I’ll start with the fact that I’ve been living in Greece, in the city of Thessaloniki, for the second year now, and I want to share my impressions of travel, everyday life, language, cuisine, local features and beauty.

It is no coincidence that I decided to write about the resort village of Kallithea on the Halkidiki peninsula, in that part of it called Kassandra and located only 90 kilometers from Thessaloniki. The name Kallithea means “good view”, and there are several places in Greece with the same name (such as the area on the island of Rhodes), but I really like the views in Halkidiki, they are truly inspiring and enchanting.

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This village is the most cosmopolitan place in Halkidiki and the epicenter of the nightlife of the entire peninsula. The infrastructure is very developed here - you will find everything you need: many shops with a varied assortment (from souvenirs and traditional food and cosmetics to fur coats), cafes, bars, eateries, hotels and apartments of different price categories, nightclubs and dance floors. There are also very clean beaches with white sand.

A little history and archeology: in the vicinity of the village there was an ancient temple of Ammon Zeus (the Ammon Zeus Hotel 4* is named after him), dating back to the beginning of the 4th century BC and additional buildings of an amphitheater and an altar from the Roman Empire period, which were discovered during construction hotel in 1969. Throughout Greece, archaeological sites are often discovered this way, when constructing subways in larger cities, for example, since they are literally everywhere here. It can be surprising and paradoxical for a foreigner - how archaeological sites calmly fit in and coexist with modern ones and simply coexist with Greek everyday life. Also in Kallithea there is the ancient cave of Dionysus, where worship ceremonies were held even in more distant antiquity, and later Roman baths (1-2 centuries AD), which were something like spas with therapeutic procedures. Access to all archaeological sites is free, and there are signs and plans in Greek and English everywhere. Kallithea is also the former patrimony of the monks from the monastery of St. Panteleimon (the patron saint of these places), which was rebuilt in 1925. Each On July 27, a holiday dedicated to the Saint is celebrated here.Just 4 km away is the town of Afitos with an ethnographic museum where you can see interesting exhibits and stories of the area.

And now it's time to refresh yourself. Taverns, cafes and restaurants here are usually open from 11.00 - 12.00 until late in the evening. Most tourists have breakfast in hotels, early in the morning you can also drink coffee and have a snack in small eateries and bakeries, where they make very tasty pies (pitas) with different fillings (spinach, feta cheese, sweet cream), in which case you can spend on coffee and pie just a few euros (3-5).

Among the taverns, I would like to especially note the “Dias” tavern (as Zeus is called in modern Greek)) for its exquisite seafood and meat dishes, interior and exterior design (a cozy area surrounded by a garden and a wonderful view of the Toronean Gulf, there is also a children’s playground). The peculiarity of this tavern, which is in no way inferior to the status of a restaurant, but with more reasonable prices(you can have lunch or dinner from 20 euros per person) there is a special atmosphere, this is a family business of the spouses Antonis and Falia and their five children, which they founded back in 1991, and since then they have carefully taken care of each of their guests. It has its own production of homemade products, such as wine, tsipouro (something like grape moonshine), honey, cheese and olives. While I was writing, I really wanted to go back there.

Another time, you can look into “Taverna Elena” in the very center of the village, where signature recipes are prepared in a special way, at home, in a saucepan (this is original, since, generally, taverns have a lot of fried or baked food), you can also order a dish with a variety of meats or seafood to try them in variety. Pleasant atmosphere, summer terrace covered with grapes and delicious local wines (prices from 10-20 euros per person, depending on the number of orders and guests).

The youth “Cocktails Cafe Bar LAVA”, also in the center, will delight you with excellent service, drinks and cocktails. For example, you can enjoy a cup of Greek Helliniko coffee for 3 euros per person.

And very close to the beach there is the Coralie tavern, which also has many advantages: large parking, a variety of seafood and meat dishes, and by ordering any drink, you can freely use a sun lounger on the beach.

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Now I suggest you explore the local beaches. Kallithea beach is located in the bay opposite the second finger or toe of Halkidiki - Sithonia, which is why there are no strong waves here and you can admire the view of the holy Mount Athos. The beaches are very clean, sandy, there are no large stones; parents with small children will definitely like it.

