Washed by the Aegean Sea, the Halkidiki peninsula is the pearl of all Greece, and many tourists from all over the world come to see the sights of this territory.

The place is rich in history.

For the first time this name was used by Herodotus, Aristotle was born here, the Peloponnesian War was fought here.

Now tourists come here to enjoy the warm sea, clean beaches, see beautiful historical buildings and structures.

It takes several days to explore the peninsula of Halkidiki to see all the brightest places. But the famous Chalkis, founded in ancient times, despite the similarity of the name, is not on the Halkidiki peninsula, but on the island of Euboea.

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Halkidiki - famous sights with photo

The most important sights of the Halkidiki peninsula are the old buildings preserved from ancient times. In addition, there are many natural attractions that will not leave you indifferent.

White tower in Thessaloniki

An important landmark of the city, located near the sea. The color of the tower is not white at all, but rather sand.

Now it is interesting for tourists with its observation deck and the Byzantine Museum, which is located right in it.

Meteora Chalkidiki

Ancient temple complex on the rocks. You should definitely listen to a tour about this place, because the origin story is simply fantastic.

Note: the road is not easy, you have to constantly go uphill, because the attraction is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.

Fortress of Platamonas

The fortress of Platamonas was founded in the 12th century, but even now the fortress has been preserved in good condition. Its views are often drawn on postcards and magnets, and tourists are taken here on an excursion. If you are interested in history, then this place is simply not to be missed.

Monastery Great Lavra

There are many monasteries in this area.

The Great Lavra is the main complex on Mount Athos in Chalkidiki, it will take about half an hour to climb to it, but it is really beautiful and unusual. Bright burgundy color, beautiful architecture, sights inside - that's what you need to see.

Old city in Thessaloniki

All ancient cities must have an “Old City”, Thessaloniki also has it.

Only here you can see the remains of Byzantine culture, the old walls of the former fortress, the streets. Although now there are many modern establishments - restaurants, taverns, cafes.

Waterland Waterpark

From history to the present. For active travelers, this type of entertainment is suitable.

This water park is located in Thessaloniki. Entrance costs about 14 euros for adults and 10 euros for children. The park is huge, you can find slides and pools for every taste, so if you get tired of looking at old buildings, then go here.

Arch and tomb of Galerius

Gaius Galerius - the Roman monarch, this complex was erected to him, which is now located in the center of Thessaloniki.

The arch was connected to the mausoleum and the palace, thus the building increased in size.

Heptapyrgion

This is the name of the fortress, which used to serve the Turks.

The name is translated as “fortress of seven towers”, after the 19th century there was a prison here, at the same time, many parts of the fortress were destroyed, so only a small building has come down to us. It is located in Thessaloniki, all history lovers should definitely visit here.

Ancient city of Dion

Now it is a small area with ancient excavations, but earlier in this place there was a city dedicated to Zeus. Dion was in no way inferior to Athens. Here you can see the residential quarter, the streets of the ancient city, you can visit the archaeological museum right in the city. Dion is located 90 kilometers from Thessaloniki.

Iberian Monastery on Mount Athos

It was founded in the tenth century, the name was received in honor of the founder - John of Iberia.

The building of the Iversky Monastery itself has a rather beautiful architecture, so even non-believers will be interested in visiting it.

Monastery Vatopedi

Monastery of Vatopedi in Athos. Built in the 10th century. Vatopedi is famous for its library, which contains more than 1500 manuscripts.

Gregory Monastery

The Gregory Monastery was built only in the 14th century, but it is here that the relics of many saints are kept. And ten years ago, they began to build another temple in honor of Seraphim of Sarov.

Monastery of Dionisiat

The monastery of Dionisias stands on a rock, 80 meters high. A picturesque place will appeal even to atheists. Now about 50 monks live here, although earlier there were much more.

Dohiar Monastery

The Orthodox complex was founded in the 10th century, now there are more than 50 monks.

The beautiful building is lined with marble, and Dohiar itself stands not far from the coast. Here is a particle of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.

Monastery of Xenophon

The sixteenth monastery on Athos.

The Xenophon Monastery is small, now there are only 30 monks, and it was originally dedicated to George the Victorious.

