Petralona Cave

Petralona Cave lies in the foothills of Mount Katsika, at the western edge of Halkidiki, under an hour's drive from Thessaloniki. Villagers found it in 1959, and a year later it produced the Petralona skull, one of the most important fossils of early humans found in Europe; its exact age is still argued over by scientists.

Visits follow a guided route through chambers dense with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone, with replicas and explanations of the finds along the way, and a small anthropological museum at the entrance. The cave stays cool all year, a welcome break from beach heat, so bring a light layer. It makes a good stop on the drive from Thessaloniki to Kassandra; check the day's hours and tour times before going.