an altitude of about 500 meters, in the historical village of Stagira, beside the remains of Machalas, the capital of Mademochoria. It is worth visiting for its interesting instruments and the great view to the gulf of Ierissos. The park preexisted and the wonderful location was chosen in 1956 to host the statue of Aristotle, made by sculptor Nicholas, in honor of the great philosopher who was born in Ancient Stagira. The unique interactive instruments were placed there in 2003 by the Municipal Corporation of Stagira-Akanthos. They are experimental instruments, operating by rules of physics that are mentioned in Aristotle’s textbooks and especially in the one called “The Naturals”. With this addition, the park has become a favorite destination for every visitor and school, since it combines recreation, entertainment and education. It is estimated that has more than 15.000 visitors during the summer. Park is Open all week and tel number is +30 2376041327