CHALKIDIKI – SITHONIA,  a paradise on earth!

Tropical beaches, majestic forests, excellent organised campsites and opportunities for interesting excursions to the mountains. A combination of mountain and sea in perfect balance.

First impressions

Vourvourou, Nikiti, Marmaras, Toroni and Sykia are considered the tourism centres of Halkidiki. Here you will find a range of hotels and campsites. But the attractions of the middle peninsula of Halkidiki do not end here. There are dozens of popular and more secluded beaches that are worth seeking out, without neglecting the marvellous opportunities for touring the upland landscapes of Mount Itamos.

Seaside resorts

Vourvourou: Landscape alternates between rocky islets, lagoons, beaches and thick pine forests. There are rental apartment complexes a very short distance from the sea.

Sarti, Sykia: Distinguished by the magnificent beaches of Platanitsi, Achlada and Kriaritsi face the conical silhouette of the Athos peninsula opposite, which rises from the depths of the sea.

Toroni: To the southwest, you will find the frequented beaches of Toroni, while the quieter shores of Azapiko and Tristinika are just a little further on.

Neos Marmaras: The bay is dominated by luxurious hotel complexes. Its organised beaches are among the longest in Sithonia. Don’t miss a visit to the shores of Marmaras and Paradise.

Nikiti: A beautiful sandy beach stretches before the resort village of Nikiti. But the best-kept secret of the area is a little further south, where you will find the smaller beaches of Kastri, Agios Giannis, Lagomandra, Spathies and Kalogria.

Sithonia coast tour

The coastal road from Vourvourou follows the shoreline, divided into various sections. To the right, the pine forests of Sithonia climb upward. To the left, the rounded Siggitikos Gulf is visible, while 8 km away, you can see the Koutloumousi shore and Lacara bay with a camping site, hidden in the plane forest. Another 7 km will bring you to the Armenistis campsite and the white sandy beach of the same name, which is visible from the road. To the south, you can enjoy the tropical colours of the Kavourotrypes shore with its sculpted rocks and small sandy coves. The beaches of Platanitsi and Achlada follow on.

In the Bay of Sykia, the beaches to look for are Linaraki and Pigadaki, while lower down (3 km from the main road), the shore of Tranos-Ai Nikolas is a must.

The port of Porto Koufo is an ideal spot for a rest stop and a bite to eat, but not suitable for swimming. Upon reaching Toroni, follow the coast road that takes you to the beaches of Azapiko, Tristinika and the coves opposite the islets of Punta and Diapori.

Don’t miss

Excursion to the mountains: The traditional mountain village of Parthenonas (alt. 400 m) is surrounded by forests and is the only one in Sithonia (6 km from Marmaras). Remains of ancient Parthenoupoli have been found nearby. You should also visit the church of Agios Stephanos (1837) and the Folklore Museum.

Cruise to Mount Athos: Excursion boats sail from the Bay of Panagia to circle the Athos Peninsula, sailing close past to the most notable monasteries.

Ancient Likithos: Findings near Toroni indicate signs of habitation dating back to the early Bronze Age (3000 BC), as well as an early settlement from the early Iron Age (11th-8th century BC). According to Thucydides, there was an important temple dedicated to Athena in Likithos.

Copyright photo & text:Germaine Alexakis/ Views Of Greece

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• beach
• chalkidiki
• sithonia
• summer