Xiropotam Monastery

The name translates as “Dry Stream”, according to legend, Xiropotam was founded here in the fifth century, although it is officially recognized that it was built five centuries later. There are some relics here.

Monastery of Kutlumush

Interestingly, the monastery of Kutlumush has its own marina.

Monastery of Pantokrator

The Pantokrator Monastery is located on a rock, near the sea. There are beautiful courtyards, temples and churches.

Monastery of St. Paul

The monastery of St. Paul is located almost above all the others, at an altitude of 150 meters. It was founded in the 9th century, and now about 120 monks live here. The monastery has its own library, where many manuscripts and printed books are kept.

Simonopetra Monastery

Founded in the 13th century, named after the founder.

The main building of Simonopetra Monastery is located at an altitude of more than 300 meters, offering beautiful views. 120-130 monks live here.

St. Panteleimon Monastery

Russian monks settled here, and this continued until the beginning of the 20th century. Now there are Russian abbots here, but there are fewer of them.

Outwardly, the St. Panteleimon Monastery resembles our churches and cathedrals.

Aristotle Square

It is difficult to imagine a city without a main square, in Thessaloniki this is exactly it. Here is the best hotel in the city and a cinema, which you can visit if you wish.

Aristotle Square itself is large enough, locals and visitors like to meet here.

Church of St. Demetrios

The church stood on this site as early as the 4th century, but it was rebuilt more than once, and this is how the new church of St. Demetrios was founded.

Outwardly, the church of St. Demetrios does not look like traditional religious buildings, but people come here to serve.

The most beautiful mosaics on the ceiling are the decoration of this building. Finding a church is not difficult in Thessaloniki, it has a museum.

Church of St. Sophia in Thessaloniki

The object is included in the UNESCO list, so you should definitely see this church.

The Church of St. Sophia was founded in the 7th-8th centuries, outwardly not typical for such buildings. Inside there are mosaics and icon-paintings. The temple is not very big, and its history is unique. During the conquest of the city by the Turks, a mosque was located here.

The most beautiful place in Halkidiki

It is difficult to judge what is the most beautiful in Greece, what are the most picturesque places, what is the most interesting thing that Northern Greece can offer tourists? In Halkidiki, several places can claim this title:

1. Cassandra. Not much is not enough, but this is a landmark of the Halkidiki peninsula. Part of the peninsula, in total there are three "fingers" - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos.
   So Kassandra is considered the most suitable area for a beach holiday, here is the cleanest water in the sea, and the beaches have become the best in all of Europe more than once.
2. Afytos (Chalkidiki). A small town in Kassandra, where every street is picturesque.
   Small houses, many flowers, clear sea - this is the key to a good life.
3. Waterfalls of Edessa. Not far from Thessaloniki, you can find this gem. The waterfalls originated around the 14th century, now there are 14 waterfalls.
   The largest of them is Koranos.
4. Mount Olympus. Undoubtedly, this is the most important mountain in Greece.
   It was here, according to the legends, that the Gods lived, it was from here that the Olympics began, the whole history of this country is connected with Olympus. The highest peaks reach a height of 2900 meters, hiking trails for tourists have been developed here, shelters and hotels are located.
5. Alistrati Cave. The cave was found in the 20th century by hunters who noticed that the animals had disappeared from sight somewhere, as if they had disappeared underground.
   After all the research, the cave was opened for tourists and did not fail, they come here in droves, although you need to get to the cave from Thessaloniki.
6. Cave of Petralona. In this cave, the remains of an ancient man were discovered, Petralona was discovered in the 1950s.
   The cave is huge and interesting for everyone who loves something new. It is better to go along with the tour, which are sold at every turn.

Everyone should find their own picturesque place for themselves, where it will be pleasant to retire with nature, without too much fuss. Greece is generally famous for its bays with blue water, cliffs, dense forests and flower parks.

Thermal Springs of Halkidiki

Often people come to another country to improve their health, this can also be done in Greece. Thermal springs are located in several places, to visit them, it is better to go to the resort.

The most popular is "Lutra Pozar", where there are spa centers, massages, and other procedures. You can also visit the springs in Thessaloniki, they are called Suroti and Fermi , there is also a source Kanistra.

