Arnaia

Village in Central Macedonia

This traditional settlement of mountainous Halkidiki is famous for its architecture and picturesque surrounding landscape. Explore on foot and by car.

A typical street of Arnaia and houses with the traditional architecture.
photo: Rosa-Maria Rinkl / CC BY-SA 4.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Arnaia Attractions

The remnants of the Stagira archaeological site with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea in the background.
photo: Dimitris Siskopoulos / CC BY 2.0
hidden gem
distant ≈ 28.5km

Ancient Stageira (Archaeological Site)

This is Aristotle's birthplace and the place he was buried too. His compatriots threw annual festivities to commemorate him and turned his tomb into an altar.

A picture showing the exterior of the church of Agia Marina surrounded by a green landscape.
photo: Hannibal21 / CC BY 3.0
hidden gem
distant ≈ 25.7km

Agia Marina Church, Rentina

Impressive post-Byzantine church with a distinctive architectural style. Excellent for a stop, if travelling on the highway.

The church of Agia (Saint) Paraskevi made of bricks surrounded by trees.
photo: Municipality of Aristotle

St. Paraskevi Grove

Located close to the village, this is a beautiful place into the woods, ideal for walks, play with kids, and also meditation.

Ruins at the archaeological site of ancient Olynthos among trees and bushes.
photo: Hermann Hammer / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 41.4km

Ancient Olynthos (Archaeological Site)

A strong town and capital of the Chalkidian League, it vanished when Philip (Alexander's father) has it sacked and razed.

The main entrance and the front entrance of the St. Stefanos church in Arnaia.
photo: PatridgesonGR / CC BY-SA 3.0

Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Stefanos

This church burned down in 2005 and during its restoration an amazing discovery was made - that it's actually ancient. Visit it to see findings on display.

An panoramic photo showing the hill and the remnants of the Rentina Castle surrounded by mountains and vegetation.
photo: Kostas Chaidemenos / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 26.4km

Byzantine Castle of Rentina

With traces of human presence since the Neolithic era, this strategic hilltop was a Byzantine castle, later used also by the Ottomans.

Arnaia Things to Do

The statue of Aristotle and the mountain behind the Aristotle's Park.
photo: Municipality of Aristotle

Aristotle's Park, Stagira

An absolutely worth-visiting theme park that educates visitors about Aristotle's physics with interactive methods. Excellent for children.

The waters of the lake reflecting the blue skies, and one fishing boat is lying on the shore.
photo: Iraklis Apergis / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 26.7km

Lake Volvi

The largest lake in Macedonia has 24 fish species and many birds. Excellent for walks and relaxation, once here, try also the food.

A picture of the waterfalls of Varvara in Halkidiki among rocks.
photo: Municipality of Aristotle
distant ≈ 22.5km

Varvara Waterfalls

In this area of natural beauty and dense vegetation, you will find these waterfalls - ideal for a short visit for relaxation.

The green landscape and dense vegetation of the Holomontas Mountain region.
photo: Μάριος Πιβερόπουλος / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mount Cholomon

Breathtaking natural landscapes that cover the biggest part of the central and east Halkidiki. There are trails but not as well developed.

Arnaia Museums

A showcase with utensils and everyday tools as well as some photographs showing the life of people in old Arnaia.
photo: Macedonian Heritage / CC BY-SA 3.0

Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnaia

The Historical and Folklore Museum gives a view of everyday life and traditions of Arnaia in the past few centuries. A remarkable collection.

An old loom in one of the rooms of the Weaving Museum of Arnaia.
photo: Municipality of Aristotle

Weaving Museum of Arnaia

Shedding light to the distinctive textile art tradition of Arnaia that was an important source of income for the locals throughout centuries.

Arnaia Beaches

A photo of the Olympiada Beach of Halkidiki.
photo: Dimitris Siskopoulos / CC BY 2.0
distant ≈ 27.5km

Olympiada Beach

Sandy beach with pebbles while entering the water, while it offers numerous food and drink choices.

A photo depicting people, umbrellas, and sunbeds at the Stavros of the Volvi area of Thessaloniki.
photo: YouInGreececom / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 30.4km

Stavros Beach

Main beach of Stavros located next to the small fishing port. It's sandy with pebbles clusters and its shallow waters make it ideal for kids.

Numerous umbrellas and sunbeds lying on the beach of Vrasna in the area of Volvi of Thessaloniki.
photo: Nikolai Karaneschev / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 33.2km

Vrasna Beach

A mixed sandy, with few pebbles, beach belongs to the settlement located in the foothills of the mountain between Asprovalta and Stavros.

A part of the beach of Psakoudia of Polygyros of Halkidiki that includes numerous umbrellas and sunbeds of a beach bar.
photo: Andrew Zorin / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 38.1km

Psakoudia Beach

Long sandy beach located between Kassandra & Sithonia where the pine trees reach the coast.

