The Wine Route of Halkidiki starts at Agios Pavlos, moves on to the Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos peninsulas and crosses the mountainous areas of Halkidiki, stoping at Arnea, before reaching the sea at the resort of Olimpiada in the east.
The peninsula of Halkidiki lies ahead with its three branches that sink into the Aegean sea, the peninsulas Cassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The vines are cultivated in the central Halkidiki area (Agios Pavlos – Nea Kallikratia), at the middle branch, Sithonia and at the eastern one, Mount Athos. At Agios Pavlos the vineyards are spread in low hills. They abut on the sea which counterpoises with its aura the extreme summer temperatures. The varieties cultivated are Roditis, Sauvignon blanc, Xinomavro and Cabernet Sauvignon which produce the Vins de Pays de Halkidiki: a bright, fruity, vivid white wine and a deep colored, rich and round red.Continuing along their way, visitors should not neglect to visit the Petralona cave, where the skeleton of the most ancient man in Europe was found, the Archantrope, who lived there 700.000 years ago. Visitors will enjoy fresh fish and delicious sea food at the taverns in the nearby sea resorts.
Sithonia, the middle peninsula of Halkidiki, is filled with picturesque small ports, sand beaches, verdurous landscapes and offshore settlements. The vineyards are located at Porto Carras, on the sunny slopes of Mount Meliton. The region’s dry climate and the beneficial moisture of the sea are in favor of producing selected wines. The red, deep colored, velvety tasted wine SLOPES OF MELITON (Appellation of Origin) which is produced through the combination of the Limnio, a variety known at least since the times of Aristotle and the French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc. A white wine of a pleasant freshness SLOPES OF MELITON (Appellation of Origin) is produced by combining three Greek grape varieties: Roditis, Assyrtiko and Athiri.
Visitors will encounter crystal waters, golf and tennis courts, horses for horse riding, mountain bikes, yatchs for sailing and water sports facilities. Worth visiting is Parthenonas, a beautiful mountainous village which was abandoned from its inhabitants during the seventies but is reborn nowadays from the pioneers who have bought and restored its stone houses showing preference to the mountain’s healthy climate, quietness and magnificent view. Then again, at Neos Marmaras, visitors will come across many fish taverns that lie down their carreaux tablecloths on the sand almost reaching the waves, serving deliciously grilled fish and refreshing wine.
At the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki lies Mount Athos. There is a long lasting wine making tradition in almost all the monasteries of Mount Athos. Today, there is a wide variety of grapes cultivated at the vineyard: Roditis, Athiri, Assyrtiko, Limnio, Xinomavro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache rouge. In this blessed land with the mild climate, the efficient sunlight, the mountainous freshness and sea moisture are produced two Vin de Pays Agioritikos, a pleasant fresh white and a fruity rose. The Chromitsa Vineyard by Tsantalis Winery and the Mylopotamos Winery are the wineries – members of the Wine Producers Association.
Further north, in the picturesque town of Arnea, the brand new winery of Claudia Papagianni awaits wine lovers for a tour of the wine making facilities. The route then passes through traditional mountainous villages, makes a stop at ancient Stagira, birthplace of Aristotle and ends at Olimpiada, a beautiful seaside resort.
Along the route, there are countless inns, restaurants, tavernas, local produce and outdoor activities businesses providing top-quality options for demanding travelers. Finally, the tour of Halkidiki is not complete without a visit to the following places of archeological and tourist interest:
– Archeological Museum of Poligiros
– Ancient Stagira
– Toroni Castle
– Arnea
– Rentina Castle
– Ierissos
– Kalithea
– Ouranoupoli
– Visit to the Mount Athos monasteries
– Tour of Mount Athos by boat
Source: www.wineroads.gr
: Visitable Wineries: Remarkable visited sites
A trip to Greece is never complete if you don’t get to know the country’s tradition, festivals, customs, folk and traditional music, if you don’t see its costumes and dances.
The Mount Athos Area (eastern Halkidiki) is a charismatic place.
With 300 whole kilometres of coastline, more than 100 white / sandy beaches, 61 of them classified as premium beaches, 17 blue flags, 7 traditional fishing ports and 3 bays, it is the Mediterranean destination par excellence, ideal (among others) for lovers of sailing and yachting.
What sea proposals does it offer?
Excellent sea routes in the gulf of Mount Athos, around sandy Ammouliani and Mount Athos and from there to Acanthios Bay with its blue beaches and, finally, to the Strymonikos Bay, around the historic hills of ancient Stagira and the enchanting mussel farms of Olympiada!
Sailing
Sailing around Mount Athos is like a “paradise fairytale”! Athonite monasteries, islets, islands, crystal see water, “blue lagoon” areas, dolphins, traditional fishing harbors, green landscapes, fresh sea food, various and authentic human activities….
