Obviously, Green Day had never been to Halkidiki when releasing their “wake me up when September ends” song. Don't follow their advice. September is the peak month to be in Halkidiki - and Greece in general. This article will prove you why. This is for art and archeology enthusiasts, nature observers, those eager to try freshly harvested grapes or freshly brewed coffee, or simply to Euromax Greek culture. September has something for you all.
Let’s all agree September is the best month to travel to Greece. The temperatures are significantly lower, as well as the crowds. If I would be given the choice to go to Greece, and specifically Halkidiki, I would 100% choose September. This is what we mean by slow tourism: no queues in the restaurants (that otherwise might last half an hour), no rush, the service is more personalised and genuine. Important: easier parking and piece and quieter walks in the villages. Halkidiki feels personal again, and I love it!
September is not only the best holiday month because of the crowds and lower prices. In fact, September is so important for Greek culture, which makes it full of activities and festivals that hold historical importance. Therefore, if you visit Greece - and specifically Halkidiki - in September, first of all congratulations for your good planning, and now let’s have a look on what is available to do/see/listen to.
1. Vineyard visit for wine tasting
September is the month of vine harvesting++.++ In Greek culture September is otherwise called the “τρυγητής”: the month of harvesting of the valuable seed of all Mediterraneans; the grape. Grapes are at their finest to be harvested and begin the process of wine making. Going to a vineyard is by far one of the best activities to do, since the hosts can show you the actual process of the wine production, perhaps show you the procedure of grape collection, and of course let you try their original, most likely organic wine made in-house.
2. Even birds think Halkidiki is the best September destination!
Halkidiki is known for its mosaic of ecosystems, in which birds, wolves, insects, wild boars, and plants (and more) bloom and coexist. What is special in September is the transitional stage of this rich life. The drop of temperatures brings a lot of migratory life for a month-long vacation. Birds nesting in the nordic Scandinavia for the summer choose Halkidiki as their intermediate stop on their long trip to Africa. In Greek culture, September is also called “Ορτυκολόγος” (the quail-er) because of the abundance of the migratory common quail (Coturnix coturnix).
We are the lucky ones to have access to these colourful feathers, and listen to their unique calls. Halkidiki is the spot for birdwatching, and near Kassandra there are ++two brilliant locations++ to do so. We do know the locations, so get in touch and we will share them with you!
3. Biodiversity walks
Bird watching is however not the only natural activity a visitor can do. Given the proximity of the wetlands, visitors can do the so-called biodiversity walks and explore the immense beauty of our nature. September is a great and final opportunity to meet bats and listen to their frequencies with specialised equipment. “Final” because by the end of September they fall into hibernation.
4. The opposite of “wake me up when September ends”
Instead of the melancholy of ending the summer, Greeks celebrate it in so many ways. From ancient times the harvesting of wine was already a great reason to celebrate all over Greece - no wonder why. The proverb says: “Στον τρυγητή σιτάρι σπείρε και στο πανηγύρι σύρε” which means during September you plant the wheat seed and be the first in the dance circle of the fest. No wonder why all over Greece there are numerous festivals known as “panigyria”.
Here in Halkidiki there is no difference. We have two worth mentioning:
5. Agios Mamas fest
Agios Mamas (St. Mámas) is a saint shepherd that is being celebrated on September 2nd. Earlier, animals were being sacrificed on his church’s doorsteps. In Skyros island they specifically made sure the animal’s blood reaches the stream that ends in the holy part of the church, to know that it reached St. Mamas. Here in Halkidiki *we are celebrating St. Mamas for a whole week, from August 28th till September 3rd.* During this week there is a lot of celebrations, music, food, and games for locals and visitors. We have even written an article about how to have the best experience in the fest of Agios Mamas.
6. Panigyri of Kassandra
Panigyri of Kassandra to celebrate the end of the summer. On September 6th, the cultural association of Kassandra is organising a fest in the village of Kassandra that brings together all its members, locals from all the neighbouring villages, and musicians into a dancing party.
7. For the sea lovers
September is a great month to swim. August is known for the strong summer winds called “Meltemia” that prohibit certain water activities for security reasons. This limitation is gone, since the wind mellows down and allows for sea-related activities, such as sea sports and fishing.
8. For the Art and Archeology lovers
September is a month that has inspired poets and artists for their work. It has been recognised in the lyrics of significant music pieces and paintings. Might it be about the melancholy that the summer is over.. the beginning of the leaf yellowing.. the nostalgia of what didn’t happen and has been dreamed of..
Odysseus Elytis, a giant greek poet once wrote in his poem "Eleni": “With the first drop of water, the summer was murdered”. Similar does Kavafis, another significant poet. Giannis Tsarouchis on the other hand portrays September in his painting as a handsome young man, while many other painters, including Spyros Vasiliou have created art based on the fall and its first month.
9. Folk Museum Visits
In Halkidiki, September is a brilliant time to visit our museums and learn about tradition, Greek modern and folk art, as well as architecture. Almost each village hosts a house that is preserved with the traditional furniture, equipment, and folk clothes. You can visit the one in Afytos, Kassandreia, and the newly curated one of Agia Paraskevi.
10. Ancient City of Mendi Archeological Tour
Besides, you can dive into the past, around 12BC to the oldest establishment in our region, and one of the most powerful cities of its times. We talk about the city of ancient Mendi. Located in the first peninsula of Halkidiki, Kassandra, Mendi was one of the most important cities in the Athenian Alliance, 500BC. You can learn everything about this city by doing a tour with the specialised archeologist and museologists that have spent their lives studying and interpreting this ancient city. Although today a visitor can barely recognise the ruins due to the vegetation, the guides are doing an incredible job simulating the experience of living in this town many thousand years ago. We talk about the establishment, the traditions, the dangers and drama, and of course the wine and celebrations towards god Dionisos.
Halkidiki, as you see has so many things to offer besides wonderful culinary experiences and crystal clear waters. And it's all ready for you to experience.
Whatever you choose to do, please keep in mind that September is, likewise for the rest of the northern hemisphere countries, the month of new beginnings. Local life continues to function normally, with all the elements of winter preparation. On September 11 school begins, and you might hear children’s voices from your window, as well as little creatures with new backpacks spreading the excitement of meeting their friends again. The same occurs for many businesses and enterprises that are working independently from tourism. September is the month of new plans and agendas.
From the older times, September’s name was also “the New Year” while the last day of August was the “Locker year” (“κλειδοχρονιά”) because the year was locked financially and starting over in September. Back in the times, farmers were celebrating the new year by calling the saint of fertilisation and luck with sacrifices and prayings. The traditions they used to have remind us of our current December New Years Even. That includes music and pomegranates dropped in the entrance of the houses.
In agriculture traditionally the farmers are doing the basic agricultural work in September, such as ploughing fields, harvesting tobacco, gathering firewood, burning dry vegetation. At the same time, they mainly grew lettuce, chicory, rocket, parsley, endive, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and strawberries. And here the new year begins!!!
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We are looking forward to welcoming you in Halkidiki and share with you all these stories in person. Get in touch with the team of Konxa to arrange a meeting in person and figure out which activities will match your personality the best!