In general, there are 20 thermal springs throughout the country, which allows Greece to take first place in this indicator in Europe. The springs are able to help in the treatment of many types of diseases, even in ancient Greece, the warriors rested in the thermal waters. It is better to find out in advance how much the entrance to the complex costs, and think over a travel plan. It will not take much money and time, but you can treat your body in the healing waters in Greece.

Map of Halkidiki with attractions in Russian

Outwardly, the peninsula looks like three fingers, it is even associated with a legend.

Any traveler will need a map so as not to get lost in the area.

Attractions are scattered throughout the peninsula, it can take more than two weeks to get around everything, so plan your itinerary properly.

Note: it is better to stay in Thessaloniki, because from there you can get to many places - to Meteora, waterfalls of Edessa, thermal springs and almost all monasteries.

There are no problems with transport here, there is at least one bus that goes in the direction you need, but it is better to travel by your own car, so you can stop in the most picturesque places of the peninsula.

Conclusion

Greece is a wonderful country; recently, more and more Russian tourists have begun to choose it for their holidays.

Low prices, beautiful nature, huge cultural and historical heritage - all this attracts travelers. And Halkidiki is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, so you definitely need to stop by here.

Often people come here only in summer, although it is worth remembering that in winter the temperature here is more than 20 degrees, swimming, of course, is not worth it, but it is necessary to see nature.

In addition, traveling outside the tourist season means that prices will be lower, there will be fewer people, and the pleasures will be the same. Therefore, feel free to go to Greece even in winter, taking a history book with you to be aware of everything that happened here.

Watch the video in which the specialist talks about the most famous sights of Halkidiki (Greece):

There is an expression among the local population: "Without Halkidiki, there would be no Greece." And indeed, there is something in it. After all, the peninsula of Halkidiki, this Greek trident is the highlight of all of Greece. It is here that tourists from all over the world flock to see with their own eyes the splendor of local nature, the amazing Greek beaches washed by, and get unforgettable impressions from visiting local attractions.

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Halkidiki consists of three peninsulas, or as the local population of "three fingers" says:

• Sithonia- a place for a relaxing holiday in cozy hotels, with beautiful, incomparable nature.
• Cassandra- it is in this place that all the entertainment establishments of the peninsula are located, as well as many shops, markets, souvenir shops and various entertainments.
• Agios Oros- almost all local attractions are located here. It is here, on Mount Athos, that you will find the world-famous Greek monasteries.

And now let's plunge into the atmosphere of this wonderful peninsula, and take a closer look at it.

History of Halkidiki

There is an ancient myth about the appearance of this peninsula. The giant Athos, angry, threw a huge stone into the sea, and he, splitting, formed three "fingers" of the peninsula - the mountain range of Athos, Kassandra, named after the king, and Sithonia.

There is also a legend associated with Cassandra. Allegedly, Athena herself, fighting with the giants, threw a stone at them, which covered one of them - Engelados. And for many centuries, Engelados has been trying to free himself from under the stone that crushed him, causing local earthquakes.

There is another myth that tells about the history of the appearance of Halkidiki. The titans Athos and Siton quarreled among themselves because of the charming mermaid Palini. Poseidon, angry at the titans, threw his trident at them - and three “fingers” appeared on this peninsula.

There is still a great many myths and legends, to which the Greeks are great hunters, but let's talk about the sights of this extraordinary peninsula.

Attractions of the peninsula of Halkidiki

• Cave of Petralona

This one of the largest and extraordinarily beautiful limestone caves. It is located on Mount Katsika, 260 meters above sea level.

In the distant 50s of the 19th century, a resident of a local village explored Mount Katsika in search of a source of water and accidentally stumbled upon a deep crevice inside. Having descended into it, the man and his comrades, whom he called for help, were surprised to find a very beautiful and large room - everywhere there was a bizarre pattern formed from stalactites and stalagmites.

When this place began to be explored, many bones and skulls belonging to people and animals were found - all of them had lain in this cave for hundreds of thousands of years. Now everything discovered is exhibited in the windows of the cave, as proof of the theory of the development of life on Earth. The size of this unique cave is more than 2 thousand kilometers. The temperature here, as it should be underground, does not rise above 17 degrees. If you are going here on an excursion, do not forget about warm clothes.

• Monasteries of Meteora

Halkidiki is a truly phenomenal phenomenon. "Meteora" is translated from Greek as "soaring in the air." And in fact, looking at these unique buildings, an illusion is created that they are hovering in the sky.

