One Hidden Gem in Greece
Hidden Gem – Arnaia
– The Time Machine –
Greece is a beautiful and surprising country. Although many people are interested only on the beach area, Greece’s continental part is extremely divers. There are so many places to visit for their natural beauty, the historic importance and for the traditions of the place.
In Greece, most small towns or villages, are true to their roots and eager to keep their history and traditions alive. For us, those are the hidden gems.
In the northern part of the country, in Halkidiki, there are only twelve villages that are considered historic. In the past, those villages were essential for the area, as they were in charge of mining and agricultural industry. Today, their population is small and usually depend on tourism.
One of the twelve villages is Arnaia. A beautiful, traditional village, that became one of my favorite places ever visited.
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How to get there:
https://goo.gl/maps/hLjosKDpFGh9Bja57
Arnaia is located in the Halkidiki Region, in the Holomontas Mountains.
75km away from Thessaloniki
48km away from Nikiti
133km away from Kavala
146km away from Katerini
What’s so special?
Arnaia is a gem hidden in the mountains, in Halkidiki Region. Even the road to this little, beautiful village was so special. You will drive on the coast line, then you will enter the mountain region. In this area there are red argyle mountains and it gives you the impression that you have landed on Mars. Your road will take you through forests, olive trees plantations, near marble mines and through small beautiful villages.
After your arrival in Arnaia, you will have the impression that time travelling is real. In this village, all buildings were maintained at their original state, as they were in the 19th century. Small and narrow roads will guide your way through these beautiful houses. They are all built in the traditional Macedonian architecture from that era.
What to do in Arnaia?
One of the best things to do in Arnaia is to explore this village. Walking through its streets is the best way to connect with this place. Arnaia’s beautiful architecture and history, are displayed on the streets. Just by wandering, you will learn and observe so much about this little village.
All roads lead to one place: the town’s square. That is the place where people gather to drink their Greek coffee, to shop and to relax. In the town’s square, there are several gift shops and artisanal shops. Before my arrival here, I did a little research and found out that one of the best things to buy from Arnaia is the homemade honey. The chestnuts honey is one of the most delicious things ever tasted. It is dense, flavory and less sweet, than any other honey.
Without knowing, we have discovered Zorba’s house. It is said that Zorba (Zorba the Greek), lived in Arnaia for 22 years. It is one of the oldest houses in this little heaven. The museums are also a good way to spend your time and also to discover so much more about Arnaia.
Discovering this little village, wondering its streets, tasting their honey and looking at how the people live here, was one of the best things I’ve did in the Northern part of Greece. It is like the time has stopped in the 19th century. Arnaia, for sure is one of the hidden gems of this country and is so worth visiting. From an amazing road trip to get here, to the time machine that this place is, all was unbelievable. Arnaia is special, authentic, a place of huge historic importance and so…Travelicious. We loved each second spent there.