In ancient times Aeneia (Ancient Greek: Αἴνεια) was ancient Greek city in northwestern Chalkidiki, said to have been founded by Αeneas, and located, according to Titus Livius, from the opposite side of Pydna, 24 kilometers from Thessaloniki. It seems to have been on the promontory of Megalo Embolus, which forms the north-west corner of the Halkidiki peninsula, about 10 geographical miles from Thessaloniki, and which may be identified with Cape Aeneion of Pseudoskymnos. Thereofre, Aeneas must have been located norther than Pydna. It was colonized by the Corinthians[1]. It has been even mentioned by Herodotus, and continued to be an important settlement until the time of the Roman wars in Greece, although it is said that much of its population was transferred to Thessaloniki , when it was founded by Cassander[2]. The city in ancient times minted its own coins, some of which are preserved today and is identical to today’s location of Michaniona.

In recent years (1923), the area was inhabited Thracian refugees and refugees from Minor Asia. The refugee families “transferred” to their new homeland their maritime professions (fishermen, sailors, captains), while some others engaged in agriculture. As for the origin of the name Michaniona, the prevailing version states that the inhabitants of Michaniona in Minor Asia were disaffected or expelled former residents from Chania, Crete, who, when referring to their original place of origin, shouted: “not Chania, not Chania”. Machaniotes ( the name of the residents) comes from this expression.

Today Michaniona is a town in the prefecture of Thessaloniki belonging to the coastal Municipality of Thermaikos, with its beautiful beaches.

Its climate is mild-Mediterranean, which is why there are many vineyards, with the most popular being that of the Gerovasiliou estate.