Central Macedonia
Regions of Greece : Central Macedonia
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Macedonia |
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Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Chalkidiki - Halkidiki |
Prefecture of Thessaloniki
The famous prefecture of Thessaloniki pulses with multifarious interesting elements, such as archaeological and historical monuments, amazing natural sites and settlements, hospitable inhabitants with unique mentality and an enviable lifestyle that shall definitely impress you.
The prefecture of Thessaloniki, which belongs to the greater geographical district of Central Macedonia, borders with the prefectures of Kilkis and Serres on the north and northeastern side, the prefectures of Emathia and Pella on the western side, Halkidiki on the south and southeastern side, while on the south there is the Thermaikos Gulf and on the east there is the Strymonikos Gulf. The prefecture of Thessaloniki has approximately 950.000 inhabitants.
The town of Thessaloniki, the capital of the prefecture, is the second largest town and the co-capital of Greece. Gifted by history and nature and being a modern and organized town at the same time, at Thessaloniki you will find everything that you may need, from archaeological findings, to holiday resorts and innumerable entertainment centers of every kind. The imposing tower Lefkos Pyrgos at the waterfront of Thermaikos Gulf, the magnificent church of Agios Dimitrios, the round old sanctuary Rotonda, the historical quarters Ladadika, which was converted in an entertainment complex, are only few of the most interesting sightseeing of this very promising town.
All over the prefecture, apart from the renowned town of Thessaloniki, you will also find numerous superb resorts. Panorama, skirmished on the slopes of the mountain Hortiatis, is an incredible settlement with beautiful villas, lush verdure and unique view. Perea, a coastal summer resort, Stavros, a coastal idyllic village with sycamore trees, running waters and amazing view, Agia Triada, one of the most organized tourist resorts, the much frequented coastal settlement Asprovalta etc. are ideal destinations for your holidays.
Thessaloniki has international airport. There are direct regular and charter flights from majority capitals of Europe and Russia
If you are interested in visiting the prefecture of Thessaloniki, you can travel also from Athens by airplane and by bus, from Piraeus by boat and from Athens and Piraeus by train. From Thessaloniki you can also visit by airplane the Dodecanese Islands, the Ionian Islands, Epirus, Crete, N.E. Aegean Islands and Cyclades. By bus you can visit Attica, the Ionian Islands, Evia, Crete, Epirus, Thessalia, Thraki, Peloponnese and Macedonia. By train you can visit Thraki, Macedonia, Thessalia, Central Greece and Attica. By boat you can visit the N.E. Aegean Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, the Sporades Islands and the Cyclades Islands.
Prefecture of Chalkidiki (Halkidiki)
The region of Halkidiki (Chalkidiki) is situated in Northern Greece, southeast of Thessaloniki. Halkidiki is a majestic place that attracts thousands of visitors every year, due to its splendid features. Throughout the region there is a great amount of natural beauty; indeed it is one of the most verdant areas in Greece, while it also possesses many springs, lakes and coves. Halkidiki's main attractions, though, are its stunning beaches, some of which practically flow into lush green forests. Halkidiki villages are very picturesque and have an intense traditional character, whether they are on rolling hillsides or by the seaside. Sightseeing in Halkidiki Greece is abundant, with impressive archaeological, historical and religious sites at every turn.
Poligiros, the capital town of Halkidiki (Chalkidiki), is located on the mainland section of the region, built amphitheatrically on the side of Mt. Profitis Elias and offers visitors a fascinating view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. Halkidiki�s most popular area is the �Trident� (otherwise known as �the three feet�), which is comprised of Kassandra in the west, Sithonia in the center and Mt. Athos (Agio Oros) in the east.
Kassandra
Kassandra, the western peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece is perhaps the most frequented of the three peninsulas because of its close proximity to Thessaloniki. It has an extremely well-developed tourism infrastructure, including many hotels,as well as a plethora of dining and nightlife venues catering to all types of visitors. Kassandra boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in Halkidiki, as most of them combine sea and forest.
Sithonia
Sithonia, the central peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece is well-known mainly for its breathtaking natural beauty. In Sithonia, you will have the opportunity to stroll along magnificent sandy beaches and charming coves, among stunning landscapes and through picturesque villages. While having managed to retain many of its traditional features, the area also offers a wide variety of entertainment venues, a great number of Halkidiki hotels.
