Tales from the Capital Halkidiki

17/01/2024

Charming is…
winter nature at Vavdos!

by .. thank you!

Charming is…
winter nature at Vavdos!

Image:
Tales from the Capital Halkidiki

11/01/2024

Let it snow in Mount Holomon, Halkidiki..

The winter landscapes of Mount Holomon in Halkidiki are made of snow cream and fairy dust. The people of Geroplatanos, Taxiarchis are weaving the tales of 2024.
Happy New Year!

Photos by: Despina Nasiopoulou, Dimitra Manolaki, meteology.gr

22/12/2023

"Philoxenia Hotel in Psakoudia: Idyllic Greek Seaside Resort" by Marni Patterson

Marni visited Halkidiki and is suggesting a lovely destination for 2024: Psakoudia, Halkidiki, Greece. Thank you Marni!

"... Halkidiki is located southeast of Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea consisting of three peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mt. Athos (from west to east).
Locals from Thessaloniki and Veria, and visitors in the know from across Europe, enjoy its luxurious beaches lined with bars and tavernas. They visit for the charming mountain villages and relax in one of many thermal spas and wellness centers.
I stayed at the Philoxenia Hotel in Psakoudia, located at the entrance of Sithonia, and found it to be the ideal location for exploring Halkidiki. Psakoudia is a small coastal village along the Aegean Sea with an expansive beach..."

Read the full article here: https://bookcottages.com/philoxenia-hotel-in-psakoudia-idyllic-greek-seaside-resort/

The Philoxenia Hotel in Psakoudia, Greece, located at the entrance of Sithonia, is the ideal location for exploring Halkidiki.

15/12/2023

Taxiarchis in Greek City Times!

Our very own Greek Christmas Village, Taxiarchis, is featured in GREEK CITY TIMES newspaper.
"... Taxiárchis is a village located in Polygyros, Halkidiki- central Macedonia, which fills Greece’s homes with Christmas trees every year..."

Read the article here: https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/11/28/taxiarchis-greeces-christmas-village-of-pine-3/

Roughly 70% of natural Christmas trees around Greece come from Taxiarchis in Halkidiki, where the majority of locals engage in the production of trees.

07/12/2023

Polygyros in Funviews Magazine – December 23 – Issue 6

The residents of Polygyros love their hometown and promote it by every chance.
The owner of ANDREADI BOUTIQUE PATISSERIE presented the capital of Halkidiki as a must-see destination in FUNVIEWSMAGAZINE.
Well, we couldn’t agree more with this initiation!

22/11/2023

What is the first suggestion of JET2HOLIDAYS for Halkidiki's visitors?
But Ancient Olynthos of course! "...Whizz back in time to the 7th century BC with a visit to Ancient Olynthos. Roam the ruins which tell the tale of a once grand city or admire the well-preserved mosaics..."

https://blog.jet2.com/why-choose-halkidiki-for-your-next-holiday

04/09/2023

Press trip to the Municipality of Polygyros for the American travel writer Penny Zibula..

One beautiful morning of May, the American travel writer Penny Zibula, member of International Food, Wine, Travel Writers Association arrived in Thessaloniki with her photographer husband Simon Lock and their lovely dog Splendid. Together, they explored the URBAN CENTERS of Northern Greece (Halkidiki, Veria, Thessaloniki).

Mrs Zibula in her article is referring to the historical town of Galatista and its imposing Tower, the lush forest of Taxiarchis, the Archaeological site of Olynthos and the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros among the other regions.

This is their story:

A Road Trip Through Greek Macedonia — Thessaloniki to Halkidiki
https://www.travelawaits.com/2914940/greek-macedonian-road-trip-thessaloniki-to-halkidiki/?fbclid=IwAR2JCwKxa1dFPttdN6U66Q64hXzHW9uVL6WWgZzngyN6b_fdfQ9QWFSdqG0

09/08/2023

Polygyros Street-Festival 17-20 August 2023

For four days, the streets of the capital of Halkidiki will be filled with tastes and sounds. Summer nights in Polygyros are made of local flavors and Greek artists under the stars.