Meteors are vertical mass of rocks located perpendicular to each other, and on their tops one can see white-stone monasteries under red roofs. These monasteries were erected by ascetic monks in the 14th century. It is even difficult to imagine how much work and time this construction cost them.

To date, only 6 monasteries out of 24 have survived. Only four of them have the status of a monastery, 2 more work as museums. The most majestic, the Transfiguration Monastery, is located at an altitude of 620 m above sea level. It was and is the most prosperous monastery of those present - the emperor of Serbia invested all his funds in it, who decided to change the rank of emperor to a monastic one.

When visiting these places, you must follow a kind of dress code: no bare shoulders and legs. If for some reason you could not dress properly, then for a symbolic sum of 2 euros, the necessary clothes will be provided to you.

• Mount Olympus

Who hasn't heard of Olympus? Absolutely all ancient Greek legends, one way or another, are associated with this place. In Halkidiki you can see this legendary mountain with your own eyes.

Mount Olympus is the highest point in the northeast. The top of Olympus consists of 6 peaks, the highest of which is 2920 m, and the lowest is 2800 m. Around the snow-capped peaks is Muses Plateau, and a little lower - magnificent in their beauty, alpine meadows.

On the ascent to the heights of Mount Olympus, you can find ancient monasteries built in the XIV century. This confirms the ancient legends about the eternal desire of man to be closer to the gods.

Nowadays, Olympus and its environs have been declared a national park in order to preserve the local flora and fauna.

• Fortress of Platamonas

At the foot of Mount Olympus, on the sea coast, there is a village with the same name Platamonas. Not far from it, there is another attraction - the fortress of Platamonas.

The fortress was erected in the 13th century by order of Tsar Boniface. Initially, it belonged to the ancient city of Heraclius and had a very important strategic and defensive value. Inside the fortress, you can now find the ruins of houses and churches, as well as a still functioning church.

This historical monument is a clear and striking example of Byzantine architecture, attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world.

• Afytos Chalkidiki

Afytos is a very popular resort village located on the steep, high bank of Kassandra. The locals call Afytos "the stone balcony of Kassandra" because of its location and the beautiful view of the peninsula of Sithonia and Toroneos bay from here.

Afitos differs from all other villages and towns of Halkidiki with its architecture. All buildings here are made of local porous stone. Getting to Afytos, one gets the impression that you found yourself somewhere in the 18th century - the old stone houses, narrow streets and the special atmosphere of Afytos will not leave any visitor indifferent.

• Thermal source

Of course, if you are already in Greece, it would be a mistake not to visit the local thermal springs. There are more than 20 of them here. There is also a spring in Halkidiki. It is located in the province of Almopia, near the village of Loutraki and is called "Resort Loutra Pozar". Here you will find spas renowned for their healing massages and rejuvenating treatments.

• Peninsula Kassandra

Kassandra, as mentioned above, is one of the "fingers" of Halkidiki. This peninsula will simply enchant you with its unearthly beauty - the purest air, magnificent natural scenery and many local attractions make this peninsula a must-see place on the map of every tourist.

Of course, there is a story here too. For example, the peninsula is named after the king, whose father-in-law was the notorious Alexander the Great. Each of the churches, of which there are many, is associated with the names of the ancient Greek gods: the temple of Poseidon, the temple of Zeus-Amon, the sanctuary of Dionysus and many others.

Arriving in Halkidiki, do not forget to look at the magnificence of this peninsula.

• Mount Athos

Unlike the abode of the gods - Olympus, is the abode of monks. This mountain is considered the place of the earthly residence of the Mother of God. There are many beliefs and legends about this, which you can learn by arriving here on an excursion.

At an altitude of over 2200 m above sea level, there are 20 monasteries from the time of Byzantine culture. Many pilgrims from all over the world flock here every year, including royalty and famous personalities - all of them are men. For women, the entrance to the monasteries is closed, but it is quite possible for the fair sex to admire the local picturesque nature, Byzantine architecture and feel the atmosphere of the local holiness.

• The ancient city of Ouranoupolis

One of the oldest cities in Greece- It was founded in 315 BC. e., the philosopher Alexarchus. His goal was to gather here a lot of people who speak different languages ​​and equalize rights for everyone. Unfortunately, Alexarch's idea failed miserably, but there are many legends about this that will be told here with great pleasure.