Mt. Athos (Agio Oros)
Mt. Athos (Agio Oros), the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece is one of the most unique areas in Greece. It is the spiritual center of the Orthodox religion and an autonomous region of Greece. The unprecedented spiritual aura and serene atmosphere are absolutely wonderful. Surrounding the monasteries are forests of evergreen trees that add to the rejuvenating and inspiring vibes. At the entrance of Mt. Athos are the seaside resorts of Tripiti and Ouranoupolis, where visitors can find a good selection of Halkidiki hotels, a variety of bars, clubs, tavernas and restaurants, and lovely beaches.
Halkidiki Beaches
The 3 peninsulas of Halkidiki (Chalkidiki) are packed with wonderful beaches that cater to all types of visitors, from those who want to lie on soft golden sands soaking up the sun's rays to those who want to participate in beach and water sports. Whatever your preference, you will certainly find your dream beach in Halkidiki Greece.
The Peninsula of Kassandra, Halkidiki Greece is famous for its beautiful stretches of sand, trimmed with evergreen trees that reach the beaches from the lush hills. At the entrance of Kassandra are the beaches of Nea Moudania and Nea Potidea, which are fully organized and are popular with both residents of Thessaloniki and tourists. Along the eastern coast of Kassandra are the lovely beaches of Afitos, Pigadakia, Polychrono, Hanioti and Pefkohori (Pefkochori), all of which are sandy and have turquoise waters. At the southern tip of Kassandra you will come across the beaches of Chryssi Ammos, Xyna and Agios Georgios. The western coast of Kassandra offers the medicinal springs of Agia Paraskevi, the sandy beach of Nea Skioni, the superb pebbly beach of Possidi, as well as the sandy beaches of Fourka, Siviri and Sani. Most Kassandra, Halkidiki Beaches are suitable for families, as they have relatively shallow waters and offer shade.
Sithonia Peninsula is an ideal destination for beach lovers. At the entrance of Sithonia Halkidiki Greece are the long beaches of Nikiti, Kortessa and Lagada, settled beneath a lush hillside. Along the western coast you will come across the quaint coves of Agios Ioannis, Kalogria, Spathies and Elia. Further south is the seaside resort of Neos Marmaras and its beaches, as well as the beaches of Diaporti and Azapiko. The sheltered beach of Porto Koufo is ideal for relaxation. The southeastern coast offers the breathtaking beaches of Kalamitsi, Sykia, Kriaritsi and Klimataria. Kavourotripes Beach, the most celebrated beach in Halkidiki, is located on the western side of Sithonia, just below the stunning beaches of Sarti, Platanitsi and Achlada, which are well-organized. Armenistis Beach is especially lovely with its pine forest, while Vourvourou Beach offers shallow, calm waters, ideal for small children.
Mt. Athos has a limited number of beaches where visitors can swim and sunbathe. However, those that are available to swimmers are splendid. The beaches in Tripiti are absolutely wonderful and fully-organized, as are the beaches surrounding Ouranoupolis. At the entrance of the Mt. Athos Peninsula, are the beautiful beaches of Alexandros, Philippos, Xyropotamos, Komitsa, Iviritiko and Tzafa. You can also visit the small island of Ammouliani, located opposite Ouranoupolis, which has crystal-clear waters and white sands.
Halkidiki Sights & Attractions
Throughout the region there are impressive archaeological, historical and natural sights that are a must for visitors during their holidays in Halkidiki (Chalkidiki) Greece. There are many interesting places to visit and things to do in Halkidiki, Greece. Simply equip yourself with a map of Halkidiki and start your unforgettable tour of the area.
In Kassandra, Halkidiki, you can start off at the Potidea Canal and the Potidea Castle ruins and continue to Nea Fokea to visit the Tower and Church of St. Paul and the Wild Life Reserve. The village of Afitos is an area of great historical importance, possessing excellent sights, such as the Ancient Site of Afitios, the Ancient Quarries, several beautiful churches, and the idyllic Springs of Moudounou and Vrysitsa. In Pefkohori, Halkidiki, you have the opportunity to visit the Glarokavos Sea Lake. In Possidi, you can admire the Sanctuary of Poseidon. Kallithea village possesses the Sanctuary of Amon Zeus, Kalandra is host to the Ancient Site of Mendi and Sani has the Byzantine Tower of Stavronikitas.