Thursday 17 August: Live Cooking Shows by local chefs and members of cultural associations. Event Venue: EXI VRYSSES PARK, Polygyros, Halkidiki (17:30 – 20:30). Free entrance.

Friday 18 August: Live concert by the band Stavento & Ivi Adamou, summer reggaeton music. Event Venue: EXI VRYSSES PARK, Polygyros, Halkidiki (21:00). Free entrance.

Saturday 19 August: Live concert by the singer Peggy Zina, Greek music. Event Venue: EXI VRYSSES PARK, Polygyros, Halkidiki (21:00). Free entrance.

Sunday 20 August: Live concert by the singer Yiota Nega, Greek music. Event Venue: EXI VRYSSES PARK, Polygyros, Halkidiki (21:00). Free entrance.

If you are in Halkidiki these days, don’t miss the “Routes of Taste and Music” Street-Festival.

04/08/2023

“FOLKLORE MUSEUM of POLYGYROS, HALKIDIKI” by American Travel Writer Feuza Reis

“...we headed to the Folklore Museum in Polygyros...it was very cool to see the old artifacts and a little bit more history of Polygyros, like this coat is over 100 years old and beautiful. It was just really lovely. If you ever visit Polygyros, definitely stop by the Folklore Museum..”

Thank you Feuza Reis!

03/08/2023

Gastronomy in Polygyros, capital of Halkidiki Greece, is amazing.. Thank you Feuza!

24/07/2023

9th Art Exhibition 27-30 July 2023 Gerakini Beach, Halkidiki

For the 9th year, the Association of Fine Art of Halkidiki is organizing a group art exhibition under the title: “… at Gerakinis’ cellars“.
More than 40 artists are participating in the exhibition and they will present their works based on the thematic “Chroma”.
The exhibition seeks to highlight the dynamics of Colors through freely themed works, the connecting link of which is the utilization of visual, vivid, intense colors, which as a structural element of Art, accompanies from its beginnings the biggest movements.
The building where the exhibition is hosted, the former leucolith ore concentration warehouse of the Gerakini Mines, also acts as an attraction. This year’s exhibition also presents works by students of Polygyros Primary Schools.

Entrance: free
Venue: Warehouse of Mine at the beach of Gerakini
Operating hours: 19.00-23.00

18/07/2023

Gastronomy Awards in Polygyros Halkidiki Greece..

Polygyros is the capital city of Halkidiki. The chefs of Polygyros are writing their own gastronomy tales using local products and get awarded for them.

The local restaurant “EXI VRYSSES” located in the lush park of Polygyros, was selected by the travelers to receive the TRAVELER’S CHOICE AWARD 2022.

The traditional restaurant “MARIGOULA” in Polygyros became the proud owner of GREEK CUISINE AWARD 2023 by ATHINORAMA.

“BOUTIQUE PATISSERIE ANDREADI” in Polygyros, is included as a suggestion in two of the top lifestyle magazines of the United Arab Emirates: Harpers Bazaar Arabia & Esquire (June 2023).

12/07/2023

15th POLYGYROS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2023

The Municipality of Polygyros in Halkidiki, organizes the 15th Polygyros Summer Festival 2023 with music concerts, performances, and events. The visitors of Halkidiki will have the opportunity to enjoy famous Greek singers, taste the local products and participate in athletic events. The program includes:

WEDNESDAY 26 JULY: Concert of the Greek singer Manolis Mitsias, Venue: Doubia Village, at 21:00. Entrance: 10 euros.

THUSRDAY 27 – SUNDAY 30 JULY: For the 9th year, the Association of Fine Art of Halkidiki is organizing a group art exhibition under the title: “… at Gerakinis’ cellars“. More than 40 artists are participating in the exhibition and they will present their works based on the thematic “Chroma”. Venue: Warehouse of Mine at the beach of Gerakini. Operating hours: 19:00 – 23:00. Entrance free.

