Kassandra at a Glance

Danai Sofia Vardali | July 19th, 2016

The bay of Glarokavos is ideal for a swim, for water sports, as well as a good place for fishing boats and sailboats to drop anchor.

© Perikles Merakos

The westernmost peninsula of Halkidiki is home to sprawling beaches and fascinating history.

HIGHLIGHTS

THE DUNES

Less than 40 minutes from Thessaloniki, the 6k “Sahara” coastline in Nea Kallikrateia is an ideal spot for respite, water sports and dolphin sightings.

NATURAL RESERVE

Best known for its religious feast in September, Aghios Mamas also has an wetland where rare bird species nest.

INSTANT COOLER

Siviri is cool and ideal for an evening stroll, family activities and culture while vacationing at the Kassandra Festival, held near the village.

CAPTIVATING SUNSET

In Poseidi where the Temple of Poseidon is located, the horizon offers views of the mountains of Pelion, Kissavos, Olympus and Vermio and amazing sunsets.

HOT EARTH

Aghia Paraskevi is famous for its thermal springs, 5k to the south, next to the village of Loutra, with a magnificent view.

THE SEA BETWEEN

Nea Potidea features a canal connecting the Thermaic Gulf with Toronean Bay. A 15k sandy beach lies east and a charming harbor with sections of a Byzantine wall lies west.

AFTER THE NIGHTLIFE

Kallithea has an important place in history and is home to the sanctuary of Zeus Ammon (8th cent. BC), and the early Christian basilica in Solinas (5th cent. AD).

BEYOND THE PINES

Remote Paliouri, with countless natural bays and quiet beaches of white sand, pebbles and pine trees growing right down to the waterline is ideal for relaxing.

Named after Kassander, king of Macedonia during the Hellenistic period, the westernmost peninsula of Halkidiki was already inhabited in the Prehistoric era and was the location of four important ancient cities: Mende, renowned for its wine; Aphytis; Potidaea, which was involved in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC); and Scione.

Mostly seen nowadays as just a quick summer getaway destination for Thessaloniki residents, Kassandra has much more to offer than trendy beach-bars, family seaside resorts and luxury hotels. With the fragrance of rare plants and herbs creating new memories along its different paths and the imposing outline of Mt Olympus on the distant horizon, it is a tourist destination to be discovered little by little.

Its magnificent natural environment, a rich history reflected in the scattered – and often ignored – archaeological remains, the stunning beaches with the calm aquamarine waters and the unexplored corners in the south are all there for the taking by visitors willing to venture off the beaten track.