In addition to a beach holiday on the picturesque coasts of Kassandra, you can enjoy sports and water sports, as most of the beaches offer opportunities for an active holiday in Kassandra.
The main water sports in Kassandra are diving and surfing, windsurfing and wakeboarding, water skiing and offshore swimming. The forested areas of Kassandra are ideal for hiking and cycling in nature. Mountain biking centers offer their services, Jeep Safaris and Diving Centers provide beginners and experienced extreme sportsmen with the necessary equipment for scuba diving.
In Kassandra you can also do aerobics, play tennis or ping-pong, beach volleyball or basketball. Many hotels in Kassandra are equipped with modern gyms, sports fields and adjacent sports centers. Same popular destination in Kassandra is parachuting.
Transport features of Kassandra
The nearest airport to Kassandra is in the city. In Kassandra itself, you can rent a car for a certain time and travel around the peninsula on your own. Car rental has recently become very popular in Greece and for good reason, because it is so convenient.
Bus service on the Kassandra Peninsula is slightly less developed than in other regions. The buses are comfortable but don't run very often. Taxi is a fairly common means of transport on the Kassandra Peninsula, but taxi travel will cost several times more than a bus or a rented car. The cost of a taxi ride is based on the distance traveled.
From the port of Athens you can also get to the Kassandra Peninsula. Also, thanks to ferries and small boats, you can move between the resorts of the region of Northern Greece and attend some excursions.
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 who comes here. It is difficult to call Kassandra a peninsula, since it is completely separated from the territory of Halkidiki by the Potidea Bay. It reveals a stunning view of the surrounding area.
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 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. Giants threw huge rocks on Olympus, and Zeus sent lightning to Phlegra, burning the peninsula to the ground.
One of the myths says that the rock thrown by the Olympic gods during the battle crushed the Giant Seismos. However, the lump did not kill him, and he remained on Cassandra. Since then, when the Giant tries to get out, the Earth undergoes an earthquake. The rock thrown by Poseidon crushed another Giant - Athos. The 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 the 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. A warlike young man defeated Alkeon, who was the first among the Giants. This meant the complete victory of the gods. Alkeon's daughter, Pallini, suffered bitterly and, unable to bear it, threw herself into the sea with her sisters. Poseidon's wife Amphitrite did not let them die. The goddess wrapped the girls with seabirds. The name of the eldest gave the name to the peninsula. It changed in 315 BC. The Macedonian king Kassander, having chosen a peak, built Kassandria there. Then the name spread throughout the territory.
Now Kassandra is a modern resort that welcomes guests from all over the world. Greeks also come to the peninsula to take a break from their routine and relax. Well-equipped beaches, well-developed infrastructure attract tourists. The traveler is greeted by kilometers of openwork coast, turquoise waves of the sea, and most importantly - an 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 wide choice places to stay: from small cozy hotels to expensive apartments, from family hotels to luxury hotel complexes... Lovers of beautiful relaxation will appreciate golf courses, marinas, SPA centers.
Younger tourists who love to relax after sunset will appreciate the Kallithea area. Stylish clubs are found here at every turn. Before that, there is always the opportunity to drop into one of the many cafes or bars, which are enough in Halkidiki. The evening will not be boring on such a wonderful trip. Local restaurants invite you to indulge in unconventional chefs or traditional Greek cuisine - the choice is yours.
Administrative division
The current municipality of Kassandra includes:
Kassandria (administrative center of Kassandra),
Sleigh,
Nea Fokia,
Afitos,
Callithea,
Kriopigi,
Cassandrino,
Furka,
Hanioti,
Pevkohori,
Polykhrono,
Siviri.
It is known that Cassandra 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 beauties 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.
The Petralona Cave keeps many secrets. The unique natural monument was opened in 1959. A year later, the skull of an archantropus was found there. Researches carried out by scientists have shown that the found remains belong to the most ancient man in European territory: he is about 700 thousand years old. You can see not only fossils and skeletons. The cave also demonstrates wonderful natural figures: stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates.
