LAKE VOLVI AND ASPROVALTA BEACH (ECOTOURISM)
DEPARTURE
- Chalkidiki, Thessaloniki
EXCURSION THEME
- Entertainment
EXCURTION TYPE
- 1-2 (persons) Car, 1-6 (persons) Mini Van, Individual
GUIDE SERVICE
- Without Guide
DURATION
- Full Day
SHORT DESCRIPTION
GALLERY
ROUTE
| Time | Description |
| 08:00:00 | Departure from Thessaloniki |
| 08:50:00 | Nymphopetres |
| 09:45:00 | Lake Volvi (wetland) |
| 10:30:00 | Castle of Rentina |
| 11:30:00 | Asprovalta (lunch, beach) |
| 15:30:00 | Apollonia forest |
| 16:15:00 | departure for Thessaloniki |
| 17:15:00 | Return to Thessaloniki |
EXCURTION DESCRIPTION
Nymphopetres
Next to the village of Nymphopetra there is a curious geological formation of the same name, which was declared a natural monument. This is an impressive cluster of limestone rocks, the origin of which has given rise to many myths and legends.
So, according to the version of the local legend, the “petronymphs” are a group of hunters who, in search of prey, met a company of forest nymphs bathing in the crystal clear waters of the lake. The men were delighted with this sight, but Artemis became angry with such disrespectful behavior and turned them into stone idols.
According to another version, a greedy bride took all the things from her mother’s House and went to church with the wedding procession. On the way, he remembered that he had forgotten the spindle with the sfondyli and sent people to get them. The mother’s anger turned into a curse, and the bride and her entourage turned into stones.
However, the scientific explanation of the phenomenon of peculiar rock formations is completely different and extremely interesting as it records the intense geological activity of the area during its geological evolution and the diagenesis of the rocks that make up the substrate of the area. The rock that makes up the peculiar upright rock formations is called travertine.
The appearance of these rocks is explained by the relatively recent geological evolution of the basin, in which 1,000,000 years ago a huge lake dominated, the area of which exceeded the sum of the two modern lakes Koroneia and volvi, and the depth was much greater. Apparently, a large number of gushing geysers with thermal fluid that had large concentrations of dissolved rocks “gave” us this spectacle.
Lake volvi (wetland)
Lake volvi is located in the prefecture of Thessaloniki, in the basin of Mygdonia, in the province of Lagada. It is the second largest natural lake in the country after Trichonida with an area of about 68 km2 and a maximum depth of 20-23 meters.
Volvi hosts a very large number of coastal and seabirds. Millions of years ago, volvi, along with Koroneia as well as the entire Mygdonia basin, was part of a large lake.
The wetlands of the Koronia – volvi lakes are among the eleven wetlands in Greece protected by the international “Ramsar treaty”. It is a rare complex of ecosystems with hydrophilic forests, lakes, Meadows, muddy and marshy areas, rivers, shrubs and agricultural lands, forming a very important wetland. Unfortunately, in recent years, this ecosystem has been seriously threatened by uncontrolled anthropogenic activity, which, combined with a prolonged drought, has disturbed the ecological balance. Of the 248 registered bird species (some of which are protected as rare or endangered), many of them are Diavian species, that is, those stationed in the lakes to feed and rest during their long migratory journeys.
As for mammals, their number reaches 23,several common species such as Fox, weasel, ferret, Hare, squirrel belong here. And “endangered”: Wildcat, otter, Hare, Jackal and badger.
The flora of the lake is also of interest. It is home to 800 plant species, many of which are endemic. Aquatic plants such as water lentil, rare water chestnuts and small NAIAS, benthophytes, aquarias as well as species that grow on the slopes of the hills that crown the lakes such as olive, Yew, Cedar, Heather, hornbeam, oak and Beech.
The name volvi comes from mythology, as volvi was a nymph who gave birth to Heracles a son, Olynthos. Xenophon mentions the lake as Volyki, and during the Turkish occupation it was called Lake Besikion.
Castle of Rentina
The castle of Rentina rises on the top of a hill at the entrance of the Rentina Gorge, which is called “Makedonika tempi” because of its strategic position. Although it is large and very close to a busy road, it is not easy to see due to the vegetation and is officially closed to the public.
The fortress was built on a hill near the Old National Road of Thessaloniki Asprovalta (71st km.). At the time of its establishment, it “guarded” and controlled the area of Egnatia. That is, it ensured the safe transportation of goods from Thessaloniki to Istanbul.
Excavations carried out on the hill and the surrounding area revealed traces of human presence in this area dating back to the Neolithic period. In the southwestern part of the castle, walls of buildings and household items dating back to the Hellenistic period have been discovered. The Redinas fortress was located near the settlement of Arethousa, which was abandoned after the 6th century M.Allah.
The walls of the fortress and other facilities have been preserved quite well. By the way, many people identify the fortress with the “castle of Artemision”, mentioned in the writings of Procopius. Archaeologists believe that the first fortification appeared here in the 4th century M.Allah. It was a small fort with Garrison barracks and drinking water tanks. During the time of Justinian, the fortress grew, and its walls were fortified with towers.