Today, Ouranoupolis is a cozy resort town with beautiful beaches, a special climate and a variety of leisure activities. Thanks to its landscapes, ancient history and wonderful climate, many tourists from all over the world flock here.

• Porto Carras. Winery

From ancient times Halkidiki was home to vineyards and winemakers. 400 hectares of Halkidiki are covered with wonderful vineyards, giving a rich harvest. Here grow the best grape varieties for delicious red and white wines. Many of the wines of this plant are known all over the world and are highly valued by connoisseurs.

Arriving here, you can see with your own eyes the local production and taste the wines you like.

Today we discussed the most significant sights of this magnificent peninsula, present on the map of every Russian tourist. But when you arrive here, you will see that there are many more of them - many more temples and churches, objects of ancient architecture and picturesque views are waiting for you in Halkidiki!

Halkidiki on the map of Greece

Detailed map of Chalkidiki

Halkidiki Map

Halkidiki is a peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Aegean Sea, in northern Greece, in the administrative region of Central Macedonia. The peninsula juts out into the sea for 120 kilometers.

The map of Halkidiki draws the peninsula in the shape of a trident. The Greeks themselves call "teeth" - "fingers". The three "fingers" of Chalkidiki are the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos (Agion Oros). The surface of the peninsula is an elevated plain with peaks reaching a height of up to 2033 meters (Mount Athos). The length of the coastline is about 500 kilometers. The capital of the peninsula is the city of Poliyiros.

Kassandra is closer than other Halkidiki peninsulas to the northern capital of Greece, Thessaloniki. It is separated from the mainland of the peninsula by the Potidea Canal, which passes through the narrowest part of the isthmus and connects the Thermaic Gulf with the Gulf of Kassandra.

The middle "finger" - the peninsula of Sithonia - is washed by the waters of the Toroneos and Siengitiko bays. The coast of Sithonia is indented by picturesque bays.

The Athos peninsula has a length of 60 kilometers, and its width in different parts varies from 8 to 12 kilometers. Mount Athos rises in the southeastern part of the peninsula (2033 meters).

Halkidiki Map with attractions located in the map tab, in the places section. This service will help you navigate the terrain while traveling.

On each of the peninsulas there are many small picturesque towns and villages and resorts. A detailed map of Halkidiki will introduce you to the main resorts and ancient cities with a rich history.

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Sunny Greece is famous for its amazing and memorable resort areas. One of these areas is the Halkidiki peninsula. On the map of Greece, it looks rather unusual: like three fingers, or as the Greeks themselves call "legs", stretch out into the Aegean Sea for 120 kilometers. In fact, these are three thin elongated peninsulas - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos (Aion-Oros).

It is interesting that: the names of the peninsulas that form the "fingers" are associated with ancient myths.

So, for example, the Athos peninsula was formed as a result of a long battle between mighty giants and numerous gods of Olympus. As you know, Halkidiki was the birthplace of giants. And they fought the war with the gods of Olympus from here, throwing huge stones at each other. And one such stone, thrown by the giant Athos, fell into the sea, forming a mountain "finger" - Athos.
And the peninsula of Sithonia is named after the son of Poseidon - Siton.
On the third peninsula, the “finger”, named after King Cassander, who formed Thessaloniki, according to legend, under a stone thrown by Athena, there is a giant Engelados, who still does not leave attempts to get out of the trap, creating earthquakes.

Greece Halkidiki - where is it on the map

The peninsula itself is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea in the northeast of modern Greece and is the main part of the province of Chalkidiki. It is immersed in greenery even at the peak of the summer heat, has the cleanest beaches, with a total length of about 550 kilometers, many of which are marked with a "blue flag", and by popular recognition is considered the pearl of Greece.

Story

The first settlements on the peninsula appeared around the 6th century BC. These were the Thracians and Pelasgians, who settled in Olynthes, Acanthus and Stagira.
And the first mentions of Halkidiki are found in the descriptions of the Persian wars, at the end of which the major cities of the peninsula began to be part of the Athenian Union.

