I will begin with the fact that I live in Greece, in the city of Thessaloniki, for the second year, and I want to share impressions from traveling, everyday life, language, kitchen, local features and beauty.
It was no coincidence that I decided to write about the Kallifea resort village on the Halkidiki Peninsula, in the part of its part, which is called Cassandra and is just 90 kilometers from thessalonik. The name of the Kallithea translated means "good look", and there are several places in Greece with the same name (as, for example, the terrain on the island of Rhodes), but I really like the species on Chalkidiki, they really inspire and charm.
This village is the most cosmopolitan place of Chalkidikov and the epicenter of the nightlife of the entire Peninsula. The infrastructure is very developed here - you will find everything you need: a lot of shops with a variety of assortment (from souvenirs and traditional food and cosmetics to fur coats), cafes, bars, eateries, hotels and apartments of various price categories, nightclubs and dance floors. And here are very clean beaches with white sand.
A bit of history and archeology: in the vicinity of the village there was an antique temple Ammon Zeus (in honor of him the Ammon Zeus Hotel 4 *), dated the beginning of the 4th century BC and additional buildings of the amphitheater and the altar of the Roman Empire period, which were found during construction Hotel in 1969. On the territory of all Greece, archaeological monuments are very often found, building a metro in more cities, for example, as they are literally everywhere. It can be surprising and paradoxically for a foreigner - how archaeological attractions quietly fit and coexist with modern and simply coexist with Greek daily. Also in Kallithea there is an ancient Cave of Dionysus, where even in more distant antiquity, rites of worship, and later Roman baths (1-2 BB of N.EE) were held, which were something like spa salons with therapeutic procedures. Access to all archaeological attractions are free, there are plans and plans everywhere in Greek and English. Callifa is also a former patrol of monks from the monastery of St. Panteleimon (patron of these places), which was rebuilt in 1925. Every July 27 there is a holiday dedicated to the Holy. Just 4 km is the town of Atitos with an ethnographic museum, in which you can familiarize yourself with interesting exhibits and stories of this area.
And now time to eat. Taverns, cafes and restaurants here usually work from 11.00 to 12.00 hours until late evening. Most tourists have breakfast in hotels, early in the morning you can also drink coffee and eat in small snacks and bakers, where you cook very tasty pies (petes) with different fillings (spinach, feta cheese, sweet cream), in which case can be spent on coffee and cake Only a few euros (3-5).
From Taverns, I would like to especially celebrate the tavern "Diaz" (so in the newly called Zeus)) for the sophisticated dishes of seafood and meat, the design of the interior and exterior (the cozy area is surrounded by a garden and a wonderful view of the Torontaic Bay, there is a playground). A feature of this tavern, which is not inferior to the status of a restaurant, but with more democratic prices (you can dine or dine from 20 euros per person) there is a special atmosphere, this is the family business of the spouses of Antonis and Falia and their five children, which they founded back in 1991 , and since then carefully care about every guest. There is its own production of household products, such as wine, Cipuro (something like a grape moonshine), honey, cheese and olives. While wrote, I really wanted to return there.
Another time you can look at the "Taverna Elena" in the very center of the village where branded recipes are prepared in a special way, homely, in a saucepan (this is original, since, mostly in taverns a lot of fried or baked food) can also be ordered Dish with a variety of meat or marine products to try them in diversity. Pleasant atmosphere, summer playground, seized grapes and delicious local varieties of wines (prices from 10-20 euros per person, depending on the number of orders and guests).
Youth "Cocktails Cafe Bar Lava", also in the center, will delight excellent service, drinks and cocktails. For example, a cup of Greek coffee "Ellinico" can be enjoyed for 3 euros per person.
And very close to the beach there is a coasta tavern, where there are also many advantages: large parking, a variety of seaside and meat dishes, and ordering any drink, you can freely use a chaise lounge on the beach.
Now I propose to explore local beaches. Callifa Beach is located in the bay opposite the second finger or the feet of Chalkidiki - Sithonia, which is why there is no strong waves here and you can admire the view of the Holy Mountain of Athos. Beaches are very clean, sandy, no big stones, parents with young children will like it.
In the territories of the village, where the hotels are mostly accommodated, the depricted beaches are awarded the Blue Flag awards (this means that it is very clean, safe and beautiful here), for example, Kriopigi Beach surrounded by pines, palm trees and eucalyptus, which literally grow on the beach. Its territory is also free from maritime traffic.
On the beaches there are booths for dressing up, sports grounds, showers.
In addition to swimming (by the way, in July, there is an international marathon on swimming through the Bay of Toroneos), you can enjoy any sea sports with professional coaches, there is a separate diving school ("Triton"), as well as entertainment such as Bowling and Karting.
A little about hotels. In this region, their really rich choice. From the simplest 2-3 * and apartments to Luxury hotels, especially I like "Aegean Melathron", in which I once witnessed a fabulously beautiful wedding ceremony. Near the Callialia, the Popular G-Hotels Hotel is located in which Athos Palace Hotel 4 * is highlighted by its high service and location (located on the cape among gardens and greenery) and what is suitable for any category of tourists. And for holidaymakers with children this season, a children's club "Grekoleto" from Muzenidis Travel appeared. Qualified educators and coaches, animators (Russian and English), a variety of sports and creative classes, games and master classes for children 2 of age groups: 4-8 years and 8-12 years old, and even evening entertainment show programs and mini disco.
It is already a sunset, time for the study of nightlife for adults, about which everything is so much heard. Let's start with the largest and famous nightclub "Ahoy", it has existed for 20 years, and accommodates more than 3,000 people, it works from late April to late September (every day). There are always novelties of dance music from all over the world, and new items of the Greek repertoire; Thematic parties are held in different styles, with invited star DJs.
The trendy club "Pearl Club" for the remaining 3000 or more people who have not fitted in "Ahoy", here you will surprise laser show and fireworks (the club is open on Friday and Saturday). The scale of the institutions and programs are impressive! During the tourist season, you can also visit the concert of the stars of the Greek musical and dance scene. In clubs, the price range on drinks is from 5 euros for beer, and about 15 - for a cocktail. All clubs are located below the village, so loud music is not heard in the village itself. Nevertheless, I advise, if possible, choose in hotels with closer to the sea, as in some rooms outside the road / street / city with open windows, music can be heard, and if the sleep is fastening, it can deliver some inconvenience. I also really like a small disco bar "Aqua". He is very loved by local. Here, as in most Greece clubs, world chants of club music alternate with Greek hits in the appropriate processing.
Which is very cool in the calliphea - it is that despite the super bright and intensive nightlife, you can also enjoy a relaxing rest, and walk in peaceful thick pine forests. This variety of available options seems to me the basis of a full-fledged rest. There is no feeling that only one format is set, which must be followed, there is a choice and, most importantly, the high quality of the services provided.
