A large peninsula between the Thermaikos and Strymonikos Gulfs, which ends in three smaller peninsulas, Kassandra (Phlegra or Pallene) to the west, Sithonia in the middle, between the Toroneos and the Sigitikos Gulfs, and finally AgionOros (Holy Mountain, also called Athos or Akte) to the east.
The findings in the cave of Petralona prove that man has been present in this area for over 700,000 years, the skull of a primitive man that was found here, is estimated to be more than 200,000 years old.
The peninsula of Halkidiki is often mentioned in ancient Greek mythology: Egkelados, the giant that causes the earthquakes, would be buried in Kassandra. The mountain of Athos would be a rock that the giant with the same name has thrown against the Gods. The name of the peninsula of Sithonia would derive from Sithon, a son of Poseidon.
There have been organized settlements in Halkidiki ever since 4000 BC. Its oldest inhabitants were Thracians and Pelasgians. In the 8th century BC a large number of colonists arrived in the area, mainly from Chalkis (hence the name Chalkidike) and from Eretria. In the 5th century BC its major cities were: Poteidaia, Sane, Siggos, Akanthos, Anthemous, and Stageira, the place where Aristotle was born. At the end of the 5th century, 32 cities of Chalkidike were founded, under the leadership of Olynthus, the “Chalkidean League”. In 348 BC King Philip incorporated this area in the Macedonian Kingdom.
During Hellenistic times three major cities were founded: Kassandreia (in 315), Ouranoupolis (in 315) and Antigoneia (in the centre of Kalamaria, in 280 BC), In 348 BC, Halkidiki fell into Roman hands and declined. During the Christian Era, it was often looted: by the Goths (in 269), the Huns (6th cent.) and the Catalans (1307). After the 9th century the largest part of the peninsula became the possession of the monasteries of Athos. From the settlements of the monastic dependencies, many new villages emerged, which subsequently developed next to the existing ones. After the 12th century, the area was divided in “kapetanikia” following the administration reorganisation that was then undertaken: Kalamaria, Ermeleia, lerissos, Kassandreia and Longos.
In 1430 it was conquered by the Turks. With the exception of Kalamaria, where the Muslim population settled, the other regions and mainly the Mademochoriaorganised to fight back. In May of 1821 the population revolted, but the uprising was unsuccessful, and as a consequence many villages were completely obliterated. In 1854 a new insurrection took place under the leadership of TsiamisKaratasios. The freedom so desired was finally achieved in 1912.
The prefecture of Halkidiki has an overall area of 2,945 sq. kms and a population of 92,117 inhabitants. Its capital is Polygyros.
The peninsula of Halkidiki has a rare beauty. All shades of green of the vegetation set off the colours of the deep blue see. Its peculiar geographic shape with its protrusions far into the Aegean Sea, makes Halkidiki the peninsula with the longest coastline (more than 550 km). Vast sandy beaches alternate with hidden little bays sheltered by tall pine trees, creating a landscape of great beauty.
Thanks to this exceptional natural beauty, its traditional architecture and the hospitality of its population, Halkidiki has developed tremendously during the last decades. Each year, its beaches are explored by visitors, who come to enjoy the clear cool water of the sea and the shady spots in the woods.
The sea and the many clean beaches receive every year more blue flags from the European Community than any other Prefecture (42 blue flags in 1997). Moreover Halkidiki has a well developed hotel infrastructure, with accommodation ranging from small, clean traditional lodgings to large luxury hotel complexes.
Halkidiki has a micro-climate with the same number of sunny days a year as Attica, and it offers the visitor many opportunities to enjoy a favourite sport: golf, sailing, scuba diving, yachting, fishing, mountain climbing and trekking. Recently several trekking routes have been marked.
A major cultural event during the summer period is the Festival of Kassandra - Halkidiki, which involves many artistic shows. (Information can be obtained by calling +30 23740 23.997 and 24.851.)
Apart from the capital Poligiros, other important towns and villages are: Arnea, lerissos, AgioParaskevi, Afytos, Agios Nikolaos, Nikiti, Galatista, Gerakini, Kallithea, Kallandra, NeaMoudania, NeaKallikratia, NeaRoda, NeaFokaia, Ouranoupoli, Petralona, Stagira, NeosMarmaras, Vourvourou, Stratoni, NeaPotidea. There is an infrastructure for tourism with hotels and rooms to rent, offering comfortable places to spend the night. You can also have guided visits at the historic and archaeological sites. Especially noteworthy is the cave and the museum at Petralona, the archaeological site of Olynthus, the early Christian basilicas in Nikiti, and the museum in Polygyros.
Only men are allowed to visit AgioOros (Holy Mountain). Access is possible by ferry-boat from lerissos and from Ouranoupolis. You might also want to visit the island of Amouliani, connected on a daily basis by a small ferry-boat from Trypiti. During the summer months there is a hydrofoil connection at NeaMoudania, Pevkohori and NeosMarmaras with the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos.
The Macedonian Experience
Thessaloniki, capital of Macedonia and second largest city in Greece, is crammed with culture, sprinkled with sights and dotted with chic cafés and bars. It dates back to around 316 BC, when King Kassandros of Macedonia (Alexander the Great’s Brother-in-law) united the inhabitants of 26 villages and towns in a new city, which he named after his wife.
The city has given Greece some of its greatest musicians, artists and poets, and in terms of culture and sophistication, it is on a par with Athens. The influence of the east is tangible, not just in the food but in the relaxed lifestyle.
Scale the hill to Thessaloniki’s acropolis, from which you’ll get a spectacular panoramic view of the city. For beautiful examples of Byzantine art visit the Basilica of Hagia Sophia and the Church of St George. Additional pleasures for visitors include excellent nightlife, high quality eateries and the many fine beaches nearby - Chalkidiki or Pieria are both easily accessible from the city.
Thessaloniki, capital of Macedonia and second largest city in Greece, is crammed with culture, sprinkled with sights and dotted with chic cafés and bars. It dates back to around 316 BC, when King Kassandros of Macedonia (Alexander the Great’s Brother-in-law) united the inhabitants of 26 villages and towns in a new city, which he named after his wife.
The city has given Greece some of its greatest musicians, artists and poets, and in terms of culture and sophistication, it is on a par with Athens. The influence of the east is tangible, not just in the food but in the relaxed lifestyle.
Scale the hill to Thessaloniki’s acropolis, from which you’ll get a spectacular panoramic view of the city. For beautiful examples of Byzantine art visit the Basilica of Hagia Sophia and the Church of St George. Additional pleasures for visitors include excellent nightlife, high quality eateries and the many fine beaches nearby - Chalkidiki or Pieria are both easily accessible from the city.
