Afitos is one of the oldest villages in Kassandra peninsula, with long history. Built on a cliff, it offers a wonderful view to Toroneos gulf and looks like an Agean island. Afitos is a picturesque village, full of cobblestone streets, traditional houses built from limestone and colorful flowers. In Afitos you can find excellent taverns and bars (some with great view), and taste delicious traditional recipes and drinks.In the traditional settlement of Afitos the most distinctive houses...

Afitos is one of the oldest villages in Kassandra peninsula, with long history. Built on a cliff, it offers a wonderful view to Toroneos gulf and looks like an Agean island. Afitos is a picturesque village, full of cobblestone streets, traditional houses built from limestone and colorful flowers. In Afitos you can find excellent taverns and bars (some with great view), and taste delicious traditional recipes and drinks.

In the traditional settlement of Afitos the most distinctive houses are Galani, Katsani and Papavasileiou. In the central square of the village stands Agios Dimitrios church with the dome, build from limestone in 1858. Near the church the folklore museum is located, in Aletra building. Churches "Agios Georgios" (1867), "Koimisis tis Theotokou" (1885), "Agios Athanasios" and "Agios Nikolaos" (in Liosi) are also worth visiting. Other sights one must visit are Afitos' archaeological area, ancient quarries, Vrisitsa and Moudounou springs. The ancient quarry is located on the eastern side of the settlement, where you can see the intersections on the rocks for exporting large rectangular volumes.

Afitos is well known for its sandy coasts that are discontinued by small sea rocks coming out of the water. The waters are crystal clear and combined with the rocks form a magnificent exotic scenery. The sea also forms some important biotopes for many fish that spawn here. The most known beaches are: Varkes, Liosi, Moudounou, Afitis, Aristotelis, Valopetres, Pounta, Dafni.

History

Afitos traditional settlement has a history that starts from at least 3000 BC. Its name comes from the ancient name "Afitis", which means "full of plants". The cliff on which Afitos was built protected the village from sea intruders. Afitos thrived and minded its own currency during ancient and classic years. Ammon Zeus and Dionysus sanctuary, which today belong to Kallithea area, contributed in spreading Afitos' fame. According to several sources and due to some ancient findings it is believed that Afitos survived until romaic era.

According to Herodotus, during the Persian wars (5th century B.C.) Afitos was forced to aid Xerxis, the king of Persians, by giving him army and ships, like other towns of Halkidiki. But after the battle of Plataea it renegaded from Persians and joined the Athenean league. Due to its alliance with the Athenian league, during the Peloponesean war the village was beleaguered by the Spartans' general, Lysander. According to Pausanias, the siege was over after a dream Lysander had, about Ammon Zeus, Afitos' protector, who was telling him to unfasten the siege. It is considered that Afitos was destroyed in 348 B.C. by the king of Macedonians, Philip II, like many other towns on Halkidiki.

For the next centuries there are no data about Afitos' history. During Greek revolution of 1821 many of its villagers played important roles as fighters and many lost their lives. The citizens who survived were spread to many different areas, like Mount Athos, Skiathos and Skopelos. The stone houses that are saved till today were built during the second half of 19th century and they have a characteristic architecture, with inscriptions and reliefs. Archaeological findings, like pottery and jewels were found in the village 's ancient cemetery, inside sarcophagi.

Hanioti is a small touristically developed village in Kassandra peninsula of Halkidiki. It is only 1 hour away from Thessaloniki, between villages Polichrono and Pefkohori. There are many options for entertainment, like bars, clubs, traditional taverns, restaurants and even mini golf and play areas, such as go cart for kids. In Hanioti 's beach, with clear blue water one can engage in water sports, swim or just lay under a big umbrella listening to the waves. Beaches in Hanioti have...

Hanioti is a small touristically developed village in Kassandra peninsula of Halkidiki. It is only 1 hour away from Thessaloniki, between villages Polichrono and Pefkohori. There are many options for entertainment, like bars, clubs, traditional taverns, restaurants and even mini golf and play areas, such as go cart for kids. In Hanioti 's beach, with clear blue water one can engage in water sports, swim or just lay under a big umbrella listening to the waves. Beaches in Hanioti have something magical, as they combine the blue color of the sea with the green of the tall pine trees. There are also many picturesque parks, sidewalks and local stores one can visit. The central square of the village with the specially formed area for events and the fountain and also the big green incomparably beautiful seaside park are worth visiting.

On the mountain side of Hanioti village there are many hiking trails and routes one can follow inside the forest. Adventure and nature lovers will love this exploration. There is also a paved route towards Skioni village (route Hanioti-Nea Skioni), which is accessible by car.

History

The village was probably founded during the end of 16th century. It was transferred to its today 's position in 1930, after a big earthquake that destroyed it. The village 's name probably comes from its first villager. His origin was from Hania of Crete, so the village took the name "Haniotis". Accordbing to a different version of the story, the name of the village derived from a "hanitzi" (a person who had an inn (like small hotel)) in the area. The inn in Greek is called "hani", so the village was named "Haniotis".

The main church of the village is located near the beach and is dedicated to Saint John the Chrysostom. It was first built by wood, but later it was built by stone and was made bigger.

In the heart of the mountain, somewhere in the middle of Kassandra peninsula, surrounded by tall pine trees, village Kassandrino is located. Although the village is not seaside, it 's worth visiting, due to its picturesque narrow streets, stone built houses and traditional taverns. The vast vegetation of pine, olive and walnut trees that surrounds the village creates a magical atmosphere and generate the refreshing flower scented fresh air you breath. In the village one can visit the...

