Kassandra, Villa Despina's guide

Anastasios:The temple of Ammon Zeus in Kallithea is an ancient temple complex located next to the beach of Kallithea. It is the best preserved archaeological site in Kassandra Halkidiki, and is worth a visit if you are interested in ancient Greek monuments. Its location right next to the beach means that you can combine your visit with a quick swim in the shallow water of the area.

Anastasios:Sent Paul’s Byzantine Tower is located in the outskirts of Nea Fokea village on the hill overlooking the fish port. it is one of the two remaining towers in Kassandra, Halkidiki. From there you have a very nice view of the village and the port and Toroneos bay. Next to the tower is a church and an information center for Halkidiki.

Anastasios:Mavrobara is a small lake located in the hills above Polichrono. The lake shelters two rare species of water turtles in danger of extinction (Emys orbicularis and Mauremys caspica), which find refuge here. It’s an easy 3km hike from the village of Polichrono, or you can rent mountain bikes and take a separate cycling path. Along both tracks, you pass through pine forestry and olive groves and a beautiful stone build small church

Anastasios:The Firewatch tower of Kassandra in located at the highest point of the peninsula. From there you have a 360 degree view of the peninsula, and if the weather is clear you can see mount Olympous, Sithonia, Mount Athos, Skiathos and Pilio. By the way, Skiathos is a double word, Skia + Athos, meaning is Greek Shade + Athos the mountain. It too the name Skiathos because at some point through the year the shade of Mount Athos reaches the island.

Anastasios:The lighthouse of Possidi is in one of the most beautiful beaches of Kassandra, Halkidki. This colonial-styled lighthouse built by the French Company of Lighthouses in 1864 is still in use today and has a small flowery garden beside it, adding to its beauty. Once a year, visitors have a unique opportunity to have a tour inside the historic monument as it opens its doors to the public celebrating the International Lighthouse Day.

Anastasios:The cave is in the outskirts of the Petralona village just few kilometers before entering the Kassandra peninsula. Nicknamed “the red-rock cave” because of the color that the bauxite deposits give to the stone, the cave stretches across an area of 10,400m² and consists of a series of stoas, chambers, high ceilings and pools, full of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and shields, columns and other formations. Its discovery in 1959 opened a window into prehistoric times. Today, it is the most important of Greece’s 12,000 caves, thanks to its wealth of fossils (one of the richest collections in Europe) and to the discovery, around half a century ago, of the oldest human remains ever found in Greece.

Anastasios:It is said to have taken its name from its founder, Olynthos, brother of the Thracian king Rissos. Others claim the name comes from the hero Olynthos, son of the river god Strymon. Since it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Halkidiki, the excavations began as early as in 1928 and revealed a settlement with over 100 houses with water and sewage systems. Between the sixth and third centuries BC the city was an important economic and military center. In 348 BC the Macedonian Army, under the command of Philip II, conquered it and destroyed it. The town was never again inhabited and its destruction is remembered as one of the darkest moments of the entire ancient world. Today you can see the house foundations, some mosaics and visit an exhibition center.

Anastasios:Possidi Cape is one of the most photographed places in Kassandra. The beach is huge, so you will always find your spot there. It is better if you have your own umbrella with you. Be careful of the sandy roads, it is better not to try to cross them with your car. In a close distance you will find the lighthouse of Possidi. That beach is also one of the best spots in the peninsula to watch the sunset, with the sun diving behind mount Olympus.

Anastasios:Glarokavos is a lagoon that is being used as a fish port. That means you can not swim in there any more. Unfortunately, the place is full of beach bars and garbage. But, it is also one of the best places for snorkeling. That is thanks to a rock formation in the south part of the lagoon facing the open sea. The rock creates a 2m deep wall in the sea which makes it ideal for snorkeling.

Anastasios:Maybe to most beautiful and child friendly beach of the peninsula. For the above reasons also the most grounded. There are some beach bars on the beach, some of them with loud music. Best time to visit, June and September or early in the morning.

Anastasios:The beach of Kriopighi is an organized beach with shallow waters perfect for families. It has sunbeds and umbrellas and a beach bar. Because there is a hill full of pine trees right behind the beach, after 14:00-15:00 the beach is full of shade. If you want to avoid the sun that is the place for you.

Anastasios:Agios Mamas beach is located at the start of the Kassandra peninsula, right before the bridge of Nea Potidea. It’s a very long beach with beach bars on the side close to Nea Potidea. But if you want to be by yourself you can try the far deserted side, you will need your own umbrella in this case. Behind the beach on that side is the Agios Mamas lake which is protected by the EU NATURA project. In most of its length the waters are shallow. In a part of the beach you can see a rock formation very close to the beach, that is actually part of the harbor of the ancient city of Potidea.

Anastasios:Vothonas beach is located between the villages of Athitos kai Nea Fokea, right under the Aistotelis beach Hotel. Usually there are not a lot of people on the beach, apart from the times during the day that the children from the nearby children camps are coming for their daily swim. But that is only for one hour per day. It is a very nice spot for snorkeling since there are quite a lot of rocks on both sides of the beach. There is one small beach bar belonging to the hotel at the far side of the beach. It is advised to leave behind your car on the main road and not to try to get it on the beach before you check the condition of the small road leading to the beach.

Anastasios:This is a remote beach located next to Thermal Spa Agia Paraskevi. It consists of 3 small bays and it is ideal for snorkeling. If you want to avoid the crowds, this area is for you. Don’t forget to get an umbrella and at least some water with you.

Anastasios:The beach with the small old church next to it is located between Sibiri and Fourka beach. You can access it from the main road through a downhill drift road. The story says the church was built by sailors from the surrounding area. The beach has shallow waters and is ideal for snorkeling. Usually, you will not find many people there.

Anastasios:Restaurant on the beach front of Polichrono. I know they serve fresh local fish, because my cousin the fisherman sells his fish there every day.

Anastasios:One of the most popular restaurant in the beach front of Polichrono. Giannis and Nikos (owners) will make sure you have an amazing meal. Tip: Look for the parrots

Anastasios:If you want a quiet environment for dining with a chance to try local Greek food, look no further. It is no coincidence that most of the clients are Greek :)

Anastasios:Located in Loutra, on a rock above sea level, it offers very good food in combination with an amazing view. A big variety of fresh fish. Only 4 or 5 tables can enjoy the amazing view, so it is better to reserved table with a view before you go there.

Anastasios:Dedicated fish restaurant with a variety of fresh fish and shells. You may need a reservation for that one. You should also expect a slightly higher prices.

Anastasios:The environment may look slightly outdated, but they serve some of the most tasty meat dishes in the area in very competitive prices. It is a "must-go" for meat lovers.

Anastasios:Its location in the picturesque square of Kriopigi promises a very nice dining environment. The food is also very good. Don't expect to find any fish dishes.