2 MIN
TRAVEL TIPS
The Xerxes Project: Eastern Halkidiki, the place where the Persian King Xerxes passed
Have you ever thought that there is a route that follows the path of the Persian King Xerxes from Asia to Europe? If not, then you should visit Nea Roda, the place where, in 480 BC, King Xerxes opened a canal to allow his fleet to pass to attack the Athenians, seeking to avoid the rough weather conditions of the peninsula of Mount Athos and prevent the destruction of his ships. This was the largest technical undertaking of antiquity, and it essentially connected the sea on either side of the peninsula.
The route follows the exact maritime path of King Xerxes. It starts from the region of “Glossa”, it passes through swampy and lowland areas and ends at the archaeological site of "Sani” - in the ancient city of Ouranoupoli. From there, the hiker takes a ferry boat to Ammouliani and continues their way to "Megali Ammos" beach, located right in the shade of Athos. The view is fascinating, captivating the traveller. Mystagogy, nature, changing seas, the smell of iodine.
The technical difficulty of the route is low, but the experience is great. One feels reborn into history, crossing paths along the Athos Sea, transported to a time thousands of years ago: “it is as if we are watching the Persian fleet sail past”, in the words of those who follow the magical route.