In the heart of the mountain, somewhere in the middle of Kassandra peninsula, surrounded by tall pine trees, village Kassandrino is located. Although the village is not seaside, it 's worth visiting, due to its picturesque narrow streets, stone built houses and traditional taverns. The vast vegetation of pine, olive and walnut trees that surrounds the village creates a magical atmosphere and generate the refreshing flower scented fresh air you breath.

In the village one can visit the church "Kimisis tis Theotokou", the small church of "Agios Georgios" and the church of Saint Trinity, which was a catavomb and has old wall paintings. The small church of Agios Georgios is 3 km southeast of Kassandrino, in a magical location, full of oak trees. The main local products of Kassandrino village is honey and olive oil.

6 km south of the village Kassandrino "Mola Kaliva" settlement is located. Its name is said to derive from a security guard, some monks had in the area, and whose name was Molas. Molas lived in a small hut (kaliva in greek) and from the phrase "in molas' hut" or "stou mola tin kaliva" derived the name of the settlement "Mola kaliva". Mola kaliva is ideal for those who love tranquility and nature. It is a seafront location full or trees and lust vegetation. There are also many taverns, clubs, bars etc.

Kassandrino history

Kassandrino village was inhabited from ancient and byzantine era. During Greek revolution of 1821 it was completely destroyed by Turks and then, in 1826, villagers started to return and rebuild the village. Only Saint Trinity church and the cemetery survived. The church is believed to have been a catacomb as its roof is low. Just outside the village ancient currency was found and in the road towards "Mola Kaliva" one can find ancient things, like bricks and tiles. The church of the village "Kimisis tis Theotokou" was built in 1950, using carved local stone. As for the small church "Agios Georgios" there is a traditional rumor that after it was built people saw a large tree twig that could break and fall on the church when wind blew. Thus, they decided to remove it to protect the church. The next day the twig was magically turned towards the opposite direction and the church was no longer in danger.

Nea Skioni is a village in Kassandra Halkidiki, with long history. It is located near Fourka and opposite from Hanioti village, on the other side of the peninsula. Nea Skioni is a traditional fishing village, that spreads around a captivating port that overlooks the aegean sea. In this port several fishermen bring their fresh newly caught fish, which are then distributed in the village 's fish taverns. Most residents of Nea Skioni have as main occupation touristic activities. Apart from...

Nea Skioni is a village in Kassandra Halkidiki, with long history. It is located near Fourka and opposite from Hanioti village, on the other side of the peninsula. Nea Skioni is a traditional fishing village, that spreads around a captivating port that overlooks the aegean sea. In this port several fishermen bring their fresh newly caught fish, which are then distributed in the village 's fish taverns. Most residents of Nea Skioni have as main occupation touristic activities.

Apart from walking through the village 's picturesque streets, swimming in the sea or laying in a sunbed, you can also engage in scuba diving or snorkeling and explore the seabed of one of the most important historical places in Kassandra. Another interesting site, worth visiting, is a church called "Panagia Faneromeni" (Virgin Mary), 2 km away from Skioni village, on the seaside road towards "loutra Agias Paraskevis" (Thermal spa of Agia Paraskevi). The church is located in a beautiful place, by the sea and has a very interesting history.

A local festival organized every year in Nea Skioni is called "the feast of anchovies". It takes place in beginning of August and lasts 3 days. During this festival you 'll have the chance to participate in cultural events on the beach, listen to traditional music and taste local traditional wine and fresh fish.

Village History

The old village of Skioni was located in the mountains, above today 's Skioni and was called Tsaprani. Four of the village's churches still survive till today, in the middle of the mountain route Hanioti - Nea Skioni. According to Thoukidides, a famous historian of Ancient Greece, the village of Skioni was first built after the trojan war, by Pellineans of Peloponesse, who made a stop in the area of today 's village to spend the winter. The village became a member of Athenean league, but during Peloponnesean war joined Lakedemonians. This caused the wrath of Athenians, who slaughtered all adult male inhabitants of Skioni. The town was then given to Plataeans.

As recorded by several philological sources and archaeological findings, Skioni survived and flourished during romaic era. It is not clear when it was completely destroyed. The residents of Skioni (Tsaprani village) also took part in Greek revolution of 1821 and some of its great fighters were Ioannis Aggelou, Nikolaos Stergiou, George Anagnostopoulos, Gavriil Ioannou and George Stamatis.

Many residents of Skioni lost their lives when trying to protect their teritory in several wars. Today 's village of Nea Skoni was founded in 1918 by fishermen. The old village Tsaprani was abandoned in 1930.

This route begins from Hanioti seaside village and leads through the mountain to Nea Skioni. It is a beautiful pathway that combines the awe of the vast pine forest with the breathtaking view to the sea and Skioni village. The paved road is accessible by car, but it is not recommended for those who have a fear of heights, unless they have decided to make a step to overcome their fear. The road has many curves and cliffs as you ascent the mountain. Somewhere in the middle of the route, an...

This route begins from Hanioti seaside village and leads through the mountain to Nea Skioni. It is a beautiful pathway that combines the awe of the vast pine forest with the breathtaking view to the sea and Skioni village. The paved road is accessible by car, but it is not recommended for those who have a fear of heights, unless they have decided to make a step to overcome their fear. The road has many curves and cliffs as you ascent the mountain. Somewhere in the middle of the route, an old village, called "Tsaprani", is located. This village was abandoned in 1930, but its 4 churches still survive till today. You can visit them on foot by following some small trails in the sides of the main road. These 4 churches are called: "Agios Athanasios", "Agion Rafail, Nikolaou and Eirinis", "Agias Triadas" (Holy Trinity) and "Agia Anastasia". The route ends when you reach the traditional fishing village of Nea Skioni, with the port.

*Hanioti Nea Skioni route is highly recommended for nature lovers and adventure seekers.