SATURDAY 29 JULY: Concert of the Greek singer George Gelarakis. Venue: Warehouse of Mine at the beach of Gerakini, at 21:00. Entrance free.

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST: Full moon concert by the Greek singers Natalia Lampadaki and Yiannis Papageorgiou. Venue: Archaeological site of Olynthos, at 21:00. Entrance free.

SATURDAY 10 AUGUST: Concert of the Greek singer Fotini Velesiotou, Venue: Vavdos Village, at 21:00. Entrance free.

THURSDAY 17 – SUNDAY 20 AUGUST: Gastronomy and Street Food Festival “Taste Halkidiki”. Exhibitions of local products and live music events. Venue: Exi Vrysses Park, Polygyros. Entrance free.

FRIDAY 18 AUGUST: Concert of the Greek singers Stavento and Ivi Adamou. Venue: Exi Vrysses Park, Polygyros, at 21:00. Entrance free.
SATURDAY 19 AUGUST: Concert of the Greek singer Peggy Zina, Exi Vrysses, Polygyros, at 21:00. Entrance free.

SUNDAY 27 AUGUST: 7 Run Polygyros Halkidiki. organized by The Halkidiki Health Runners Club in collaboration with other local clubs of Municipality of Polygyros, The event includes three (3) Races: Health Route 5 km, Start time 10.00 am, Mountain - City RUN 14,6 km, Start time 10.15 am, Kids Race 1000m, Start Time 12.30 pm. The Start and Finish of the 3 Races will take place at Heroes Square in Polygyros.

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER: Concert of the Greek singers Lakis Papadopoulos, Yiannis Yiokarinis, Nikos Ziogalas, Yiannis Miliokas. Venue: Ormylia village, at 21:00.

Information: www.polygyros.gr, [email protected]

20/06/2023

Norm Bour is an American travel writer who had visited Halkidiki and discovered the hidden gems of Polygyros. In his article "5 Unique Places In Northern Greece You Need to Visit" published in travelawaits.com, he suggests a visit at the Archaeological Museum of Polyrygos and the Archaeological Site of Olynthos.
Thank you Norm, looking forward to seeing you again in Halkidiki!



https://www.travelawaits.com/2865763/best-places-to-visit-northern-greece/

02/06/2023

The Archaeological Museum of Polygyros is becoming a must-see choice for the travelers of Halkidiki!

Travel to the past, exploring the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros, the most important archaeological Museum in Halkidiki.
Take a look of the collection and visiting hours, here: https://bit.ly/3o8XMUc
Tales from the Capital Halkidiki

16/05/2023

Village hopping in Ormylia, Polygyros, Halkidiki..

The settlements of Ormylia are located northeast of Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki. This scenic route passes through olive groves and pine-tree forests offering great ocean view. It includes 4 settlements populated by 4,200 inhabitants and 3 monasteries.

Point 1: Psakoudia
It was the seaport of Ormylia in ancient time. The waterfront is ending at the Psakoudia Pier where several events are taking place in summer season. Hotels, café and restaurants align the waterfront. The beach of Psakoudia is awarded with 2 Blue Flags (2023).

Point 2: Ormylia
It is the oldest settlement of Halkidiki, inhabited since the Neolithic era. The location was chosen to be in the center of a fertile valley, near the Havria River, a few kilometers from the port. Ormylia connects its history with the Greek War of Independence in 1821. It became the center of National Resistance in Halkidiki organizing an escape network for the allied soldiers.
The settlement preserves several stone mansions from the 19th century. Near the parish church of Agios Georgios (1818), there is the old well and the Municipal store (1909). Inside the settlement there are cafés and restaurants.
2 km southeast there is a church dedicated to the Apostles (Agioi Apostoli) surrounded by a lovely park. Next to it there is a restricted park, shelter for small animals such as deer, peacocks, geese e.t.c.

