Elia Beach - Ag. Pavlos - Petros - Elia Beach
This high level easy route starts at the roadside just opposite the back entrance to the Athena Pallas Hotel at Elea Beach. It is an easy woodland walk along forest roads and narrow tracks, which give fine views of the coastline and beyond.
The walk visits the church to Paul the Apostle on the hill above Elea Beach and also Petros, the very large rock, with a trig point on its summit, which pokes up through the trees. This is the highest point on the ridge and those with a good head for heights can ascend the rock to enjoy the excellent views over the peninsula.
Ag. Pavlos (The church of St Paul the Apostle) is built near an ancient spring with very pure water. You will probably observe local people here filling plastic bottles and loading them into their cars, particularly on a Sunday. The legend goes that St. Paul passed through here on his way to Rome and at this spot he was thirsty. He prayed for water and struck the ground with his staff. The spring immediately gushed forth and it has been flowing ever since.
The path Starts at the track, which leads into an olive grove almost directly opposite to the rear entrance of the Athena Pallas Hotel. The track runs in a south-easterly direction along the edge of the olive grove for about 300m when a track junction is reached. Take the lower track, which passes an electrical sub Station as it meanders along, but still continues in the same general direction. In 400m or so a shallow valley to the right gradually gets deeper and the route begins to climb more steeply through the trees in a series of short zigzags. As the broad summit of the ridge is reached, the path turns more to the north and the woodland thins, thus providing fine views over the coast. Four hundred metres of gentle ascent along this broad ridge bring the walker to Ag. Pavlos, with its holy well.
The land on this plateau is like a giant rock garden as massive rocks are interspersed with pine trees, flowering shrubs, heathers, and other plants. It is beautiful at any time of the year, but even more so in the spring. Like many other walks in the area, many of the forest tracks are lined with beehives and there is often the sweet smell of honey in the air.
To continue on to visit Petros, take the sandy track that leads almost due east from the church (Look for the way-markers). Four hundred metres along this track look out for a Poseidon way marker on a tree to the right of the track. This marks the Start of a narrow woodland path that will take us directly to Petros. The route winds through the trees and there are many tracks, due to the herds of goats that graze in these woods. To avoid getting lost, look for the Poseidon way markers on the trees. The track meanders on in a south-easterly direction for a distance of 300m to arrive at an open, grassy Clearing in the woods surrounded by large rocks.
This is a good place to take a coffee break. The rocks in this area and the sand in the road sparkle a lot when seen in the sunshine. This is due to the presence of the mineral mica in the rocks, which is used in industry as an electrical insulator. The path now continues, through mainly open woodland, to the southeast. In 400m we emerge onto a track immediately to the north of Petros, although the rock itself is hidden amongst the trees. Follow the grassy track to the south end of the rock where there are old olive trees. Stop at the first olive tree, turn right and make for two pine trees below the southern end of the rock. The path up the rock passes between these two trees.
To return to Ag. Pavlos continue on through the olives (look for the way marker) on a path leading to the northwest. On entering the wood the path soon traverses to the left, around a small hill, and a fine panoramic view is seen of the coast and Kelyfos Island . The route continues to descend to the northwest through the pine trees, passing a large rock face on your right. Eventually a wire fence is reached which bounds an olive grove. Continue along the fence to the join the track serving the olive grove. This track leads directly back to Ag. Pavlos.
The return route from here is identical to the route of ascent.
Neos Marmaras - Parthenonas
This long walk visits the very old village of Parthenonas and the walker is given two alternative methods of ascent and descent, depending on one's abilities. One can ascend by a beautiful, if strenuous route, which visits an old water mill and dam and then climbs straight up a ridge, through olive groves and forest, to reach high forest tracks, leading to the village. Alternatively one can ascend from the tavern 'Drossia' via easy forest roads.
The descent can be by either of the above routes or a much shorter, steep route, which follows a mountain streambed. (4 hours).
Parthenonas dates back to the days of the pirates when the inhabitants lived in the hills away from such danger. The village stands at a height of 300m and the difficulty of living there in modern times caused the whole population to abandon it in 1970, and move down en-masse into Neos Marmaras, where the living was easier. However, since then many of the houses are now being renovated, as wealthier people move back for the fine views, peace and solitude.
Walking path A:
Strenuous direct ascent, including the visit to an old watermill. The walk Starts on the Neos Marmaras bypass directly opposite the southern access road into the village, the Porto Carras end.
