Chalkidiki - It 's not Only About the Beaches
It's worth the leaving the Sithonia Peninsula and the beaches for a road trip to North/Central Chalkidiki, the mountainous part of the region, which is dominated by mountain Cholomontas. As you make your way through the winding mountain paths on the bike or vehicle, you’ll witness rich wildlife and a wide variety of plant species, featuring endless hues and colors. As you are getting higher, oaks are replaced with chestnuts, pines, firs and other trees. Colonies of flowers make the setting truly idyllic.
Somewhere along the rich woodland, crisscrossed with canyons, rivers and natural springs, beautiful traditional villages await to make yet another pleasant surprise. Arnea, Megali Panagia, Metagitsi, Varvara, Agios Prodromos are all worth a short stop for a coffee and a small walkaround. Arnea stands out as it is a designated “historical place” and “traditional settlement”, Arnea is an excellent example of the traditional Macedonian architectural style. Visiting its Historical and Folklore Museum and taverns at the main square would be an excellent addition to your Chalkidiki experience.
Arnea Village
Varvara Waterfalls/Photo: Pericles Merakos
A special mention must be made to the 2 waterfalls of Varvara, a paradise of mountainous Chalkidiki that a few years ago was unknown. They can be found , on the route between Olympiada village and Varvara.
Continue your trip to the east to find the more touristic villages of Olympiada, Nea Ierissos, Ouranopoli (which is practically the border village to the monastery state of Mount Athos), enjoy the beaches of Eastern Chalkidiki and maybe add some visits to archaelogical places such as Stagira, the birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle near Arnea and the Tower of Prosforios in Ouranoupoli. Chalkidiki as a whole has a rich and deep past which reflects on the scattered archaelogical sites all over it.