Point 3: Holy Convent of the Annunciation
The history of monasticism in the region has its roots in Byzantine era. The oldest building of the monastery is the Church of the Annunciation (1842). After restorations and new buildings, the impressive convent completed its construction at the end of the 20th century. The convent houses several workshops. The sisters produce a variety of agricultural products made by ingredients from their own farm.

Point 4: Vatopedi
After the convent, on the right the non-profit Ormylia Foundation "Panagia Filanthropini". It is a modern center of preventive medicine and technological research of cultural heritage elements. It operates under the auspices of the Holy Monastery of Simon Petra of Mount Athos and the Holy Convent of the Annunciation.
The settlement of Vatopedi (600 m. from the Foundation) was founded by refugees. In the central square stands out the parish church of Agios Panteleimon. Vatopedi is located 3.2 km from the beach. There are some guesthouses in the village.

Point 5: Holy Monastery of Agios Arsenios of Cappadocia
Near the village of Vatopedi, the view from the Holy Monastery of Agios Arsenios of Cappadocia is breathtaking. The monastery was founded in 1986 and currently hosts 18 monks.

Point 6: Holy Convent of Timios Prodromos
2 km above the settlement of Metamorfosi, with the enchanting sea in the background, is the Holy Convent of Timios Prodromos. The monastery is located at the same buildings that housed the old glebe of the Dionysiou Monastery.

Point 7: Metamorfosi
It is one of the most popular destinations in Halkidiki with plenty of accommodation, dinning, and entertainment options. The beach of Metamorfosi is awarded with 2 Blue Flags (2023).
The settlement was founded by Asia Minor refugees. Some dozen meters after the parish church, there is a lush park overlooking the sea. This is the gathering spot for locals and visitors.

Village hopping means short visits from one village to another and it is the best way to explore the authenticity of a destination. The road network of Polygyros is in a very good condition with access to all settlements through scenic routes.

12/05/2023

Mountain Bike Race in Metamorfosi Halkidiki, 27 May 2023..

The opening event for the summer season in the Municipality of Polygyros – Halkidiki is the Mountain Bike MTB RACE METAMORFOSI. It includes a mountain bike cross-country race and a race for amateur bikers. It will take place on Saturday 27 May 2023, at 16:00.

MTB RACE METAMORFOSI HALKIDIKI applies to athletes and bikers. The 32 km route is circular from the village of Metamorfosis and back, crossing a pine forest and viewing the Toroneos Gulf from above.

1st Mountain Bike Race Metamorfosi is organized by the Tourism Business Association of Metamorfosi and the Chamber of Halkidiki, with the support of: Municipality of Polygyros, Jeep Club Hellas, Civil Protection Volunteers Association.

If you happen to be in Halkidiki on the 27th of May, don’t miss it!

10/05/2023

Blue Flags 2023 – 97 for Halkidiki, 7 for Municipality of Polygyros!

Greece ranks 2nd in the world among 52 countries that participate in the International Program “Blue Flags”. Blue flag is one of the world’s most recognizes voluntary awards for beaches.

Halkidiki is traditionally the country’s winner with 97 Blue Flags for 2023! Municipality of Polygyros is the winner of 7 Blue Flags for the beaches: Gerakini, Gerakini (Ikos Olivia), Kalyves, Metamorfosi, Sargani (Blue Dolphin), Psakoudia east, Psakoudia west.

The beaches should fulfill 33 criteria related to the cleanliness of sea and beach, the beach facilities and visitor safety, the protection of nature and environmental awareness. “Bule Flags” International Program is operated in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

09/05/2023

Village hopping in the settlements of Polygyros..

This route starts from the northern to the southern part of Halkidiki crossing Mt Holomon. It includes 7 settlements that are located near Polygyros. All villages have interesting places to visit and are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.