At the start, look for the way marker marking a farm access track directly opposite the southern access to Neos Marmaras. This track descends from the road and continues in a north-easterly direction, for 600m or so, to arrive at a farm, with cattle and pigs. Further on beehives are passed. About here we leave the farm track, joining a smaller path to the right, which continues, towards the head of the valley. Soon a streambed is crossed, and then crossed again, as the route bears round towards the south. The path now follows the left bank of the stream for 200m, to arrive at an abandoned mill. Although it only dates back to the 1920's this building is worth investigating. A path to the left of the building leads up and behind it to a large water storage tank. A 160m long stone aqueduct, which can be followed up the valley to the dam and reservoir, feeds this tank. To continue to Parthenonas we retrace our steps from the mill for 60m. Here turn right, at a large olive tree, onto a path, which climbs the ridge on which the olive grove stands. The route continues upwards for more than a kilometre, negotiating the stepped levels of the olive grove.
As you climb take time to enjoy the view of Kelyfos Island to the rear, the fine olive groves to the left and the deep gorge that drops away to your right. Eventually the olive grove is left behind and the path passes through scrubland and. forest, meandering somewhat, but maintaining its line up the ridge. At the top of a rise, a farm is seen ahead. The path now swings due north to avoid the farm, and turns on to a farm track. This track travels northeast through open woodland and across a narrow ridge, with a gorge on both sides. As you cross the ridge look for two large stones at the left of the track. The path leaves the farm road here to continue its journey to the head of the valley. The way now passes through a small canyon, beyond which is a flat piece of ground surrounded by large rocks; a fine place for a coffee break.
The next part of the route exits at the north end of the Clearing, descending to the northeast, where a flat bed of rock marks the head of the valley. The track now climbs slightly, passing under a large tree and round a large rock. Below and to the left look for a grassy forest track. Drop down onto this track, which follows the hillside round towards the northwest for a kilometre or so, to arrive at an isolated house with beehives. Soon Parthenonas can be seen ahead as the last 600m of path leads us first down and then up to the plateau on which the village Stands.
Walking path B:
Easy The start for this walk is the tavern Drossia, which is on the left as you approach Neos Marmaras from the north, about 1.5km from the village. Walk up behind the tavern onto a track, which rises to the left, through a small grove of olives, to meet another track. Join this track, which climbs up, behind the houses and passes some beehives. Keep left at the junction as the track ascends. Continue on the main track, which meanders up in a north-easterly direction; keeping to the left at the next two intersections. The terrain alternates between olive groves and mixed woodlands and is particularly beautiful in autumn. At the next junction keep left through the olive grove and continue, contouring round the side of a deep valley on the right, to arrive at the next fork. Here take the smaller track to the left and continue on through an olive grove on a broad, flat plateau of land for 200m or so, when the path begins to climb again. At the next junction follow the lower road to the right, as the road to the left is just an access road for a small church on the hillside above. From here one gets a good view across the valley to Parthenonas and one can see how its position, high in the hills, would dissuade pirates and other marauders from venturing up there. The track continues to ascend to the northeast, then turns right at the head of the valley to ford a stream and travel southeast into Parthenonas, past a row of houses. There are two taverns in Parthenonas, one at each end of the village. Just over the road from the Village Hall, near a large tree, is a small distillery that makes Tsipouro the local Greek firewater.
Direct Descent:
This steep but safe descent brings one out on the Neos Marmaras road near the Start of the strenuous route, described earlier.
From the southern end of Parthenonas, follow the Poseidon signs south, directly down through the olive groves to the streambed. Here a goat track is followed parallel to the streambed for about 1 km, at which point the path crosses the stream into the olive grove on the other side. The route now descends through the olive grove to arrive at the main road only 300m north of the Start point.
Nikiti - Ag. Nikolaos - Nikiti
This walk is a circular route that uses mainly forest tracks to cross over the hill behind Nikiti to visit the small town of Ag . Nikolaos (Santa Claus). The Start of the walk is beside the school in Nikiti. When coming from the north turn left at the traffic lights and find a parking place along the roadside.
The school is on the left side of this road not far from the lights.
