Things To Do in Afitos

There are queues at the weekend for this restaurant, which speaks volumes about its popularity. Swordfish, moussaka, meatballs – and most especially the lamb in orange – arrive at your table brimming with real Greek flavour. Not only that, the staff couldn’t be any friendlier, or the Mythos beer any colder.

One of the most popular trips round here is to Mount Athos – AKA Holy Mountain – on Halkidiki’s easternmost peninsula. As you sail around it, you’ll be fascinated to see the 9th-century monasteries hugging the cliffs. It’s a lengthy process to be allowed to visit, but luckily the best views are from the sea – the huge Simonopetra Monastery offers a glimpse of the monks’ unique hermit lifestyle.

The village shops on the Kassandra peninsula stock great souvenirs, like traditional glazed ceramics, handwoven textiles, olive wood carvings and Halkidiki honey. And Nea Moudania, about half-an-hour away, hosts the area’s biggest market on Wednesday mornings. Browse the brightly coloured stalls for clothes, handicrafts and locally grown olives before it packs up at noon.

There’s a lovely undisturbed vibe to Afitos Beach, and once holidaymakers have made it here from the village they’re in no hurry to leave. You do have other options, though. A 10-minutes’ drive takes you to Kriopigi, a Blue Flag winner with white sand and snorkel-friendly water. And in less than half-an-hour you can be at Hanioti, a five-kilometre stretch that comes with windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving.

This festival takes place at the amphitheatre in Siviri, about 15-minutes’ drive away. Since 1993, it’s been a cultural highlight on the Kassandra Peninsula, with an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance and film. Famous names that have appeared here include Joan Baez, BB King and James Brown.

When it comes to restaurants, you could find yourself eating in a tucked-away back street or opposite the local school. Wherever you’re dining, the food served up is classic Greek, such as moussaka, slow-cooked lamb kleftiko, skewered chicken souvlaki and baked aubergine. The taverna owners are a friendly bunch, and a complimentary glass of ouzo or Metaxa brandy is usually offered.

In Afitos, the after-dark atmosphere is decidedly laid-back. Visitors linger over a post-dinner ouzo, chatting to the friendly taverna owner, or settle into one of the bars – there are just a few, but they’re all very welcoming. If you do need the occasional livelier evening, there’s Kalithea, about five-minutes’ drive away, with its buzzing bars and open-air discos.