Kassandra & Sithonia
The Halkidiki
Peninsula is south-east of Thessaloniki.
Three fingers or "pedes"
as the Greek say, stretch into the Aegean Sea. Geographical names & myths
Kassandra's ancient name was Phlegra. (place of fire)
Mt Athos was named after
the giant Athos. Sithonia got its name from Sithon ,son of Poseidon. He was
married to Mendeis and they had a daughter called Pallene.
Pallene was the old
name for Kassandra and Mende the name of the the ancient city at Possidi.
Kassandra Peninsula:
It is a very exploited place with mass
tourism, holiday complexes and package tourist places. On weekends thousands of
inhabitants of Saloniki rush on newly built motorways to their weekend houses or
have a day out in the beach resorts of Kassandra. However if you want to escape
this commercialism there are some spots left. Try a loop around Kassandra
starting at Kallithea. The next town, Kassandra, is also the county capital and
market town. Each Tuesday there is a big market with farmers from around
offering their products.
Turning right to Kalandra and Possidi you'll find a
gorgeous sandy beach, a small resort and some beach bars. Really outstanding is
Parages Beach Bar on the eastern end of Possidi Bay. Some nice hotels are along
the seaside and plenty of restaurants. Most of them offer god seafood. Kalandra
is a charming little village nearby with little tourist hype. Have a Cafe
Frappe' at the Platia Bar, watch life on the main square and relax.
The hinterland of the island offers beautiful trekking routes with breathtaking
views of the sea. An advantage is that you don't need specific hiking maps and
the seaside is always not too far away. The road follows the coast to
Skione, a lively fishing port, with some nice tavernas. Next is Loutra which was once a
nice little port with a small thermal baths establishment. The small port is
free of boats and not overcrowded. A nice place for a swim. A lot of money from
the EU and other investors is changing the place. The new bath complex is ready
now.(2oo6) However visit Bussola Navy Bar at the waterfront. As the road rounds
the eastern tip, Sithonia and Mt. Athos come into sight. Beyond Palouri the road
climbs down to the coast with good stretches of sandy beaches. From Haniotis to
Kallithea package tourist ghettos and holiday complexes follow. Throughout the
summer everything is booked out there.
Sithonia Peninsula
Sithonia
is more beautiful than Kassandra.
The landscape is very spectacular with
forest covered mountains and beautiful bays. As on Kassandra the road makes a
loop around the island and offers all its beauty on this trip. Travelling down
the north-east coast Vourvourou shows beautiful sandy beaches and small
islands .Near Glaros Camping an almost circular bay offers south sea feelings.
At Olympos the ferries for Mt Athos cruises depart. Here and further on are
some camping places . Driving on the spectacular coastroad with outlooks to Mt
Athos the small resort of Sarti is next. Sarti has a good long sandy beach
and is even in summer not overcrowded. Next is Sykia, one of the most delightful
corners of Sithonia. A beautiful sandy beach and some nice tavernas on the
eastern side of the bay are found there.
The village of Sykia is 3 km inland
and is a pleasant place to stroll around. The resort of Kalamitsi has developed
in the last years but still gives a laid back feeling. The road climbs now up
to the southern tip of the peninsula which is still very isolated. It is a rocky
barren landscape with dirt tracks to hidden bays.
Passing the central ridge Toroni and Koufos come in sight. Toroni has one of the best habours on the
Chalkidike and also a good beach. You also find domatia and some good fish
tavernas. Beyond Toroni several small beach resorts and campsites follow.
Dirt roads lead down to beaches with crystal clear water and small resorts. Some
of the most beautiful beaches are only asessible by feed or bike.
Next is Nea Marmaras, which is Sithonia's biggest beach resort. It has a crowded
beach , a golf course and a huge luxury hotel named Porto Carras. Next come
Paradisos and Nikiti , which have very popular sandy beaches. Have a look at
Lagomandra Beach.