Walk from here northwards up the street, past a pharmacy to crossroads. Here there is a sign to the Old Village pointing straight ahead. Continue on in the same direction to reach a road junction. Bear left here as the road narrows and continues to gain height, passing through the older quarter of Nikiti. Eventually the road becomes paved and quite steep as it climbs up past the fine church and the graveyard. At the crossroads beyond the church carry straight on up the hill on the unmade road. As one climbs it is worth looking back occasionally for a view over the village. The road climbs up through trees and more open ground to reach the ridge in a further 500m or so. Turn left along the ridge track that climbs to the north, eventually passing a goat shelter in a field on the right. The route now enters an olive grove in much more open ground and continues to the north to arrive at a junction, with a concrete triangulation point over to the left. Keep straight on at the junction. The track continues north through open woodland and fields, with beehives lining parts of the route. After about 5OOm of walking a junction is reached with a road to the right, signposted Agios Nikolaos. Follow this track as it sweeps round to the east giving fine sea and mountain views ahead. To the right is a deep valley, which is contained by the ridge that we have walked round. Three hundred metres from the junction a small church is reached; perched on the top of the ridge with a fine view of the valley below. Here there are also picnic tables if a rest stop is in mind. Leaving the church the track crosses a small plateau and then begins to descend quite steeply towards olive groves ahead. From here our goal, the village of Agios. Nikolaos, can be seen over to the right, as the descent continues, on a shady woodland track, to emerge at more olive groves on both sides of the path.
Eventually the track levels out at a junction where there are beehives and a small blue church. Turn right at the junction to arrive at a spring and water trough, fed from the hillside behind.
The track now continues in a southerly direction towards the ridge ahead, before swinging left and climbing up to the outskirts of the village, which can be seen on the left. The return route to Nikiti Starts at this corner. If you are not going into Agios Nikolaos look for a way marker sign to the right just on the bend of the road. This takes you into and across the mature olive grove, with a chicken hut on the left. Follow the rough chalk track past the buildings and round to the left. A narrow track now climbs up the slope to the left to meet another track. This now contours south, following the ridge above you to climb up into the wood. The reason for the lack of trees in this small valley is that it was the scene of a bad forest fire a few years ago and the Vegetation has yet to fully recover. A large tortoise shell, bleached white, was lying near the track when l passed, possibly a victim of the fire. On entering the wood and climbing to a flat grassy area the way ahead is blocked by dense Vegetation. Here the path swings round through almost 180 degrees to climb out of the valley. The track climbs east for 120m or so, then swings west to climb up to ploughed fields on the plateau above. Depending on the season there may be crops in the ground, so follow the north eastern edge of the field round to meet a farm access track leading due west. In 100m this track joins another good sandy track leading south to arrive at another junction 100m on. Turn right here, following the track, to arrive back at the track junction with the concrete triangulation post nearby.
Porto Carras - Vineyards - Porto Carras
This walk from Porto Carras takes us up into the vineyards high above the Neos Marmaras, giving fine views over the sea. The return path drops to the coast, and meanders through open forest passing several beautiful sandy coves, with fine beaches, along the way.
This walk visits the vineyards of Porto Carras below, the large house high on the hill, which looks out over the bay. It was built by the late Yiannis Carras, who had a dream to bring tourism to Halkidiki. Yiannis, who was educated in America, the holiday resort of Porto Carras, the first such venture in Halkidiki. This development was very important as it brought large-scale tourism to Halkidiki for the first time.
The Vegetation along the tracks on this walk is particularly varied. Many wild flowering and fruiting bushes are to be found, considerably adding to the interest of the route.
The Start is reached by taking the road that bears round to the left of the Marina. Look for the sign Marina Village Inn. The Meliton Hotel can be seen over to the right. The road ends with a roundabout in an open area with parking space.
From the car park walk eastwards between buildings towards the Marina, in about 300m you will pass the Gina Bachauer House on your right. The path skirts round to the left of the Marina, passing through a grove of trees, and going past the Oasis cafe. The track now climbs and turns to the left at its highest point to descend and curve round a small cove with a sandy beach.
This meandering progress continues in a southerly direction round several more fine coves until at the brow of a small hill, a Porto Carras fire warning notice here marks the forest track, which leads off to the right of another track. The route now descends the hill with fine sea views to the right. In 200m a sharp turn left reveals another fine cove below and to the right. Pass by a metal barrier across the road here and continue along the route for 100m as it climbs and curves round to the left. Look for the way marker on the left side of the road, which marks the small track leading up the slope in a south-westerly direction.