In the areas behind the village, where hotels are mainly located, the adjacent beaches have been awarded a blue flag (this means that it is very clean, safe and beautiful), for example, Kriopigi beach is surrounded by pine trees, palm trees and eucalyptus trees that literally grow on the beach. Its t the area is also free from maritime traffic.

The beaches have changing cabins, sports grounds, and showers.

In addition to swimming (by the way, in July there is an international swimming marathon across the Toroneos Gulf), you can practice any sea sports with professional trainers, there is a separate diving school (“Triton”), as well as entertainment such as bowling and go-karting.

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A little about hotels. There is a really rich selection of them in this region. From the simplest 2-3* and apartments to luxury hotels, I especially like “Aegean Melathron”, where I once witnessed a fabulously beautiful wedding ceremony. Near Kallithea there is a popular hotel complex G-Hotels, in which “Athos Palace Hotel 4*” stands out for its high service and location (located on a cape among gardens and greenery) and the fact that it is suitable for any category of tourists. And for vacationers with children, this season a children's club "GREKOLETO" from Mouzenidis Travel has appeared. Qualified educators and trainers, animators (Russian and English languages), a variety of sports and creative activities, games and master classes for children of 2 age groups: 4-8 years old and 8-12 years old, and even evening entertainment show programs and mini-disco.

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It's already sunset, time to explore the adult nightlife that everyone has heard so much about. Let's start with the largest and most famous nightclub “Ahoy”, it has existed for 20 years, and accommodates more than 3,000 people, open from the end of April to the end of September (every day). There are always new dance music from all over the world and new items from the Greek repertoire; themed parties are held in different styles, with guest celebrity DJs.

Kallithea (Chalkidiki) is one of those famous resorts that are offered in abundance to holidaymakers in mainland Greece. With the beginning of the swimming season, young people flock here in large numbers, attracted by a wide range of entertainment. Reputable tourists love Kallithea for its natural beauty and comfortable beaches. So, what is known about this fabulous place that you don’t want to leave?

Kallithea (Chalkidiki): location

Known for its “three-pronged” shape, the Halkidiki peninsula is located in the northern zone of the Aegean Sea. In fact, it consists of three elongated peninsulas that resemble fingers. One of them is Kassandra, which lures tourists with luxurious beaches and ancient sights that cannot be seen even in a month. The most popular place in Kassandra, attracting thousands of vacationers every year, is Kallithea. Halkidiki is a peninsula on whose territory there are many beautiful cities and towns, but it is Kallithea that is worth getting to know first.

The name of the settlement can be translated from Greek as “beautiful view.” Guests of the village have the opportunity to make sure that Kallithea lives up to its name by climbing onto the observation deck located in the center. The famous resort is located on the coast of the Gulf of Toroneo. Travelers staying on the territory of Kallithea will also be able to admire the top of Mount Athos, weather permitting, and enjoy the view of neighboring Sithonia, which opens from the beaches.

Kallithea is a small village located 80 km from Macedonia Airport, located in Thessaloniki. You can get to this locality by bus, rented car or taxi. In terms of price, the first option is the most affordable.

A little history

Kallithea (Chalkidiki) is an amazing place whose history goes back centuries. Researchers are still trying to restore it by studying traces of ancient civilizations, which are constantly discovered during archaeological excavations. It is known that for centuries these lands were owned by the monks of the monastery, the exact date of its foundation still remains a mystery. By the way, the temple of the same name annually attracts crowds of people who want to see the ancient shrine. The Church of St. Nicholas the Pleasant is of equally great interest to travelers.

The construction of the village of Kallithea (Chalkidiki) began only in 1925. The credit for its foundation belongs to the Greek refugees who arrived here from Gradually, this place turned into a famous resort, which is famous throughout the world for its crystal clear sea and snow-white beaches. Of course, a huge number of hotels have been built on the territory of Kallithea, ready to accommodate tourists with various financial capabilities.

Weather

Of course, tourists dreaming of a comfortable beach holiday are interested in the weather in Kallithea. Halkidiki is a peninsula best visited from May to September. During the holiday season, which opens at the end of April, the average air temperature is +27 degrees. The sea warms up to approximately +26 degrees. Of course, these indicators can rise even higher, depending on the month.

