assandra is the most developed, touristically, of the three peninsulas, as high-standard hotels abound, water sports are offered, the entertainment is non-stop and all necessary facilities are available.
Take an early morning dip in the crystal water of the sea and then spend the rest of the day to discover the area's significant historical monuments, among them castles, monasteries and churches - testimony of the great civilisations that where hosted on the land. An example of the architectural styles unique to the region is the church of Agios Dimitrios at Aphytos.
Aphytos, an impressive traditional settlement, is an invitation to stroll through its narrow side streets.

		Among the most popular holiday locations is Kallithea with spotless, sandy beaches and interesting archaeological sites. The temple of Zeus Ammon has six Doric columns on its short sides and eleven on its long sides and seems from the proportions of its construction to have been built in the fourth century BC. Today Kallithea is a bustling resort area which offers a complete range of all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay.

The towns of Kassandria, Nea Potidea, Kryopigi, Polychrono, Paliouri and Pefkochori are all oriented towards the holidaymaker. A more serene spot is, perhaps, Kassandrino - where the scent of crisp pine trees blends with the invigorating air skimming across the Aegean - or the nearby pretty villages of Agia Paraskevi. Hanioti, Nea Skioni and Nea Fokea. Sani, meanwhile, is known for its stunning beaches.

		Hanioti attracts not only travellers from abroad but Greeks, who frequent the local beach bars, doing what they love best - dancing and singing. Siviri hosts the annual Kassandra Festival, which draws artists from both within Greece and abroad. Pefkochori, with its impressive view of Sithonia, is considered a little quieter and its inhabitants are particularly welcoming. Those who prefer to have the beach - almost - all to themselves should head to quiet Possidi.

Nea Fokea is a charming fishing village known for its fish taverns. Seek out the tiny subterranean Agios Pavlos church on the eastern side of the town. An underground tunnel leads to a rectangular chamber thought to have been an ancient burial place that was transformed into a church during the Byzantine period. It is believed that the Apostle Paul was assailed while teaching in Ierissos on the Mt Athos peninsula and descended into a hole. He traversed along a tunnel and came out at Nea Fokea, at a point where holy water now appears.

Located on the Emerald Peninsula, the verdant cape of Sani is renowned for its incredible views and its magnificent beaches.
		It is here that the Sani Festival takes place each summer between June and September, where one can take a seat at the natural amphitheatre on Sani hill, below a mediaeval tower -now belonging to a dependency of Stavronikita Monastery on Mt Athos- and enjoy top-class Greek and international acts.
Watersports enthusiasts can pick from a variety of activities that are been hold at the impressive beach, while those wanting to get a bit closer to nature can follow one of the walking paths marked by the Chalkidiki Hotel Association.

Photos and text taken from "Chalkidiki & Mount Athos -   today and yesterday" (Toubis Editions)

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