Discover Arnaia, the mountain gem of Halkidiki and one of the most beautiful villages in Greece according to CNN.
TheHalkidikiis not only beaches. Beyond endless golden sands, Halkidiki also has gorgeous mountain villages that many dont know. A visit to Arnaia,one of themost beautiful villages in Greeceaccording to CNN,is an experience worth having, if you want to discover the other side of this place.
Built amphitheatrically at an elevation of 600 meters, on the foothills of Mount Holomontas,about 70 km. from Thessaloniki and 38 km. from Polygyros, Arnaiais filled with beautiful houses that are outstanding examples of traditional Macedonian architecture.
Arnaia: The jewel of mountainous Halkidiki
Restored mansions with verandas and traditional houses painted in vivid indigo hues or ochres adorn Arnaia, which has been designated as a Historic site and a Traditional Settlement since 1987 by the Ministry of Culture. The settlement is built amphitheatrically within a lush green landscape with rich forests and abundant running waters. The core of the settlement is the central square, the bazaar, where there is a large plane tree from which drinking water flows.
Along the alleys that radiate from the central square, creating smaller squares and neighborhoods along their way, one can admire the rich traditional heritage this unique settlement possesses. In fact, the Municipality has designed six distinct walking routes to serve visitors and make it easier to get to know the settlement. The Folklore Museum housed in the Giatradiko mansion, the Weaving Museum, the renowned school of 1871 - the so-called Liarigovi Urban School - which since 1990 has housed the Town Hall, the cruciform church with a dome of Saints Anargyroi (1919) and the Church of St. Stephen (1812), are among the most interesting sights of Arnaia.
The Church of St. Stephen is currently the only one in Greece that, while operating normally, is at the same time built upon significant antiquities of inestimable historical value, most of which are visible. In the renovated floor of the church, the transparent panels allow visitors to see the specially configured archaeological site and the finds discovered beneath the church.
Dont miss tasting Arnaias famous local products, such as honey, wine and the unique Moudovina, a distinctive tsipouro from honey (PDO product). Near the village there is the beautiful grove of Agia Paraskevi andthe chapel of Prophet Elias for walks in nature.
Arnaia is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. From here you can visit Aristotle Park in Stagira, the Varvara waterfalls, Polygyros, crossing the Holomontas mountain range and passing through the villages of Taxiarchis and Vrastama, the nearby beaches (Olympiada, Ierissos, Pyrgadikia, etc.) in summer, as well as Mount Athos.