The Kassandra Peninsula is full of myths. A touch of history lies 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 elevations of Kassandra were 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, Kalithea deserves special attention. The bays of Lidiko and Anthony Quinn are mesmerizing with their extraordinary beauty, opening up space, allowing thoughts to wander in freedom. But this is not the only merit of Kalithea. The top-class tourist infrastructure includes everything a modern tourist needs. Coming here means embellishing life with bright shades of nightlife, and therefore young travelers will appreciate the choice of bars, discos and clubs.
Nea Moudania is famous for its annual Sea Festival. This international event brings together tourists who want to experience all the delights of a beach holiday. The port gives an excellent opportunity to walk on a yacht along the Aegean Sea, feel the breath of the elements, dissolve in the vast expanses.
Green Hanioti is waiting for everyone to live a few days in paradise. Shoppers will find surprises here. Discerning travelers can safely head to Nea Flogita. Rest here is a great option for family vacation... Young children will have something to do, because there are many playgrounds and entertainment complexes in the city.
In search of peace and tranquility, it is worth going to the Holomond Mountains. The cleanest air with the scent of pine needles, the opportunity to hunt, ride horses or on foot, pick mushrooms - tourists who love leisure will be happy. New cozy hotels combine comfort and affordability.
Kassandra is notable for the fact that a large number of small ancient villages introduce visitors to the local traditional cuisine. A restaurant or cafe check will be inexpensive, while the visitor receives 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, as there is much on Kassandra, but reality.
Mouzenidis Travel company organizes tours to any corner of Greece. Thanks to experienced consultants, it becomes easier to visit the Kassandra peninsula, to spend time with benefit, having a rest in mind and body. Convenient departure from anywhere in the world, representative offices of the company near tourist points, the ability to choose the tour you like right at home - a modern tourist receives services high Quality easy.
More details
sights
Afitos
Afitos is a small settlement in 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 over 300 years. In ancient times, this picturesque settlement was a large metropolis that minted its own coin. Afytos 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 the 19th century, are today the main attractions of Afytos.
On the main square of Afytos there is a temple of St. Demetrius, built in 1859 on the ruins of a temple destroyed by the Turks.
The Greeks revered Saint Dmitry very much. In the temple dedicated to the Saint, ancient icons, mosaics and other ancient religious items are kept. The architecture of the church is a three-aisled domed basilica.
The Folklore Museum is located in a 19th century stone mansion not far from the church. The collection of the museum is collected from household items, kitchen utensils, tools, works of art, donated by local residents. The museum perfectly reflects the traditions and culture of the settlement.
Near the sea there is an extraordinary place called “stone balcony”. Here tourists and residents of Afytos walk along the promenade, enjoy the beautiful views and relax in restaurants and cafes.
Callithea
The resort of Kallithea, popular among tourists, was the oldest religious center many thousands of years ago. It was in this place that archaeologists found the remains of the temple of Zeus-Amun and the sanctuary of Dionysus.
The Temple of Zeus-Amun is the main attraction of Kassandra and an important historical value for Greece.
The place to worship the gods was in a picturesque place with incredible views and springs gushing nearby. Here the inhabitants of the island brought gifts to the gods, performed ceremonies and rituals. It was decided to build a temple on the spot, 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 was an open space. At the entrance to the sanctuary, a stone threshold was erected, into which spring water fell.
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 century BC. e.
Today, only ruins remain of the majestic religious buildings. They are valuable historical sites. The entrance to the territory of the ruins is free. Every tourist can visit the most ancient pilgrimage sites.
Potidea
The history of Potidea is rooted in ancient times. This area has been inhabited since antiquity. The city fell several times and 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 from the era of Justinian. The canal separates the Kassandra peninsula from the mainland of Halkidiki. Previously, the canal was crossed by ferry. Now a large bridge has been laid over it, connecting the peninsula with the mainland. From the height of the bridge, incredible panoramic views... The canal was reconstructed in 1930. Near the canal, there are still fortress walls that defended the peninsula in the distant past.
The main religious sites 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.
An obelisk is installed in Fokea. In the 20s of the last century, archaeologist Felix Chartyu carried out excavations on the territory of the settlement. At this time, terrible events took place in the city - the massacre of the Greek population. Hanging out the French flags from the windows of houses, Chartiu covered many local residents... The obelisk is erected in memory of the bloody incident and the scientist who saved lives.