Point 1. Sana
About 2.5 km north of the village of Sana, there is a small artificial lake. It was constructed as a dam for the irrigation of 6,000 acres of land.
In the central square of the village, there is a historical church built in 1850.

Point 2. Agios Prodromos
The settlement has a central square with preserved stone buildings and the parish church built in 1851. The village has many taverns where the visitor can taste the famous “Souvlaki of Agios Prodromos” among other courses.
Opposite the church there is a small bridge that goes down to the Olynthios River. A pedestrian path along the river crosses the Municipal Park.

Point 3. Paleokastro
There are two settlements in Paleokastro. The new settlement has in its center the church of Agios Athanasios and a tavern.
The old settlement of Paleokastro is located 1 km southeast of the new one and is designated as "traditional settlement of Halkidiki" since 1978. The village has preserved its stone houses and the old church of Agios Athanasios built in 1864. Around it, there are some chapels and ruins of traditional water mills.

Point 4. Taxiarchis
Taxiarchis is a mountainous village with a long history. Built at an altitude of 670 m in the heart of Mt Holomon, it is surrounded by a fir forest of 2 million saplings, the largest one in Greece.
The settlement consists of preserved stone buildings which are connected by narrow cobblestones. After the central square and the monument of the Macedonian fighter Yannis Parlaris, the road heads towards his house and ends at the Holy Church of Agios Archangelos with a wonderful view of the mountains.
In and around the settlement there are guesthouses, cafes and taverns, some of which offer a variety of outdoor activities.

Point 5. Vrastama
The settlement was founded in the 9th century even though the area was inhabited since ancient times. Vrastama is built amphitheatrically and consists of stone houses, many of them from the 19th century. The parish church of Evangelismos is one of the most beautiful in Halkidiki. The church is old, renovated in 1814 and again after the fire that burnt the village in 1821.
In Vrastama there is a boutique hotel and there are also coffee shops, restaurants and some shops.

Point 6. Kelli
It is a small settlement, in the center of which there is a school and the church. What really is worth seeing is the endless olive grove around and within the settlement, as well as the family olive processing units, a production process that has remained the same for centuries.

Point 7. Plana
The last point of this route is not the settlement itself but its church. Agia Fotini of Plana is a stone-built chapel located next to the river. The location is very beautiful and suitable for a walk or a picnic.

Village hopping means short visits from one village to another and it is the best way to explore the authenticity of a destination. The road network of Polygyros is in a very good condition with access to all settlements through scenic routes.

02/05/2023

Village hopping in Anthemous Polygyros Halkidiki..

The settlements of Anthemous are located northwest of Polygyros Halkidiki. Anthemous was an ancient river mentioned in Greek mythology. The region is continuously inhabited since the prehistoric period, as the archaeological findings indicate. The Anthemous cluster of villages is a lovely village hopping route. The route includes 5 settlements populated by 3,800 inhabitants.

Point 1. Agia Anastasia
On the left side of the National Road Thessaloniki-Polygyros, is the Memorial of Captain Hapsas and the ossuary of his warriors. They all fell fighting at the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Next to the Memorial is the entrance to the Holy Monastery of Agia Anastasia Farmakolytria.
Situated only a few km from the main entrance, after the settlement, the impressive historical Monastery was founded in 888 and still operates. In its premises, the monks preserve some century year old buildings, holy relics and frescoes painted by important artists. The Monastery is open from sunrise to sunset.

Point 2. Galarinos
Return to National Road and cross it to visit the next settlement, Galarinos. In the central square there is a church (Agios Nikolaos), a school and a war memorial. This spot provides some information about the history of the village. In about 200 m. to the east, there is the parish church of Agios Athanasios.

Point 3. Doubia
Pass by the settlement of Doubia. In about 2 km you will find the spring of St Apostles, known since antiquity for its natural carbonated mineral water. According to tradition, Apostle Paul spent some time in the region and blessed the waters. A small chapel close to the water spring is surrounded by a forest of old oak trees.
Return to the traditional settlement of Doubia. Its parish church is dedicated to Agia Paraskevi and was built in 1852. There are cafes and taverns in the settlement.

