Greece: Attractions in Halkidiki
Halkidiki is a picturesque peninsula in northeastern Greece (the northern coast of the Aegean Sea).
The first mention of Halkidiki is found in Herodotus in the descriptions of the Persian wars. Here was born the ancient Greek scientist and student of Plato - Aristotle.
Getting to Halkidiki is convenient through Thessaloniki, on the peninsula you can rent a car.
Chalkidiki: monasteries
Holy Mount Athos It is the center of spiritual life not only of Greece, but of the whole world. Every year millions of pilgrims come to this place. Included in the list of UNESCO sites. According to legend, it is the abode of the Mother of God.
During the voyage to Cyprus, the ship was carrying the Virgin Mary. Was nailed to this place. The Virgin was amazed by the beauty of the peninsula, so she chose it for her own inheritance, receiving God’s blessing for this. The Sacred Kinot is administered here. Mount Athos is a complex of twenty Orthodox monasteries, on the territory of which about 1,800 men live. The Julian calendar is still used here.
Mount Athos is located on the eastern outskirts of the city of Halkidiki, has a classical shape, rising above sea level by 2033 meters. At the foot of the mountain is the town of Uranopolis, from where the arrived Orthodox begin their pilgrimage. The only place dedicated entirely to the service of God. Prayers are constantly heard here, liturgies are held, so the mountain is called Holy. The slopes of the mountain are covered with ancient trees, giving this place even more unique beauty.
To visit the monasteries of the Holy Mount Athos, a written permit of diamonitirion is required. They only give it to men. You can get from the city of Thessaloniki by bus to Uranopolis, from where the pilgrims route begins. Also in a rented car from Hilkidiki.
Xenophon Monastery
The Greek monastery of Xenophon is one of the holy places located on Mount Athos. It owes its name to Saint Xenophon, who supposedly built the first temple on this site. The official mention of the sanctuary in historical sources is found in 1083. Before the Ottoman conquest, it was a prosperous church. After the raids of the Turks more than once destroyed, restored, rebuilt. A new cathedral dedicated to the Great Martyr George was erected in the early nineteenth century. In the center of the temple is a marble iconostasis. Pilgrims also come to worship two miraculous icons – the Mother of God and St. George. The temple retains the relics of several saints, including John Chrysostom, part of the life-giving cross. In the monastery library preserved ancient manuscripts and books. On the walls of the temple you can see frescoes of the early Christian period. The monastery is surrounded by fortress walls. Thirty monks now live in the monastery. April 23 marks the day of the Great Martyr George the Victorious. Only men are allowed in.
Simonopetra Monastery
Simonopetra Monastery is an active monastery built in 1257. Located on a rock at an altitude of 330 meters above sea level in the city of Halkidiki. Founded by Saint Simon, hence the name.
The place was chosen not by chance, Simon was a bright star several times here, which served as a sign for the monastery to be built here. Thanks to his prayers, the daughter of the Serbian king John was healed, and he ordered the reconstruction and improvement of the monastery.
Another legend says that the Blessed Virgin visited the Monastery when the monks ran out of oil. In the morning, all the vessels were full. The monastery was destroyed several times, but each time it was restored. The monastery cathedral dates back to 1600. There are four temples on the territory. The monastery contains the relics of saints, a piece of the True Cross, a particle of the right hand of Mary Magdalene. But many frescoes and books have not survived. Here you can see old icons, clothes, silverware, engravings. The temple was built in honor of the Nativity of Christ, so the feast is here on December 25. The monastery is active, 50 monks live here.
Chalkidiki: Attractions
Edessa Falls
Edessa is an ancient city in northern Greece, one of the most popular modern tourist cities in the country. It is called the Water City, and that is true.
In the city there are two large and several small waterfalls located under evergreen trees. Locals protect this part of the city, not allowing it to be disturbed by the benefits of civilization. Special attention of tourists is attracted by the Karanos waterfall. Its height is 24 meters, and its age is 600 years. According to historical sources, in the late 14th century there was a strong earthquake that changed the terrain. Due to aftershocks flowing in the eastern part of the city river changed course, rushed towards the cliff. Then seven waterfalls were formed, but only two have survived to our time.
During the Second World War, several reservoirs were additionally built here, flowers were planted, thereby turning this corner into a picturesque paradise.
Petralonian cave
The Petralon cave is considered a unique monument of the history and culture of Greece. It is located on the peninsula of Halkidiki. To be exact, on the mountain slope of Katsiki at an altitude of 270 meters. Nearby is the village of Petralona, hence the name of the cave. Its discovery belongs to local resident Philip Hadzaridis (1959). A year later, another citizen Christos Sarriyandis found the skull of a woman who lived in this area more than 200 thousand years ago. He was transferred to Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, where he is now. Thus, this cave is considered one of the ancient sites of European man. The remains of various animals were also found here. Nature has created a bizarre figure inside the cave thanks to stalactites and stalagmites. The mysterious atmosphere will not leave anyone indifferent. In the cave there are lakes and large stone vaults.
Getting to the cave is easy. For tourists from Halkidiki, bus tours to the cave are offered. You can also rent a car to get to the village.
Beaches in Halkidiki
Talgo Beach
Talgo beach is considered one of the most beautiful and clean in Greece. Its length is only 150 meters along the sea, but tourists love this place. The beach is sandy, with yellow fine sand. Small rocks covered with vegetation are also a great view to relax. Some of them look like bizarre figures. The beach belongs to the owners of the bar located on its territory. They monitor the purity of the water and the coast. Here you will be offered fresh fruits and juices, exotic dishes and cocktails. Especially beautiful beach late at night in the rays of the setting sun. The water is very clear. The descent into the water is gentle, quite small. This place is suitable for family holidays with children. On the beach you can rent sun loungers and beach umbrellas, there are showers and toilets. From entertainment you will be offered to do snorkeling.
Cavurotripes Beach
Kavurotripes Beach is located on the Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki. It has another name - Portokali, which translates as "orange". In fact, it is not one beach, but several bays located nearby. On the shore there is fine white sand, the water is crystal clear blue-green. The sea is shallow, calm, not strong waves and wind. Clay orange cliffs surround the beach, vegetation almost at the edge of the water. In the shade of pine trees you can hide from the scorching sunlight. Contrast colors are ideal for photos. In this place there are many hotels, hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. Summer is crowded. From here there is a wonderful view of Mount Athos. The beach can be reached by car from Vourvourou towards Sarti (about 23 kilometers).
Port Glarokavos Beach
Kavurotripes Beach is located on the Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki. It has another name - Portokali, which translates as "orange". In fact, it is not one beach, but several bays located nearby. On the shore there is fine white sand, the water is crystal clear blue-green. The sea is shallow, calm, not strong waves and wind. Clay orange cliffs surround the beach, vegetation almost at the edge of the water. In the shade of pine trees you can hide from the scorching sunlight. Contrast colors are ideal for photos. In this place there are many hotels, hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. Summer is crowded. From here there is a wonderful view of Mount Athos. The beach can be reached by car from Vourvourou towards Sarti (about 23 kilometers).
Photo: Free sources
Text: personalguide
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