Thessaloniki - N. Kallikratia - N. Moudania

Departing from Thessaloniki, in the highway to Chalkidiki and in a distance of 4 klm, in the intersection to Polygyros, we come across the graphic village of Rysio. Then we enter Chalkidiki where, in a distance of 25 klm to the left, we find Agios Pavlos. Only 5 klm to the south is N. Kallikratia, full of vineyards and rich vegetation. The name Kallikratia comes from Kallikratia of East Thrace, where in 1922, after the destruction of Asia Minor, many refugees settled there. It is worth making a stop to swim in its homonymous beach and its natural port with fine sand. Going northeast and in a distance of 3 klm we return to the highway. In a distance of 9 klm, we come across the settlement of N. Sylata

With direction to the north and in a distance of 6 klm stands the village of Petralona with the famous cave, which was accidentally discovered in 1959 by a shepherd. The cave is at the foot of the mountain Katsika.

It is very big in size with stalactites, many rooms and a length of 2 klm. In 1960, a fossilized skull of Homo Neanderthal was found in the entrance of the cave, which proves the existence of 'man' in Greece, 75,000 years ago. Returning to the main road, we will come across Elleohoria and Sozopoli to the south while N. Plagia and Flogita are located on the coastline.

Continuing to the west, we cross Agios Panteleimonas, which is a cluster of buildings that used to be a monastery in the old times and later was used as a hospital. In a distance of 13 klm, we come across the village of Zografou with the homonymous monastery of Agio Oros. This place will impress the visitor with the Byzantine castle and the church.

Then follows the village of Agios Panteleimonas, in a distance of 5 klm to the north, which is surrounded by rich vegetation and running waters. Only 7 klm, from the old road, we will come across the village of N. Moudania, the busiest resort of west Chalkidiki. The inhabitants of Asia Minor's Moudania built the village and managed to transform it into the busiest commercial center of the area. Until 1978, the inhabitants of the village were occupied with the production of silk, agriculture and fishing but during the last years are mainly occupied with tourism.

Up until today, the village of Moudania is the most powerful in the west area of Chalkidiki. On July 14th - 15th, the inhabitants organize the celebration of sardine to celebrate the foundation of their village and remember their lost country. The celebration includes many cultural events, which are followed by plenty of wine and fish.

The Kassandra peninsula.

Leaving the village of Moudania behind us and in a distance of 7 klm southeast, we will come across one of the most beautiful villages of the peninsula, N. Potidea. The village is a tourist resort with many hotels, rent-rooms, apartments, restaurants, taverns and folk art shops. The island combines the green of the landscape, the beautiful beaches and the blue sea. An ideal place for your summer vacations. Leaving N. Potidea, in a distance of 9 klm to the right, we come across Sani, one of the biggest resorts of the area, full of pine trees and a wonderful beaches.

Returning to the main road, in a distance of 1.5 klm is the beautiful seaside village of N. Fokea with its excellent beaches, clear blue waters and its picturesque port. During summer time, in the Festival of Kassandra in Pyrgos, many cultural events take place. Do not forget to be present in the festivity of Apostle Peter, on June 29th, and Apostle Paul on June 30th, with local events, plenty of wine, music and dancing.