Kallithea is a settlement whose inhabitants know little about storms, since this place is reliably protected from gusts of wind by the hills of Sithonia and Kassandra. The rainiest months are February, March and November, so you should not plan a vacation during this time. It is known that Kallithea comes to life around mid-spring and goes into hibernation towards the end of autumn.

Which beaches to choose

Greece, Chalkidiki, Kallithea - words familiar to all party-goers who cannot imagine a holiday without an active nightlife. However, the main purpose of visiting the village is still a beach holiday. Tourists who want to combine working on their tan with admiring the natural beauty will love a place called Kriopigi. This beach is located approximately two kilometers from the center of the village. It welcomes guests not only with emerald-colored water, but also with a coniferous forest, close to the sea.

The Kriopigi beach is well-maintained and vacationers can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, which are offered at an affordable price. On its territory there is a shaded terrace from where you can admire the amazing views. Cold springs gushing from the seabed will help you cool down in hot weather; they contrast pleasantly with the warm sea water.

Where else can tourists relax comfortably when they find themselves in such a magical place as Kallithea (Chalkidiki)? Polychrono Beach is comfortably spread along the embankment, its length is approximately two kilometers. There are coastal bars and cafes offering refreshing drinks and local cuisine. It is also possible to rent umbrellas and sun loungers. Of course, water activities are also offered, designed for representatives of different age groups.

Excursions

Sights are what Kallithea (Chalkidiki) is deservedly famous for. Excursions are offered to tourists in a wide range; you can find programs for every taste and budget.

If you find yourself among the guests of the Halkidiki peninsula, you cannot help but visit the legendary one, which, according to legend, is considered the home of the Greek gods, whose leader is the thunderer Zeus. During this excursion, tourists are taken to the ancient city of Dion, and they have the opportunity to see the legendary capital of the Macedonian kingdom. By the way, on the territory of the latter there is the tomb of Philip II, the father of the famous warrior Alexander the Great. The cost of this excursion is approximately 50 euros.

Vacationers with small children should definitely decide on a cruise to Sithonia, the cost of which does not exceed 35 euros. During the trip, guests of Kallithea are taken to the amazingly beautiful turtle lake Mavrobar. An excursion to Meteora is of interest to all tourists who dream of seeing the amazing places of ancient Hellas. A one-day trip will cost approximately 70 euros.

Holy Mount Athos

Listed above are not all the interesting places that tourists who have chosen Kallithea (Chalkidiki) as a holiday destination can see. The attractions described above cannot compete with the famous Mount Athos, which is located on the Aion Oros peninsula. There is an international monastic republic here, which includes 20 monasteries. Among the inhabitants of the monasteries you can meet representatives of all regions of the planet.

Mount Athos was first mentioned in the works of the famous ancient Greek poet Hesiod. The Creator pays tribute to her in his work “Theogony,” describing the battle of the Titan Athos with the ruler of the seas, Poseidon. Legend says that it was Mount Athos that became the place where the powerful brother of the thunderer Zeus found his last refuge.

Unfortunately, representatives of the fair sex will be able to enjoy the beauty of the holy Mount Athos only from afar, since for more than a millennium there has been a law prohibiting women from visiting this place. Male representatives have the opportunity to set foot on holy ground. The approximate cost of a sea cruise is 50 euros.

Ancient city of Afitos

The town of Afytos is another mysterious place, thanks to which the settlement of Kallithea attracts tourists; it is difficult to explore in one visit. Travelers can join a tour group or visit this town on their own, using a taxi or a regular bus. Afitos is considered the most ancient settlement that can be found on the Halkidiki peninsula. The approximate date of its foundation is the seventh century BC.

During the reign of the famous Alexander the Great, the city reached its greatest prosperity; its residents even minted their own coins. The settlement was not abandoned even during the reign of the Romans. Unfortunately, the invasion that took place in 1821 led to the partial destruction of the city. However, already in 1830 Afitos was restored.

Ruins of ancient temples

The village of Kallithea (Chalkidiki) attracts travelers with other interesting attractions. For example, in 1969, an ancient temple dedicated to the thunderer Zeus himself was accidentally found on its territory. One of the main attractions of the village is located directly on the sea coast.