The dawn of the peninsula and the emergence of new cities such as Thessaloniki, Kassandria, Ouranoupolis and Antigonia falls on 348 BC, when Halkidiki became part of the Macedonian kingdom.
In 168 BC. The peninsula, along with Macedonia, was captured by the Romans. And after the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantine) in 395, Greece, together with its capital in Constantinople, became part of the Eastern (Byzantine) Roman Empire. The Byzantines at that time built many temples and monasteries, as well as defensive structures, but even this did not help. In 1430, the peninsula passed to the Turks.
At the beginning of the 20th century, local residents entered the struggle for the freedom of Greece, and in 1912 Halkidiki was liberated from the Turks and became part of the Greek province of Macedonia.
And now the peninsula is the most popular resort for numerous tourists.

Climate

Due to the fact that the mountains reliably shelter Halkidiki from the winds, it is dry and hot here in summer. The climate of the peninsula is subtropical. The air temperature in the summer season averages +28°С, sometimes it can reach +33°С, and the water in the sea warms up to +25°С…+27°С.
The tourist season lasts from May to mid-October. Precipitation is not numerous, but still sometimes dilute sunny and dry days. In winter they fall out much more often. This time is usually used by lovers of historical excursions to explore the many ruins left from buildings of various eras.

Attractions

Each of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki has its own unique places, man-made and natural creations, heritage of history.
The main attractions of Halkidiki are:

- the cave of Petralona, ​​with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, where the remains of the presence of the first people living in Greece were found;
- the sacred Mount Athos with many temples and monasteries, where, alas, not everyone can get: the passage is closed for women.
- Monasteries of Meteora, which are located on the tops of giant rocks, bizarrely shaped, hanging over the city of Kalambaka.
- The ancient traditional Greek village of Afytos.
- Ruins of the ancient city of Toroni
- Ancient Stagira - the birthplace of Aristotle.
- Vineyards of Porto Carras
- Spa resort Loutra Pozar.

And there are many other wonderful places to visit in Halkidiki.

How to get there

There is no airport on the peninsula itself. Therefore, you will have to fly by plane to Thessaloniki, and from there take a bus or taxi to Halkidiki. The distance between Thessaloniki and the cities and regions of the peninsula is 60-150 km. By bus, the journey time, depending on the chosen region, will be one and a half to three and a half hours. But for the price, this is the cheapest option. A taxi will cost more, while the time will be a little faster - only two and a half hours on the farthest route.

Halkidiki is a truly amazing place, visiting which you will fall in love with it forever.

One of the most unusual in form and mysterious in origin, the peninsula of Halkidiki is a real pearl of resort Greece. The port jutting into the Aegean Sea is divided into 3 “fingers”, each of which is a wonderful corner of the paradise tropics, with amazing beaches, cozy bays and healing air, saturated with the aroma of pine needles. The names of the "fingers" are associated with ancient Greek mythology, which tells of giant heroes waging a long-term war with the gods of Mount Olympus. Huge stones served as a tool for them, which subsequently formed three ledges. Let's talk about the most popular attractions of Halkidiki.

A stone thrown by the giant Athos and fallen into the sea formed the Athos mountain range. The second stone, which formed another ledge - "finger", was called Sithonia; and the third received the name of King Cassander. The legend of earthquakes is connected with the latter - the goddess Athena, fighting with the giants, threw a stone that covered one of the giants of Engelados. For many centuries, he has been trying to free himself from the stone, causing earthquakes with his powerful movements.

Whoever visits Halkidiki for the first time, sees the local beauties and feels the beneficial effects of the surrounding ecology, will readily believe in the divine origin of these places. All year round in Halkidiki you can have a great rest, combining staying on the beach and swimming in the azure waters with exploring unique sights , of which there are many.

Despite the huge difference in the territories of Greece and China, Greece is the second country after China in terms of the number of limestone caves. One of the largest and most amazing in beauty is the Petralona Cave, located on the slope of Mount Katsika, 270 meters above sea level, not far from the village of the same name. It was opened in 1959 by one of the villagers, who explored the mountain for a source of water and stumbled upon a deep crevice.

When the risky young people, who expressed a desire to go down into it, found themselves in a spacious dungeon, they were shocked by the peculiar beauty of the cave. Bizarre formations of stalactites and stalagmites, intertwined in fantastic patterns, created a special, uniquely beautiful natural design. Since that time, a serious examination of the unique dungeon began, as a result of which the bones and skulls of people and animals that lived in these places hundreds of thousands of years ago were discovered.

