In Ierissos, shipbuilding, culture and the coast offer distinctive ways to explore the area. Some of these themes can be found right in town, while others lie nearby: the cultural centre houses a stereoscopic 3D projection theatre, while Akanthos and Kruna Tower each have their own historical associations. The beach adds another dimension. This lets you discover Ierissos through a range of interests, rather than limiting your stay to a single theme.
Shipbuilding and Culture in Ierissos
The craft of shipbuilding has been passed down from generation to generation in Ierissos. The historic shipyards also shape the town’s maritime history: large wooden ships that could accommodate up to 250 people were built there. Not all of the shipyard facilities are operational. The large wooden ships give a sense of the scale of shipbuilding in the past. At the same time, the ships represent the craft’s history, while its passage from one generation to the next offers a different, ongoing perspective.
Another cultural highlight is the stereoscopic 3D projection theatre in Ierissos’s cultural centre. Its three-dimensional imagery is quite different from the historic sites and buildings in the surrounding area. Those interested in culture will find a range of themes in town: a traditional craft and a distinctive form of projection. The theatre is located within the cultural centre, so you can treat a visit as a separate activity.
Ancient Traces and a 15th-Century Tower
The ancient city of Akanthos lies about 600 metres southeast of Ierissos. A walk across its three hills takes you past a Byzantine paved road and an ancient house with a courtyard. Here, the landscape of the hills and the architectural remains can be seen together. This sets the site apart from Kruna Tower, which lies about one kilometre northwest of Ierissos: Akanthos is described as a walk with several historical stops, while the tower can only be viewed from the outside.
The Kruna Tower is estimated to have been built in the 15th century. It can only be viewed from the outside. When choosing between the two historical sites, their different locations are not the only factor to consider; the way you experience them also differs. Akanthos combines a walk with a paved road and a house, while the tower is viewed from outside as a single structure.
A Tradition Closely Tied to Easter
Every year on the third day of Easter, a traditional event takes place near Ierissos at the so-called Μαύρο Αλώνι, also known as Του Μαύρου Νιου το Αλώνι. The site of the tradition is close to Ierissos. Its timing sets it apart from the cultural and historical sites that can be visited year-round: if this event is important to your trip, the Easter calendar plays a key role in choosing your travel dates. This makes it possible to consider the tradition as a separate reason to visit, without confusing it with a visit to a site within Ierissos.
The Beach and a Travel Idea to Suit You
Ierissos Beach has been awarded three Blue Flags for the quality of its water and facilities. Alongside the historical and cultural attractions, it adds a coastal perspective to the area. You can weigh up the different points of interest according to your interests: shipbuilding and crafts, a walk at Akanthos, the view of Kruna Tower from the outside, the Easter tradition or the beach.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Ierissos, you can plan your trip around these interests. The annual date is essential for the traditional event; Akanthos and the tower differ in location and in how they can be experienced. These specific differences can help you weigh up the right time to travel and the topics that interest you before choosing your accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Sozopoli, Olinthos, Sani, Nea Potidea, Polygyros, Petralona, Kalives Poligirou, Ormylia
For the broader travel overview: Chalkidiki.
