Ierissos gulf and harbour From prehistoric ground to early Greek city-ports Modern Ierissos stands beside the site of Ancient Akanthos (Acanthus), a major city-port founded in the 7th century BC, traditionally linked to settlers from Andros. Its position—on a ridge just above the shore—gave it both a defensible acropolis and immediate access to the sea…
The gentle slopes of Strymonikos (Olympiada) The Strymonian Gulf has, since antiquity, formed a natural maritime crossroads between Macedonia, Thrace, and Chalkidiki. Its gentle coastline, sheltered bays, and the mouth of the Strymon River created ideal conditions for navigation, trade, and permanent settlement. From prehistoric times, the area functioned as a transitional zone between land…