Afytos is a rustic village in northern Greece, rich with history and culture. The area maintains its traditional charm with its stone buildings, authentic taverns and narrow streets, but despite its Grecian flare Afytos somehow attracts few tourists. This makes it the perfect getaway for couples or solo travellers as they can truly immerse themselves in the Greek way of life.
Historically, the village was known for its vast supply of olives, honey, grain and wine, which made it rather prosperous until its fall during the 1821 War of Independence. Thankfully, the village rose again and from 1860 entered a period of new growth. So, whether you’re a history buff or simply a lover of off-the-beaten-track adventures, this hidden gem of Greece will provide you with a truly authentic holiday experience – there really is no better place to enjoy real Greek culture.
Top Tip: Visit Thessaloniki if you want to explore even more of Greece.
The Festival
If you’re thinking of travelling to Afytos in the summer period, you may be lucky enough to enjoy the festival that takes place around July and August. Every year, the locals celebrate the summertime with traditional dancing, street art, concerts and of course, fantastic food. Moreover classical dance and music is intertwined with modern variations, making for a unique cultural experience for any visitors. The festival is a must if you are interested in Greek traditions.
The Beaches
Admiring the rocky and sandy beaches of this village will be an integral part of the holiday – visitors simply cannot resist the turquoise sea waters! Spend an afternoon walking across the pebbles or relaxing on the sand to truly embrace that holiday feeling. Lois Beach in particular is wonderfully quiet, and has several cafes and taverns nearby. If you fancy a swim, you’re in luck; the entry into the water is gradual and there is rarely a strong current. All of the beaches in the area are clean and most are well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. What better way to enjoy the beauty of Greece?
The Museum
For those looking to discover the historical side of the village, the Folklore Museum of Afytos is the place to go. This rustic, renovated building was established in 1980 by Nikos Paralis and the local Folklore Clubis, and has since become home to many astonishing artefacts. Visitors can see ancient tools, handmade fabrics and ceramics, and several other historical objects. The museum is also home to some fantastic sculptures made by artist Vassilis Pavlis. If you travel here in the summer, you may be able to attend one of the art or photography exhibitions that are hosted in this museum.
The Cuisine
There are many authentic restaurants around Afytos, serving a variety of dishes and always providing friendly service. Some travellers prefer cuisine a little closer to home, but if you’re looking for real Greek flavour, I would recommend dining at Sousourada & Sgouros Skatzoxiros. This restaurant is conveniently located in the centre of Afytos, and the chefs pride themselves in using only the finest and freshest local ingredients. There is something on the menu for everyone, and the dishes are prepared beautifully – never failing to ‘wow’ visitors with their exquisite flavours. This restaurant should definitely make your holiday itinerary if you’re looking for a dining experience to remember.
Where to Stay
Stone House Apartment – This is a fantastic accommodation option if you’re a solo traveller as there is easy access to surrounding areas including Agios Nikolaos and Thessaloniki. The apartment itself has all of the expected facilities, but also includes an attractive garden area and balcony. A barbeque is also included in the garden, allowing guests to enjoy al fresco dining in the comfort of their own living space.
Hytro Studios Apartment – For more luxurious accommodation, this stylish apartment is a great choice. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and decorated with modern furnishings, this living space has a fresh, tasteful feel to it. Walk to the nearby beach or simply enjoy the sea views from your private balcony – this apartment will certainly make for a blissful holiday.
How to Get There
To reach Afytos from the UK, I would suggest flying to Thessaloniki Airport. The flight usually takes just over three hours and there are three direct airlines including Ryanair. Finding low-cost, convenient flights is usually quite simple if you are booking in advance as there are over ten scheduled departures every week.
From there, I would recommend pre-booking a transfer with Shuttle Direct to Afytos. This should take approximately 50 minutes. Booking a shuttle service in advance is definitely the most stress-free way to travel – no queuing will be necessary!
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, our airport transfers are consistently reliable and easy to organise online. Once your plane lands, our drivers will take you to your requested destination straight away, allowing you to start your holiday almost immediately. Book online today to avoid any hassle at the airport.
