October 22, 2023 – With resounding success, this year’s 18th Dragon Tail Passage, an event that pays homage to nature, was crowned, and it is organized annually by the Cultural Society of Parthenon, the Municipal Utility Company, and the municipality of Sithonia.
The Dragon Tail begins and ends at Parthenon, the traditional village perched on the high point of the mountain, providing breathtaking views of both the Toronean Gulf and the Siggitikos Gulf.
There are multiple routes to cross the mountain, catering to individuals’ endurance levels. Participants can choose to ascend by horse, bicycle, or on foot, with many opting for the latter.
Halkidiki Member of Parliament Giannis Giorgos, as he has for many years, attended the event this year. He spoke of the region’s unique beauty, especially now, without the hustle and bustle of summer.
See the photos from the event on the Facebook page of xalkidikipolitiki.
Dozens of volunteers were on hand to assist visitors, ensuring participant registrations, team divisions, and the start of the Passage. Other volunteers, members of the “Parthenon” Association, prepared lavish meals for the hikers participating in the festive return celebration.
Katerina Zografou, the Deputy Regional Governor of Halkidiki, revealed plans by the Regional Authority to unify the activities related to Dragon Tail routes with all the initiatives of the region aimed at promoting the area. Simultaneously, locally produced pine honey, which is unique to Sithonia, will be linked with other initiatives in the same region. All of the above, as Ms. Zografou emphasized, are part of the Regional Authority’s plan for every corner of the province.
Dragon Tail has also caught the attention of the newly elected Mayor of Sithonia, Giannis Mallinis, who envisions promoting the Passage as an activity both within and outside the country during the municipality’s tourist campaign.
Marianna Lenitsa, President of the “Parthenon” Cultural Society, expressed her satisfaction with the 895 registered hikers who participated. The participation was greater than any other year, as she mentioned, with more than 1,000 individuals climbing the mountain.