Not far from Fokea was the village of St. Paul, which was allowed around the 14th-15th centuries. Every June, St. Paul's Church hosts a religious festival in honor of St. Apostles Peter and Paul. According to legend, St. Paul hid in a local cave from his pursuers.
The church has preserved 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 Poseidi 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 have discovered 4 buildings, the oldest of them dates back to the 11th century BC, the rest - the 5th.
In the temple, sacrifices to the god Poseidon and sacred rites were performed. Fragments of marble with the names of the people who made the sacrifice were found near the temple. Male names predominate, because Poseidon was worshiped by sailors.
A couple of years ago, bus tours to Greece appeared on our tourist market, with excursions to European cities. I was very impressed by the cost of such a tour (only 385 €), well, and the opportunity to visit several countries at a time, and even plunge into the sea. I have long dreamed of visiting Greece, and now the stars converged! The vacation was scheduled for mid-September. And we went to it with the then future husband and his parents. The tour involved stops in Austria, Hungary, Serbia. I will share my impressions of these countries separately so as not to clog up the space.
I have never traveled so long by bus before. But everything turned out to be not so scary and very exciting. I will not describe in detail our long journey. We drove for about four days, and crossed the border of Bulgaria with Greece early in the morning.
Naturally, I could not close my eyes. Outside the window, endless fields and olive groves floated. Never seen olive trees before. And here in such quantity.
Our path lay on the Chalkidiki peninsula, in the village of Hanioti. This is the northern part of Greece. The Halkidiki peninsula has three "fingers". It is also called "Poseidon's trident". The first finger is Kassandra, the second is Sithonia, the third is Athos. Our village was located on Kassandra.
VILLAGE HANIOTI, P-OV HALKIDIKI-KASSANDRA
A few words about the village. The village is small in size.
But you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay here. Hotels are expensive and more budgetary. Lots of taverns and bars. But there is not a single disco closest to the village of Kallithea.
There is a large grocery store, several car rental agencies. there is bus stop, which allows you to independently ride through other coastal villages. There is a representative office of Mouzenidis Travel, where you can take any excursion.
In the evening, the village comes to life, the following fountain is lit on the central square:
After passing through Thessaloniki, it was obvious that the destination was very close. Then the road went along the coast. And, oh praise the Greek Gods, what the most picturesque views opened up before us. The crystal clear Aegean Sea combined with coniferous forests, sandy beaches, secluded coves. Just imagine all this beauty!
Since our trip was supposed to be on a budget, the hotel was also on a budget. But! Quite a decent hotel (no cockroaches) with modest rooms and excellent food! And his name Hanioti Grand Victoria 3 * ().
Our tour price included breakfasts and dinners ... Therefore, the next point of my review will be about nutrition.
FOOD IN GREECE.
We had breakfast and dinner at the restaurant of our hotel. If it can be called a restaurant, it was more like a dining room. We went to lunch exclusively in greek taverns located in our hamlet. You cannot express in words how delicious Greek cuisine is!
There are a lot of taverns for every taste and color. Here are some examples prices:
We always went to different places to try everything. The portions are very large! We often took one for two. On average, it took us 12-15 € for a dinner for two, this is the first, and the second, and beer on top.
What I advise you to definitely try in a Greek tavern:
- This is the number one dish in Greece. Eggplant casserole, potatoes, minced meat and Bechamel sauce. I ate it there every other day. I tried to cook at home, but it doesn't work. We must go again to Greece)
- Dzatziki (or tzatziki). It is a sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, garlic and dill. Delight! In the photo on the left.
- Suzukakya (name you laugh). These are oblong minced meat patties in wine-tomato sauce.
- Pasticio. The dish was served in an earthen pot. This is a casserole made from pasta, meat and Bechamel sauce.
- Bugatsa. This is a traditional Greek pastry made from puff pastry. The filling can be with custard, cheese, meat. We bought it not in a tavern, but in stalls with fresh pastries, and took it with us to the beach.
- Seafood. There are a lot of them. We took squid and a whole tray of shrimp, octopus, mussels.
