Kassandra Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in Kassandra, Greece with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Kassandra

Located in the westernmost part of the Chalkidiki peninsula in Macedonia, northern Greece, Kassandra is a popular holiday destination known for its long stretches of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. This stunning coastal area has something to offer for everyone, whether it be adventurous outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, or just a relaxed beach holiday.

List of Places to Visit in Kassandra

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history, Kassandra offers many culturally significant landmarks to visit.

Petralona Cave

Petralona Cave is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Greece with traces of human existence that dates back close to one million years. The cave is known for the Petralona skull, which was discovered here and is believed to belong to the oldest human skeleton found in Europe

Ancient Olynthos

Ancient Olynthos is a partly excavated archaeological site located close to the modern village of Olynthos. It was one of the most important ancient Greek cities of the Chalkidice region and dates back to the 5th century BCE.

Natural Attractions of Kassandra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you are an adventure seeker or nature lover, you will find the beauty of Kassandra’s natural landscape breath-taking.

Kriopigi Beach

Located on the eastern coast of Kassandra, Kriopigi Beach is rightly famous for its clean sands and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. The beach is backed by pine trees forests, providing ample shade for those who seek it in the hot sun.

Skala Fourka

This series of amazing beaches located in the cosmopolitan village of Skala Fourka offers incredible views of the Aegean Sea. The organized beaches offer plenty of tourist facilities, including restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to relax after exploring the nearby hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kassandra

Kassandra is surrounded by a diverse landscape of towering mountains, thick woodland, and gentle hillsides. The hiking or biking trails take you through winding roads of the peninsula, ancient ruins and traditional local villages.

Possidi Lighthouse Trail

The Possidi Lighthouse Trail is one of the most challenging mountain-bike trails in Kassandra, as you feel like you are in a never-ending uphill climb. But Once you reach the top, the breathtaking views of the entire peninsula and the Aegean sea on the horizon make the climb worthwhile.

Sithonia to Kassandra Trail

The Sithonia-Kassandra trail is a well-marked trail that offers an exhilarating cycling and trekking experience, with a range of terrains to navigate. The route will take you from the beaches of Sithonia to the lush green hills of Kassandra.

Best Things to Do in Kassandra: Activities and Tours

Kassandra offers a range of activities to suit a variety of tastes, from lazy beach days to heart-pumping adventure sports.

Water Sports

Almost every beach along the coastline of Kassandra offers a range of water sports to enjoy, including water-skiing, jet-skiing, or wind-surfing. If you are looking for more exciting dives, there are also scuba-diving trips to discover the underwater world of oceanic caves and rock formations.

Horse Riding

Horse-riding tours are available in various parts of Kassandra, allowing you to explore the natural scenery on a guided tour from the saddle.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kassandra

Here’s a great example of a week-long itinerary to make the most of your time in Kassandra:

Day Activities
1 Arrival, leisure time to explore the town and nearby surroundings
2 Visiting the Petralona Cave and the nearby beaches
3 Exploring Ancient Olynthos, continue to the Aristotelian Mountain in the afternoon
4 Horseback riding in the morning and drive to Polychrono Beach in the afternoon
5 Hiking in the morning, followed by windsurfing in the afternoon
6 Day trip by boat to explore Kelyfos Island followed by sunset cocktails
7 Free day for shopping and nightlife activities

Food and Drink Scene of Kassandra

Kassandra has an incredibly diverse food and drink scene showcasing traditional Greek cuisine, with a lot of fresh seafood dishes and amazing wines.

Must-Try Dishes

Dish Description
Souvlaki Grilled meat skewers wrapped around with pitta bread and served with Tzatziki
Dolmadakia Stuffed vine leaves with rice, herbs, and lemon juice
Taramasalata fish roe spread famous as Mediterranean appetizer

Local Beverages

Beverage Description
Ouzo A strong alcoholic drink made from anise
Tsipouro A traditional strong, clear brandy made from distilled grapes
Retsina White or rosé wine popular in Greece known for its pine resin flavor

Where to Stay in Kassandra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kassandra has a wide range of accommodation options that can cater to different types of travelers, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury-seeking tourists.

Luxury Accommodation

Hotel Location
Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort Paliouri, Kassandra
Sani Resort & Spa Kassandra, Halkidiki
Marmaras Palace Thalasso Hanioti, Kassandra

Budget Accommodation

Hotel Location
Bungalow Cavo Kalamitsi Siviri, Kassandra
Hotel Oceania Siviri, Kassandra
Pella Apartments Kassandra, Nea Plagia

What to Buy in Kassandra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kassandra is famous for its cultural crafts, arts, and food, so you can take home souvenirs that represent the local culture.

Traditional Crafts

Item Description
Handmade Pottery Hand-crafted pottery items, plates, and bowls decorated with regional motifs
Olive Oil Natural olive oil pressed from the local olives
Honey Honey collected from the beekeepers’ hives in the forest and hills of the peninsula

Local Culture and Customs of Kassandra

Kassandra’s culture and customs are strongly linked to its long history of Greek civilization. Be sure to show respect for Greek culture and traditions to have a positive experience.

Best Time to Visit Kassandra

The best time to visit Kassandra is between May to October when the weather is dry and warm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kassandra

Do:

  • Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Do try the local foods and wines.
  • Do learn a few basic Greek words and phrases.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the beautiful beaches, forests, or parks.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat during long outdoor activities under the sun.
  • Don’t forget to carry cash with you, as many local shops and restaurants don’t accept credit cards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kassandra

Kassandra is a safe place for travelers. However, you should take basic precautions, like locking up valuables, especially on high-risk beaches or in crowded areas during nightlife activities.

Health in Kassandra

There are multiple health centers, diagnostic centers, and pharmacies in Kassandra. Still, while traveling to remote or underdeveloped areas, you should be careful and carry any necessary medications if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

Getting to Kassandra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kassandra

The nearest major airport is Thessaloniki International Airport, which is about 80 km away.

Bus Stations Near Kassandra

Kassandra has many bus routes to reach every corner of the peninsula, and buses are widely available. The most prominent bus services are KTEL, OASTH, and TAXI.

Other Options

Taxis and rental car services are also available within the peninsula. Still, you should check the local laws and regulations before renting a vehicle.

How to Get Around in Kassandra

The most convenient way to explore Kassandra is by car, as it gives you the possibility to discover every corner of the peninsula. You can rent a car or hire a taxi to take you from one place to another. Alternatively, you can also take buses that operate throughout the peninsula.

Where to Go Next from Kassandra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After discovering Kassandra’s beauty, you can explore the nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece
  • The Athos peninsula to visit Mount Athos
  • Greece’s second capital and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Vergina Archeological Site

Conclusion

Kassandra provides an excellent getaway spot by the Greek coastal region, complete with scenic views, amazing beaches, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive guide, you can make the most out of your vacation and explore everything that Kassandra has to offer.

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    Chaniotis
    Nea Phokea