Point 4. Vavdos
It is one of the mountainous villages of Halkidiki, built at an altitude of 800 m. In the central square there is a huge plane tree - the "Platanos of Vavdos", a protected Monument of Nature since 1976.
Scroll around the village until you reach the beautiful church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, built in 1811. Next to the church is the elementary school, built in 1914.
In the settlement there is a guest house and a couple of local restaurants.

Point 5. Galatista
One of the most picturesque settlements of Halkidiki is Galatista. It also hosts an important monument: The Tower of Galatista. It was built as a fortification in the 14th century and operates today as a museum (08:00-15:30 1/4 to 31/10 except Tuesdays). Next to the tower, there are parts of an old water mill from the same period.
Scattered throughout the settlement are old churches, public fountains and traditional mansions. Six of the town’s churches were built between 1800-1816 (Agios Nikolaos, Dormition of the Virgin, Agios Prodromos, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Georgios). 15 public fountains with 15 different designs decorate the neighborhoods of Galatista. The fountain of Agios Dimitrios in front of the church, adorns the entrance of the central square.
There are café, taverns and restaurants in Galatista.

Village hopping means short visits from one village to another and it is the best way to explore the authenticity of a destination. The road network of Polygyros is in a very good condition with access to all settlements through scenic routes.

28/04/2023

The Tower of Galatista one of the "17 Magnificent Castles in Greece" suggested by "Celebrity Cruises"!

"Byzantine Tower of Galatista, Halkidiki.A 40-minute drive east of Thessaloniki lies the small town of Galatista, largely unremarkable save for this impressive tower, little of which is known.
Thought to have been built in the Byzantine era, the tower was once surrounded by tall firs and lay next to a stream so powerful it could turn two nearby watermills.
With so little on record about the tower itself, popular myth has begun to fill in the gaps in its history, with some claiming it was the home of the nymph queen Galateia, who then went on to lend her name to the town itself..." By James Ellis



https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/castles-in-greece

25/04/2023

Village hopping in Zervohoria Polygyros Halkidiki..

Village hopping means short visits from one village to another and it is the best way to explore the authenticity of a destination. The road network of Polygyros is in a very good condition with access to all settlements through scenic routes.

Zervohoria is a cluster of settlements north of Polygyros. They were named so because they were located zerva (left) from the road.
This village hopping route includes 5 settlements with a population of more than 2,500 inhabitants.

Point 1. Marathousa
It is a lowlander village. Around its lovely central square one can see the parish church of St George and the Cultural Center building.

3 km towards the village of Varvara is the “Platana” location known for the impressive memorial of National Resistance 1944, the chapel of Panagia Gerontissa and the plane tree forest with the small stream.

On the road to Krimni, the "Ktima Livadioti" Winery is open to the visitors for wine tasting.

Point 2. Krimni
The settlement is long and narrow centered on the new Saint Nicola's church. The old church of Agios Nikolaos in Krimni was built in 1860 and is located on the south side of the settlement among the ruins of the old village.
Just outside the settlement, there is the chapel of Agia Paraskevi surrounded by a forest next to the river.

Point 3. Geroplatanos
The village was named after the 800-year-old plane tree around which the settlement was built. The huge tree has a height of 20 m and a perimeter of 15 m. The plane tree of Zervochoria was designated a "Preservable Monument of Nature" in 1976. The cobbled streets lead from the square to the church of Agios Dimitrios, built in 1836. There is a coffee shop in the village.
On the small hill outside the settlement towards Agios Prodromos, it is the chapel of Panagia.

Point 4. Riza
The most important attraction is the church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a three-aisled basilica built in 1852. In the central square of the village, there are cafes and restaurants.
In an idyllic environment, the church of Agios Athanasios Rizon is located. According to tradition, the icon of Saint Athanasios was found after the Revolution of 1821 on a holly tree. The church was built at this point.