In the peninsula of Sithonia, Halkidiki we recommend beginning with a visit to Nikiti for a stroll in the old part of the town and to the Paleo-Christian Basilica. Next stop, Neos Marmaras, to visit the 9 th century settlement of Parthenonas, from where you can climb to the pine area of "Psaria" or catch a tour boat to Kelyfos Island to see its Roman ruins. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Xiropotamos Monastery in Sarti, the Ancient Temple in Sykia, and the Castle in Toroni.
The main attractions of the Mt. Athos peninsula, Halkidiki are the exquisite monasteries, which are considered very significant monuments of the Orthodox faith and have great historical value. Only men can visit the monasteries, although everyone can admire them from the ferries which depart from Ouranoupolis and Ierissos and go on scheduled tours around the peninsula. Apart from the monasteries, we suggest visiting the Ancient Site of Akanthou and the Byzantine Tower in Ierissos, as well as the Xerxis Canal and Ancient Sani near Nea Roda Town. In Ouranoupolis, make a stop at the Christianity Museum, the Frangokastro and the Tower of Prosforios.
Halkidiki Weather - Halkidiki Climate
The climate in Halikdiki is rather similar to the rest of Greece, with hot and sunny summers and relatively mild winters. Rainfall in Halkidiki Greece is fairly infrequent, even during the fall and winter, making it a wonderful holiday destination all year round. In a few mountainous regions, temperatures in Halkidiki may fall below zero, but generally speaking, weather conditions in Halkidiki, Greece are fair.
From January to March, the average temperature in Halkidiki ranges from 5�C to 16�C. The weather in Halkidiki gradually warms up, and in April temperatures climb from the low-mid teens to approximately 20�C. Halkidiki weather conditions improve starting from May, when temperatures
Flights, Ferries Trains and Buses to Halkidiki
Getting to Halkidiki is quite easy, as there are buses that depart frequently from Athens and Thessaloniki for Halkidiki. Visitors can reach Halkidiki by airplane, ferry boat or train from Athens via Thessaloniki and then by bus to their final destination. There are daily flights and ferry trips to Thessaloniki, from where you can catch a bus to Kassandra, Sithonia or Mt. Athos.
Prefecture of Kilkis
Capital: Kilkis Population: 89.056 (cencus 2001) Distance from Athens: 544 km.
Also the mainer regions are: Goumenissa, Kilkis, Polikastro.
The prefecture of Kilkis, has small tourist movement but it is offered for excursions from Thessaloniki and it is ideal for those who want a quiet and beautiful region for vacations. It allocates also, beautiful landscapes with rivers and lakes. The fishing lovers have particular reason to come here and visit the rivers and lakes. Important sights are the Cavern in the hill of Ai-Giorgi near in Kilkis, the ancient Evropos in Goumenissa and the lake in Drosato. The capital Kilkis is an important commercial and agricultural centre while it worth visit the archaeological and martial museum, with discoveries from the prefecture and memories from Kilkis battle on 19-22 June 1913.
The city of Kilkis, apart from commercial and agricultural centre has also very important transport centre of region. Near Kilkis, it was discovered the cemetery of Precocious Season of Iron. When you come here you can visit the two-storied cavern of Ai-Giorgi, the church of Agios Georgios, the small grove of Xirovrisi, the village Metaliko, with sources of metallic water.
Goumenissa is a graphic town, eminent for the wine and the raki. You should visit, the ancient Evropos, which has an important and impressive discovery, the famous kouro. Do not lose also, the monastery of Virgin Mary of Goumenissas, the temple of Agios Georgios and finally the graphic old village Kastaneri.
Polikastro is a town that abstains roughly 30 km from Kilkis. You should visit the ruins of castle in the Old women castle and the cemetery of settlement of Precocious Season of metal that was found in the hill of women castle.
Regions of Greece: Attica, West Peloponnese, East Peloponnese, Crete Island, Ionian Islands, Cyclades Islands, Saronic Gulf Islands, Dodecanese Islands, Evia, Sporades Islands, Sterea Hellas, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, East Macedonia, West Macedonia, East Aegean Islands, Thrace.
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