Hidden amongst the mountains of Halkidiki, lies Arnaia, the region’s most authentic and well-preserved Greek village. People from around the world visit Halkidiki every summer for its unrivaled beaches, but few make their way to central Halkidiki – a mountainous region consisting of sporadic traditional communities along the Holomontas Mountain. Arnaia is one of the twelve remaining historic villages in central Halkidiki also known as the Mantemochoria – the Iron Villages. Once upon a time, these villages were essential to northern Greece’s biggest industries such as the mining, weaving and agricultural industry, however nowadays, they mostly rely on tourism to sustain themselves. Follow along this travel guide to Arnaia as we uncover on of Halkidiki’s secret traditional villages that you must visit!
Table of Contents
- 1 Architecture of Arnaia
- 2 How to get to Arnaia from Thessaloniki
- 3 Things to do in Arnaia, Halkidiki
- 4 Related Posts:
Architecture of Arnaia
It seems like time stands still in the village of Arania, a small community consisting of roughly 2,300 residents. This enchanting town consists of preserved mansions dating back to the 19th century, all maintaining their characteristic Macedonian architecture. Tile-roof stone houses, earth tone colored walls with splashes of purple and vibrant traces of flowers, ornament the streets of Arnaia. A distinctive feature of the layout of this village is the absence of yards or gardens to shield the houses from the cold winters. Serpentine country lanes permeate through the village leading to the town’s main square where locals congregate for a cup of Greek coffee or a scrumptious homemade meal.






How to get to Arnaia from Thessaloniki
Arnaia is located 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) away from Thessaloniki and approximately 38 km (24 miles) away from Poligiros, Halkidiki’s capital. The easiest way to reach Arnaia from Thessaloniki is to take the EO Thessalonikis Poligirou Highway and follow the signs for Agios Prodromos/Arnaia.






Things to do in Arnaia, Halkidiki
Wander the streets of Arnaia






There is no better way to get acquitted with Arnaia than to stroll through the nineteenth-century streets of the village. Explore hidden cobblestone paths, traditional Bed and Breakfast’s, Greek churches and of course admire the Machedonian architecture of the so-well preserved mansions. Make your way to the top of the village by foot for panoramic views not only of the town but also of the whole Holomontas Mountain region.
Enjoy traditional Greek food in the town’s square
After a nice stroll around the town, Arnaia’s town square is an ideal location to enjoy a cup of Greek coffee or a traditional meal at one of the many taverns.




Buy local products
One of the best ways to support the village of Arnaia and help its small economy flourish is by shopping local products. Arnaia is renowned for their beekeeping, cheese making, and textile art to name a few. The small businesses of Arnaia proud themselves in selling homemade honey from the Holomontas Mountain, marmalade, local tsipouro made with honey, dairy products like goat cheese and yoghurt, trahana – Greek traditional noodles, and many more.
Attend a local festival
The community of Arnaia is quite festive and loves an opportunity to celebrate. Throughout the year you can find festivals, exhibitions, concerts and traditional Greek dances to celebrate various cultural events. Some of the most noteworthy festivals are held on July 1st for Saint Anargiroi, July 26th for Saint Paraskevi and December 27th for Saint Stefanos. Bigger holidays such as the Carnival and Easter are also celebrated in Arnaia. Indeed, on the third day of Easter, the community celebrates “Koutsmanis,” a festival consisting of a horseback race, a shooting contest and traditional dances in the town’s square.






Visit Arnaia’s Museums
Strolling through Arnaia you’ll come across a traditional Macedonian mansion that now houses the Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnaia. The museum is divided into three sections, displaying agricultural tools, woodworking tools and everyday household items such as coffee kits, and baking utensils that help paint a picture of how everyday life in Arnaia used to be. Likewise, the Weaving Museum of Arnaia is dedicated to Hariklia Dimitrakoudi, a local weaver and true master of the art. Once an old school built in 1812, the church of St. Stefanos with its impressive bell tower is also a must-visit.
Hike the mountains of Halkidiki
Arnaia not only attracts tourists for its rich history and idyllic setting but also for its diverse hiking trails along the Holomontas Mountain. Starting from the village, nature enthusiasts can make their way to the 5th century ruins of the Neposi castle. The existing ancient wall of the castle stands tall at 4-5 meters and was built upon former structures dating back to 1500 BC. Along the forest, you’ll also come across stunning waterfalls, lush green flora and beautiful views of central Halkidiki, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, or just wanting to escaping into nature.
Visit nearby traditional villages of Halkidiki
Just a short drive from Arnaia you’ll find historic and authentic villages where Aristotle spent a portion of his life teaching and creating the foundation of Greek philosophy. The following traditional Greek villages are all located in Central Halkidiki:






Varvara
Perched on the summit of a mountain, Varavara is about a half hour drive from Arnaia. On the way to the village follow the signs to Varvara’s secret waterfalls and thank me later!
Stageira
Combine a trip to Varvara with a stop at Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle and an ancient Greek civilization, that’s almost completely intact to this day. Beautiful views of the Halkidiki’s beaches and a trip back to Ancient Greek life will truly be a trip to remember.






Agios Prodromos
If you are a fan of souvlakia, then Agios Prodromos is a must! Have a seat at the tavern, Skewers “Miltiades”and indulge in the most mouthwatering and delicious souvlakia you’ll ever have.
Taxiarchis
Known for their large Christmas tree farms, Taxiarchis is a traditional village not too far from Arnaia. Visit the town’s main church and stroll through the cobble stone alleys of Taxiarchis to learn more about this Christmas town.
Poligiros
Poligiros as mentioned above, is Halkidiki’s capital and one of the largest villages of Halkidiki.
Related Posts:
Halkidiki’s Best Kept Secret: Ammouliani
5 Day Trips from Thessaloniki, Greece
5 Traditional Villages to Visit in Halkidiki, Greece
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Wow, so much history and beautiful buildings in Arnaia! Lovely images, thanks for sharing this special place in Greece!
Thank you so much! Happy you enjoyed this guide to Arnaia, Halkidiki!
This looks like such a beautiful secret gem! I’ll admit I’m more of a beach person, if I ever make it to Halkidiki (and I really I do!) I’ll make sure to visit Arnaia 🙂
Happy to hear that! And the beaches of Halkidiki are only a short drive from Arnaia! 🙂
WOW! This place is looks so amazing and so authentic….I REALLY want to go, saving this and I am adding to my travel list. Thank you for showing this amazing place
You’re welcome! Arnaia is truly one of Halkidiki’s hidden gems!
Wow what an absolutely beautiful and charming town this looks like. To be honest with you, I’ve never actually heard of this town before but would just love to get lost along those winding streets, what a dreamy place! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s ok, not many Greeks are aware of Arnaia either! Glad you find Arnaia, Halkidiki charming!
Omg. I love your photos so much! This place looks unbelievable! I added Arnaia to my bucket list!
Thank you so much! Happy I convinced you to add Arnaia to your bucket list 🙂
Hey girl!!! So happy to have come across your blog! I follow you on IG and just adore all your photos, all the photos here of Arnaia are no exception! I went to Greece for a month over the summer for the first time and absolutely fell in love, I know I’ll be back again one day soon 🙂
Aw thank you so much Alex! Yes you definitely have to make your way back to Greece one day <3
Hello, maybe you could help me with the following puzzle 🙂 I have been trying to find out why many traditional houses in Halkidiki have one corner or a terrace painted in a specific blue color (purple-blue). This is not the same blue color as used in Santorini for example. I have asked many Greek people and got some vague answers that it is a fashion, or a tradition … but no a real explanation. I suppose there is some history reason, maybe you know ?
I’m looking to relocate to a mountain village in Greece. I’ve been once to Arnaia many years ago but have never forgotten this traditional village. The photos & information you have provided made me Google ‘properties for sale in Arnaia and I found one I love!
Thank you for reminding me of how lovely this village is,
One question- are the winters really cold up there? I’m now living in the village of Ossa, which is 40 meters higher up than Arnaia and last year was very cold! I love the four seasons and love winter as long as my house is warm enough inside. 😊😊😊
Hello! Arnaia is truly a gem! I hope everything worked out with the property you found. Arnaia does get cold in the winter and if you’re lucky you’ll even see some snow, however, like you said if the house is warm winters can be quite pleasant!