IERISSOS
The
country town was rebuilt in 1937 after the disastrous earthquake that affected
the old town on 26th September 1932. Today it has 3000 inhabitants. The
patron Saint of the town is Virgin Mary, whose birthday is celebrated every
year on the 8th September at the church with the same name. The settlements
of Limani, Gavradia and Xiropotami, belong to the municipality and they
constitute the summer resorts of the area. The town lies by the sea and
it has a 6 km sandy beach with rare beauty and clear waters. In Ierissos
are the ruins of the ancient Acanthos, and the belonging graveyard which
contains many archaeological findings. Other monuments are: the Byzantine
castle of Krouna, the ruins of the castle of Kotsaki and the ruins of the
monasterial farm of Xiropotamos. After the earthquake the church
of St.Dimitrios was ruined and today it is qualified as a preserved monument
by the state.
Local
celebrations
The third
day of Easter: National-religious feast that is connected to the slaughter
of 400 inhabitants by the Turks during the revolution of 1821.
20th July:
Feast of Prophet Elias, which is celebrated at the country church with
the same name. There is food preparation (courbani) which is then shared
among the people and a feast with traditional music follows.
3rd September,
names day of the Virgin's church. A two days' feast with food and traditional
music.
Famous
local products
Fish from
the bay of Ierissos, daily products, honey, olive-oil, wine, vegetables
Overland
transport
From Thessaloniki,
6 times a day during winter, 8 times a day during summer. 2 TAXIS.
Coastal
navigation
4 boats
which sail to the north side of the Holy Mountain, Athos.
STRATONI
Stratoni is
built at the feet of the green mountains, reaching the gulf of Ierissos,
between ancient Stagira and ancient Acanthos. It is 100 km from Thessaloniki,
73 km from Poligiros and has 1800 inhabitants. It is a quit little town,
perfectly planned, with beautiful detached houses, surrounded by the large
yards full of rose bushes. Clean streets paved with asphalt, a vast unspoilt
beach, enchanting, isolated little bays, parks, children's recreation areas,
sports facilities, refreshment rooms and a small dockyard for the launching
of small boats, unique in northern gambling club and modern bars offering
the visitors the entertainment they seek. Additionally, the local people's
special hospitality, makes the visitors' stay more pleasant.
Overland transport
To and from Thessaloniki, 6 times a day every one hour and a half.