Perhaps Halkidiki is forever associated with the triptych of “sun, sea, summer holidays” but it’s one of the places that, even in the dead of winter, has to offer great thrills to those who seek relaxation and calm on shaded trails, following colourful, fragrant, routes, rich in history and tradition, with unique local cuisine, and hospitable people.
Eastern Halkidiki, where the Aristotelis municipality with the scenic capital of Ierissos is located, is a top alternative destination with lots to offer to visitors. It’s not just the proximity to Mount Athos, its ancient history relating to the Persian king Xerxes, who passed through here with his ships to conquer Greece, nor the fact that it is the birthplace of the great Aristotle. It’s also the celebrated Mademohoria villages, that used to be the centre of the mining activities during the Ottoman rule, and also the place where the legendary Alexis Zorbas spent his most creative years.
Between three verdant mountains, Holomontas, Aristotle’s mountain and Mount Athos, with a 300km coastline and an endless view of the blue of the sea, the municipality of Aristotelis and the Proathonikos Tourism Organization have created unique guided tours each related to one of the area’s five unique features:
- Philosopher Aristotle – Alexander the Great’s teacher
- The years of the Persian Wars in antiquity
- Mount Athos and the Byzantium
- The Mademohoria villages during the Ottoman rule
- The Greek Alexis Zorbas
These walking tours take visitors on a trip back in time, presenting historical elements and archaeological findings and combining a nature walk with a walk through history and a tour of important monuments.
Trails crossing places of unique natural beauty, traditional villages, and archaeological sites, going over rivers, and next to waterfalls, and ending on beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The trails of eastern Halkidiki have become a favourite hiking destination in recent years, as can be seen from the number of hiking groups staying in Olympiada, as well as Ouranoupolis.
Proathonikos tour
Get to know the lush landscape of Mount Athos, an area that belongs to the Natura 2000 network, hiking from the beach of Komitsa to Ouranoupolis and back, on a trail that goes along the border of Greece and the monastic territory of Mount Athos.
A refreshing and invigoration trail – both the soul and the body –, among the pine trees, between the permitted and the forbidden, between myth and reality that will fill you with the calm of Mount Athos and help you visit, with your imagination, the monasteries of Mount Athos that are just a few kilometres away. / Length: 8.9km
Proathonikos tour II (part)
From the Byzantine tower of Prosforios in Ouranoupolis, the town’s trademark, that was built in 1344 and now operates as a museum, you’ll follow the trail towards the borders of the monastic territory, by the seafront, and you’ll reach the Zygos monastery, a unique spot where all visitors – both men and women – can see how a Mount Athos monastery operates.
On your way, you’ll come across olive groves and vineyards, while the neared you get to the borders with Mount Athos, the more you’ll see the landscape change, the vegetation grow thicker, and the fragrances grow more abundant. / Length 3km.
Proathonikos tour III (part)
From the port of Tripiti, and the Alexandros Palace Hotel & Suites, you’ll walk on the ridge parallel to the Mount Athos bay, admiring the amazing landscape: the blue of the sea and the sky, as well as Athos, the local trademark. / Length 4k
Aristotle’s Walk (from new to Ancient Stageira)
From Aristotle’s Park, the only thematic park in Halkidiki, to the archaeological site of Stageira in Olympiada, this is a unique route on the famous mountain of Aristotle with the hundreds of plants and herbs that will stimulate all your senses and will turn the hike into a cultural, historical and botany trip back in time.
The variety of the plant species is impressive and the panoramic view of the Akanthos and Strimonikos gulfs breath-taking. The plants and herbs fill the air with their scent, and you’ll be able to collect the same herbs that Aristotle taught Alexander the Great about in a Natura 2000 region, as you walk towards Aristotle’s birthplace.
There, you’ll find a naturally beautiful and historically significant archaeological site inviting you to explore it and learn about the glorious history of Macedonia. Aristotle’s Walk is not just a walk, it’s a truly unique experience, a life experience. / Length: 15km
Aristotle’s Walk (on Aristotle’s Mountain)
Walk around the village of Olympiada and its scenic port until the ancient city of Stageira. This one-of-a-kind both in terms of natural beauty and in terms of historical significance, archaeological site invites you to walk around and explore the glorious history of Macedonia.
Having filled with images, surrounded by the green of the trees and the blue of the sky and sea, continue your walk on Aristotle’s mountain, filling your lungs with oxygen and nature smells, up until the fishing port where you can admire the sea. / Length: 2km
The steps of Persian King Xerxes
Walk from Nea Roda to the port of Tripiti (2km), a place known as Xerxes’ Canal, on the same trail that Xerxes walked on in 428 BC when he was preparing to attack Greece with his fleet.
At the port, board the ferry boat, and in 10min you’ll be in Amouliani, where you can walk along its sandy beaches for about 3km and reach Megali Ammos, one of the most famous and most-photographed beaches in Eastern Halkidiki. / Length: 4-5km
Following mountain trails in the Natura 2000 area
Walk from Arnaia to the amazing Varvara waterfalls on Aristotle’s mountain, with the thick, lush vegetation that is part of the Natura 2000 network, on a route that will fill your lungs with fresh air, among the tall trees providing shade.
A truly refreshing experience where you’ll see hundreds of rare plant species and will be able to smell the plants and the earth, and you might even come across lumberjacks cutting trees and shepherds grazing their herds, on your way to the waterfalls, a true paradise. / Length: 23,57km
Alexis Zorbas’ trails
Walk from Paleohori to Neposi castle, on a great, historic route in the mountain, scented by thyme, oregano, Erica, and hundreds other plants.
The trails you’ll walk on are the same that Alexis Zorbas walked on to get to the mountain from his house in Paleohori. As you walk in nature, you can almost picture him cutting wood, collecting fruit, hiking, hunting, observing and being inspired – being truly free. This is a mountain that liberates you.
After an invigorating walk, surrounded by natural beauty, learning about history, you’ll reach Neposi castle, an important Byzantine monument.
Eastern Halkidiki on the map
There are more trails in Eastern Halkidiki, hiding small and big “secrets” in Holomontas, in Aristotle’s mountain, by the coastline and around the scenic fishing villages. You’ll find hotels and guesthouses in the area, taverns and restaurants that will satisfy your needs. Make sure to look for the traditional local products. You’ll find useful information in Proathonikos Tourism Organization’s official guide.
Olympiada is 89km (1h 14m drive) from Thessaloniki and 588km (6h 5m drive) from Athens.
Info:
- Proathonikos Tourism Organization www.mountathosarea.org
- Aristotelis municipality: www.dimosaristoteli.gr
The peninsula is a place of unique, unspoiled nature. The only inhabitants are monks (2,200 monks), in 20 Byzantine monasteries, 12 hermitages and 800 cells.
Read also:
Megali Panagia: Mountainous Halkidiki destination with rich streams, picturesque bridge
Naoussa, Greece: Living the grape-harvest experience at the foothills of Mount Vermio
The Olive harvest experience: Where to enjoy the olive oil miracle