Continuing the excavations, scientists discovered another ancient sanctuary. It was a temple whose servants worshiped the god Dionysus. The temple is located in a picturesque cave, the approximate date of its foundation is the second century BC. The construction of the temple is attributed by historians to the ancient Euboeans. It is known that it was this civilization that exalted the god Dionysus, as well as some sea deities.

Where to stay

Where can travelers stay if they choose Kallithea (Chalkidiki) as their holiday destination? Apartments are a great solution for those who prefer a budget holiday. Fortunately, the locality offers vacationers a wide range of apartments that differ from each other in price.

For example, you can opt for the family complex Tzogalis Apartments. Its main advantage is its convenient location, the distance between the complex and the center of the village is no more than 150 meters. You will have to walk about 300 meters to get to the sandy beach. Guests can enjoy rooms with a kitchenette equipped with the necessary equipment. There are options with and without a balcony. The cost of apartments can vary, on average you should expect 50 thousand rubles per week.

By the way, you can save money by renting a room in a comfortable house after your stay in Kallithea. Offers are easy to spot by looking for signs that say “Rooms to let.”

Hotels

Hotels in Kallithea (Chalkidiki) are the choice of travelers who like to relax in comfort without worrying about food and cleaning. For example, the five-star Theophano Imperial Palace hotel, located approximately two kilometers from the center of the village, is popular among tourists. The hotel was restored relatively recently - in 2008. Vacationers are offered cozy rooms, some rooms have access to a personal pool. The hotel has three restaurants and several bars, offering various food systems, including all-inclusive. Of course, there is also its own sandy beach, located no more than a hundred meters from the hotel buildings.

Comfort is what tourists rightly associate with the words “Greece, Chalkidiki, Kallithea.” Hotels that are more affordable than the option described above also offer excellent conditions for vacationers. For example, you can pay attention to the three-star Macedonian Sun Hotel complex, which is located approximately two kilometers from the center of the village. The main advantage of the hotel is its vast territory; it is located on a picturesque hill. Guests of Kallithea are offered rooms in two-story buildings overlooking the sea; there is only one food system - half board. The distance to the beach is 400 meters, there is also a swimming pool.

Entertainment

Greece, Chalkidiki, Kallithea are names dear to the hearts of many tourists who value the opportunity to lead an active nightlife. Vacationers have several modern nightclubs at their disposal, which can be visited for about ten euros, receiving a cocktail or beer as a gift.

For example, travelers can have a great time and get a boost of energy at the Pearl Club nightclub. This establishment is famous for its excellent music, and local talent regularly performs there. During the height of the holiday season, there is a high chance of catching a performance by Greek stars who visit the village with touring programs. The majority of Kallithea clubs are located outside the village, quite far from hotels. This allows tourists who prefer to sleep at night to enjoy their holiday in peace.

Of course, the range of beach activities is wide and affordable. Both connoisseurs of extreme recreation and travelers with small children can easily find something to their liking here. Those tourists whose vacation is planned for the end of July can be called lucky. After all, it is on July 27 that the village celebrates a celebration glorifying the divine patron of Kallithea - St. Panteleimon. All residents of the town traditionally participate in the celebration; guests of the locality can join the large-scale festivities without fear.

Kallithea is a fairly lively resort area on the island of Rhodes, loved by tourists who appreciate good beaches and great hotels. The Mediterranean climate in Kallithea provides a comfortable holiday for both adults and children. Kallithea is located just 8 kilometers from the capital of Rhodes, relatively close to the airport, and also very close to its nightclubs, bars and discos.

The resort is formed by three small villages - Kallithea, Psinthos and Koskinou, and its name speaks for itself, because in Greek “Kalithea” means “Good View”. Psinthos is a village that surprises tourists with houses painted in an untraditional blue color for Greece. The village of Koskinu is known as a place where all kinds of folk crafts flourish - its residents are engaged in pottery, weaving, embroidery, and carpet making.

To purchase products from Koskino craftsmen, you don’t have to look for a shop selling souvenirs - just walk along the quiet green streets of the village to see that the walls of the houses are literally hung with all kinds of souvenirs. Koskinou has several taverns where you can relax and enjoy traditional Greek dishes.

Psinthos is a village that surprises tourists with houses painted in an unconventional blue color for Greece.

