Fourka - Skala Furkas
Peninsula
Chalkidiki is located in the southern part of the region of Central Macedonia.
According to numerous guests and visitors, Chalkidiki is a real paradise for
summer holiday, with well-developed tourist infrastructure and close proximity
to the second largest city of Greece – Thessaloniki.
It
is worth noting that the three branches of Chalkidiki, divided into small
peninsulas are Kassandra, Sithonia and Agion Oros, combined with a less known
to foreigners mountainous part of the peninsula, surpass all expectations. So,
for example, the settlement of the Fourka (Kassandra peninsula) can observe two
sides of Greece at the same time – seaside and mountains.
The
coastal part of the settlement (Fourka Rock) has a well-equipped promenade,
beach with crystal clear water and modern hotels (for pleasant and relaxing
holidays with all amenities), and the depths of the peninsula have a
traditional village setting surrounded by rich plants, with all pleasures of
rural life in stunning natural surroundings. In this traditional village,
Fourka is separated from the coastal resort villages at a distance of 2-3
kilometres. Due to this unique combination, Fourka is an ideal destination not
only for beach lovers, but also for those who like hiking and observing beautiful
scenery.
Some history
It
is assumed that Fourka was founded in the 16th century by the
combination of several small settlements. During the Turkish regime, it
included one of the 12 villages of the Kassandra peninsula, being Vakuf
Gazanfer-aga.
During
the Greek national liberation struggle in 1821, Fourka gave the country its
freedom fighters, such as George Filippopulo, George Rigas and others.
Fourka temples
Every
year, on 16 July, Fourka holds a major festival (across the whole Kassandra peninsula),
which has religious character (panigiri) as it is dedicated to St. Marina.
It
is noteworthy that the church of Agia Marina is the newest in the settlement
(feast day of St. Marina is celebrated on 17 July). Fourka also has other more
old temples, such as the church of Agia Paraskevi, built in 1857, which is
located in the centre of the village as well as the Byzantine church of St.
Athanasius, located on the early Christian cemetery with preserved to our day
wonderful frescoes, worthy of all admiration. This temple is also known by an
inscription dating back to the era of Roman dominance.
The
mountainous region has its Temple of Life-giving source (Zoodohu Pigis), which
is preserved to the present day. It was once standing on the site of the old settlement,
which was destroyed at one time by pirates. Temple was famous for its wall
paintings, small fragment of which has survived until today.
The
opposite hill, which is surrounded by pine forests, sees the church of St.
Meletius – the only cross-domed church on the Kassandra peninsula.
Central
church of the settlement, which was built in 1928 by Xenophon Peonidi, the
famous Greek architect born in Fourka, was devoted to Three Saints (Tryon
Ierarhon). In addition, Fourka preserved mansion Peonidi built it in 1910.
It
should be noted that the traditional settlement of Fourka to this day bears
characteristics of the 19th century and is clearly seen in the architectural
elements of its houses. It is also characterized by its brightness and beauty,
thanks to the abundance of a variety of flowers growing in pots and tubs.
Modern resort
Today,
residents of Fourka are engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and,
of course, tourism – especially in the summer. There is always a great number
of Greek and foreign tourists – mostly from Central and Eastern Europe
(especially in recent years).
Fourka
Rock has many tourist objects - from hotels, beach bars and clubs to the
Aquatics Centre, shops, restaurants, taverns and so forth. In addition, the
resort is a district of country houses of inhabitants of Thessaloniki –
precisely because of its close proximity to the northern capital of Greece (105
kilometres).
In
general, due to the rapid building of residential real estate, Fourka in the
last decade has been one of the most popular destinations of Kassandra – for
leisure and for permanent residence.
The
beauty of nature is in harmony with the modern tourist infrastructure and
cosmopolitan life. Undoubtedly, the traditional hospitality of Fourka is very
important. It creates a warm and friendly atmosphere.
It
is safe to say that we are talking about an earthly paradise with numerous pine
and olive trees, in combination with Emerald Mountain, covered with pine trees
and the sea, which is sparkling in the sun with dazzling sequins of their
“scales”.
Fourka
has very beautiful sunsets. In summer this resort differs by its busiest and
vibrant nightlife. It offers route passes for sea excursions to the island of
Skiathos and Mount Athos. In addition, the amphitheatre of adjacent Siviris
often hosts live performances.
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