Attractions to See in Kassandra, Greece
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Kassandra is a peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece known as the “left foot.” Kassandra is known for its white and gold sanded beaches and unique beauty. Kassandra offers endless fun and relaxation.When you want to explore what else Kassandra has, you’re in luck. The peninsula is home to a number of attractions you can’t see anywhere else and definitely shouldn’t miss. You don’t have to look far to find attractions of interest in Kassandra thanks to its history.
There are a number of options for getting to Kassandra, Greece. The closest airports are the Thessaloniki Airport and the Skiathos Airport. The closest ports include the Port of Neos Marmaras and Thessaloniki Port. Once you arrive at any of these locations you can get to Kassandra by taking a car or shuttle bus.
Visit the Sanctuary of Poseidon
Any lover of history will want to see the Sanctuary of Poseidon in Possidi. In antiquity, the area was called Ancient Mende. The temple was mentioned in Thucydides and documents of the Holy Mount Athos dating back to the 14th century. The sanctuary was active for over 1,000 years and was likely built by settlers from Eretria who thought of Poseidon as their patron god. Four large buildings, including a main temple, were discovered during excavations. The floor is terracotta and the walls were made of large pebbles. Explore what’s left of the sanctuary when you’re visiting Kassandra, Greece.
See the Cave of Petralona
The Cave of Petralona is architecturally and anthropologically important and fascinating cave. It’s also been a place of paleontological interest. It was discovered by a villager of Petrolona in 1969 while he was searching for sources of water. Rock formations in the cave resemble columns and giant cactus. Tools, fossilized bones and teeth of various animals, and a cranium were found in the cave. These items are now on display at the Paleontological Museum. The cave opened to the public in 1979. You can take a tour of the 10, 400 square meter cave, which is found approximately 50 km from Thessaloniki and just 800 meters from the settlement of Petralona.
Visit the Tower of Stavronikitas
Also known as the Tower of Sani, this tower dates from 1543. It was originally built to protect the dependency (“metochi”) of the Stavronikita Monastery. The tower stands eight meters tall, but it is believed to have been taller. The tower is thought to have been built at the Acropolis of ancient Sani. The city flourished until the Roman Empire. It may have been used as an observation post to watch for approaching pirates. The tower sits on a low hill that is shaped like a natural amphitheatre. If you’re visiting during the summer, you will want to take in the festival of artists that takes place there.
Visiting the peninsula of Kassandra is a wonderful experience with so much to offer. Don’t miss out on exploring some of the top attractions in the area to get the most out of your trip.
Categorized in: About Kassandra, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
