The indented coastline of the North Aegean Sea
The first “finger” of Chalkidiki, the Kassandra peninsula, and its first villages are very close to Thessaloniki, making it the most attractive destination. Already when entering the peninsula, the visitor is impressed when crossing the impressive bridge at Nea Potidea, the first village after which he will successively encounter some of the most beautiful places in Greece and some of the most beautiful beaches with clear blue waters. The Kassandra Peninsula is actually an island connected to the mainland via the Potidea Canal.
Kassandra is the liveliest and most densely populated of the three peninsulas of Chalkidiki; a blessed place with kilometers long coasts with crystal clear water, beautiful coastal and mountain villages, obvious and hidden beauties, intense morning and night life with dozens of beach bars, bars in the most imaginative places along the coasts, in villages, hotels and beaches.
Here, the visitor, in addition to enjoying entertainment and gastronomy – Kassandra has all kinds of eateries from fish restaurants, butchers, restaurants, and fast food -, can have a wonderful stay in the various rooms that are available for rent, Airbnb, or largescale hotel facilities.
Here, all those who want to enjoy the beneficial effects of the thermal baths in the spa town of Agia Paraskevi, a picturesque village with a “balcony” overlooking the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, can find a suitable destination.
In this beloved place, two of the country’s most important festivals also take place every summer, the one in Sani on a beautiful unique hill with wonderful views and in Siviri in the open theater with excellent music and theater performances.
Archaeological treasures in several areas of the peninsula, as well as numerous attractions await discovery for those who want to get to know this wonderful place more deeply.
According to Greek mythology, the Kassandra Peninsula was originally called Phlegra, that is, the place of fire when it became a battlefield between the giants who lived here and the gods of Olympus. The giant battle unfolded for the predominance of one or the other and lasted a long time. This battle essentially describes the volcanic eruption that shaped Chalkidiki as we know it today. The huge stones which, according to mythology, were thrown by the giants at the gods and vice versa are scattered in its mountains. They actually either fell as meteorites or were dislodged by the force of the volcanic eruption. The geological phenomena presented in Kassandra, such as the dense steam of hot sulfur coming from Agia Paraskevi, are also related to these myths.
Its current name, Kassandra, was taken from the king of Macedonia, Kassandros who in 315 BC. built the city of Kassandrea at its peak, which is worth visiting and getting to know up close.
Marni Hadjiemanouil
