PEFKOCHORI (KAPSOHORA) KASSANDRA HALKIDIKI

Pefkohori is located in the southeastern part of the Kassandra-penisula in a distance to Thessaloniki of about 105 km. The name refers to the green landscape, pine forests and olive groves which characterizes this area (Pefkohori – translated: 'land of pines').
The previous name of the place was Kapsohora (Καψόχωρα ‚burned land') in reference to an incident of fire in the year 1805.
Prior names of the village remain unknown.

The older part of the village offers the visitor, small alleys and beautiful gardens.
Local tourism was initiated by the arrival of the first tourists in the early seventies.
Ever since a lot has changed in this area and the infrastructure has adapted to the growing tourism. Due to its mild climate, an impressive landscape and its long beaches, Pefkohori established itself as a well-known holiday resort. There are luxurious hotels as well as many small apartment-facilities and small pensions. The appearance of the center and the wide beach-promenade is shaped by various shops, typical Taverns, luxury restaurants, night clubs, music bars, cafes beach bars and a luna parc.
During summer, Pefkohori offers a very intense nightlife including many impressive life-music events with local artists.
Pefkohori is also the host-city of the famous regatta ITENBA. The boats depart from the nearby natural harbor Glarokavos. This large, beautiful lagoon is fed by sea water
The connecting water bridge leads through a stunning natural formation, surrounded by dunes, long beaches and pine forests. The lagoon is partially used as a port and is the starting point of many private and commercial trips to the Aegean Sea.

Pefkohori probably was found in the late 16th century during the era of the Ottoman rule and was one of the 12 settlements on the peninsula.
In the northwestern area of the marina, remains of an ancient settlement have been excavated. Archaeological finds admits the assumption that this settlement belonged to a Roman colony.
Nearby also a hoard of ancient coins with the engraving of the Thracian King Lysimachus (Λυςίμαχος) were brought to light.
Around 1590 the area was part of a great monastery 'Ander' and the sanctuary 'Iviron' before it joined the local community before the war.
The partially preserved windmill is the only historic building which remained till today.
The inhabitants of Pefkohori participated in the Revolution of 1821.

Pefkochori on the map