Chalkidiki is a region of Macedonia and geographically constitutes the edge of Central Macedonia that penetrates into the Aegean Sea, forming three oblong peninsulas that give the region its characteristic form (“the legs of Chalkidiki”).
Find Properties to Chalkidiki
Chalkidiki in Greek mythology is the location where the giants were born from the body of the Earth, when blood from Sky’s wound dripped on her. Also one of the tree peninsulas, the peninsula of Cassandra was Giants’ headquarters in the battle of Gigantomachia, when the Giants and the Olympian Gods were claiming the dominance of the world against each other.
It was then that the Giants were throwing huge rocks from Cassandra to Olympus and Zeus was hurling thunderbolts in return, burning the land of the peninsula. That is why Cassandra was also known as Flegra, the Land of Fire.
Halkidiki consists from tree peninsulas: Pallini or Cassandra, Sithonia or Longos and peninsula of Athos or Akti, named by the Mount Athos and the leader of the Giants. Athos peninsula is also where Agio Oros is located.
While staying in Chalkidiki you have direct access to numerous ports and an airport. Specifically, the capital of the prefecture, Poligiros, is located 61 km from the port of Thessaloniki, 50 km from the port of Ierissos and 53 km from the international airport MAKEDONIA. Additionally, the area of Chalkidiki is located 108 km from the city of Pella and 139 from the city of Vergina.
Some of the greatest attractions in Chalkidiki are the endless beaches that extent to more than 550 km of coastline. Endless beaches with golden sand and turquoise waters will enchant you. Busy or deserted, with shallow or deep waters, beaches in Chalkidiki are places where the color of the sea is combined harmoniously with the deep green of pine.
Important Sites in the area of Chalkidiki
Agio Oros (Mount Athos) – an endless Byzantine museum: Agio Oros is an “Autonomous Monastic State” within the borders of Greek State, which includes twenty monasteries and other monastic institutions and is considered to be the global center of the Orthodox Christian monasticism. This “refuge” of Arts and Letters in Greece is a living museum due to its great historical, religious, and cultural value. Agio Oros is also distinguished for its natural beauty. The landscapes that are created have a unique beauty and diversity. You can come across the most peaceful seacoasts and also the wildest landscapes of gorges and craggy rocks.
Petralona – the cave of Archanthropus: This cave, embellished with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites, was discovered in 1959 and became worldwide known in 1960, when the famous Archanthropus’ skull was found there. The archaeological excavations provided us with the knowledge that the Archanthropus of Petralona is over 700.000 years old, an archaic human form that is proven to be the oldest European.
Ancient City of Olynthos: The ruins of that great city of the Classical Period of Greek history, which was the most important financial, commercial and military center of the era in the 4th and 5th century, are located on the peninsula of Cassandra. After a long time of archaeological excavations and maintenance and rehabilitation processes, a large part of the ancient city came to light. Most of the findings are kept in the archeological museum that is located in the area.
Towers and Castles: In Chalkidiki you have the opportunity to visit many beautiful castles, such as the castle of Potidea, where part of the walls are saved until today, and castle of Torony, that includes a high circular tower and parts of the walls of the ancient city of Torony. The view from the hill where the tower is located is spectacular.
You must not miss the Byzantine Tower of Zografou in the city of Nea Moudania, which is in excellent condition, the Tower of Sent Paulos in Nea Fokea, the only tower in Chalkidiki that is fully maintained up to the bastions, and the tower in Mariana of Olinthos, one the most beautiful examples of byzantine towers in Chalkidiki.
Every window and every balcony of the scenic Tower of Prosforou in Ouranoupoli offers a magnificent view of the deep blue of the sea and the vibrant green of the mountain. Of special interest are also the monastery of Zygos (or Fragokastro of Ouranoupolis as it is also called) the only example of a big monastery of Agio Oros, the Galatista Tower of the Venetian era etc.
Other wonderful sights: You can also visit ancient Stagira, known as the town where the great philosopher Aristotle was born and enjoy the exceptional view of Ierissos bay and Agio Oros from the Park of Aristotle. Also, a ride to the monastery of Saint Anastasia, dated back to the 9th century will be unforgettable, because the monastery’s chapel is one of the very few of post-Byzantine painting. Make sure to visit the the temple of Zeus Ammon, Dionysus and the Nymphs in Kallithea and the main attraction of Nea Potidea, the canal that connects the two bays, Thermaikos and Toroneos.
One can also admire the Roman farmhouse in Great Kypsa of Fokaia, the watermills of Galatista, Sykia and Cassandra, the baths of Stagira, and villages with interesting elements of folk architecture, like Arnea, Galatista, Nikiti, St. Nicholas, Afytos Paliouri etc. Finally, in Halkidiki will find Early Christian basilicas, temples and religious monuments of special interest, such as the basilicas of Nikiti, with the exquisite sacred images painted by Paralis, of St. George, Elia and Sofron, that includes a remarkable mosaic floor and unique marble decoration, the temple of St. Demetrius of Athitos, the church of Cassandra of the early Christian period, the Temples of Galatitsa and Vavdos, where you can see a marble pulpit of the fifth century etc.