NEARBY ESCAPES

Once you ‘ve explored every aspect of Kalamaria, it’s time for a new adventure. We suggest these absolute worth-seeing attractions that will add up to your travel experience.

THESSALONIKI CITY CENTRE

Throughout its 2.300 years of life, Greece’s second largest city has been a mixture of fascinating history and urban culture. A walk will take you past Ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine castles, Ottoman monuments and the Jewish heritage. Thessaloniki can proudly look back to a long tradition and has maintained its status as a cosmopolitan cultural centre.

Begin your tour with the superb views of Thessaloniki in Ano Poli (Upper Town). Well-preserved parts of the city’s mighty fortification “Kastra” can be found there. Impressive monuments such as the Trigonion Tower as well as the Eptapyrgio hilltop castle are worth visiting. Then follow the narrow lanes with lovingly restored old mansions that leads downhill towards the city centre. Just north of Egnatia Avenue you come across some of the surviving Roman-era monuments such as the Rotunda and the adjacent Arch of Galerius “Kamara”. Together with the remains of the imperial palace on Navarinou Square, constitute a structure that was built during the reign of Emperor Galerius between 299 and 311 AD. Descending towards the sea, you can begin a seaside walk from the Statue of Alexander the Great, whose prominent personality and remarkable life are linked with the city’s identity. Almost next to it, you can’t miss the the most recognisable landmark of Thessaloniki, the White Tower. 30 metres tall, the circular tower dominates the waterfront. It was erected in the 15^th century for the purpose of protecting the harbour but was also used as a prison. Within easy walking distance is Aristotelous Square, which was built based on the plans of Ernest Hébrard, in the way that he envisioned Thessaloniki after the great fire of 1917. Walking up the pedestrianised square, enter the covered market halls, Modiano, Kapani and Athonos. These are the city’s loud and colourful food markets brimming with shops but also with traditional tavernas. The points of interest hardly stop here as there are 15 World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO and 30 museums to further explore. An alternative route is to continue strolling towards the newest part of the waterfront, stopping to each one of the 8 themed parks along the way. The end of the path is at the Concert Hall. You can then either continue walking towards Kalamaria or rent a bike to cycle as far as Nea Krini and thus enjoy the sea breeze at your side.

PYLEA

Weather you take the road to the airport or to Halkidiki, you can access these two entertainment destinations, that promise pure fun to those who visit.

1. MEDIATERRANEAN COSMOS www.mediterraneancosmos.gr

Mediterranean Cosmos is the largest shopping mall in Northern Greece. A unique destination, visited not only by residents of Thessaloniki but people from all over Macedonia Region and the Balkan Countries. It is the essential haul for every visitor. In its premises you will find more than 200 stores, 30 restaurants and coffee houses, multiplex cinema, playground, free wi-fi and baby facilities.

2. MAGIC PARK www.magicpark.gr

One of the country’s largest amusement parks right next to Mediterranean Cosmos. Occupying an area of 65,000 square metres, Magic Park features a wide array of themed rides and games. Open between Spring and Fall.

ΤΗΕΡΜΙ

It can be considered as an infotainment zone, this area of contrasting sights that can be reached via Georgikis Sholis Av. or the main road to Halkidiki. 4 stops of education and retreat, that will spark your mind and body.

1. NOESIS noesis.edu.gr

Science Centre and Museum of Technology “Noesis” is a cultural, educational, public benefit Institution that aims to familiarize its visitors with science and technology through a playful and fun way. In its premises, there is a digital Planetarium, the Wide Screen Cinema “Cosmotheatre” for 2D & 3D screenings, a VR Simulator and the Technology Museum, home of 3 permanent exhibitions (Ancient Greek Technology, Interactive Science Park and Antique Car Showroom). Facilities include a cafe-restaurant, a canteen and a museum store.

2. FRAGMA THERMIS

The dam of Thermi. A scenic, rural landscape that hosts an artificial lake, a marked walking trail and an environmental park for both sports and relaxation. The trail that departs from the Dam ends up in Panorama and the location called “Platanakia” where you can enjoy drinks and meals. The hiking is beginners’ level, takes no longer than an hour and follows the water string along the way.

3. WATERLAND waterland.gr

Αν exciting, water frenzy waterpark! You will enjoy pools, slides, games and dozens of amazing attractions for all ages. Waterland is one of the largest waterparks in Europe with an area 150.000 m2 powered up for pure water fun. Open during Summer.

4. ANEL HONEY PARK honeypark.gr

An open-air museum dedicated to the wonders of the bee-life. You can have lots of related activities like touring the beekeeping park and the apitherapy house, tasting of honeybee products, testing of cosmetics made from beekeeping products and candle crafting from beeswax. In the end, you will be treated with greek yogurt with honey or smoothie with milk, yogurt, honey and bee pollen

*Special Interest Religious attractions: Monastery of Agia Anastasia (Vasilica village). Monastery of St. John the Theologian (Agia Paraskevi village). One of the most recent religious figures, St. Paisios, was buried there, in 1994.

