Kriopigi
The seaside settlement of Kriopigi, which is located in Kassandra (Halkidiki), has absolutely everything you need for a relaxed living
and, at the same time, for enjoyment of a modern resort: sea, beach, rich vegetation and local attractions.
This is a small resort village,
with a population of slightly more than
500 people, located on a hill surrounded by pine trees at an altitude of 130 metres
above the sea level.
Historical details
The resort is situated at a distance of 90
kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki. This area was inhabited since ancient times, with the modern
settlement of Kriopigi being
located between the locations of the
two cities of antiquity – Naples
and Flegrei; the
old name of the settlement (up to
the 20th century) was
Pazarakiya.
During the Ottoman rule, this
place, along with other villages of the peninsula, belonged to the waqf (mortmain
property) of Gazanfer-aga. During the Greek national liberation struggle (1821),
residents of Kriopigi were famous for their heroes, such as, captain Hapsasom
(Kapsas Stamos) and George Rigas.
Traditional settlement and modern resort
The resort is known for its
traditional settlements and its amphitheater built on the slopes of a hill
overgrown with pine trees, which offers a magnificent view on the Gulf of
Cassandra, or as it is called Toronaios Bay, as well as on the narrow streets
and houses with red tile roofs.
The seafront of Kriopigi
represents a new part of the settlement, which has a large number of taverns
and bars, many of which, in summer, are open all night – until morning. It is
not accidental that evenings in Kriopigi are especially great to be spent with
friends, with a perfectly set table and conversation – right on the seashore.
The resort includes massive amount
of pine and olive trees, among which visitors can find numerous wellsprings of
cold water, which gave the settlement its name – Kriopigi (translated from
Greek means “cold wellspring”). In addition, there are remains of an ancient
Greek amphitheater, which deserves special attention.
Wonderful climate and a
combination of green mountains with a crystal-clear sea, excellent service and exceptional
hospitality put Kriopigi in the ranks of one of the leading resorts in the
region of Kassandra, which has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. There
is a telephone tower (OTE), banks, police station and medical center as well as
restaurants, taverns, bars, souvenir shops and many hotels.
In addition, the settlement has
a primary school and kindergarten.
Beaches
The seaside town of Kriopigi is
famous for its beautiful beaches (Blue Flag Certification 1991), with white sun-bleached
sand, much of which can be found on the south side of the village. Along with
this beach, the resort has a few other small sandy beaches with stunning views
of the bay Toronaios. These beaches are much quieter.
In addition, in Kriopigi you
can also have great fun during your holidays as the resort offers all kinds of water
sports.
Nutrition
The central road of the resort settlement
includes a rich variety of taverns and restaurants, which represents a perfect
choice for those who like to taste fresh fish, accompanied by the much-loved
Greek salad with olives and feta cheese produced locally.
Entertainment
The nightlife in Kriopigi is
not as intense as at other cosmopolitan resorts of Halkidiki, but it has a number
of bars, some of which offer live music.
Small and large hotels as well
as an organized camping of the Hellenic Tourism Organisation (EOT) and numerous
other furnished apartments provide a comfortable and pleasant stay, with a
choice of activities (water sports, excursions, tennis, horseback riding and so
forth).
Apart from that, Kriopigi has
the Research and Education Pedagogical Centre, which is a gift of the married
couple Dr. Erhart and Sofia Ziegler. This has become a meeting point of
educators from all over the world who come here to take part in organised
seminars and conferences.
Trips
It is worth noting that
Kriopigi is the starting point for various one-day trips and, in particular, trips
to Petralona cave located in ancient Olynthus or home of Aristotle in Stagira.
Here you can also start your trip on a cruise to the Mount Athos, during which
travelers have a unique opportunity (especially women) to get unique pleasure
from beauty of intact nature and the monasteries (where women are not allowed
to enter). You can also go fishing in the best fishing spots, rich in natural
gifts of the region.
Local produce
In addition to fish, this area
is famous for a wide variety of natural local products, such as honey, fruits,
wines, olives and olive oil.
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