Also known as Valta, Kassandreia is a cobblestoned Greek town with an old-world atmosphere located in the heart of the Kassandra Peninsula. It’s named after the ancient city of Cassandreia, which was established nearby in 316 BC and was once among the most important cities in Ancient Macedonia.
Things to do in Kassandreia
Spend a day wandering through the atmospheric streets of Kassandreia to admire its 19th-century churches and the beautifully preserved Town Hall. You can grab a bite to eat in one of the traditional tavernas or coincide your visit with the weekend market when locally-sourced produce, olive oil and honey are for sale. Don’t miss the annual Kassandra Festival, which sees international musicians and theatrical plays take to the stage of the Siviri Amphitheater.
A short drive from Kassandreia will take you to the village of Afitos, which centres around the 19th-century stone-domed basilica of the Church of Agios Demetrios. If you’re interested in the local culture, stop by the fascinating Folklore Museum to get up close to vintage farming tools and handicrafts.
Kassandreia also makes an ideal base for visiting Nea Fokea, a bustling fishing port dominated by the 17-metre-high St. Paul’s Byzantine Tower. You can relax on the town’s beautiful beach where sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent before dining on freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Getting around Kassandreia
Kassandreia is around an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to the Kassandreia bus station and travel throughout the Kassandra Peninsula. Having your own car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.