Chalcidice Attractions Khalkidikí
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The peninsula of Chalcidice, a hilly and well wooded region, lies southeast of Salonica, with three finger-like sub-peninsulas reaching out into the sea - to the west Kassándra, in the middle Sithónia (or Lóngos), to the east Athos. The name of the peninsula is a reminder that the Euboean city of Chalkis founded 32 cities here, including Olynthos. In recent years Chalcidice, with its magnificent long sandy beaches, has become a rapidly developing holiday region.Chalcidice is traversed by two roads running from west to east, Salonica-Rendína-Kavála and Salonica-Políyiros-Ierissós, from which side roads branch off and run south.The Chalcidice Rally is held annually at the beginning of September.
Archeological Museum, Polygyros, Greece
Chalcidice's charming capital lies 69km from Salonica. It was built in line with an amphitheater up the foothills of Mt Holomon (Homomodas). The town has retained its traditional character and its neighborhoods have changed little over the past century.The town has an archeological museum that contains archaeological finds from Chalkidiki, sculptures, reliefs, pottery and metal-work in the form of weapons and jewelry.
Thermaic Gulf
The Thermaic Gulf - named after the ancient city of Thermai near present-day Salonica - lies between the mainland of Macedonia and the Chalcidice peninsula.The present coastline has been formed by alluvial deposits from three rivers, the Axiós (Vardar), the Loúdias and the Aliakmón, flowing respectively from the north, the northwest and the south- west. As a result the inlet giving access to the port of Salonica is now only 6km/ 4mi wide. Originally the gulf extended far to the west, reaching almost to Édessa in the north- west and to Véria, the ancient Beroia, in the south, joining up with the present coastline at Methóni. When the Macedonian capital of Pella was established about 400 B.C. it lay on the north shore of the gulf: it is now 30km/19mi from the sea. In the lowest-lying part of this area the lake of Yianitsá (now drained) survived into modern times. The new alluvial land is now under cultivation.Around the Thermaic Gulf is a string of holiday and seaside resorts.
Paliouri, Greece
The village of Paliouri lies on the coast. Vines and flowers embellish the old Macedonian balconies and courtyards and there is also a camping site here run by the National Tourism Organization (GNTO).
Sithonia
In the center of Chalcidice is Sithonia, rimmed with charming little ports, long sandy beaches, thickly wooded areas and villages by the sea.
Nikitas
The village of Nikitas has a superb beach lined with pines. From the beach, one can glimpse the chimneys and red roofs of the old houses protruding from the slopes of a pine-covered hill, while just two and a half km away there is a restored Early Christian basilica erected in the A.D. fifth century.
Toroni
At Toroni are Byzantine and Early Christian ruins. Old fortifications can still be seen here.
Nikiti Folk Festival
The Nikiti Folk Festival is held annually in mid-September.
