Agios Mamas is almost not a tourist village in Chalkidiki, where one can live "like a local".
Agios Mamas can boast about picturesque coastline, no less amazing nature and eventful history. The village is located between the peninsulas of Sithonia and Cassandra, and it is about 68 km from Thessaloniki. It does not belong to the popular resting places in Chalkidiki. Moreover, tourists often do not know about the existence of Agios Mamas, passing town on the way to their resort settlements. The most abundant visitors here are the Greeks themselves, who appreciate the charm of this hidden pearl of Chalkidiki.
History of the village
Agios Mamas is a village for those who are tired of city bustle. It is located on ecologically clean territories, where dozens of bird species live. The past of the village, apparently, was rich and interesting. It was named in honor of martyr Mamas. The first people settled here in the Neolithic period. Numerous foundations of buildings were found on the village’s hills. It was also possible to find the cemeteries of that era, which were used for burial up to Byzantine times.
At the time of the Romans, the territory of modern Agios Mamas was not empty either. The villa found there could be an evidence of that. For a long time these places were grounds of monks of Mount Athos. Perhaps they gave the village a name. Before the acquisition of independence by Greece, Agios Mamas was subordinate to the Turks. Today, Agios Mamas is one of those settlements of the Chalkidiki peninsula that exists not at the expense of tourism, but at the expense of agriculture.
What to look at in Agios Mamas and its surroundings
The area around Agios Mamas is of great interest for curious tourists. Here you can see the remains of the Neolithic settlement and cemetery, which belongs to the Bronze Age and which is considered the oldest in Macedonia. The first studies and survey of the territories were conducted in 1928. Nowadays works continue, and not only archaeological monuments, but also many ceramic objects have been found. Finds made by specialists at the site of excavations are now stored in the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
The main natural site of Agios Mamas is the lagoon by the sea, thanks to which this territory was declared a reserve. The marshy plots are located in the direction of Nea Moudania. Here you can observe the migration of birds, including flamingos.
Agios Mamas has a good location. You can get to the ancient Olynthus from there by car or by taxi, where excavations were carried out. Today it is quite an impressive archaeological park. Within 20 minutes, you can reach the famous cave of Petralona, a unique cultural and historical monument. In just 10 minutes, you can reach the lively Nea Moudania or Nea Potiedaia with its picturesque Poteidaia Canal. From Agios Mamas it is equally convenient to explore the resorts of both Cassandra and Sithonia.
Entertainment in Agios Mamas
One of the reasons to choose Agios Mamas is an uncrowded coast. There is a place for everyone even in the high season. The coastal line, covered with clean sand, stretches for 7 km. On some sections of the beach, there are sun loungers, and several taverns and eateries are located nearby.
Agios Mamas is famous for its annual fair, which is held in early September. It gathers more than 1,000 participants and about 200,000 visitors. This is one of the most important cultural events in Chalkidiki. During the week, the guests of the village can enjoy the best dishes of Greek cuisine, attend concerts of traditional music, and buy souvenirs and farm products. The roots of the fair go back to the past of Agios Mamas. Initially, it was held in honor of the soldiers who died in battles. The first mention of the fair is found in the sources of 1870, and in 1932, the status of the fair was fixed at the state level. Today the event is timed to the name day of the patron saint of the village, Saint Mamas.
One of the reasons that Agios Mamas is not popular among tourists is a rather modest infrastructure. Instead of large hotels or clubs, there are several beach bars and a camping site. The village itself is in a protected area, so its development moves more slowly because of environmental organizations strictly monitor the state of the environment.
Agios Mamas is the best destination in Chalkidiki for tourists seeking an inexpensive rest. Food prices here are not overstated, and housing can be rented much cheaper than in neighboring resorts.
There is selling of quality olive oil and farm products from local producers.
From Thessaloniki
You should go by bus number 45 to the stop of K.T.E.L. Halkidikis, where you should transfer to the shuttle bus to Agios Mamas.
From the airport of Thessaloniki
You should go by bus number 79A to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis or by bus number 79 to IKEA, and then go by bus number 36 to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis. There are buses to Nea Mudanya, from where you can take a taxi to Agios Mamas.
