Most popular places to enjoy the Nature of Halkidiki
Lagoon of Agios Mamas - Halkidiki
The Lagoon of Agios Mamas in Halkidiki is a “Community Protection Site” and a “Special Protection Zone” of the NATURA 2000 network with code GR1270004. The lagoon is located near Agios Mamas in the area of Nea Moudania and occupies an area of 6,332 acres. The water of the lagoon is brackish, the vegetation low, while the area presents the image of a sandy land. Many remarkable birds are fed, reproduced and overwhelmed in the wetland. Some mammals, reptiles and amphibians are also characteristic. The lagoon is at risk of water scarcity due to drought, over-pumping of groundwater, road and housing construction.
Turtle Lake - Polychrono Halkidiki
The small lake of Polychrono is a lovely place surrounded by pine trees. It constitutes a natural reserve for a rare species of water turtles, the Testudinata Turtles. This is a great place for walking around the lake. The location of Lake Mavrobaras is at 3 km D of Polychrono and at an altitude of 300m in the heart of Kassandra. The lake is protected because of its particular ecological interest. There were also two species of rare Testudinata, which is threatened with extinction. Until the summer of 2007, the site was green and turtles normally lived in the area. It is doubtful if they will survive after the destruction of their environment and the lack of food.
Canal of Nea Potidea - Halkidiki
Before the village there is a very thin strip of land in which a canal was built, the so-called Potidea Canal to serve ships that bombed the Toroneos Bay to fish fresh fish. The canal is the main attraction of Potidea as it connects impressively the Toroneos and Thermaikos bay. A canal that is unknown when it was opened. It is, however, certain that it existed before the 1st century AD, with the work probably being completed by Kassander 300 with 400 years before and taking its final form recently between 1935 and 1937.
Taksiarchis Forest - Halkidiki
The University Forest of Taxiarchis -a 5,800-hectare state-owned forest - is found in the centre of Halkidiki and concretely in the Southern and South-western slopes of Holomontas. Taxiarchis forest is home to amazing flora and fauna. The most common trees found in this forest are broad-leaved trees, such as oaks at lower altitudes and beeches higher up, and different varieties of pine, alongside a bounty of Erica bushes that feed the region's honey bee populace.
Reaching 811m at its highest peak, the woodland is home in its remoter parts to wolves, foxes, wild pigs and predatory birds – it is a magnet for bird-watchers – and has a museum where visitors can learn all about the local plants and animals. The unique agriculture found on the Mountain of Holomontas, which can survive at these winter conditions -low temperature, is the agriculture of Christmas trees, which are planted by seed in its fields (trees are not cut from the forest).
Waterfalls of Varvara - Halkidiki
Varvara’s waterfalls are hidden in the dense forest belonging to Varvara, but are closer to the Olympiada. Following the asphalt forest road of Varvara-Olympiada, this is one of the most beautiful asphalt routes in Halkidiki. Includes two waterfalls, ending with shrubs, almonds, shrubs, beeches, wild hazelnuts that grow all over, while the rocks in bright colors form a kind of a gate at the top. Both the location and the sense of calm, serenity and contact with the natural element make you think you have discovered a piece of heaven on earth.
The first waterfall is visible from above, while in the second you will feel the momentum of the water, even in the summer. The walking path of discovery is short (5-10 minutes) and both the wooden bridges and the right signage contribute positively to the pleasure of the unique landscape. The place is ideal for families with young children who are sure to be thrilled.
Thermal springs Agia Paraskevi - Halkidiki
The state-of-the-art hydrotherapy spa (SPA) is renowned for its rare healing properties, it is aimed at all ages and has swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, sprinklers, hydro massage (individual and team) for healing and rejuvenation. The hydrotherapy meets the needs of modern humans, who work and move permanently at a fast pace. It offers relaxation in a wonderful environment with full medical support. The water is indicated for many diseases such as bones, joints and muscles, as well as for skin diseases.
The first source was discovered by a farmer who was looking for sulfur to sprinkle his vines. After the end of the Second World War, the residents blew the rocks with dynamite and spilled the hydrosulphur water at a temperature of 39 o C from the volcano, where the new Thermopigi was created. Originally it was named the source of Saint Nicholas and later Agia Paraskevi. At the site of the springs, in the first years a small parapet with two halls was created and in 2000 the new ultra-modern building was built. Thus, a small spa was developed, the source was dedicated to the grace of the Zoodochos spring and reconstructed its chapel.