Point 5. Paleochora
A beautiful authentic village with stone houses. In the main pedestrian street, the buildings were illustrated by local artists with folklore themes, giving Paleochora the title "the painted village" of Halkidiki. The parish church of Agios Georgios was built in 1922. Cafes and taverns operate in the settlement.
At its southern edge is the picturesque chapel of Prophet Ilias overlooking the forest and the plain.

12/04/2023

We are celebrating the Greek-Orthodox Easter this week. The Tourism Board of the Municipality of Polygyros wishes you Happy Easter!
(The paintings of the easter card have been created by the members of the Galatista Art Cultural Association "Anthemousses")

04/04/2023

Municipality of Polygyros, Halkidiki - Historic churches

Churches have always been the center of the community, figuratively and literally. The settlements were built around the church. These residential complexes are called parishes and the parish churches are integral parts of the community.

The Municipality of Polygyros includes some of the oldest settlements in Greece. Many parish churches that were continuously operating for several centuries, were destroyed during the Greek War of Independence in 1821, only to be rebuilt a few years later.

The number of parish churches dating from the beginning of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century is impressive: 17 parish churches in 10 settlements are open museums of architecture, painting and woodcarving. Some of them have still fragments from the oldest temples on which they were built.

Galatista has the largest number of historic parish churches (6), without counting the chapels located outside the settlement. The oldest are those of Agios Nikolaos (patron saint), Panagia and Agios Ioannis Prodromos, which were built around 1800. In 1813, the churches of Agios Dimitrios, in 1815 the church of Agia Paraskevi and in 1816 the church of Agios Georgios were built.

The churches of the Dormition of the Virgin of Vavdos (1811), the Annunciation of the Virgin in Vrastama (1814) and Agios Georgios of Ormylia (1818) are made of stone and have frescoes with vividly impressive colors.

In 1836, the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos in Polygyros was completed, on the spot of the destroyed church of Agios Charalambos used to be. It was dedicated to Agios Nikolaos with the prayer to protect the inhabitants from the disease that plagued the town at the time.

After the second half of the 19th century, six beautiful churches were built: Taxiarchis in Sana (1850), Dormition of the Virgin in Agios Prodromos (1851), Agia Paraskevi in Doumbia (1852), Dormition of the Virgin in Riza (1852), Agios Nikolaos in Krimni (1860) and Agios Athanasios in Paleokastro (1864). The last church that recently celebrated one century of operation is Agios Georgios in Paleochora.

The historic parish churches of the Municipality of Polygyros express the rebirth of the communities through the ruins, not only symbolically but also as monuments of the modern history of Halkidiki.

28/03/2023

Traditional Guesthouses in Taxiarchis Village, Halkidiki..

One of the best kept secrets in Halkidiki is the traditional village of Taxiarchis. It is located only 30 kilometers away from the beach and upgrade a simple stay to a mountain-sea experience.

There are 10 accommodation units (hotels and guesthouses) with a total capacity of 200 beds in and around the village of Taxiarchis. All of them operate 365 days a year. Their main characteristic is that they are built according to the traditional architecture, made of stone and wood, decorated with handmade details by local craftsmen.

Although the style of the hotels and the guesthouses is old-fashioned in most cases, all the lodges are equipped with contemporary comforts. The owners are locals, they stay in the area and tend to be the guardians of the fir forest. The cooks are creating real authentic food made of local products.

We usually say that a hotel feels like home. But do we really want that? Unless our daily life has a 10-course breakfast, our rooms are equipped with sauna, our house has a swimming pool surrounded by a forest and we keep horses for riding in our backyard.

So, we travel to have a better time than we do at home, and we do it as often as possible. Taxiarchis in Halkidiki is ideal for small breaks throughout the year.



(Facts: Hotel Chamber of Greece, Federation of Rental Accommodations of Halkidiki).