The Strymonic (Strymonian) Gulf is a popular area of Greece among the vacationers. Located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, it abounds with spots for relaxing and beautiful beaches. More so, the area has historical monuments, attractive nature and other assets for an engaging holiday. Flanked by Halkidiki in the west and Macedonia in the north, the Strymonic Gulf is easily accessible.
Main tourist resorts of the Strymonic Gulf
Asprovalta, Nea Vrasna and Stavros are the main tourist resorts of the Strymonic Gulf. They are developed settlements surrounded by mountains. Asprovalta access a gorgeous beach awarded with Blue Flag. A bonus asset is that either town is near Thessaloniki International Airport. A 40-minute drive by car on an excellent road is everything that stands between them.
Monuments of the Strymonian Gulf
There are various historical monuments scattered throughout the area. The oldest of them date back to ancient Greek and Hellenistic times. The remains of the more recent Byzantine and Ottoman-Turkish eras are evident as well.
Some of the most noteworthy relics of history are the Fort of Vrasna and the Castle of Rentina. The former is the 15th-century structure. Its remaining parts introduce different shapes of the defensive facility. The latter is a hilltop fortress near Stavros you can examine from the outside. The oldest remains of the castle date back to the 4th century.
The Apollonia thermal springs, the ancient settlement of Arethousa and the Agios Lazaros Church (Evangelismos) are among other noteworthy sites.
Nature highlights of the Strymonic Gulf
Lake Volvi is one of the natural highlights of the Strymonic Gulf. It is the 2nd largest Greek lake, located a short drive away from Asprovalta. Two forests, one being Makedonika Tempi, the other the Forest of Apollonia, flank Lake Volvi. Around the lake, you can examine hundreds of plant species, a dozen of which are rare.
Platanodasos (Platania) is a sort of a natural phenomenon. It is a cluster of plane trees over a century old that accesses the gulf. And that is the strangest things since plane trees are seldom found this close to the sea.