** Picturesque villages with a view to Mt Olympus: Agios Antonios, Monopigado, Peristera, Livadi.

EPANOMI

Combine a beach spree with a wine tour. A well-known organized beach is Potamos, located southwest of Epanomi village. Lifeguard services are provided in this blue flag awarded sandy, beach. The waters are clear and shallow, very suitable for children. Facilities for beach volley and tennis will keep you busy outside the water, whereas beach bars will cater your needs. The most talked about spot is however, the relic of a ship that sank 40 years ago and it’s called “Navagio”. Its funnels still mystically emerge from the sea surface.

On the slopes of Epanomi, a meticulously-tended vineyard surrounds the modern winery, where the renowned Ktima Gerovassiliou wines are produced. The estate is open for visitors and also hosts a private Wine Museum that boasts a collection of 2.600 corkscrews! Moreover, 18 impressive works of modern art, are exhibited in the interior and the exterior spaces of the domaine. www.gerovassiliou.gr

THESSALONIKI BEACHES

Within the regional limits of Thessaloniki, there is a line-up of beaches, which constitutes a refreshing getaway on hot summer days. Taking the Georgikis Sholis Av. (direction Makedonia Airport) and continuing straight, you will first come across the seaside retreat of Perea. Shallow waters and organized beaches, can be found throughout the coastline until you reach the last destination, the port of Mihaniona. Worthy stops are Neoi Epivates and Aghia Triada.

HALKIDIKI

Halkidiki can be reached in as less as half an hour by car. Touring its three peninsulas is a fascinating option.

The first one, Kassandra is considered to be the most cosmopolitan of the three ‘feet’ of Halkidiki, with large hotels infrastructure, fashionable bars and perky nightlife. It is also known for arts and culinary festivals taking place in summer, as well as for leisure and sport opportunities. Visit the vineyards of Tsantalis winery near Agios Pavlos, then, discover the local vine leaf products and the hand-made filo pastry, at the village of Nea Gonia. Next stop can be Nea Moudania, home to the charming Museum of Fishing, Vessels and Equipment. Over the canal of Nea Potidaia, gaze at the fabulous views before you come accross the distinctive Byzantine tower in Nea Fokaia. You can’t miss Athytos (also spelled Afytos), one of the most traditional villages of Halkidiki, with stone houses and cobbled streets. Numerous entertainment possibilities are offered once you reach Kallithea but if you opt for nature’s show off, just 3km to the west of Polihrono village is Lake Mavrobara, where adorable little sea turtles have their lazy swim. Another bustling summer resort is Hanioti and Pefkohori, also known as Kapsohora. However after driving through pine trees and with a great view of the western and southern coast of Kassandra, you come to Agia Paraskevi, location of Halkidiki’s thermal springs. Half way along the road from the springs to Nea Skioni you should definitely stop at the picturesque Chapel of Panayia Faneromeni. The route will take you through the woods, if you take a left turn at Kassandreia village, direction Sani area.

Sithonia peninsula is an enchanting place, renowned for pine trees reaching down to the beach, for intoxicating scents filling the air, for little bays and coves scattered on the rugged coastline and for the ravishing sight of the sun rising from Mt. Athos. Before entering the peninsula, a left turn will lead you to Olynthos, at the site of the eminent ancient city. The village of Nikiti is essentially the starting point for the tour of the peninsula. Along the western coast you will drive past a number of beaches until you reach the busy village of Neos Marmaras. Take the hillside road to a quieter route up to the traditional village of Parthenonas or continue along the main road to reach the Porto Carras resort, covering a vast area of 18.000 hectares. The beautiful natural harbour of Porto Koufo is a bit further down the road while once you enter the eastern side of the peninsula, the road runs through a refreshing pine forest, with trails leading to magical beaches, from Sarti to Vourvourou.  From the harbour of Ormos Panayias you can set out for a day cruise while if you continue eastbound and take the road that leads to Holomondas mountain you won’t be far from the striking villages of Arnaia and Taxiarchis.

The largest part of the third peninsula is restricted to the monastic community of Mt. Athos, comprising 20 individual monasteries with their official administration in the town of Karyes. The monastic community is off limits to women, while men have to pre-announce their visit.
Nevertheless, departing from Ouranoupolis, also known as the gateway to Mt. Athos, there are boats taking visitors to sea cruise around the monasteries. In the wider area of Mt Athos, visit the famous mussels farms on the coastal zone from Olympiada to Marmari and participate in collecting mussels. A truly genuine experience. You can walk in the paths of the Hellenistic city of Stagira, where Aristotle was born and taught Alexander the Great on science and life, and feel the sea breeze flirting with the lush vegetation of the Aristotelian Mountain. You can also walk to the Varvara waterfall, which is the end of a wonderful hiking itinerary through the mountain, protected by the European convention Natura 2000.