Kassandria – the heart of the Kassandra Peninsula

Kassandria, also known by its old name Valta, is located in the central part of the peninsula Cassandra, around 54 km southwest of Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki, and approx 80 km from Thessaloniki. It is not a seaside resort, but it is the seat of the municipality of Kassandra i the administrative, commercial and health center of the entire peninsula. In the summer, almost everyone who flies on Cassandra passes through it.

The city has about 3,000 inhabitants, and that number increases significantly during the summer months thanks to tourism and seasonal activities.

History and architecture

The place has existed since at least the 16th century and was called Valta until the 20th century. During the Greek uprising in 1821, Kassandra suffered heavily, and the inhabitants later rebuilt the villages. The city takes its current name from the ancient Kassandria, which it is King Cassander, one of the heirs of Alexander the Great, founded in 316 BC, but not here, but on the present site Nea Potidaea.

Walking through the city, you can still feel the spirit of the past: 19th century stone houses, preserved windmill i central square with a huge plane tree that provides shade and gathers locals and visitors. Cultural attractions include:

• Folklore Museum - with interesting statements about the life and traditions of the inhabitants of Kassandra,
• Public library - located in a renovated building from the beginning of the 20th century, with a rich collection of books and archival material.

Practical information for vacationing on Kassandra

If you are spending your summer in Kallithea, Siviri, Hanioti or Pefkochori, Kassandria is a place you will probably visit at least once:

• Health center - health center for the whole peninsula, on the main road, near the bus station and the Masutis supermarket. For emergencies in Greece, please call 112 or emergency services at 166.
• Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and ATMs – a larger selection and often lower prices than in touristic places on the coast.
• KTEL bus station Halkidiki – one of the main stations on the peninsula, with lines to Thessaloniki and resorts on both sides coast. The timetable is on the website. ktel-chalkidikis.gr.
• Municipal services - Kassandria is the seat of the municipality of Kassandra.

Life and atmosphere

Kassandria offers an authentic insight into everyday life Halkidiki, far from crowded i luxury hotels on the coast. It's a place where you can stop in for a coffee at a local cafe, buy local produce, or simply watch the locals go about their day.

A special event is Saturday open-air market, when local producers exhibit fresh fruit, vegetables, olives, cheese and famous Halkidiki honey, which the region is particularly proud of.

Wide selection of houses, apartments and villas for vacation that provide unforgettable experiences and amenities, including more space and added privacy, for less money than a traditional hotel accommodation.

Kassandria as a base for accommodation

If you are traveling by car, Cassandria can be a good base: accommodation is usually more favorable and quieter than on the coast, and the beaches on both sides of the peninsula can be reached in ten minutes. The disadvantage is that the sea is not within walking distance, so it is not practical without a car. You can check the offers at Booking.

Events and manifestations

During the summer, Kassandria comes alive with numerous cultural events. They are the most famous Cassandra Festival in the summer theater in Siviri i Sunny Festival in the nearby Sani complex. Cassandria also organizes local ones panigras, religious celebrations with music, food and dancing that bring visitors from all over the peninsula.

Close to beaches and attractions

Kassandria does not have its own beach, but it is an excellent starting point for both coasts of Kassandra. These beaches can be reached in approximately 10 to 25 minutes by car:

• Siviri – the beach on the west coast and the summer theater,
• Kallithea - a bustling tourist center with nightlife, on the east coast,
• Skala Fourkas – a quiet place with a long sandy beach,
• Sani - the beach next to the complex of the same name and marina,
• Possess – a cape with a lighthouse and shallow sea,
• Hanioti i Pefkohori - popular resorts in the south, on the east coast.

Nearby

Afitos, a stone village above the sea, is ten kilometers away. They are at the entrance to the peninsula Nea Potidaea, with a canal and the remains of ancient Cassandria, i Nea Fokea with a Byzantine tower. For an overview of the entire peninsula, see map of Halkidiki and itinerary Cassandra in 7 days.

How to get there

• By car - about 80 km from Thessaloniki, about an hour's drive. For the trip from Serbia see the text Greece vacation from Serbia.
• By bus - KTEL Halkidiki operates from Thessaloniki, from a special station for Halkidiki at the exit of the city towards Nea Mudania.
• By plane – the nearest airport is Thessaloniki (SKG). More in the text Airports in Greece.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kassandra have a beach?

There is none. The city is in the interior of the peninsula, but the beaches on both coasts are a ten-minute drive away.

What is the nearest beach?

Siviri on the west coast and Kallithea on the east coast, both within a ten minute drive.

How far is Cassandria from Thessaloniki?

About 80 km, or about an hour's drive.

Where is the health center on Kassandra?

In Kassandria, on the main road, near the KTEL bus station and Masutis supermarket. It covers the entire peninsula.

Why visit Kassandria?

If you are looking for an authentic experience, calmer than the busy beaches, Kassandria is the right place to discover the real everyday life of Halkidiki. Here you can sample local products, explore traditions, take part in folk festivities and enjoy the simple Greek life, before once again indulging in the pleasures of the coast.