Location and Surroundings of Villa VELIKA
Villa VELIKA is located in the small seaside village of Sozopoli (Σωζόπολη) – a peaceful oasis on the western side of Halkidiki, just fifty kilometers southeast of Thessaloniki. The village was founded by settlers from the Bulgarian town of Sozopol in the 1920s and to this day preserves the authentic spirit of the Greek countryside. The permanent population is under 800 residents, and during the summer the atmosphere remains calm and serene – a favorite retreat for Thessaloniki locals seeking rest from the city in their vacation homes.
Everyday Conveniences Just Steps Away
- Supermarket – 30 m from the villa, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and all essentials for your family.
- Large hypermarket and electronics store – located at the village entrance (about 1 km), providing a wide selection of groceries, household items, and accessories.
- Pastry shop – just a hundred steps from the gate, where the aroma of warm pastries will greet you. Perfect for morning coffee or an afternoon iced frappe.
- Two tavernas – one traditional with vine-covered tables 70 m from the villa; the other perched on the rocks above the sea, 400 m away, offering stunning sunsets, grilled octopus, and fine wine.
- Beach bar – only 70 m away, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and free Wi-Fi – all you need to bring is your sunny mood.
Entertainment and Sports
The seaside promenade passes just meters in front of the house and is perfect for morning jogging or bike rides. Children will enjoy the silicone-covered playground and the outdoor mini gym (80 m), while teenagers will appreciate the public football and basketball courts (250 m) or the illuminated tennis court (600 m).
Beaches and Spots for Every Taste
Just three kilometers south of Sozopoli lies Sahara Beach – a secluded bay favored by local luxury seekers, where yachts often anchor on weekends. Fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a modern cocktail bar make it a top spot for all-day enjoyment.
Eight kilometers to the north is Nea Kallikratia – a larger town with an old fishing district, night market, pharmacies, banks, and a long beach strip. There you’ll find numerous cafés, tavernas, bakeries with warm bread, and boutiques offering Greek olive oil cosmetics.
Thessaloniki – The City That Never Sleeps
Just 40 minutes via the highway brings you to Thessaloniki – the second-largest city in Greece and the cultural and gastronomic capital of Northern Greece. Stroll along Tsimiski Street, sip mastiha in the Ladadika district, or watch the sunset from the White Tower. The nightlife lasts until the early hours, and Sunday brunch at the port is a tradition not to be missed.
Historical and Natural Landmarks
- Ancient Olynthos (25 km) – an archaeological park with stunning 4th-century BC mosaics and an information center that tells the story of classical Macedonia.
- Monastic site of Veria and Toumba – ruins of a medieval settlement among cypress trees, located about 15 minutes away by car.
- Petralona Cave (32 km) – a natural underground cathedral where in 1960 the skull of “Araks” was discovered – one of the oldest Homo sapiens in Europe.
How to Get There
The drive from Sofia is fast and convenient: take the Struma motorway to Kulata, pass freely through the former Kulata-Promachonas border point, and then follow the Greek A25 and A24 highways straight to Halkidiki. The distance to Sozopoli is about 350 km, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
There are no road vignettes in Greece; instead, you pay three tolls – €1.30, €1.30, and €0.30, totaling €2.90 (cash or card accepted).
- GPS coordinates of Villa VELIKA: 40.27357802889205, 23.1595781644293
At the “Sozopoli” exit, follow Anatolikis Romylias Street and you’ll arrive directly at the coastal alley – the villa is the second property behind the beachfront, tucked within a green garden with palm and cypress trees.
Why Sozopoli?
The charm of this small seaside village combines all modern conveniences with proximity to a major city. There are no overcrowded beaches, noisy nightclubs, or chaotic traffic here. Instead, you’ll find sun-drenched dunes, the scent of orange blossoms, and a warm “kalimera” in every taverna.
And when the day ends and the sky turns rose and lavender, you’ll feel time slow down – just as it should during a true seaside holiday.