Area Attractions

"Discover Halkidiki, explore new places and enjoy your summer"

Ammouliani

Also known as "Mykonos of Halkidiki". In the port of this unique habitable island of central Macedonia, someone can meet the old "Arsanas" shipyard where the monks used to place their boat when it was bad weather. It is worth visiting the club and the old school which is supposed to be the oldest school in Halkidiki, as well as the imposing church of Saint Nicolaus which was built in 1865 in the square of the island. Also, do not forget to rent a boat to visit the incredible beaches of Drenia islands.

Ancient Akanthos

Akanthos was a city of ancient Macedonia that was founded around the middle of the 7th century BC. It was a top port-city of eastern Halkidiki and one of the most important cities in all of Macedonia. Today above this ancient city, Ierissos is built. During the excavation, more than 9,000 tombs were discovered, while most of the finds are on display at Archaeological Museum of Polygyros. The most important ruins are those of the parts of the citadel walls, with a height of up to 8 meters. The traces of ancient Akanthos start from the beach of Ierissos where remnants of the quay of the ancient port are found. For your full tour of Ancient Akanthos is required a walk on its three hills. A few meters from the entrance of the archeological site, the Byzantine cobbled path and a house with an inner courtyard surrounded from rooms are located. Then, continue to the first hill admiring one byzantine church. On your way to the second hill, you will meet sections of the wall and reaching the third hill, you can enjoy the view from the foundations of the hundred-foot ancient temple (ie 100 feet long or 30.48 meters).

Prosforios Tower

It was part of the Vatopedi Monastery and has stood there since the 12th century. It is the largest and best-preserved tower in Halkidiki. To the east of the tower, is the fortified enclosure and a little further north stands the arsanas, where the share boat was kept. In 1928, the couple Sydney and Joyce Loch lived in the tower and were recognized for their significant offer of support to the refugees. Today at the tower complex, a museum is operating, while exhibitions are organized, as well.

Krunas Tower

Krunas tower was built in 1400 to 1500 AD. and is at a distance about one kilometer from Ierissos. The name Kruna is Serbian and in Greek it is rendered as "crown". The tower of 12 meters high was part of the Holy Monastery of Chilandari and was built with buildings materials from Ancient Akanthos and Ancient Ouranoupolis. In the yard of the tower, stables, warehouses and a winery were discovered.

Xerxes Canal

In 480 BC. the king of Persia Xerxes built a canal in Mount Athos peninsula, one of the largest achievements of ancient times in length 2.2 kilometers and a width of almost 30 meters. The canal is located between New Roda and Tripiti, an area that is its narrowest point Athos peninsula. It was built for the purpose of crossing Xerxes fleet and to avoid its destruction as it happened in 492 BC. due to the frequent heavy thunderstorms in the area.

Ancient Stagira

One of the most important archeological sites of Halkidiki and of Greece, as well. They are the birthplace and tomb of the great Greek philosopher Aristotle. Ancient Stagira are located about 500 meters from the current village of Olympiada on the “Liotopi” peninsula.

The city of Stagira was founded by Ionians of the island of Andros in 655 BC. and was destroyed by the king of Macedonia Philip II in 346 BC. Then, Philip II was the one who rebuilt it since Aristotle set the construction of the ancient city as the only condition to undertake the education of Alexander the Great (son of Philip II). Despite the re-construction of the city, the Stagira continued to decline with resulting their desolation during the Greco-Roman years. Around 1000 AD. in the place of the city was built a Byzantine castle, named as “Livasdias”.

Today, the archeological site of Stagira after the configurations, restorations and excavations, offers to every visitor a beautiful natural landscape. All you will need to discover it, is 2 to 3 hours free time.

Aristotle Grove

This is the only theme park in Halkidiki located in Stagira, the birthplace of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. It hosts the imposing statue of Aristotle as well as interactively instruments operating based on the natural laws mentioned in the work "The Natural" by Aristotle. The grove has been operating since 2003 and is favorite destination as it combines education, entertainment but also recreation, overlooking the bay of Ierissos. In the Grove you will find:

  • Solar watch
  • Flashlight
  • Compass
  • Pentagon
  • Optical Discs
  • Pendulum
  • Water Turbine
  • Spheres of inertia
  • Parabolic speculums
  • Telescopes