Nea Moudania is a small town on the Halkidiki peninsula in Greece, a local shopping center and port. In recent years, it has gained popularity among tourists who prefer a quiet comfortable stay.
Geographical location and description
Nea Moudania is located in the southwestern part of Halkidiki, from where the Kassandra Peninsula originates. In importance, it is second only to the provincial capital - the city of Polygyros. This is a beautiful coastal town on the shores of the Gulf of Termei in the Aegean Sea, which has developed agriculture, industrial enterprises, valuable crafts and tourist services.
The population is about 15 thousand people, in the summer months tourists and vacationers actively come here, to the nearest airport of Thessaloniki - 50 km. The promenade offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Olympus.
Settlement history
The city was founded in 1922, when the Greeks expelled from Turkey began to resettle there after the Asia Minor catastrophe. The Greek government sent refugees to a place of permanent residence. They named their settlement in honor of the city of Moudania left in Turkey, but with the prefix Nea, that is, "new."
The whole territory consisted of wetlands, as a result of which many refugees experienced great difficulties in construction and health problems. Mortality among the arrivals was high, however, as the marshes were drained and housing was built, the construction and modernization of the port, life began to improve.
Residents of Nea Moudanya are actively engaged in agriculture, fishing and various crafts. Old names have been preserved from those times, for example, the avenue leading to the port is called Almira ("salt swamp").
Around the town olive groves, planted fields, coniferous forests are picturesquely located - all this is available for visiting to any tourist who can rent a car or bicycle. The area of cultivated land where olives, peanuts and apricots are planted is 110 thousand square meters. m
Over the past century, the village has grown into a major shopping center with cultural and administrative significance. For several years it was even the capital of one of the regions of Greece. Now the town is headed by the district of Nea Propontida. To ensure work as an admin center, it has a city hall, tax, police and other government institutions.
Trade and crafts
The port, although small, continues to operate, there are always merchant ships. The city has enterprises producing canned olive and fish, fruit processing factories, whose products are exported to many countries.
Every Wednesday, near the bus station, there is a market in Nea Moudania, where you can buy everything from freshly caught fish, cheap vegetables and fruits, cheese, olives, honey, to souvenirs and bedding.
Freshly caught sea fish can be bought every morning from local fishermen near the port. Delicious traditional dishes are served in taverns and cafes. The most popular of them are the following: Greek cheese cake, fried shrimp, sweets and honey donuts.
On the main street there are branches of large Greek banks, a post office, a clinic and private offices of specialists in the treatment of various diseases. There are several theaters and a summer cinema. There are many shops and supermarkets on the promenade, aimed at tourists with different financial capabilities.
sights
The visiting card of the city of Nea Moudagni is the Orthodox Church, towering on a mountain. The building consists of 2 parts: the lower one is dedicated to saints Nicholas, Irina and Raphael, the upper one is dedicated to St. George. Sunday services are held every week and during festivities, with men and women standing apart. Nearby there is a chapel.
The icon of Panagia Corifini, who is the patroness of the city, is stored in a church high up on a hill. The holiday dedicated to the icon of Our Lady of Corifini takes place annually on September 8 and is considered a day off when all shops and institutions are closed.
In the town there are museums of fishing and ethnography, having visited which, tourists can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the settlement and local fishing.
Museum of fishing vessels and equipment (opened since 2001 by the local yacht club) consists of 3 sections:
- the first is dedicated to the fishing traditions in the village, equipment and tools for fishing sea fish are presented here;
- the second represents the underwater kingdom and its inhabitants;
- the third one contains photo and film materials, cartoons about marine animals.
Not far from the embankment there is a Museum of crustaceans and marine species, intended for tourists keen on marine exhibits and species of shells.
Cultural events
In the summer season, Nea Moudania in Greece hosts several regular events that have long become annual holidays:
- Festival of the Sea - held in July-August, gathers famous Greek and foreign artists, includes theatrical performances, fairs, various concerts.
- Sardine festival in July, to which fish are brought from all over Greece. These days, invited dance and choral folk groups perform here, demonstrating the national cultural wealth of the country. The action is accompanied by traditional rituals and great general fishing. On the final day of the holiday, everyone is served fried sardines and white wine.
Beaches and Vacations
The central city beach of Eleonas is located on the outskirts of Nea Moudagni to the right of the port, from the center you need to go only 10 minutes. Well-equipped area is covered with fine sand, there are umbrellas, showers and changing cabins. The sea is shallow and warm, ideal for children and adults who swim poorly.
Sun loungers can be taken at adjacent cafes and taverns, buying food or drinks. Separately paid services are not provided.
There are a lot of entertainments for kids in the town: the Dumbo cafe with a playground, the Zouzonik children's town (the name is taken from the affectionate nickname of little bugs), inflatable attractions, etc.
Every year, football, volleyball and tennis matches are held on the beach, which are broadcast throughout Greece. The local yacht club is internationally recognized for sailing and fishing competitions. Small boats are hired at the port and guests are invited to go fishing.
Hotels
The 5-star Ikos Oceania Hotel rises ashore near the city beach. In recent years, the resorts of this company have been switching to the classic service “Serene style of relaxation”, which is focused on the highest quality of relaxation.
The hotel has 298 rooms, its own beach and pools, 4 restaurants serving national and traditional dishes for every taste, special programs and entertainments have been developed for children.
Near the promenade you can find private apartments and pensions with a good level of service. Small hotels in Nea Moudania are scattered throughout the city.
For young people, the Sinauliak Entertainment Club often hosts discos, and once a week there is a Latin American-style party. Thematic meetings are often held in the Naviglek bar, there are many small cafes and bars on the promenade, many of them can listen to live music in the evening.
Transport and reviews
In Nea Moudania (Halkidiki) there is a bus station from where you can get to the Kassandra or Sithonia peninsula. Buses to Thessaloniki (40 minutes on the way), where the airport is located, leave every hour. Therefore, any tourist can independently go from here to anywhere in Greece.
All tourists and vacationers who visited Nea Moudania leave enthusiastic reviews, characterizing their impressions of being in the town only with words of admiration for the Greek nature, clear sea and comfort when staying in hotels and apartments.