The trident of Poseidon, the peninsula of Halkidiki, is similar to a three-fingered hand, with the mainland part in form of the palm.
The main resort of Northern Greece, the peninsula of Halkidiki is famous for its amazing beaches and picturesque villages and also as the birthplace of Aristotle. In addition to the three "fingers" of the peninsula, Halkidiki has a mainland. You definitely cannot pass by important attractions and developed resorts of the mainland
The mainland part of the Halkidiki peninsula is the gateway to the most beautiful beaches and monuments of this place. You can turn to St.Athos, feel the peaceful atmosphere of Sithonia or experience the whole range of impressions, resting in busy Cassandra. Or you may not turn around, and just spend your time studying the "palm"of Halkidiki.
Attractions and holy places: what to see on the mainland
Halkidiki has history that goes back through centuries. In 1959, the accidentally discovered cave of Petralona made it possible to establish: a man lived on the peninsula more than 700,000 years ago. Tools, numerous fossils and the oldest in Europe traces of fire use were found in the cave. Today Petralona is almost the main attraction of Halkidiki. It attracts not only by history, but also it is known by magnificent halls with delightful stalagmites and stalactites. There is a museum at the cave. It stores the found tools and animals` remains, although many important artifacts have long been taken to Thessaloniki - they can be observed in the Archaeological Museum.
Some people cannot imagine Greece without visiting ancient cities. On the mainland of Halkidiki you can find preserved Olinfos - the place where the rulers lived. The original layout of the city still survived, and magnificent mosaics and quarters of Olinfos have been discovered by carefully conducted excavations. The ancient Stagira is no less important as the birthplace of the great Aristotle. The city has preserved the walls, fortifications, houses and foundations of churches. The amazing nature that surrounds Stagira is another good reason to be here.
Findings from Olinfos and Stagirs are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki, which is surrounded by endless olive groves. This city is perfect for walking. You will admire the old mansions, go to the Folklore Museum, watch the frescoes in the Poligiros temples, and then get to the hill with the chapel of Elijah the Prophet - the best view of the surrounding area will open from the height.
Polygyros is 37 km away from another historic city - Arnea. It is one of the most beautiful villages on the mainland of Halkidiki, which has preserved traces of antiquity. Arnea is remembered by elegant mansions, one of which is the Ethnography Museum. And there is an interesting Museum of Weaving in the village.
And what is Greece without Orthodox hole places? In this part of Halkidiki, the attention of pilgrims is focused on the monastery of St. John the Theologian in Suroty. There is a tomb of the elder Paisius in this monastery. He is one of the most revered saints in Greece. There are lines of believers to the place of his burial, who turn to Paisiya with prayers and believe in a miracle.
Monastery of St Anastasia is another well-known monastery in Halkidiki, which is located near the city of Vasilika. This is the center of enlightenment and Greek Orthodoxy, which made a great contribution to the Greek revolution. One of the most important revolutionary battles took place at its walls. The patroness of the monastery is considered to be Great Martyr Anastasia. Pilgrims turn to her in order to get healing from bodily ailments.
Halkidiki mainland resorts
Chalkidiki – place of resorts, each of them is famous for its long beaches, clear sea and modern infrastructure. Perhaps, therefore, thousands of tourists from different parts of Europe come to the Greek peninsula every year. there are also both popular and not so well-known resorts on the Halkidiki mainland. Nea Kallikratia for example, is a small town with a lively promenade, a spacious sandy beach and many shops for every taste. Nea Kallikratia is an excellent starting point for traveling through all Halkidiki and trips to Thessaloniki.
Flogita with beautiful clean beaches and Paralia Dionisiou – a great place for a relaxing holiday are located closer to Cassandra. Nea Moudania is one of the largest cities in Halkidiki and a significant commercial center of the peninsula.
There is the settlement of Gerakini between Cassandra and Sithonia. On the one hand, it is easy to reach different facilities and the entertainment centers. And on the other hand - the nature of these places fascinates everyone who appreciates the opportunity to spend time in a quiet atmosphere. Gerakini is worth visiting due to a clean beach and good taverns with Greek cuisine.
There are also non-obvious destinations on the mainland of Halkidiki. One of them is the village of Stratoni. Only a few can get here to the eastern part of the peninsula. Stratoni is welcoming you with a calm sandy beach, awarded with the Blue Flag, a wide choice of family apartments and coastal taverns. Finding yourself in one of the most removed parts of the peninsula, one can be sure: Halkidiki is a whole world full of contrasts. And it's worth it to come back here again and again.
