Information about Polygyros Halkidiki

Polygyros is a modern city of 6000 inhabitants and is the capital of Halkidiki. It is 70 km from Thessaloniki and the nearest beach is Kalyves Polygyrou at a distance of 16 km. It stretches on one side of Mount Holomonta.

Polygyros is home to the prefecture’s public services, the Halkidiki Hospital, the Fire Service, and the Police. There are also many sports facilities, traditional houses, green areas and of course a fantastic view of the surrounding area. The city is known for its nightlife as there are many bars.

In Polygyros there is the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Museum with important exhibits excavated in the area of ​​Halkidiki. Several artistic events are organized in Polygyros during the summer months.

Although Polygyros is not a tourist destination, there are several accommodations that serve the needs of its visitors. One of them is the mansion Hotel Marelia which was built at the beginning of the last century with respect to traditional architecture.

Polygyros is located in the center of the Chalkidiki Peninsula at the foot of Mount Holomontas. It has an altitude of 560 meters.

In its northern part there is a green slope that goes up to the top of “Tsoukalas” (890m) from where one can see a panoramic and enchanting sight:

The three peninsulas of Sithonia, Kassandra (ancient Pallini) and Mount Athos with the majestic Mount Athos and the picturesque islands of Diaporos, Ammouliani, and Kelyfos.

Many versions exist regarding the origin of the name Polygyros.

It has been argued that it derives from the many “slopes” of the adjoining hills, from Poly – old because of the salubrious climate, from the name Polyaros (a possible landowner) found in an inscribed inscription, or finally, from poly – holy place, because of a large sanctuary that existed in the area, which after the destruction and desolation of Apollonia in Halkidiki maintained its glory.

Polygyros is the capital of the prefecture of Halkidiki. It is located in its center and is built on the southern slopes of Mount Holomontas.

According to historical records, the foundation of Polygyros is placed in Byzantine times, while there are different speculations about the origin of its name; some claim that it is due to the fact that hills surround it. Polygyros, as one of the popular destinations in the area, has many hotels, guesthouses, and rooms for rent, taverns, restaurants, and bars. In short, it provides guests with all the comforts and services.

Worth seeing in Polygyros:

The garden with the Six Fountains! According to the legend, unmarried women must drink water from all 6 taps in order to marry well. It is located in a beautiful garden where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal under the trees.

The Archaeological Museum of Polygyros, hosts representative archaeological finds from all over Halkidiki, which present an important cultural history from prehistoric times.

The Folklore Museum of Polygyros, where visitors can learn about the agricultural tools used for ploughing, sowing, harvesting, threshing, and traditional clothing.

Do not miss it!

The Polygyros festival is organized every year in August with plenty of events!

It is an ideal starting point for tours both in Holomontas (located at an altitude of 550 m. on the south side of the mountain) and throughout the prefecture (located approximately in its center). Amphitheatrically built, it still has many old houses in its narrow streets. The nearest beaches are in the settlements of Kalyves and Gerakini with their lacy sandy beaches. You will find them in its south, after crossing a huge olive grove.

When to go

Mainly from spring to autumn but also throughout the rest of the year. Its carnival, which takes place on Clean Monday, is a special experience.

Information about the Municipality of Polgyros

Polygyros (Municipality of Polygyros – Municipal Unit of POLYGYROS), belongs to the municipality of POLYGYROS of the Regional Unit of Halkidiki, located in the Region of Central Macedonia, according to the administrative division of Greece as formed by the “Kallikratis” program.

The official name is “Polygyros”. The seat of the municipality is Polygyros and it belongs to the geographical division of Macedonia.

During the administrative division of Greece with the “Kapodistrias” plan, until 2010, Polygyros belonged to the Local District of Polygyros, the former Municipality of POLYGYROS, Prefecture of HALKIDIKI.

History

Antiquity

Some situate in the broader area of ​​modern Polygyros the ancient city of Apollonia. Apollonia was one of the 32 cities, which, under the leadership of the Olynthus, constituted the Koinon ton Chalkideon (Chalkidian League). The Koinon was destroyed in 379 BCE by the Spartans, while in 348 BCE Philip II of Macedon annexed the whole Chalcidice into the Macedonian Kingdom. In 168 BCE Chalcidice was subjected by the Romans.

Byzantine and Ottoman Era

The town of Polygyros is first mentioned in a medieval imperial document, chryssovoulon (with golden stamp), of Eastern Roman Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates about 1080 CE. In 1430, like the rest of the Eastern Roman Empire, Polygyros was conquered by the Ottomans and belonged to the Sanjak of Thessaloniki. On 17 May 1821, the people of Polygyros rose against the Ottoman authority and managed, temporarily, to expel the Ottoman guard. Polygyros, such as other villages of the peninsula, were burned by the Ottomans.

Many residents of Polygyros also took part in 1854’s unsuccessful revolutionary movement against the Ottomans.

Modern Era

Finally, on 2 November 1912 the Greek army, as one of the victors of the First Balkan War, entered Polygyros and incorporated the town into the Greek State.