Kassandra is the western peninsula of the “trident” of Halkidiki. It is connected to the mainland by the beautiful Nea Potidea bridge. The nearest resort town of Kassandra is about 40 km from Thessaloniki, so you should prepare for a long transfer.
The island is named not in honor of the ancient prophetess Cassandra, but in honor of the son-in-law of Alexander the Great – King Cassandra. This man ruled here before our era, founded a major trading port. Legends tell us that Cassandra is the land of Giants, here was born the first – Alkionay, the son of Heaven and Earth.
The peninsula is very narrow – no wider than 15 km, but it is long – about 50 km. The coast of Kassandra is considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful of the three peninsulas, with many beaches awarded with Blue Flags. Young people come here to hang out in the bustling resorts of Kalifea, Kriopigi, Hanioti and Pefkohori. Many tourists with children go to the towns of Sani and Nea Mudanya.
Climate and weather of Cassandra
Tourists come to the resorts of Kassandra from April to October. The hottest season is from June to September. Halkidiki is warmer than the rest of northern Greece, so swimming starts as early as May. In June the sea warms up to 22 °C.
Cassandra Resorts
Popular resorts in Kassandra include Nea Fokea, Nea Potidea, Afitos, Sani, Nea Mudanya, Kalifea, Hanioti, Siviri, and Pevkohori.
Nea Fokea is a village with a picturesque bay and a Byzantine tower at the edge of the sea. There is a legend that it was from this tower that St. Paul the Apostle preached. The bay is named after him, from which you can get to the underground spring and the chapel. The water is believed to have healing properties.
Nea Potidea is a small and cozy town with beautiful sandy beaches. The ruins of an ancient fortress have been preserved in the town.
The village of Afitos is interesting because of the abundance of national style in architecture. Besides, there are a lot of attractions here – quarries, springs with healing water, ethnographic museum, churches. Agia Paraskevi is famous for its healing sulfur springs.
The town of Sani is famous for the Byzantine fortress of Stavronikita and a large number of stores with affordable prices. Pevkohori, the most remote resort, is a real paradise for lovers of solitary rest among mountains, pine forests and gentle sea.
Nea Mudanya is a modern town with a large port. From here you can take a boat trip along the coast. In July, the Festival of the Sea takes place in the open amphitheater, bringing together musicians and actors. Siviri also hosts festivals, with a new program every summer. Kalithea (sometimes it is called Kalithea) is famous for its ancient monument – the temple of Zeus-Amvon. Many centuries ago there was a temple of Zeus here, and in the sanctuary of the god of wine and fun Dionysus orgies were held.
Hanioti is a very green resort town with clean sandy beaches. The infrastructure is well developed here: many bars, restaurants, stores, cafes. Night life is very lively – discos and parties last until morning.
Beaches of Cassandra
The beaches on the peninsula are sandy and very well maintained. The waters of the Aegean Sea off the coast are considered one of the cleanest in the world. The beaches stretch for more than 50 kilometers, all of them perfectly equipped. There are several water parks.
The beaches of Nea Fokea are cozy bays where you can enjoy snorkeling. At the beaches of Afitos there are many beach bars. Glarokavos beach has a parking lot for boats and yachts – the depth here is great. The golden coast of Pevkohori is popular with both young people and families with children.
In Hanioti the sand is especially fine and the entrance to the water is gentle. The secluded beach of Mola is known for its pine forest nearby. Loutra village beach has therapeutic sulphur springs.
Attractions
The main attraction on Kassandra is the Temple of Zeus-Amon and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Be sure to visit these picturesque ruins. Touch the history – no one forbids you to touch the stones. Another famous temple is dedicated to Poseidon. It is located near Halandra. A beautiful lighthouse stands on the edge of the cape.
There is a thermal spring in Agia Paraskevi. Doctors confirm that its waters are unparalleled and have a unique healing effect on the body. The spring is hidden in a pine forest – find it and enjoy the water and the views around you. Pevkohori is home to the Glarokavos Nature Park and the Monastery of St. John. For history buffs, we also recommend checking out the ethnographic museum.
In general, Kassandra is a paradise for partying, which is why young people from all over the world often come here. There are many entertainment centers, nightclubs, bars, discos and other entertainment venues to suit every taste.
