Sightseeing
Stavros is located in a central location in the wider area of the Strymonikos Bay. At a distance of about 100 kilometers, you will find a number of sights that deserve your attention. Here, you can find information about those we consider most important.
Mountain Athos
The monastic state of Mount Athos is located on the Athos peninsula in Halkidiki. These monasteries, which are monuments of the Byzantine period, are known worldwide. The entrance to Mount Athos is permitted only to men. However, you can enjoy half of the monasteries taking one of the cruises that run daily from the port of Ouranoupolis.
Ammouliani / Gaidouronisia
Visit Ammouliani and swim in the most famous and beautiful beach of the island, Alykes. Access is possible only by ferry, through the port of Tripiti. The ferry boat will take you there in about 15 minutes. Using your own boat, or renting a boat from Ouranoupolis, you can also visit the magnificent Gaidouronisia. The beaches of Ammouliani and Gaidouronisia will no doubt fascinate you.
Waterfalls of Varvara
An excursion not to be missed! About 30 minutes from Hotel Rihios, there are the two waterfalls in Barbara, a mountain village in Halkidiki. Hidden in a lush forest of orphans, alder, lynx, beech, wild hazelnut and chestnut, the waterfalls are a pole of attraction for thousands of visitors each year. Hiking in the verdant nature and swimming in the icy water of the waterfalls is the perfect combination of rejuvenation and serenity!
Stagira / Aristotle's Park
Immediately after the village of Olympiada, you can visit Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of the philosopher Aristotle. A few kilometers further you will find Aristotle’s Park. A unique theme park in Halkidiki, where you will have the opportunity to see all the inventions of the great philosopher. Along the lush green path, you will find many bays, organized and not for enjoying the sea.
Lake Volvi
Lake Volvi is an ideal day trip destination for the visitors of Stavros. The lake is a rare ecosystem that includes many rivers and streams. Rihios River, from which our our hotel was named, carries the surplus water of the lake to the Strymonikos Bay. More than 21 species of fish live in the lake and more than 200 species of birds live or breed here.
Unique Caves
Two of Europe’s most beautiful caves are located really close to Stavros: the Cave of Alistrati in Serres and the Cave of Aggitis in Drama. The rich decoration of these caves, featuring huge stalactites and stalagmites in various colors will leave you speechless. Aggitis Cave is the only cave in Greece that is crossed by a river, the Aggitis river.
Thessaloniki
80km from Stavros, Greece’s 2nd largest city is worth your visit. Thessaloniki hosts many important Byzantine monuments, such as the Early Christian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as several Roman, Ottoman and Jewish structures. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Thessaloniki and get to know its history, gastronomy, secrets and myths.
Museum of Amphipolis
A tour in the Ancient Times is possible for the visitors of the Amphipolis Museum. Amphipolis was one of the most important cities in ancient times. Its exhibits are dominated by magnificent amphorae, coins, impressive jewelry, statues and mosaics of great artistic value. The exhibits come mainly from earlier excavations, but also from the most recent ones at Tomb of Casta.
Philippi
The ancient theater of Philippi is located at the foot of the Acropolis hill and rests on the eastern wall of the city of Philippi. The city was named in 356 BC. by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II. The archaeological site of Philippi can offer the visitor a mixed tour, since excavations have revealed ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Early Christian periods. The octagon, the Roman market, the Early Christian basilicas, parts of the city walls, are the best known of them. One of the most important festivals in Greece takes place every summer in the area of the ancient theater of Philippi.
Vergina
The tomb of Philip II and the underlying royal museum are located in Vergina. Built beneath the earth and covered externally with soil, the archaeological museum of Vergina creates the impression of an ancient burial mound. Keeping the temperature and humidity constant, the underground building is boxing and protecting ancient monuments: the royal tombs and the magnificent murals of “the abduction of Persephone” and “the royal hunting” – the only original works of great classical painters. In an obscure space, ancient artifacts dominate in the museum. The golden lark and wreath are the most important.
Pella
Visit the Archaeological Site – Museum. Ancient Pella has been the capital of Macedonians since the beginning of the 4th century BC. Excavations have brought to light a well-organized city, worthy of its history. The new Archaeological Museum enables the visitor to reconstruct the information provided by the monuments during his tour and to understand the various aspects of the city’s daily as well as public life. It’s really amazing to admire the findings of Macedonian culture, a legacy of immeasurable historical value.