Afytos (Athytos)

Afitos or Athitos is a traditional village in Kassandra Halkidiki which is located 83 km away from Thessaloniki. It has an amazing view of Toroneos gulf, the second peninsula "Sithonia", as the village is built on a hill above the coast. Thanks to its consequent traditional architecture Athitos is one of Halkidiki's most famous places. The construction is controlled by architectural restrictions in order to preserve the classic character of the village. The houses are constructed by local limestone as well as they get renovated with it. Small squares, cobbled streets and traditional taverns create a beautiful scenery totally harmonized with the natural landscape.

The village has a long history as there is evidence of a settlement from 3000 BC. Afitos, which was known as Afitios, is flourished as a member of the Athenian Alliance. In 348 BC it was destroyed by King Phillip II and was reoccupied later. During the Roman Period it experienced a second major development probably due to the monument of Ammon Zeus. During and after 1821 the city was well known for the heroes and victims related to the revolution. After the riots many residents escaped from this village moving to various, safer areas. The people who had moved returned back in 1827 and Afytos became the largest village on Kassandra (first peninsula) for many years.  

During the summer months Afitos is “flooded” by tourists. You are not allowed to enter the historic center of the village by car so you will have to park it on adjacent streets. If you find yourself in the village on August 15th, do not miss the feast of Holy Mary, a traditional feast with Greek music, dancing and food. Furthermore, throughout July and August various cultural events take place as part of the Afitos Festival.

In the center of the village there is the folklore museum, which is housed in the house of "Aletra" (1889), and hosts various exhibitions of artists associated with the history and tradition of Greece. In 1859, the three-aisled basilica, "Agios Dimitrios", the jewel of the village, was built in the middle of the square. The unique architecture of this temple, the old icons and reliefs on the facade of the south wall are worth seeing. In the second half of the 19th century more large churches were built, such as St. George (1867), Assumption (1885), St. Athanasius and St. Nicholas (Liossi).

Afytos has a wonderful organized beach, which extends to a great length. It is sandy beach with some stones in places and deep waters. The village is just 3km away from the cosmopolitan village of Kallithea with its lively nightlife. Nearby are located the beaches of Sani and Nea Fokaia.