Kallithea, the largest of the three villages, is located on the coast. This is where most of the tourist sites are located - hotels, hotel complexes, beaches, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and other establishments whose doors are always open to guests.

In Kallithea there are famous baths - they existed in ancient times, then were destroyed and rebuilt during the reign of Mussolini. Several years ago, the Kallithea baths were restored and opened to visitors, who have the opportunity to see the place where healing springs once came out of the ground, walk through the halls of the hydropathic clinic, and get acquainted with the history of Kallithea - both ancient and modern.

How to get to Kallithea

The closest airport to Kallithea, where tourists arrive, is located in the vicinity of the capital Rhodes. accepts both domestic and international flights, so the air route is The best way get to Kallithea. Well, find cheap air tickets to Rhodes.

Buses to Kallithea depart from Rhodes, which is not difficult to get to from the airport - transport runs between the city and the airport terminal from morning to evening. Buses to the east coast, where Kallithea is located, depart from Piazza Rimini.

You can also get to Kallithea by taxi - the cost of a comfortable car trip is quite affordable, since the distance between the airport and the destination is small. You can try to find a car at the terminal or order it in advance online.

Residents of the village of Koskinu are real experts in the art of pottery, weaving, embroidery and carpet making

The second option is especially successful if you arrive with bulky luggage or a large group. The driver meets passengers at the exit from the baggage claim area with a sign with their names indicated at the time of booking. Taking into account the needs of passengers, you can order a car with a spacious trunk, pre-installed child seats, etc.

The main advantages of ordering a taxi online are the cost of the transfer known in advance (the system calculates it automatically) and the absence of the need to pay for downtime at the airport in case of flight delay or cancellation.

The company providing the service independently monitors the arrival of all flights and sends the car on time. All details regarding the upcoming trip are sent to the passenger’s e-mail immediately after ordering. Make a preliminary trip calculation for free.

The most popular excursion from the resort is a trip to the capital of the island

Car rental services in Rhodes are no less popular. But there is also a nuance here. During the peak season, the demand for car rental in Rhodes jumps significantly, which immediately affects both the available range and prices. European tourists have long mastered booking a car in advance, using popular price comparison services, while our tourists, for the most part, still have to be content with what is left.

There are only two ways out of this situation: either hope that after the Europeans there will be at least something left in place at an adequate cost, or you can master comparison and pre-booking services yourself. Grekoblog made a separate video about many useful nuances on how to save on car rental in Greece. Well, the link to the service is right below it.

Climate and weather in Kallithea

The climate in Kallithea is similar to other Mediterranean resorts - the summers here are quite long and very warm, the winters are mild and traditionally wet. The holiday season in Kallithea begins around mid-May and ends in mid-autumn.

The summer temperature in Kallithea ranges from +26C in June to +40C in August, the sea water warms up to +24C, and there is practically no precipitation. The winter weather of Kallithea is noticeably different from the summer - it often rains, and the temperature drops to +12C.

Excursions in Kallithea

The main and, perhaps, the only attraction of Kallithea is the thermal baths. Tourists who choose Kallithea as their holiday destination go there to stroll through the park, see the beautiful rotundas with massive arches and columns and magnificent mosaic floors, and see the gallery in which paintings are exhibited, as well as photographs with footage from films filmed in Rhodes.

The main attraction of Kallithea is the thermal baths.

Vacationers who are tired of lying on the beach can go on one of the excursions from Kallithea - tourist routes cover the entire island, allowing you to see the most interesting sights of Rhodes.

The most popular excursion is a trip to the capital of the island. There is a lot to see in Rhodes - a medieval fortress, the Street of Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Knights' Hospital, in the building of which the Archaeological Museum is located.

The port where the famous Colossus of Rhodes once met ships is also worthy of attention. The place of the giant statue that stood here is now occupied by columns with figures of deer, which are the symbol of the island.

The holiday season begins in mid-May and lasts until mid-October

Those interested in Greek history should take a tour. This ancient city is proud of its own Acropolis - the second most important after Athens, as well as ancient fountains created during the Byzantine Empire. Another famous landmark of Lindos on Rhodes is St. Paul's Bay, where, according to legend, the apostle came ashore to preach Christianity on the island.

