What to see in Kassandra during 1 day
Someone appreciates Kassandra for the beauty of the landscapes and the quality of the beaches. Some people are attracted to authentic villages and historical monuments. You can see the main treasures of Kassandra in one day, by renting a car and coming here for a few hours from Sithonia or Thessaloniki. So, let`s identify what is worth to look at and where to stop?
Nea Potidaia
At the very entrance of Kassandra, you will definitely notice the bridge, which offers spectacular views in both directions. It is the famous Bridge of Potidaia, over the Potidean channel, which separates Kassandra from the mainland of Halkidiki.
You can take beautiful pictures from the bridge or walk along the canal. There are remains of the Justinian wall. It was built in the 6th century B.C. and although only fragments of the remains are saved, the history is still impressive!
Please note: a few kilometers away from the enter to Kassandra, you can visit two of the most important sights in Halkidiki - the Petralona Cave and the Suroti Monastery.
Nea Fokea
The resort town of Nea Fokea is known not only as a place with idyllic landscapes, clear sea and calm atmosphere. The heritage of the past has been preserved in this coastal village - the area has been inhabited since ancient times. The tower of St. Paul dominates in Nea Fokea. Archaeologists suggest that the original purpose of the construction was to protect the sea route between this area and the city of Thessaloniki. There is a version that the tower was erected from materials found in ancient Potidea. Nearby you can see the monastery which was built in 1407.
There are still some interesting places to visit in Nea Fokea:
- The cave of the Apostle Paul with the remains of the font. According to the legend Apostle baptized the inhabitants of the area exactly in this place. The cave is very narrow in some places, but this fact does not stop pilgrims who want to pray in front of the icons;
- A picturesque marina that looks charming at any time of the day.
Cave of St. Paul's in Nea Fokia
Afytos
There are many towns and villages in Kassandra. In some of them life is based mainly on tourism, others remain authentic. The latter include Afytos, built on a high hill, and from this place you can admire stunning views of the coastal line and the Toroneos bay. There are few things you should definitely do in Afytos:
- Walk through it on foot. Afytos is famous for its ancient stone mansions and houses, many of which have not been restored. And new houses are built in the traditional style, thanks to which the guests of Afytos seem to fall into the 19th century;
Streets of Afitos - Visit the 1858 St. Demetrius Church. It has impressive dimensions and belongs to the type of dome basilica. Also you can see old bas-reliefs and icons inside the temple;
Church of St. Dmitry - Enter the Folklore Museum, which shows the life and history of the village;
- Take photos from the so-called “balcony of Afytos”.
View from the Balcony of Afitos
Temple of Zeus-Ammon
There is the resort town of Kallithea just a few kilometers away from Afytos. Its main attraction is the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus-Ammon. The sanctuary was built in the Doric architectural style on the spot where the spring beat once. Namely, the cult of worship of Zeus-Ammon was associated with water. Later a Roman temple was erected here, and then a Christian basilica. Today, you can walk around the excavation site and explore the remains of the foundations of the sanctuary, and at the same time admire the views of the bay - the temple stands right on the seashore. There are the temple and cave of Dionysus nearby, as well as the Roman baths.
