Kassandra
The municipality
of Cassandra covers an area of 333,68 square kilometers, including its
capital Cassandra. Its population is just over 16,000 people.
Cassandra, or
Flegra, is one of the three most western and most populated peninsulas of
Chalkidiki, also known in ancient times as Pallini, which is one of the most
popular areas of Chalkidiki, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure and
lacy coastline stretching along the peninsula for several kilometers.
In essence, Cassandra
is an island separated from the mainland by the Nea Potidea canal offering
panoramic views of local surroundings and a crystal clear sea, especially at
sunset.
Flegra – Pallini –
Cassandra
Toponym
"Flegra" is translated from Greek as “fire place”. According to Greek
mythology, Cassandra region in the past served as a home to the Giants,
becoming a place of battle between giants and Olympic gods in their attempt to
banish the gods from Olympus. We are talking about Gigantomachia (Hesiod,
“Theogony”, 184-187).
In addition, the
peninsula was also known under the name of a beautiful mermaid Pallini and only
later it was re-named Cassandra in honour of the Macedonian king Cassander who
founded the city of Thessaloniki in 315 BC.
Cassandra today
Cassandra
peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Chalkidiki, which is a place
blessed to be a real paradise: beaches with golden sand, picturesque bays,
aristocratic mansions; wines made from local grapes and exceptional local
cuisine. Also, it offers skillfully made handmade embroidery, variety of
cultural and religious activities, ancient legends, folk songs, which all
together make up a complete picture of the region with history of 2,500 years.
Today, Cassandra
is famous for its nightlife, with dozens of wonderful bars along the quays or
in the precincts of the settlements of the peninsula. It is also known by its
healing geothermal springs (Loutra Agias Paraskevis), largest in the area hotel
complexes and famous festivals, such as Sani Festival and Siviri Festival,
which are conducted on an annual basis.
It is not by
accident that every year beaches of Cassandra attract thousands of local and
foreign tourists from different parts of Greece and the world.
Thanks to small distances,
Cassandra serves as a starting point for one-day cruises across the islands of
Chalkidiki, around Mount Athos and so forth) and other daily excursions.
They do not depart only to the resorts of Chalkidiki, but also to Thessaloniki,
for shopping and entertainment in a large city. Cassandra is the nearest to
Thessaloniki town of Chalkidiki.
The peninsula
offers all kinds of entertainment and relaxation, from beach and alternative
tourism to gastronomic trends and from water sports to horse riding and
mountain biking.
