Those considering Nees Kidonies as a travel destination will find several distinct themes: the settlement’s history, traditional stone houses, local fishing and time by the water. The name Néai Kydoníai offers a way into the settlement’s history; on a walking tour, you can see the stone houses. Fresh fish and seafood, the port of Skala and Xampelia sandy beach add local food culture and outdoor activities to the cultural themes. Xampelia is near Skala Neon Kydonion and is suitable for swimming. This allows you to decide whether history, the townscape, local cuisine, a walk or a swim should shape your stay.

History in the Name

The name Néai Kydoníai was chosen to commemorate the origins of most of the settlers. They arrived as refugees in the old “Balcık”; this memory is connected with the Greek-Turkish Convention Concerning the Exchange of Populations, signed in Lausanne on January 30, 1923. The name thus connects a specific remembrance of origin with a clearly identified historical context. This offers a clear historical focus for planning your trip: the settlers’ origins and the circumstances of their arrival.

Church and Traditional Stone Houses

The Church of Saint George Chiopolitis stands in the village. There are also traditional stone houses, which you can see on a walk through Néai Kydoníai. These two architectural points of interest can be experienced in different ways: the church is a single, named building, while the houses come into view along the route. If you are interested in architecture, the walk offers a chance to take in traditional homes as part of the townscape. This lets you distinguish between focusing on one individual building and taking in the broader impression of traditional stone houses.

Fish and Seafood

Skala Neon Kydonion offers fresh fish and seafood; the place is especially known for octopus caught by local fishermen. Octopus is therefore the particular feature highlighted in the local cuisine. While fish and seafood describe the general culinary offering, the catch by local fishermen points to a specialty closely connected with the place. If you take regional cuisine into account when choosing a travel destination, this distinction gives you a tangible reason to visit: fish and seafood on the one hand, and the especially noteworthy octopus on the other.

Walks, Sunset and Beach

There are different ways to spend time outdoors. Some visitors choose one of the higher points in the village to enjoy the sunset. Many choose the port of Skala for a walk; wooden fishing boats are moored there. Xampelia sandy beach is also near Skala Neon Kydonion and is suitable for swimming. In practical terms, this means Xampelia is the place for swimming, the port of Skala is the place for a walk, and the higher points are for enjoying the sunset.

Discover more destinations: Mitilini, Anaxos Skoutarou, Mantamados, Skala Loutron, Agia Paraskevi, Mistegna, Plomari, Achlia.

For the broader travel overview: Lesbos.