A photo of the Metamorfosi beach of Halkidiki taken between the umbrellas and sunbeds of a local beach bar.
photo: Andrew Zorin / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 40.6km

Metamorfosi Beach

Typical beach of Halkidiki where the local flora and the pine trees reach the long sandy coast.

A photo of the Platani beach of Stavros showing the lush vegetation reaching the sea.
photo: YouInGreececom / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 30.4km

Platani Beach, Stavros

Εxtremely shallow and crystal-clear waters of a beach located west of Stavros by a small oasis of plane trees that offer natural shadow.

An overview of the settlement of Stratoni that includes Stratoni Beach.
photo: Nicola Feola / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 27.5km

Stratoni Beach

A well-organized public beach that stands for its sand and takes advantage of the amenities and the infrastructure of the local settlement.

A picture taken from the sea depicts people in the water and umbrellas and sunbeds at the Develiki Beach.
photo: YouInGreececom
distant ≈ 33.4km

Develiki Beach

Tiny fisherman settlement with the homonymous quiet beach that is partly organized but hosts two tavernas famous for their fresh fish.

A photo depicting a family to enjoy the sun and the water at the Kampos (Ladhario) beach of Pyrgadikia.
photo: Pyraechmes
distant ≈ 26.7km

Kampos (Ladhario) Beach, Pyrgadikia

A large semi-organized sandy beach with a beach bar, as well as beach volley and soccer fields.

Arnaia Day Trips

Clear waters, a small fishing boat on the sand, and dense vegetation very close to the beach of Galini, Neos Marmaras.
photo: Bernhard Wintersperger / CC BY 2.0

Sithonia Halkidiki

If you prefer natural beauty and nightlife, Sithonia is abundant with isolated beaches, glamorous beach bars, and scenic drives. Best for families.

The statue of the fisherman located at the seafront of Ierissos having the deep blue sea and the blue sky as background.
photo: Municipality of Aristotle

Ierissos

Close to the famous philosopher's birthplace, here you will find Aristotle's Theme Park, a series of beaches, and boat tours to Mount Athos.

A picture taken from the Nea Apollonia spa showing Volvi lake.
photo: Timeheritage / CC BY-SA 4.0
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low rating
distant ≈ 35.1km
temp. closed

Apollonia Spa, Loutra Volvis

The Apollonia spa and thermal springs are good enough for a few relaxing hours. The waters are not too warm but the sulfuric smell is.

A panoramic photo depicting the houses of Asprovalta with the sea and the mountains as a background.
photo: Knop92

Asprovalta

This coastal town attracts many local and Balkan tourists and offers experiences that range from waterfalls and beaches to lakes and ancient ruins.

A traditional stone-built building that houses a taverna opposite to the central square of Vrasna.
photo: Georgios86 / CC BY 3.0
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distant ≈ 34.5km

«Vrasna» Traditional Village

This old village built on a slope stands out for its traditional architecture and spectacular views over Strymonikos gulf.

An overview of the city of Polygyros surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation.
photo: Luc.T / CC BY 2.0

Polygyros

The proof that Halkidiki is not only about beach life, Polygyros dominates with its mountainous landscape and culture as well as its hiking paths.

A picture taken from the sea showing the beach and the settlement of Stavros during the sunset.
photo: Nikolai Karaneschev / CC BY 3.0
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distant ≈ 30km

Stavros, Thessaloniki

Seafront town that gets many visitors during the summer season, especially from Thessaloniki and other nearby towns but also the Balkans.

A paved path at the Yerakini coastal promenade close by the sandy beach.
photo: Aristolaos / CC BY-SA 3.0
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distant ≈ 37.3km

Yerakini, Polygyros Halkidiki

A coastal village that evolved from a small settlement of miners during the '60s to a popular tourist destination today.

A central street of the village of Galatista with shops and other traditional buildings.
photo: Geovagrand / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 37.7km

Galatista, Polygyros Halkidiki

Picturesque village with old-style stone architecture and a Byzantine tower. A fantastic place to relax and stroll around in the beautiful streets.

The stone-built main church and other buildings by a street of Taxiarchis village of Halkidiki.
photo: Hermann Hammer / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Taxiarchis Halkidiki

Hidden in the Holomontas forest, this is a settlement with classic stone-built houses and churches. A jewel of mountainous Halkidiki.

The paved coastal promenade on the right and Olympiada beach on the left.
photo: Tomisti / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 27.3km

Olympiada, Chalkidiki

Settlement that was founded by Greek refugees from Asia Minor and bears the name of Alexander's mother. Decent beach, nice promenade.

Questions & Answers about Arnaia

Why Visit Arnaia?
  • Built at an altitude of 600 m. it's one of the most scenic villages of north Chalkidiki.
  • Mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides with the name Arni.
  • Declared "traditional settlement" since 1986.
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