# Olynthos, Halkidiki: The Ultimate Exploration Guide > The village of ancient Olynthos: a Hippodamian grid, some of Greece’s oldest mosaics, a winery next door and the sea 5 minutes away. Olynthos is the village beside one of Greece's most important ancient cities — and perhaps Halkidiki's most underrated archaeological date: ancient Olynthos, with the first complete Hippodamian grid plan and its famous mosaics, occupies the two hills just outside today's settlement (~500 residents), among olives and vines. ## Ancient Olynthos The city Philip II destroyed in 348 BC is today an open lesson in ancient urban planning: a street grid, building blocks, houses with inner courtyards — and pebble mosaic floors that are among the oldest in Greek art. The site has shade, a path and a small museum pavilion; allow 1.5-2 hours. ## Around the village - **[Wine tasting](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/activities/wine-tasting-halkidiki)** (1.4 km): The local estate is one of Halkidiki's best-known producers — an ideal pairing with the archaeological site. - **The sea**: [Agios Mamas](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/beaches/agjio-mama-kassandra) (4.7 km) for a quick swim, organized [Nea Moudania](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/beaches/nea-moudania-mainland) (8.1 km) for full facilities. - **Moudania** (8 km): The [Folklore Museum](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/activities/laografiko-mouseio-moudanion) and the [Fishing Vessels Museum](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/activities/fisheries-museum) for the maritime side of the story. ## Food and stay Tavernas and kafeneia in the village — simple, honest, agricultural. Accommodation is limited (rooms and agrotourism units); most people visit Olynthos as a day trip from Moudania or Gerakini. Browse [stays in the area](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/listings). ## Practical - **Distance**: ~70 km from Thessaloniki (1h) — an easy stop en route to Kassandra or Sithonia. - **The site**: Limited opening hours (mainly mornings in summer) — go early, with water and a hat. - **Best period**: Spring and autumn for the site, summer for combining it with a swim. ## Practical notes for international visitors Ancient town planning straight from the textbook — literally: Olynthos is THE case study of the Hippodamian grid, and visitors with a history bent walk through the original set. Come in the morning (shade!), bring water, then the winery next door — learning was rarely this relaxed. Signage Greek/English; the site keeps limited summer hours, so check first. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is ancient Olynthos worth it if I've seen Vergina/Dion? Yes — it is a different genre: not tombs and temples, but an entire city in plan view, where you grasp how a classical Greek city actually lived. And you almost always have it to yourself. ### How far is the sea? Agios Mamas is 5 minutes, Nea Moudania 10 — Olynthos combines easily with a swim on the same day. More: [the Olynthos page](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/places/olynthos) and the [feature on ancient Halkidiki](https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/blog/aristotle-halkidiki). --- Source: Type: BlogPosting · Halkidiki, Greece