Gerakini is a seaside resort located in Halkidiki in the coastal strip between the Sithonia peninsula and the Kassandra peninsula. It's not a very big town, but in summer the region attracts thousands of tourists. The distance from Gerakini to Thessaloniki is about 85 kilometers. 13 kilometer north of the village is the capital of the region, Poligiros.

Gerakini is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the region because there are such beautiful sandy beaches in the area. Already in the 60's tourism began to develop here, and today there are many accommodations to choose from, including some all-inclusive resorts. There are also some larger hotels put down in Gerakini, mostly just outside the village because the beach goes on. Besides these larger hotels there are studios and apartments for rent, and there are a few camping grounds in the area.

Before 1960 Gerakini was just very tiny and the town is not very old. In this place lived mainly people that worked in a nearby granite mine (which is now closed). Many residents now work in the tourist industry. The sandy beaches surrounded by hills with pine trees in combination with the temperature of the sea, and in the background the mountains, complete the picture. Gerakini Beach itself is long and equipped with facilities. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and there are many restaurants, fish tavernas, shops and a number of bars to choose from.

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Northwest of the village of Gerakini on two hills is the ancient site of Olynthus that dates to the 7th century BC. According to mythology Olynthus was the son of the king Strymonas of Thrace, and he was killed during a lion hunt. Olynthos would then be built in his honor by his brother Vraggas. Another myth is that Olynthos was the son of Hercules.

Whatever may be true of these stories, the city of Olynthos was originally founded by people who were expelled from Macedonia and settled in Halkidiki. Little is known about Olynthos in the period before the Persian wars. In 480 BC the city supplied troops and ships to the Persian king Xerxes, but when the Persian army withdrew in 479 BC, the Persian army commander suspected treason, besieged and conquered the city, and had the inhabitants slaughtered. Olynthos was then given to the city of Torone.

In 432 BC in view of the aggression from Athens King Perdiccas II of Macedon commanded to merge a number of cities in Halkidiki and make Olynthos into one large, better defensible capital of Halkidiki. Thus Olynthos became one of the major military powers in Greece. Over the years the town became increasingly powerful and constantly appropriated more acreage. This resulted in 382 BC in a war with Sparta which lasted three years.

In 357 BC, when many Greek states were at war with Athens, Olynthos sided with King Phillip II of Macedonia (the father of Alexander the Great). Phillip II conquered all the towns in the area and Olythos became increasingly fearful for the growth of his power. They asked Athens for help, after which Phillip II in 348 BC besieged the city. He killed his two half-brothers (and also pretenders to the throne) Arrhidaeus and Menelaus who lived in Olynthos and destroyed the city completely. Olynthos never recovered anymore and was more or less forgotten. However the sudden destruction of the city has ensured that many objects from that period have been preserved on the site. These are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Olynthos. The site itself is located just northeast of the present village Olynthos and can only be reached with own transport, because there are no buses go to it.

Surrounded by an olive grove, Kostas House is 150 metres from the seafront in Gerakini that is accessed via a private path. It offers air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi and spacious veranda overlooking the Aegean Sea. A kitchenette with cooking facilities, electric kettle and fridge is included in all apartments at the Kostas House. Each has outdoor furniture, a TV and hairdryer. The lively Nikiti is 20 km away. Thessaloniki Airport is a 60-minute drive away.

Check availabilities and prices & book Kostas House in Paralia Gerakinis, Gerakini - click here.

Featuring an outdoor pool with pool bar, Alkinoos Beach Hotel is situated only 30 metres from the seaside and 3 km from Gerakini Village. Wi-Fi internet and on-site parking are both free. Each with a spacious balcony or terrace with sea or garden view, the air-conditioned apartments have a kitchenette with fridge and a modern bathroom with hairdryer.

Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast, including fresh fruit, homemade jams and vegetables from the owner's garden. Snacks and refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the pool bar. Children enjoy a large green area with a playground. Sports facilities include beach volley and a basketball court.

Only 3 km from Gerakini centre, Hotel Alkinoos is 80 km from Thessaloniki and offers easy access to many places of interest, such as the ancient Olynthus, Petralona Cave and the Peninsula of Athos.

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Located in Gerakini, right at the wave's edge, Maistrali Beach Hotel offers air-conditioned studios set within the lush vegetation of pine, palms and olive trees. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Maistrali Beach offers light and airy accommodation with stunning views over the sea and the lush gardens. Each spacious studio features a TV and has a kitchenette with hot plates and fridge, and a bathroom with shower.

The vibrant resort of Gerakini is just 700 metres from the apartments and there is plenty of nightlife available here. The central location of Maistrali Beach allows you to easily explore the different areas of Halkidiki. Free parking is possible on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Maistrali Beach Studios in Gerakini - click here.