Now all these exhibits are exhibited in the showcases of the cave, being irrefutable proof of many scientific theories about the development of life on Earth. The dimensions of the cave are impressive: if you add together the length of all its halls and corridors, you get at least 2 thousand km. An excursion through the mysterious cave labyrinths is a journey into the world of beauty and mystery. Before descending into the cave, you need to remember that this is a dungeon where the temperature is not summer (17 degrees), and you should dress warmly.

It is very interesting to visit the Anthropological Museum, located nearby: its expositions are a visual aid for studying human life.

In the popular tourist region of Greece - Thessaly, there are phenomenal mountain cliffs, located in a vertical bulk above the city of Kalambaka. Their almost absolute perpendicularity is surprising, but even more striking is the presence on the tops of these rocks of monasteries erected by ascetic monks in the 14th century. It remains only to guess how much effort it took to build Meteora monasteries in such hard-to-reach places.

"Meteora" in translation from Greek sounds like "soaring in the air." Indeed, one gets the impression that white-stone buildings under red roofs are hovering in the heavenly heights. Of the 24 monasteries, only 6 have survived, one of which is female, now only 4 have preserved their monastic status, the rest have become original museums. Due to the influx of tourists, many monks left their habitats so as not to tempt themselves with worldly fuss.

Now a steep paved road leads to the foot of the holy objects, which is quite extreme to drive on. But the opportunity to plunge into the monastic life, to understand and feel the spirit of the people who created such a miracle under heaven, is worth it. The Transfiguration Monastery - the most majestic and grandiose - is located in a valley located at an altitude of 623 m above sea level. It was founded in the 14th century.

Athanasius and began to prosper, thanks to the funds invested in him by the emperor of Serbia Uros, who decided to change the rank of ruler to a monastic and donate his treasures to the development of the Great Meteor (another name for the monastery). The entrance to the monasteries has its own requirements: you can’t bare your shoulders and legs here. Long skirts and trousers are provided to tourists by the services of the monastery. There is something to see here: ancient books, manuscripts, manuscripts, household items made by monks - everything that takes modern people into the distant past.

A cozy resort town, located on Cape Aion Oros, is shrouded in numerous legends. The gentle waters of the Aegean Sea, washing the city, beautiful beaches, comfortable climate attract thousands of tourists here. It is no coincidence that the city was founded here in prehistoric times (315 BC). Only in such a blessed place, according to its founder, the philosopher Alexarchus, could multilingual people live, absolutely equal in rights.

An attempt to unite in Ouranopolis (“the city of heaven”) inhabitants speaking different languages ​​was unsuccessful, but the legend about this remained. Probably, it is impossible to reliably state that the current resort of Ouranoupolis is the place where they tried to create a new type of linguistic statehood. But the name stuck, the city developed, thanks to the proximity of the monastic republic to the city of Athos. It has all the conditions for a wonderful relaxing family holiday, providing for various types of beach and cultural activities.

If Mount Olympus is the abode of the gods, then Mount Athos is a world-famous monastic republic, a stronghold of world Orthodoxy, uniting under the shadow of holiness male monks from different countries of the world. 20 monasteries, located at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level, are located on the peninsula of the same name among the fertile subtropical nature. For 15 centuries, Byzantine culture and the highest spirituality have been preserved here, attracting millions of pilgrims here, including great, famous personalities, male royals (for women it is a taboo).

Mount Athos is considered the abode of the earthly residence of the Mother of God, which is associated with many beliefs and legends that tell how this place was chosen by the Holy Virgin. Here, it seems, the very air is saturated with the purity of holiness, Orthodox prayers and the sinlessness of thoughts. It is no coincidence that famous movie and pop stars come here to feel this atmosphere of holy purity. The monastic republic lives according to the Charter, established in 1924, according to which all monasteries are under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The western "finger" of Halkidiki - Kassandra bears the name of the king, whose father-in-law was the famous Alexander the Great. Active life began here in the 4th century BC, as evidenced by the results of archaeological excavations. Truly heavenly nature, the proximity of the sea, the cleanest air, the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscapes attracted the first settlers here, who happily settled in the enchanting area.

