Olympiada (Greek, Ολυμπιάδα; marked on some Greek maps as Olympias, Ολυμπιάς) is set in landscape typical of eastern Halkidiki, with its wooded hills and rows of sandy bays. The village itself stands on a wide beach with clean, clear water. At the south side of the bay a fishing harbour is home to numerous small boats.

The remains of Ancient Stageira occupy two hills on a small headland. Entrance to this archaeological site is free, and it provides the village with a wonderful public park with enchanting shaded paths leading between the ruins of fortications, houses and the market place (agora).

Olympiada is a relatively modern village, founded by Greek refugees from Agia Kyriaki, northwest Anatolia, Turkey in the 1920s (see history part 7). It has developed into a low-key beach resort with two small hotels, rented rooms and apartments and a handful of restaurants, and has retained its relaxed, friendly village atmosphere.

As with most resorts in Halkidiki it does not cater for mass-tourism. The majority of holiday-makers who visit here are people seeking a safe, quiet seaside retreat with attractive countryside and opportunites for day-trips around Macedonia. The area is particularly popular with families. Visitors come here from all over the world, particularly from central and eastern Europe, many to see Aristotle's birthplace.

If you have your own transport, it is quite easy to visit other places around Halkidiki, such as Ouranopolis, Polygyros, Olynthos and the wild areas of Mount Stratonikos and Mount Holomontas just west of Olympiada. Also nearby in Macedonia are Thessaloniki, Pella, Veria and Vergina, Amphipolis, Kavala and Philippi.

Public transport around Halkidiki is a bit trickier (see page 11: How to get to Stageira and Olympiada), with bus services around the peninsula centred at Thessaloniki.