Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sharp drop to the sea. Near the cliff bottom, a series of springs bubbles from a rock
overhang, nurturing a little oasis - doubtless a spur in the founding of Aphytis, the
village's ancient predecessor. Both beaches (turn left for Paralía Várkes, right for Paralía
Moudhoúnou) are marred by rock sills with lots of sea urchins. On the square, the
focus of a mesh of slightly twee cobbled lanes closed to traffic for the nightly
promenade, stands a handsome church in post-Byzantine style, dating only from 1850
but seeming much older.
Kallithéa and around
The modern and rather ugly resort of
KALLITHÉA
is useful only for its
AT M s
and
car,
motorbike and windsurfer rental
. At
KRYOPIYÍ
, just under 6km further, most of the
development is concentrated along the steep roads that cascade down to the water,
where there's a beach, but Kryopiyí has managed to preserve its old village core up the
hill, on the land side of the main road.
Beyond Kryopiyí, you head towards the “toe” of the Kassandhrian boot via a trio of
tacky and missable coastal resorts - Polýkhrono, Haniótis and Pefkohóri - and the far
more scenic and deserted bay of
Khroussoú
. From here, rather than continuing to the
disappointing “toe”-cape at Kánistro, you're better off heading west and inland along
the main road to the rambling ridge-top village of
PALIOÚRI
.
The southwestern shore
The southwestern shore of Kassándhra is, in general, developed more for Greek
weekenders. Some 6km beyond hilltop Palioúri lies
Ayía Paraskeví
, a delightful village
with sea views, a little way beyond which you emerge on the coast at the
Loutrá Ayías
Paraskevís
, where a popular
spa
complex (
T
23740 71810) contains a hot sulphurous
pool and offers various treatments from €6.
NÉA SKIÓNI
, 4km northwest, can be a
decent base, with its good clean beach and appealing seafront.
Tucked on the cape beyond droll Mála Kalýva is
POSÍDHI
, which covers a hill and
spills down onto a harbour and fine stretch of beach.
At the far end of the
beach
,
beyond the lively
Bouda
beach bar, the rock reef abates and you can skinny-dip from
the tapering sand spit. On the opposite side of the promontory, the splendid beach of
Eyeopelayítiko
is one of the finest on the whole peninsula, with the seasonal
Oramabar
providing refreshments. From here you can return to the main road and complete the
clockwise coastal circuit, happily ignoring the unappealing resort of Síviri, although if
time allows, you may choose to detour back to this coast for a peep at the yachting
haven of
Sáni
.
ACCOMMODATION, EATING AND DRINKING KASSÁNDHRA
You should have no trouble getting
accommodation
outside the busy midsummer period, though places start closing
down in September, and few remain open between October and April. Large signs at the entrance to both peninsulas
remind you that camping outside authorized sites is strictly prohibited. If you avoid the identikit tavernas at the most
heavily touristic resorts, Kassándhra has a decent sprinkling of reasonable
places to eat
. The liveliest nightlife is in Áfytos,
with Greek musicians often playing the bars at summer weekends, sometimes under the aegis of the
Kassándhra
Festival
which Áfytos shares with Síviri: performances include blues, soul, classical and traditional Greek music.
4
NÉA FÓKEA
Seryiani
T
23740 81677.
Delightfully positioned
seafood taverna on the little harbour. Prices are kept low -
fresh fish can cost under €50 per kilo. Good mezédhes and
barrelled wine too.
May-Oct daily noon-1am.
Villa Madeleine
T
23740 81991,
E
valasaki@
freemail.gr.
Smart modern studios on hill behind the
tower, comfortably furnished, with kitchenettes,
and
balconies overlooking the bay. Mid-June to mid-Sept.
€30
SÁNI
Blue Dream
T
23740 31435.
Municipal campsite just
north of the harbour with adequate space but not a great
deal of shade or facilities.
May-Sept.
Tomata
On the marina
T
23740 99465.
The expensive
but imaginative menu at this taverna is aimed at
the yachters who moor here, but look out for the €15-
per-person “Dine Around” options.
April-Oct noon-
midnight.
