5 Worth-visiting Villages in Halkidiki
Most people come to Halkidiki to enjoy the sea, the sun and the countless beaches for every taste. However, there are other sightseeings and villages for those who like alternative tourism, which worth a visit.
Check out 5 of the most beautiful villages of Halkidiki as well as activities in these areas.
Arnea (North Halkidiki)
Arnea is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 600 meters, at the foot of Mount Holomontas, in a landscape with lush forests and abundant running water. It is one of the most beautiful and traditional settlements of Halkidiki and lists about 2,500 permanent residents.
There are narrow, cobbled streets and squares that provide an appealing blend of natural beauty and tradition. The settlement’s heart is the center plaza, or “bazaar,” which is home to a big plane tree through which drinking water flows.
Arnea’s retail area is located around the square and main street, where public services, banks, stores, and restaurants with traditional cafés and taverns are concentrated.
We suggest you combine your visit to Arnea with hiking trails either in the settlements of the Municipality of Aristotle, or in the countryside, in combination with the mountain range of Holomontas compose a unique setting and an ideal field of activities for all ages.
Afitos or Athytos (Kassandra)
Afitos, or Athytos, is a mountain village with stone houses and cobbled streets overlooking the Toroneos gulf. The unique architectural church of Agios Dimitrios since 1800 is located on the main square, while along the cliffs and on the coast there are restaurants with traditional food and bars overlooking the sea. The historic center of the village is pedestrianized and you should park your car on adjacent streets.
We would suggest a romantic dinner at the restaurant “Sousourada and Curly Hedgehog” or a cool cocktail at the famous Bar “Bousoulas” which is perched on the hill overlooking the sea.
In case you’ll be in the village on August 15 do not miss the Feast of the Virgin, a traditional celebration with Greek music, dance and food.
In the center of the village you will find the Folklore Museum which hosts various exhibitions of artists during the summer period, and you will be able to see tools and utensils used in the past by the locals.
Nea Fokaia (Kassandra)
Nea Fokaia is one of the newest villages of Kassandra, because it was founded in 1922 by refugees from Asia Minor. It is a seaside village with a harbor and beautiful beaches with clear water, which are full of vacationers of all ages, every summer.
Next to the sea is the tall well-preserved tower of Agios Pavlos. Near the tower are held throughout the summer cultural events, which are part of the Kassandra Festival.
The village has a remarkable tourist infrastructure, which includes luxury hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, fish taverns, cafes and patisseries. Those who want night entertainment can, in addition to the youth bars, choose for entertainment centers with live music.
Parthenon (Sithonia)
The Parthenon is a characterized traditional settlement of the Municipality of Sithonia, Halkidiki. It is located at an altitude of 320 meters hidden in the mountain Itamos and at a distance of 5 kilometers from Neos Marmaras.
It has not more than 10 permanent residents. However, the hard work of their inhabitants and of course their cultural associations, have managed to maintain the traditional style of the village.
Inside the village, you will find cobbled uphill alleys, age-old plane trees and the church of Agios Stefanos, one of the oldest in Halkidiki. Next to the church, in a square is located the recently renovated Folklore Museum, which once housed the primary school of the village.
We suggest you enjoy your food or coffee in one of the traditional restaurants or cafes, overlooking the Toroneos gulf.
Old Nikiti (Sithonia)
Old Nikiti is built on a hill, 2 kilometers away from the well-known Nikiti beach. It is a settlement that even today few people know. Most of the houses in the village are built with the Macedonian architecture of the end of the 19th century and are now in very good condition since they have been recently renovated.
Visit the church of Agios Nikitas who is also the patron saint of the village, built in 1867, at the top of the hill. Just below the church, there is the old primary school, a building of the same age. The school has now been renovated and houses the Folklore Museum of Nikiti.
We would suggest you to make a stop in the square of the Old Nikiti and enjoy your coffee or food under the coolness of the ancient plane tree. ”Barcarolla cafe-bar” is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Halkidiki with nice cocktails, fast service and very nice music.
Photo source: halkidiki.com
