Top 10 things to do in Kassandra, Halkidiki

Motor boat moored near the beach

With its beautiful blue coastline, numerous beaches and even more hotels, the leftmost peninsula of Halkidiki - Kassandra - is a desired holiday destination, especially by families. And while for some people the holiday is framed within chill out by the sea all day long and walks in the nearest village in the evening, others wonder how to diversify the vacation and see as much as possible. Check the ideas below to prepare your to-do list when in Kassandra.

1. Walk in the traditional village of Afitos

Afitos is probably the most photogenic village of Kassandra, with preserved old houses in the center and gorgeous sea views from above. Take a stroll in the narrow alleys and find the stone sculptures on the top of the village.

2. Spend a day at Crazyland Water Park

by Crazyland Water Park

The Crazyland Water Park is located at Glarokavos beach, between Pefkohori and Chrousso. It is supposed to be the largest of its kind in Greece, with many inflatable facilities in the sea for both kids and adults (kids must be over 6 years of age). In the summer it works from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and offers flexible rates so you can enjoy a whole day of fun at the park and its adjoining beach bar.

3. Do a boat trip to Sithonia

Boat trips to Sithonia depart from the harbor of Pefkochori. The usual tour includes the uninhabited island of Kelifos between the two peninsulas and walk in the charming village of Neos Marmaras. This will not show you Sithonia in details but it is a good option to enjoy the amazing blue sea because the ship has a few stops especially for swimming.

4. Drive to the southernmost area of Kassandra

Church bell

The southernmost area of Kassandra is the least developed and it has no villages, only a few scattered hotels. With its green hills, thick olive groves and isolated pebbly coves, it is much different from the rest of the peninsula. The asphalt road ends in front of the small church of Agios Nikolaos, in an area called Xina. This area is very good for snorkeling with its rich sea life.

5. Sunbath at Possidi Sandspit

Peninsula of sand and blue sea

Possidi is a large sandspit close to the homonymous village. The sandspit stretches for hundreds of meters ahead in the sea and resembles a giant tongue, though its shape varies depending on the sea level and the wind. In calm weather the endless blue water around will mesmerize you.

6. See the Potidea Canal

The channel and boat passing through it

The Potidea canal is at the beginning of Kassandra and the village of Nea Potidea. It separates the peninsula from mainland, and above it passes the bridge which connects them. From the bridge yon see both the east and west coast of Kassandra, and along the canal are the ruins of Ancient Potidea - a Corinthian colony founded around 600 BC.

7. Visit the Agiasma of St. Paul in Nea Fokea

The Byzantine Tower of Apostle Paul rises up just above the small harbor of Nea Fokea. It is 17 meters high and dates back to 15 century. But a very interesting place to visit very close to the tower is the Agiasma of St. Paul which is accessible via underground tunnel carved into the rocks. The tunnel has a length of about 20 meters and ends in a small sanctuary with water spring and icons. According to the legends, Apostle Paul used to baptize the new Christians here.

8. Have a meal in Kassandrino

Kassandrino is a quiet inland village in the middle of the peninsula, almost untouched by tourism except for the two tavernas where tourists sometimes drop by. Meat lovers would appraise the slow cooked meat and the simple but very delicious food served there. Suitable also for a walk in cloudy or rainy days.

9. Try snorkeling

Kassandra boasts transparent blue waters around its shores and sea life is clearly visible almost everywhere. There are a few spots, however, where you can enjoy snorkeling at its best because they are away from villages and people in general. One of them is the rocky section between Sani and Elani on the west coast, and another one is on the southernmost coast, around Valitsa bay and the area of Xina.

10. Enjoy a coffee or dinner at Sani Marina

The luxury five-star hotel resort Sani possesses a first-class harbor for yachts, surrounded by fancy restaurants, cafes and expensive boutique shops. The marina is the ultimate place on Kassandra for romantic evening walks and dining in refine atmosphere. Тhe place is not cheap but a cup of cappuccino or dessert at the cafe-patisserie with yachts view is an affordable compromise.

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