The Nea Potidea Canal is a landmark for a stay in Nea Potidea: it offers a way to explore the town’s history and coastline as distinct interests. A walk along the canal, ancient traces in the surrounding area, the beach and coastal parks give the destination several facets. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider whether you are most drawn to the history of the isthmus, a visit to the beach, or a combination of the two.
The Canal and the Ancient City
The canal is 1,250 metres long and 40 metres wide. It was built to facilitate shipping and protect the ancient city of Cassandreia. The Macedonian king had this city built on the site of ancient Potidaea. Because of its strategic location on the Kassandra isthmus, ancient Potidaea was one of the region’s most important port cities. Potidaea and Cassandreia should be distinguished: the canal is associated with Cassandreia, while Potidaea refers to the ancient site on which the city was built. The canal thus links the maritime function of the isthmus with the history of its ancient cities.
Visitors can walk through the village along the canal and see the ancient city’s fortification wall right beside it. The canal and wall are therefore closely connected in their physical setting: one was built to facilitate shipping and protect Cassandreia, while the other formed part of the ancient city’s fortifications. The walk makes both aspects easy to understand within the same landscape.
History in the Surrounding Area
The Macedonian Tomb of Potidaea is located nearby. It was discovered in 1961 and dates to approximately the 4th century BC; it represents one of the final phases of the Macedonian dynasty. Finds from the tomb include pottery, jewellery and weapons. It adds another archaeological dimension to the history of the canal and ancient city. The nearby tomb should be distinguished from the canal itself.
The Coast and Walking Routes
The coast also offers different options. South of the canal is the main stretch of Nea Potidea’s eastern beach, with beach bars and a water park. As tourist facilities can change, check their current status before your visit. Nearby Portes Beach has golden sand, clear turquoise water and trees that provide natural shade. It is suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The two beach options therefore differ: the eastern main stretch focuses on facilities, while Portes Beach is distinguished by its sand, water and natural shade.
There are also two large coastal parks on either side of the isthmus, where you can walk among greenery. The parks offer a different focus from the beach: walking in a green setting is the activity described here, while Portes Beach is specifically recommended for swimming and sunbathing. If you would like to spend time outdoors somewhere other than by the water, the parks are another option to consider.
Discover more destinations: Nea Roda, Megali Panagia, Stratoni, Polychrono, Kriopigi, Flogita, Skala Sikias, Kallithea
Return to the main travel overview: Chalkidiki.
