Aristotle Tour – this self-guide tour will make a fantastic day trip and gives something for the whole family to enjoy
Halkidiki’s greatest claim is probably that of being the birth place of one of the Greece’s greatest men – Aristotle. A student of Plato, he wasn’t just a philosopher but a scientist who showed interest in all fields. He also was a teacher having tutored the child who would grow to become the world’s most powerful man – Alexander the Great.
When in Sithonia, take advantage of your location to make a day tour and see the ruins of the city – Stagira where Aristotle was born, also enjoy the beautiful nature of the mountains of Halkidiki and see the Aristotle Park that is dedicated to the work of this great man.
Our suggested route…
We recommend going first to Stagira in the morning to avoid exploring the ruins in the afternoon heat (bring a hat and sunscreen as it can get intense). After, take a refreshing plunge in the sea and have a bite for lunch in Olympiada. Then climb high into the mountains to the Aristotle park where you can cool off, enjoy the nature and have an amazing view over Mt. Athos and Sithonia. Then head back for a relaxing evening in one of Sithonia’s restaurants and tavernas.
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1. Starting from Ormos Panagias, follow the coastal road north to the village of Pyrgadikia and continue on to Gomati.
2. From Gomati follow the coastal road to Olympiada 40 km (1 hr.). This is a 35 km (50 min.) route that will also give you a wonderful view of the island Ammouliani and Mt. Athos to the south. South of Olympiada you will find the ruins of ancient Stagira on a peninsula. Explore these for an hour or two and then head to Olympiada for a swim and for a bite.
3. From Olympiada drive back south on the road that you came from. When you reach Stratoni keep you eye on the exit to turn inland up the mountain (careful not to miss the exit). About 15 minutes from the turn off you will have reached Stagira a small mountain village. Continue through town and towards Arnea. You will see the Aristotle Park on your left. From Olympiada to Stagira is about 25 km (40 min.)
4. From the Aristotle park, continue on the road towards Arnea but before the road reaches Arnea you will turn south and follow the road back to Ormos Panagias. This part is 50 km (1 hr. 20 min.)
To do this tour, plan on a full day (minimum 8 hours). Driving distance is only about 150 km for the whole tour, but due to the mountainous roads nothing moves quickly in Halkidiki.