- Corn. Tastier than Greek corn, I have never eaten anything in my life. Sweet, juicy, sold on the beach. Cost 1 €.
- Frappé. And finally, I advise you to refresh yourself with a Greek coffee drink, which is served cold.
There was a supermarket in our village, where you could also take something for a snack. There were fruit stands. I will not say that the prices for fruits were low. Despite the fact that September is the end of the tourist season.
BEACHES AT CASSANDRA.
In the village beaches are shallow small pebbles. The entrance to the sea is also pebbly. But it is even useful, walking barefoot on the pebbles is more abrupt than any massage.
From the Grandotel Hanioti 4 * hotel, the beach strip is narrow, and the further, the wider it is.
The beaches are equipped in places. But sun loungers and umbrellas are extra. Even in Greece, they practice such a system, if there is a bar on the beach, buy something there to drink (Pepsi / Cola / coffee / beer) and get sunbed and umbrella for free .
The sea is clean here! You can see every pebble, every fish, even at depth. And what color! Saturated turquoise! Straight live picture!
Pebbles are not everywhere on Kassandra! We also went to the village of Kallithea. There is a sandy beach. Wide enough.
WHAT TO SEE IN MAIN GREECE.
- In Greece, the practice of taking in car rental and independently travel along the picturesque coves along the coast. We did not take the car for the reason that we had only 7 days and we wanted to spend them lying on the shores of the Aegean Sea. But for the future, we asked about the cost of this service.
- Meteora. Halfway to Greece, I was 100% sure that I would visit This is such a miracle, created by the joint efforts of nature and the hands of man, that it would not be a sin to visit him. Who does not know, Meteora are Orthodox monasteries located on tall rocks. The tour cost 50 € / person.
- There are good transport links in Halkidiki. There was a stop near our hotel, with a schedule in Greek and Russian. Therefore, one day we decided to take a ride to the next the village of Kallithea. It is larger than Hanioti. There is a more active nightlife, there are clubs.
We spent the whole day there. The beach was not spared either. I mentioned it above.
In the evening we returned in exactly the same way. By the way, the final stop of this bus is Thessaloniki. Those interested can go there on their own.
Walk long enough, about an hour. The higher, the more beautiful the views.
On the way, you will meet a small chapel.
Don't forget to bring treats for the turtles! All the way there will be signs with the same inscription. Follow them. The lake itself is small, but its inhabitants are impressive. There are so many of them!
Kassandra is the first (western) finger of the Halkidiki peninsula and the closest to Thessaloniki.
Kassandra (Greek Κασσάνδρα) - in ancient Greek mythology, the daughter of the last Trojan king Priam and his second wife Hecuba. She received a prophetic gift from Apollo, who fell in love with her, but for the fact that she did not reciprocate him, he made it so that no one believed Cassandra's predictions. But what she predicted was embodied in the death of Troy.
Road trip. Cassandra.
Our Halkidiki road trip was two days. The first day is dedicated entirely to Cassandra. The trip began in Thessaloniki and ended there. The peninsula is about 80 km from there. The road is generally good. There were small traffic jams at the exit from the city, but this is Saturday morning, summer residents…. But in general the roads are free.
There are two roads from Thessaloniki: along the coast and directly. We chose the second one that day, route # 25.
On the way, there are farmlands in the form of centuries-old olive orchards. The plantations are small, so the question tormented me about this: how much can the owners of these olives earn on them ...
Nea Mudania.
Before entering Kassandra, there is the town of Nea Mudania. I don’t know how it translates (I called him “New Mudenya”.
It is a quiet resort town. We visited the local church here. The Greek churches differ from the Russians only in the presence of chairs for parishioners.
Well, and also by the fact that palm trees grow around them ...
There is also a Kremlin not far from Nea Mudenia. A huge banquet hall for 500 people. Yes, that's how they walk in Greece. They can afford to walk in the Kremlin.
So, let's go further. Our goal ahead is the picturesque Kassandra.
