When you go to a country such as Greece it's obvious that you will look for archeological sites, magnificent buidings, breathtaking views or at least clear sea and sandy beaches. But when you satisfy your curiosity about all those things so popular with tourists, you may feel the urge to see something off-the-beaten path, something less touristy. That is why we decided to go to Arnea, a town in Northern Chalkidiki, 70 km from Thessaloniki. I know that many visitors might say that there is hardly anything worth seeing there but I enjoyed the trip very much. Peeping into the gardens, admiring the newly reconstructed buildings contrasting with the old ones, laid-back atmosphere, elderly men sitting in cafes sipping ouzo and fiddling with the beads of komboloi, colourful washing hanging over a street - these are my memories from Arnea. And one more thing - we probably saved the life of a...
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Storks
by nickandchris
One of the things I love about Greece is spotting something you wouldn't see in your own country. Quite often we have seen storks nesting on chimneys and telegraph poles.It is really quite exciting for us Brits to see this sort of thing. (I'm not even an ornothologist.)
Go To Jail....
by nickandchris
Along this same route we finally arrived at Sani via the local prison. There was a sign which was upside down saying "Jail area. Forbidden to enter." Funny thing was the barrier was raised for anyone to walk or drive in. Another one of these Greeks and signs parody.
Birds and Lagoons
by nickandchris
Continuing on our route from Nea Potidea to Sani on dirt tracks we ended on a cliff top looking over spectacular red cliffs and down to little bits of litter strewn beaches. A very wild coast here.We deviated and found ourselves on a causeway over a salt lagoon. This road was diabolical with great holes in it. As we disturbed the grass down the middle and verges of it, hundreds of colourless dragonflies flew out. There were many birds also, including herons. This was a renowned bird watchers paradise and as we passed a few of them, they looked at us in disbelief, having driven along this road and disturbed their peace. Whoops!!!
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Out in The Wilds
by nickandchris
From Nea Potidea we took an unsurfaced road through rolling wheatfields towards Sani. Every so often there would be funny little buildings, farms? dotted about. We came across a few people walking and some scrambling bikers, setting out a rally. The road was very rough and we wondered whether we were going to get anywhere. At one stage the road ended in a sand dune but fortunately the bikers knew the road and directed us round it.The countryside was so agricultural it was hard to believe we were in Greece.
Develiki
by nickandchris
This was the most fantastic spot, back in 1991. We followed a rough road down to the coast somewhere south of Gomati, between Sithonia and Athos and arrived at this fantastic, wild beach. Not a soul here except a tiny little pantopolieon which opened for us when we sat outside. A very sleepy proprietor roused himself sufficiently to serve us a beer. We sat for ages conversing in our pidgin Greek and cuddling the kittens he owned. The location was perfect and Nick still says he wants to retire there. I wonder what has been built there now?Totally undiscovered.
Reviews and photos of Prefecture of Chalkidiki off the beaten path posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Prefecture of Chalkidiki sightseeing.
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