The Ano Kastania and the Kato Kastania (or Kastanea) are two small villages of Vatika on the north side of the peninsula of Vatika and from the side of Myrtoo Sea.
They are built inside small green valleys to be protected from the strong winds and very close to the sea. The location of these small villages conducive to hiding the houses from the incursions of thieves and pirates. Invasions that eventually not always being avoided by the locals. The old village of Kato Kastania, the Megachora, destroyed by raiders along with numerous churches and this is why a new village was built to a lower point in the valley. Nevertheless, the church of Agios Ioannis Megachoras was preserved along with its unique Byzantine frescoes.
From Kato Kastania, just before we get there by Neapolis and through Paradeisi, turn right to visit the beach of Varko and Epidilion at Cape Kamila. Between Kato and Ano Kastania lies the beautiful and unique cave of Agios Andreas. Going after the cave north towards the sea we reach the magnificent beach of Panagia. From Ano Kastania ascend the mountain through the forest to the highest point just before the Faraklo and admire the view of Vatika, the second route that connects Neapolis with Kastanies.
Distances
- Ano Kastania - Kato Kastania 4.8 km
- Ano Kastania - Neapoli 10 km
- Kato Kastania - Neapoli 9.7 km
- Ano Kastania - Kastania Cave 4.6 km
- Kato Kastania - Kastania Cave 3.2 km
- Kastania Cave - Panagia Beach 1.7 km
- Kato Kastania - Varko 4.4 km
- Kato Kastania - Epidilion 6 km
