Pefkohori
Tourist resort
Pefkochori is located in the peninsula of Kassandra (Chalkidiki) – 105
kilometres across the comfortable contemporary motorway running from the
Thessaloniki international airport “Macedonia” and 70 kilometres from
Polygyros, which is a town and municipality in Central Macedonia and the
capital of Chalkidiki.
This is a very
beautiful place, which is (rightly) called an ecologist’s paradise. First
organised tourists that arrived here in the 70s were astonished by the local
nature and mild climate as well as by marvellous beaches and hospitality of
local population. Since those times, Pefkochori became one of the most
significant tourist resorts of Europe.
History
It is accepted that the
first settlement was founded in the late 16th century, in the same place where
the modern resort is located today. During the Ottoman rule, village Pefkochori
(formerly known as Kapsochora) was one of 12 villages of Chalkidiki, being
Vakuf Gazanfer-aga.
Ruins of an ancient
Roman settlement were discovered in the north-western part of the harbour,
where vessels are now moored. A treasure consisting of coins of Lysimachus –
the king of Thrace – was also found in the same area.
In 1590, the region of
Pefkochori is mentioned as Big Pefkochori Metohija “Ander” Iver monastery of
Mount Athos, which has been expropriated long before World War II. Since those
times and until our days there is a dilapidated windmill, which survived all
troubled times and remains with the rest of the monastery. In addition to these attractions, the
settlement also has a 19-century church.
In 1821, residents of
Pefkochori took an active part in the events of the Greek Revolution. One of
the great fighters of the time, a native of this place, was Georgios Yiannakis.
Today’s
resort
Contemporary population
of Pefkochori exceeds 1,600 persons and the resort combines modern tourist
facilities with traditional style. It has everything for a comfortable stay and
relaxing accommodation: tourist complexes, hotels, villas, studios and
apartments, as well as a medical centre, pharmacies, two large supermarkets,
two kindergartens and a secondary school.
Apart from that, the
resort is famous for its market, with a wide variety of shops – for all tastes
and needs, while the picturesque traditional taverns and luxury restaurants
offering a variety of culinary delights of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine,
accompanied by fine local wine – all represent a real gastronomic temptation. Alongside
with a variety of shops, there are many private shops that sell high-quality
local produce.
Overall, Pefkochori is
a developed tourist settlement, with a beautiful sandy beach of approximately
three kilometres, which annually attracts a large number of visitors.
When the weather is
clear, the outlines of the adjoining peninsula Sithonia and even (at distance)
the top of Mount Athos can be seen on horizon.
The harmonious
combination of natural beauty with kindness and hospitality of the local
population as well as a large number of events held here throughout the year,
allow visitors of this delightful resort town a wide range of activities and,
especially, in the summer. Thus, in Pefkochori you can participate any water
sports, including diving: there are about 15 marvellous places for diving. You
can also explore the area by bike or on foot. The town is surrounded by many
pine trees, which gave it its present name – “Pine Village”.
Apart from fresh-air
hiking among the scents of the forest, you can walk along the promenade, which
is situated along a long row of taverns and variety of shops, or across the
narrow streets of the historic part of the settlement, with its neoclassical buildings,
rose bushes and lemon trees.
In general, the summer
in Pefkochori is associated with swimming in the sea and water games, beach tan
as well as classes in modern sports facilities and, of course, with a
refreshing cocktail on the beach.
In summer, there are
also famous sailing races ΙΤΕΝΒΑ, which commence in a natural marina
Glarokavos. From here, too, depart boats and “Dolphins” going to other coastal
settlements of Chalkidiki and towards the islands of the Northern Aegean Sea.
In addition, here you can rent small boats for short cruises.
A distinctive feature
of Pefkochori, as compared to other resorts in Chalkidiki, is a lively
nightlife – with the most tempting offers in numerous bars and discos as well
as a wide variety of music and entertainment, with unforgettable evenings.
The central highway is
passing through the settlement and is running through all the settlements
located along the eastern coast of the peninsula. This contributes to excellent
bus links or day trips by car, which can be rented in one of the car rental
offices.
In total, Pefkochori is
one of those rare places where any dream becomes reality!
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