Arnea is situated at the foot of Holomontas mountain, at an altitude of 600 m., it has 2.500 inhabitants and is the capital of the homonym province, which consists of five settlements: Varvara, Neochori, Palaiochori, Stanos and of course Arnea. The town is located approximately 70 km from Thessaloniki and 38 km from Chalkidiki’s capital, Polygyros. It was originally built in the 16th century. Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient settlement, 3 km north of modern Arnea, on the hill on Prophet Helias, displaying probably the location of the ancient city, which is believed it is mentioned by Thucydides.
It was declared by the Greek Ministry of Culture “historical site” and “traditional settlement” as many of the town’s buildings bear the traditional Macedonian architecture techniques. Arnea is also famous for its hand woven textiles, made by the women of the town using the traditional loom. Visitors can see some of these artifacts as part of the exhibition in the Historical and Folklore Museum, stationed at the Iatrou Mansion (Archontiko Iatrou or Giatradiko). Visitors can also see how they are manufactured with the traditional techniques and even buy some if they want.
Arnea’s location offers the opportunity for daily excursions to the monasteries of Athos (for men only) and the seaside villages of the area. Many interesting events take place in the town all year long, like “Chelidonismata” on March 1st, “Kouchmanous” on the third day of Easter, “Meloma tou Christou” on Christmas Eve and the celebrations for the liberation of Arnea on 1912 every year on November 2nd. The celebrations, the traditional buildings along with the cobbled streets, the forest of Mount Holomontas with its trails, fresh air and crystal waters that reach the public fountains around Arnea, offer those who decide to visit Arnea in the summer or winter a unique experience.