In 100m the track turns left into a field. Turn right and continue upwards across the field in an easterly direction to meet a track again, which leads northeast. The large house can be seen directly ahead, perched on its ledge, high above the trees. The path carries on for another 300m in the same direction to arrive at its highest point, adjacent to a tarmac road on the left. Here we must cross onto the road (there is no other way), in order to go round the deep gorge to the left and reach the slopes on the far side. The road descends, to the northeast with fine Vegetation on the right and an impressive gorge to the left.
In 400m, it swings sharp left around the neck of the gorge, passing a single Saeulan Cypresses, standing sentinel at the second corner of the bend. The road climbs gently east and in about 250m looks for the way marker sign on the right. This marks the continuation of the path, which climbs the hillside, in an easterly direction, an about turn of nearly 180 degrees. A steep climb of 200m, with vines on the slope to our right, brings us to crossroads.
Turn right here and cross above the vineyard to the other side of the valley. The track first descends, then rises to a viewpoint, then descends again, before rising again to another viewpoint, directly below the house on the hill above. There are vineyards to the left and in front of us here, with expansive views in all directions. To descend retrace your steps for a few metres and take the track which curves to the left and drops down through the vineyard. Walk down the right hand side of the plantation to reach the road about 250m below. Join this road, which leads southeast initially but eventually curves round to the west. There are (fine views and varied plant and animal life all along this descent, which joins a tarmac road after 750m or so. Bear left onto the road and follow it down for 300m, until it bends sharply to the left as it reaches the coast. Look for the way marker which indicates the path (o (he right; through the trees onto a gated forest road. The path now follows this road as it meanders through the forest, always staying near to the coast and passing several small coves with (fine beaches along the way. After 500m or so look for the grove of mandarin orange trees on your right. Further on, to the right, there are olive groves and a fire water tower. There is also a lovely tree shaded beach, signed: For the resident* of Porto Carras only. The concrete wharf across the small bay here is actually a helicopter-landing pad. The track eventually arrives back at the blue fire warning notice. From here we must retrace our Steps the final two kilometres back to Porto Carras.
Climbing Mount Itamos
The sea is very pretty, but the mountain is superb. A 4x4 is useful but not necessary. Set out for Parthenonas early in the morning, and enter the labyrinth of forest lanes. The road is passable, if not asphalted. There are signposts in places, but you may prefer the joy of discovery. There is no fear of getting lost, since all the roads lead to inhabited areas. Wandering safely around the Dragountelis passes, you will find yourself in clearings with exceptional views of all three fingers of Halkidiki. When the weather permits, there is infinite visibility all the way to the Sporades in the south and Thasos in the East.
Mount Itamos is not particularly high (753 m) but it is impressive. The locals call it Dragountelis, and it is currently protected by the Natura 2000 network. Its name came from the tree of the same name, of which only a few have survived. This is logical since the ancient Greeks were very fond of its wood, witch was particularly hard. Don’t touch its seeds though, as they are so poisonous they can kill even animals! It is a must see. The routes are really interesting, leading to sites of exceptional natural beauty through black pine trees, oaks and a landscape of striking colors and scents.
Parthenonas – Psaria – Pyrofilakio
Heading towards Parthenonas you will reach the Askamnia crossroad. Poplars, plane trees and small waterfalls make up the area’s unbelievable scenery. Two dirt roads lead in opposite directions. To the left (northeast) the sing reads Livadia-Vourvourou, and to the right (south east) Itamos-Psaria-Manolokoudi. Turn toward Psaria, heading towards the main dirt road, which goes along the spine of Mount Itamos. On this road you will come across the forestry commission nursery and an area with wooden tables and benches around the stone-built rotisserie, between a spring and a wooden bridge, which is perfectly in tune with the area. This is where the dirt road begins to climb up to the fire ranger’s station and the peak of Mount Itamos. From there, all of Halkidiki spreads out at your feet! The view is truly panoramic! Suddenly you will find yourself at the chapel of Profitis Elias near the Parthenonas, which was built in 1914 by workers from Mount Olympus. A pilgrim once told us a secret: to the left of the crossroad which goes beyond Psaria to Pyrofilakio is a footpath, which leads to the Itamos. It’s easy to find! Black pines and sheer cliffs create a natural clearing, like a well-fortified castle with a stunning view of the Athos peninsula. This ”castle” and its natural fortification guard the 2000 year old Itamos, just 80 meters from the road. It is an impressive tree, which survived the dreadful fires, which ravaged the entire mountain in 1945. Take a photograph and return to Marmaras, turning towards Kerasia amidst the packed vineyards of Meliton.