Live it!
Feel it!
and fill with the Mediterranean aura!
With its magical coasts and particular shape like Poseidon’s trident stretching into the sea, Halkidiki is a holiday destination unlike any other. Ideal for families or friends who want to explore the breathtaking landscape of Mount Athos, visit luxurious resorts and swim in azure waters.
Read more about the tours on the website of Mount Athos Area Organization
Swimming, Diving, Fishing, Exploring
Explore, swim, cruise, fish, and dive!
Yes, you can enjoy the all!
ITINERARIES
Ammouliani-Vourvourou Islands Round Tour
Beach to Beach daily cruises
Departure from Ouranoupolis port
Exploration of the Ouranoupolis reef, refuge to various fish species and a spectacular route rich in underwater flora.
Pass by the most beautiful beaches of Ammouliani island (Drenia islets) and Vourvourou (Diaporos islet)
Stop for a swim and exploration of the sea floor (snorkeling)
Barbeque and Greek music on the return leg of the trip
Sunset cruising/ Night Parties
Breathtaking sunset on Board
Let yourselves bask in the sunset of Ouranoupolis on board with the majestic view of Mt. Athos in the background while you enjoy an afternoon cocktail listening to chill out music.
Tour the gorgeous Drenia islets of Ammouliani, take a picture of yourselves in front of the Ouranoupolis Byzantine Tower.
As the sun vanishes in the sea, the deck lights go down, the underwater lighting switches on, music gets louder and the party has just began.
Do it Yourself
Personal Destination Selection
Personal choice of music, food and drinks
Bachelor/Birthday/Private Parties
Fishing Trips
Special Events
Conference Meetings with catering and multimedia support
Read more about the tours on the website of Mount Athos Area Organization
Dive and discover the hippocampus colony
Enjoy a unique diving experience, exploring the seahorse colony in the magical beach of Stratoni, where the lush Aristotelian Mountain meets the blue of the Aegean Sea!
An experience as unique as the seahorses you will see.
These are unique in terms of appearance and sexual preferences, in their reproduction method and certainly very interesting…
When seahorses flirt, they hide and when in unusual environmental conditions, they change colour.
You will find dozens gathered there, on the beach of Stratoni. You can see them standing up in the sand, as if in a meeting. They gather at depths of 8-12 metres, avoiding shallower waters. You will see them on the golden sea bottom, with fine solid sand and rich underwater flora. Some stand motionless in the sand, letting themselves be drawn by any currents that could help their slow motion even a little. Others cling to clusters of mussels scattered in the area, using their convoluted tail.
A few words about Seahorses (Equus Marinus)
Seahorses belong to the Syngnathiformes order of the Syngnathidae family, in the class of actinopterygii, despite all past unfortunate taxonomic classifications that defined them as amphibians or even insects! Related species include the leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) and pipefish. Their size ranges from 16 mm (Hippocampus denise) up to 35 cm. The distribution of the upper part of their body, which somewhat resembles that of a horse, explains the second part of their name (horse) and thus they are widely known as seahorses. In Greek, they are known as Hippocampi [hippos (=horse) + campi]. The second part of their name refers to the mythological monster Campi, a female black, winged monster, which Saturn had placed in the Underworld to guard the Cyclopes and Hecatonchires.
Habits
Seahorses swim upright, a feature they do not share their close relatives, the pipefish, which swim in a horizontal position. They push their bodies forward with fast vibrations of their dorsal fin (35 per second), and steer it with small pectoral fins, located behind their eyes. They rise or sink by varying the volume of gas in their swim bladders. They usually live in shallow waters, except for the winter months, when they find shelter in rocks at greater depths of up to 30 metres. Their morphology means that they are poor, very slow swimmers and thus they spend the greater part of their day clinging to algae, Posidonia or corals, in protected areas. Some also find shelter in brackish and fresh waters, although freshwater seahorses do not exist. They are always camouflaged well and can instantly change colour and immediately become lost from the sight of their predator, usually big fish, turtles or seabirds.
Feeding
Seahorses do not have a jaw and consequently teeth. Their stomach is primitive; therefore they have developed a special mechanism for the uptake of food. At the base of their snout, there is an organ like a trigger that contracts abruptly and so food is sucked in due to negative pressure. Their eyes, which move independently, covering a wider field of view, also help them in finding food. They eat small crustaceans, plankton, sea lice and in general anything small enough to fit in their snout.
Read more about the tours on the website of Mount Athos Area Organization
Source: Mount Athos Area Organization
At a distance of about 45 minutes from Chalandriani a prehistoric settlement from the later years of the Early Cycladic period II has been discovered covering an area of 3.5 to 5 acres. In this area the excavations brought to light a graveyard with about 600 tombs as well as ruins of inestimable value that indicate that ceramic, stone and metalwork has been developed in the area.