Excursion routes in the western part of Rhodes cover the fortresses of Monolithos and Kastello, the ruins of the ancient city of Kamiros, as well as Mount Filerimos, on the slopes of which lies a museum complex surrounded by a magnificent park.

To make it easier to choose the most interesting route, we have prepared a special rating for the summer season. An alternative way to explore Rhodes is to create an individual excursion to suit your needs with the help of a guide. About Athena, a Russian-speaking guide in Rhodes, whom Grekoblog knows personally.

At the entrance to the port of Mandraki stood the famous Colossus of Rhodes - one of the seven wonders of the world

Beaches

The beaches of Kallithea undoubtedly deserve attention - located in cozy bays, surrounded by an amazing forest in which palm trees coexist with pine trees, they delight tourists with magnificent views.

The largest beach of the resort is located in Kallithea Bay, here you will find all possible beach activities - water skiing, banana boats, parachutes, catamarans, canoes. During the holiday season, a diving center operates in Kallithea; its services can be used by both experienced swimmers and beginner divers.

Anthony Quinn Beach is considered the most beautiful in the resort

Another beach, well equipped, but much calmer and secluded, is located nearby - in Ladiko Bay. If you go a little further, you will see the most beautiful beach of Kallithea, named after Anthony Quinn, an American actor who took part in the filming of the film “The Guns of Navarone”, which took place in Rhodes. True, it is not very convenient for swimming, since the shore here is rocky, but this does not frighten vacationers at all.

After a walk through the hills of Kallithea, the reason for its poetic name (translated from Greek “ beautiful view") - a wonderful landscape truly opens up from almost any point. The modern village was founded at the beginning of the 20th century by immigrants from Greece who returned to their homeland from Asia Minor. The origins of the ancient history of the settlement date back to the Hellenistic period - archaeologists date the temple ruins discovered here to the 4th century BC. e.

The majority of hotels are located outside the village. Thessaloniki is 90 km away.

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How to get to Kallithea

A taxi from Macedonia Airport will take you to Kallithea in just over one hour, the trip will cost around 80-100 EUR. KTEL buses depart regularly from Thessaloniki to Kallithea and back. You can rent a car in the village. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Search for air tickets to Thessaloniki (the closest airport to Kallithea, Chalkidiki)

Beaches of Kallithea

In the village itself, the beach is sandy and clean (awarded the “blue flag”), but it has one significant drawback - the descent and ascent from it to the center of the village takes place along a rather steep long staircase.

The beaches adjacent to the village are located on the territory of hotels, one of the best is another blue flag holder, Kriopygy 2 beach, located 2.5 km south of the village and belongs to the Alexander The Great hotel. A well-maintained beautiful beach with white sand is surrounded by coniferous forests, palm trees and eucalyptus trees. The territory is free from sea traffic and water activities.

Shopping

Large assortment and low prices presented in the Masutis supermarket chain. There are also souvenir shops and a couple of fur coat shops.

Maps of Kallithea, Chalkidiki

Restaurants

The village has many inexpensive, tasty taverns, so choosing a place for lunch or dinner will not be difficult. But you won’t be able to have breakfast or drink morning coffee - cafes and restaurants open no earlier than 12.00.

Tavern Diaz, just outside Kallithea, has good food, large portions and impressive views of the bay.

Popular hotels in Kallithea

Entertainment and attractions of Kallithea

Kallithea has the status of the most party place in Halkidiki. The entertainment complex consists of several discos, the largest of which is Ahoy, and is located two kilometers from the village. Therefore, in Kallithea itself there is peace and quiet at night, but in hotels located nearby, music can be heard (especially in rooms facing the clubs).

The most active and eventful month of nightlife is August.

An alternative to dancing until the morning can be bowling, karting, an equestrian club, as well as all types of water activities on the beach.

History and archeology buffs can explore the ruins of the temples of Ammon Zeus and Dionysus. At 4 km is the town of Afitos, notable for its rich history, which can be found in the local ethnographic museum, and an excellent beach.

Events

July 27 local residents celebrate a holiday dedicated to the patron saint of the village - St. Panteleimon. Since 1971, an international swimming marathon across the Toroneos Gulf has been held in July, starting in Kallithea and ending in Sithonia, in the village of Nikiti.