Asprovalta
Asprovalta is a seaside town in the municipality of volvi in the northeast of the prefecture of Thessaloniki. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Macedonia. Asprovalta is located east of Thessaloniki on the west coast of the Strymonikos Gulf.
The village of Aspri Valta was built in the early 16th century on the south side of Mount Cordilio, away from the sea. According to a document of this period from the archives of the Simonopetra Monastery, the area where the settlement was built was covered with dense forest and was used as a winter residence by the Koutloumousiou Monastery.
At some point during the Ottoman rule, the Ottomans settled here, and the village was renamed Geni Mahal. After the departure of the Ottomans, the settlement was abandoned, and several Greek families settled on the beach – on the site of the present city.
The first tourists “discovered” this place in the 1960s, in the next decade they began to build hotel facilities (hotels and simply small houses for rent), of which there are about 12,000 today! Extensive beaches, green slopes, archaeological and ecclesiastical treasures and modern infrastructure have made Asprovalta a popular resort.
The beach of Asprovalta has been awarded the Blue Flag. In addition to the golden sand and crystal clear water, the mountain ranges surrounding the village on 3 sides give a special charm to the landscape. The beach of Asprovalta is long (8 km.). Even in the peak season there is always a secluded place to relax. On the other hand, there are many bars and cafes along the promenade, where you can rent sun loungers and have a coffee.
Apollonia Forest
Apollonia forest is located on the southern shore of Lake volvi. This forest has a unique ecological value for two main reasons: First, the plant species that make it up – Alder, plane trees, silver and white, willow and wicker – are hardly found anymore in a forest and even with such dense vegetation.
Such phytocommunities (Alnopopuletum), which once existed in many rivers of the country, today are considered very rare. The second reason is that the Apollonia forest is a” kingdom ” of gray herons, due to their large colony in the heart of the forest. Of particular interest is the strong presence of rare predators-mainly Eagles-in recent years.
In the past, the forest covered an area of 3,000 acres, but was cleared for agricultural land expansion. Thus, today there are only 150 acres of forest left and, many activities are carried out to preserve the local ecosystem and restore the area of the forest lands.
MAP
- Volvi is a tectonic lake, the second largest in Greece.
- The geological park of Nymfopetra with the unique “stone trees” is a natural monument.
- The wetland of the Koronia – Volvi lakes are among the eleven water parks in Greece and are protected by the International “Ramsar Convention”.
- 248 species of birds live in the area of Lake Volvi, and about 800 species of plants are registered.
- The Castle of Rentina (4th century AD) is located in a gorge, which due to its strategic location is called “Macedonian Tempi”.
- The beach of Asprovalta has been awarded with the Blue Flag for many consecutive years.
- The length of the beach of Asprovalta is 7 km.
- Total kilometer distance of the excursion (departure from Thessaloniki) – about 200 km.
- Wear comfortable shoes for your safety.
- The program of the excursion can be changed for reasons beyond the control of the company (force majeure); weather conditions and at the discretion of the tour guide, if necessary.
- Do not forget to bring your swimsuit.
250 €
Φόρμα Ενδιαφέροντος
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THE PRICE INCLUDES
All transfers made with comfortable transport (depending on the selected category).
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Lunch.
- Tickets to museums and archeological parks.
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METEORAS – DELPHI (TWO DAYS)
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Day one: Kalambaka and Meteora monasteries
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Day Two – Athens / Acropolis Museum / Thermopylae
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After your visit to the Acropolis, the excursion continues to the new Acropolis Museum, which in 2009 moved from the premises next to the Parthenon to a new building.
On the way back, a stop is waiting for you in Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans gained eternal glory.
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Entertainment
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During a sightseeing tour of Athens, you will get acquainted with the main sights of the center of the capital of Greece. Your path will run along the Kifissos River, which, according to one version, is the legendary Eridanus, where the son of the solar god Helios Phaethon fell into, strucked by lightning of Zeus for the inability to cope with the chariot of his father. You will see Cape Piraeus, where the main port once appeared, Athens, which retains such significance today. And marvel at the size columns of the temple of Olympian Zeus, which can surprise even now. Follow the steps of the Evzones – soldiers of the national guard, carrying guard at the parliament building in the very center of the city. take a selfie in the background of Olympic Stadium Kallimarmaro, where the first Olympic modern games were held. You will follow the paths of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle along the agora of ancient Athens and the path “Peripatos” around the hill of the Acropolis, in the honour of which the Peripatetic school of philosophers was named. Dive into the hustle and bustle of the Plaka – one of the old districts of Athens, conveying the mood of the second half of the 19th century. On the way back, a stop in the Thermopylae Gorge is provided, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans accomplished a feat that even today is not forgotten not only by the Greeks, but by the whole world.
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On the way back, a stop is waiting for you in Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans gained eternal glory.
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Day one – the city of Corfu.
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Cruise
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