Here, in relic caves, drawings on the rocks were found, indicating the presence of primitive people on Kassandra. The archaeological complex-museum "Olinth" presents exhibits illustrating the antiquities of Kassandra. A fascinating journey can be made through the churches of Kassandra, each of which is associated with the names of the ancient Greek gods and holy righteous: the temple of Zeus-Amon and Poseidon, the Sanctuary of Dionysus, the Acropolis of Antigone, the church of St. Dmitry and other religious sites.

Modern Kassandra is a territory of resort towns and villages, with a well-developed network of hotels, beach infrastructure, a comfortable climate and uniquely beautiful views. Among them, Neo Moudania, Nea Potidea, Kallithea, Pefkohori, Afytos are very popular. Healing sea air, clean beaches, amazing landscapes of the peninsula make it the most attractive place for recreation and tourism.

The nature of Halkidiki is immensely generous and rich, it endowed the inhabitants with real treasures, one of which is the natural spa resort of Loutra Pozar. It is located in a cozy place, under the reliable protection of two mountain peaks, blocking the path of cold winds. You need to come here for health: hot thermal springs, mountain air infused with the aromas of mountain herbs, the calm serenity of nature, natural products, without exaggeration, will cure many diseases.

Bathing water has a beneficial effect on the improvement of the respiratory, nervous and circulatory systems, bones and joints, and skin. Drinking water helps in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, dissolves excess salts in the body, improves kidney function. You can take water procedures here all year round. In Loutra Pozare there are many cozy hotels, apartments with relatively low prices. Staying at this resort will give you the maximum pleasure from water treatment, from walking through amazingly picturesque mountain landscapes, hospitality of local residents and delicious local cuisine from the freshest natural products.

If you want to visit ancient Hellas in reality, you need to go to the traditional Greek village of Afytos (earlier name Afitis). Here you can see rare historical monuments of the Neolithic era. In ancient times, Afitis was an independent settlement that had its own currency, which is confirmed by the excavations of the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Locals called Afytos "stone balcony" for its location on a steep rocky slope that cuts into the Aegean Sea.

Already sailing to the village from the side of the bay, you can once and for all be fascinated by the fantastic view of the original white stone houses, immersed in emerald tropical greenery, interspersed with bright spots of flower beds and lawns; white sand beaches and blue shores. For those who are tired of the frantic rhythms of city life, here is a real Eden, where calmness and the magical beauty of nature coexist.

Fans of antiquities can see the ruins of the temple of Zeus, the sanctuary of Dionysus, the ancient city of the Neolithic era. The main modern attractions of Afytos are the Church of St. Dmitry, the Ethnographic Museum, the House of the Artist Paraly, the Katsanis mansion and other interesting objects.

Chalkidiki has long been the birthplace of vineyards and olive plantations, which is told by ancient manuscripts that mention the names of the first winegrowers and winemakers. On the slopes of Mount Meliton, they grew grapes and produced wine. In the 60s of the last century, Janis Karras decided to revive the ancient traditions, and soon the wild vegetation gave way to vineyards.

Now the entire western slope of Meliton up to the Gulf of Toroney is covered with the richest vineyards (400 hectares) of the best wine varieties of white and red grapes. Karras winery produces branded wines under the brand name "Slopes of Meliton", the taste of which is highly appreciated by wine connoisseurs around the world.

The famous mountain, or rather, the mountain range, is the highest point in the northeastern part of Greece. Olympus is familiar to everyone since childhood as the abode of the all-powerful ancient Greek gods, who have chosen for themselves an inaccessible place under the clouds. How many myths have been built about their life, how many plots have been invented for movies and cartoons about the amazing, mysterious Olympus!

The top of the mountain consists of 6 high peaks that have their own name: Mitikas (the highest - 2917 m), Skolio, Stephanie, Skala, Agios Antonios, Profitas Ilias (Ilya the Prophet - the lowest - 2803 m). Surrounded by the mythical snow-capped peaks of the Plateau of Muses and beautiful alpine meadows located just below. According to legend, people from ancient times tried to climb Mount Olympus in order to be closer to the gods, although mere mortals were strictly forbidden to enter there. The doorkeepers of the ora (goddesses of the seasons) vigilantly guarded the approaches to the mountain.