Cars on the road are mostly small cars. This is understandable: after the decrease in gasoline prices in 2016, a liter costs 1.4 €, and before that - about 2, and the roads are even even in the most remote corners, i.e. most people don't need SUVs. The speed limit is approximately the same as in Russia - 90, 60. There are cameras too. So it's not worth breaking. The first city in Kassandra where we walked is on the coast. This is Afitos ...
Afitos.
Afitos is a resort town on the east coast of Kassandra. It was once a large significant city, but in the IV century it was completely destroyed by the Macedonian king Philip.
Now in Afitos of the sights you can see the Church of Demetrius of the 19th century.
And stroll along the cozy Greek streets.
The next city on our way is Kallithea (from the Greek “beautiful view”). And the views here are really beautiful. In the days of Ancient Greece, the then Greeks built the temple of Zeus here and this city was a center of pilgrimage. The remains of this temple can be seen today.
Well, the main purpose of our stop in Kallithea was the beach. This is one of best beaches in Halkidiki.
But what surprised me most of all was not the clear sea water, and beautiful views, and not well-equipped beaches ... Most of all, I was surprised that all the beaches in Greece (even the steepest, near one-star hotels) are public. Anyone can come (and come - there are parking lots everywhere) to any beach and spend as much time as they want. We took advantage of this with pleasure.
There is, however, a spoonful of ointments in this huge barrel of honey - these are the new Russian hoteliers. They spit on Greek laws and begin to fence off their territories (they turn Halkidiki into the Krasnodar coast), thus provoking irritation and sometimes even hatred of local residents.
As in any resort town, there are many souvenir shops, taverns and other entertainment in Calatea.
And our path now lies on the west coast, towards the city of Siviri.
Cassandra. West Coast.
Siviri is a resort town with excellent beaches and beautiful nature. The nature here is different from that of the east coast. There are steeper banks, hills, forests.
We drive towards the village of Skala Furkas. We meet less and less cars, and more and more forest (pine forest). There are no mushrooms there (maybe not in season), but most likely they are not at all.
There are many summer cottages for residents of Thessaloniki A holiday village in general, a hundred kilometers from the city on the sea coast. 
We drive past pretty small villages with the aim of stopping and refreshing in Loutra. On the way I met a bus with Ukrainian plates. The carriers decomposed there thoroughly. Good parking pockets everywhere are full.
Nea Skioni.
On the way to Loutra we passed the village of Nea Skioni, imperceptible at first glance. Nope, i.e. new because there was also an ancient Skioni.
That ancient Skioni (4 km from the new one) was built after the Trojan War and is referred to as the first colony of the southern Greeks on the territory of the Chalkidiki Peninsula. Warriors from the Pellini region returned home after the fall of Troy in ships loaded with loot. Sailing through Halkidiki, the ships landed on the northwestern coast of Kassandra to replenish water and food supplies. While the warriors were on land, the Trojan slaves burned the ships and forced the warriors to remain forever on the Kassandra Peninsula. The settlement founded by the warriors was named Skioni. There is a legend.
Loutra.
Loutra is a wonderful resort village. It is known for its hydrogen sulfide springs. We did not go to the sources, because the village itself and its beaches were more attractive to me. 
Yes, and a bottle of beer can be drunk with such food and with gorgeous views of the sea, pine trees, and boats with fishermen. In Greece 1but. beer for drivers is allowed. The police did not stop the trips even once in a week. I tried not to break the rules. So my sister (thanks to her for these trips), entrusting me with her beloved Toyota, slept peacefully.
After a delicious dinner, we walked around the village, along the beach. You can hear speech here from all over the world, they come by car on buses (yeah, and with Ukrainian license plates too), rent houses, rooms and go crazy. Unlike the noisy villages of the east coast, this is a kind of wilderness. Wonderful Halkidiki wilderness. 
I didn't want to leave, but it was already getting dark. And we still have a road-road. To Pefkohori and Thessaloniki. 
Pefkohori (Greek “pine village”).
Well, I gave my names out of habit. In general, this is Sosnovka. The road from Loutra to Pefkohori runs through hilly and wooded areas. The views are very beautiful. And the beaches are wonderful too. But ... it was getting dark! It was time to hit the road. Thessaloniki is just over 100 km from here. And there was another trip ahead of us.
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