In search of Alexander the Great in Greece at Stagira (2)

It is here, in Stagira, that the great philosopher Aristotle was born.

What relationship with Alexandre? Well, the philosopher was the tutor of the young Alexander, whose father Philippe had the city razed to the ground before having it rebuilt a few years later in homage to Aristotle….

The excavations at Stagire are recent and much remains to be discovered. As a result, the historic site is not yet very popular. And that's good for exploring this hill in peace.

A well-groomed path climbs through the trees and bushes, leading to many remains. In which of the houses whose contours we can guess, did young Aristotle live?

It is said that it is here that the philosopher would have initiated the young Alexander in the virtues of plants and wild berries. This knowledge can prove to be very valuable when leaving for long campaigns!

So, while admiring the magnificent views of the sea, the islands that loom in the distance, we find ourselves dreaming: was Alexander standing in this same place to scan the horizon?

The ride whetted our appetites. Rather than picking up wild berries - Aristotle is not there to guide us - we prefer Dimitris' welcoming table.

Its restaurant, Akroyiali, is by the sea in the small seaside resort Olympiada, at the foot of Stagire hill, far from mass tourism.

Installed with our feet almost in the sand, with a breathtaking view of the sea, we taste its specialties including the famous Olympiada mussels available in several ways, squid risotto and other family recipes handed down and brought back to taste since 1924. The squid with honey and dried figs is quite simply a delight.

For dessert, we are invited to the Liotopi hotel at Louloudia, Dimitris' sister, who makes us taste "spoon sweets", candied fruit in syrup, and small pastries prepared for the customers of her small hotel.

It is with regret that we leave Olympiada, promising to come back and stay a few days enjoying the calm - and the good food!

But on this day we have yet another meeting with Aristotle. A few kilometers away, in Stagira-Akanthos, a small thematic park is dedicated to him.

There are interactive instruments to learn some physics rules mentioned by Aristotle. There are optical discs that surprise our eyes.

Everyone can create a vortex, discover inertial spheres, a pentaphone, parabolic reflectors, in short, something to have fun if you go there.

The park being in height, the sight on the gulf of Ierissos is splendid. Using one of the site's telescopes, we can even see a few monasteries on Mount Athos, our next stop.