Various vases, jewelry and household items were also found during the excavations in the region indicating that this was a highly developed settlement. The two archaeological sites Chalandriani & Kastri are linked with a long and rough path that is definitely worth the while as it leads into the depths of history.
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
The aquarium in Kini is one of the most popular attractions for both children and adults as it enables visitors to experience the magical marine world of the Aegean Sea and study in depth the marine flora and fauna. The Aquarium boasts an educational character as it invites guests to learn everything there is to know about the sea as well as the sea activities and equipment used in such cases so as to awaken their environmental awareness while giving them the opportunity to explore the natural beauty that surrounds them. Those who choose to visit the Aquarium will also be able to admire the exhibits of traditional boats, fishing gear and marine organisms that are hosted on the same site.
Working Hours:
Monday to Sunday
From 10:00 to 14:00
From 18:00 to 22:00
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
On the road to Ano Syros and shortly after the rural settlement of Kyperoussa one can find the cave of Pherecydes.
To reach the cave he must follow a small dirt road that slowly begins to go downhill leading visitors to a magnificent land nuzzled between the earth, the sky and the blue horizon. That’s where the cave where the theogonist poet and philosopher Pherecydes used to reside during the cold winter months in the 6th century BC.
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
Chalandriani is located 9.5 kilometers away from Ermoupolis, on the northeast side of the island and it is one of the most important archaeological sites within the Cyclades as a prehistoric acropolis dating back to the 3rd millennium BC has been discovered in the area after excavations conducted by Christos Tsountas in the late 19th century.
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
The historic Theater Apollon is one of the major attractions of Syros and constitutes an emblem of the island’s cultural heritage. Created in 1864 by the Italian architect Pietro Sampo who was inspired by 4 stunning Italian standards including the Scala di Milano, the theater Apollon adorns the heart of the capital to this day. The Apollo Theater first opened its doors with an Italian theater troupe that among others performances staged the famous Italian opera La Traviata. Its architectural splendor though did not manage to prevent the major catastrophes that the theater suffered over the years. The Apollon theater was forced to close and to spend a long period of renovations and interventions with funding from the state, with the full support of GNTO and the artistic supervision of Dimitris Fortsas as well as of the architect Peter Pikionis until 2000. Today the theater hosts various artistic and cultural events such as the Festival of the Aegean, famous plays and world-class performances.
Cultural Events of Syros
The Apollon theater hosts some of the most important cultural events, operas and amazing theatrical works from local and international theatrical troupes. Theater enthusiasts can find information on upcoming performances and learn about reservations and tickets for plays and events they wish to attend through the theater’s calendar of events. The Apollon theater also houses the Theater Museum or else “the memory place” founded in 2002. The Museum hosts findings from local and other artists who played an important role in the history of this monumental theater, a theater being the ultimate alternative for entertainment and unrivaled amusement on the island.
Theater website: www.apollontheater.gr
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
Agathopes beach is one of the most popular beaches of Syros, just 14 km from Hermoupolis. It is a beautiful beach with golden sand and shallow waters, offering all the comforts as well as easy access by bus making it a perfect choice for a memorable day on the beach.
Guests can swim in the clear blue waters and enjoy a coffee or meal in the cafeterias and taverns along the beach. Just 1 km from the beaches of Posidonia and Foinikas, Agathopes constitute a point of reference for travelers during the summer while during the spring period visitors may encounter the adorable seals Monachus-Monachus as well as the rare kind of lilies grown in the area. The small path leading from the beach into the sea as well as the Stroggylo islet, the Schoinonisi and the impressive lighthouse in Cape Viglostasi add some extra charm to the already breathtaking scenery.
Source: www.syrosisland.gr
The cosmopolitan island of Syros is a picturesque island offering various choices of entertainment for all tastes and preferences. From the atmospheric cafés and bars in the capital, Ermoupolis, to the beaches of Galissas, and Poseidonia all the way to Ano Syros with its romantic pool bars overlooking the endless Aegean Sea, Syros is an island with an effervescent character. With the clubs in the heart of the city and the timeless nightlife, Syros promises to elevate the mood of all visitors. For every traveller wondering what to do while on the island the answer lies in the island’s entertainment guide providing detailed information about the nightlife in Syros, Syros’s attractions and also the several other alternative activities.
Along the picturesque streets of Ermoupoli, travellers are invited to relax in one of the café’s down the port, overlooking the magnificent sea, stroll around in the picturesque neighbourhoods with their neoclassical mansions and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in a bar of their choice while the sky overflows with the colours of the sunset. As the night begins to fall on the cosmopolitan capital, the flickering city lights add an extra glow to the island’s effervescent night time scene.
Syros Entertainment Guide: www.syrosisland.gr/places/syros-by-night/
Source: www.syrosisland.gr