Sithonia is one of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki and is located in between the other two peninsulas, Kassandra and Holy Mountain (called Agio Oros in greek). It is surrounded by the Sigitiko gulf on the east (known as the Gulf of Mount Athos) and the Toroneos gulf on the west (known as the Gulf of Kassandra). Sithonia is known for the picture-perfect beaches, the sun kissed sand lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters that caress the shoreline. Aside from the unreal beaches, the charming villages and rich history, Sithonia offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience. From the bustling streets of its coastal towns to the tranquil beauty of the green pine forests, Sithonia invites you to immerse yourself in its unique culture and natural wonders.
How to Get to Sithonia in Halkidiki
If you have made the decision to spend your summer vacation in Chalkidiki, you now might be wondering how to get to Sithonia. The nearest airport to Halkidiki is The Airport of Macedonia located just outside of Thessaloniki in case you would like to arrive by airplane. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and has transportation connections to Sithonia.
Public Transportation
Getting to Sithonia with public transportation typically involves a combination of buses and possibly ferries, depending on your starting point. Here’s a general guide on how to get to Sithonia using public transportation from Thessaloniki:
You can catch a bus to Sithonia from the Bus Station of Halkidiki. There are regular bus services operated by KTEL Halkidiki that connect Thessaloniki to various destinations in Sithonia. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on your final destination within Sithonia. Some of the main destinations within Sithonia include Nikiti, Neos Marmaras, Sarti, and Vourvourou. It’s a good idea to check the schedules in advance and plan your trip accordingly. You can find bus schedules and routes on the KTEL Chalkidikis website.
Renting a Car
While public transportation can get you to Sithonia, having a car can give you more flexibility to explore the peninsula at your own pace and reach more remote beaches and villages. There are several car rental companies available in Thessaloniki and at the airport.
Getting a Taxi
Another solution is to get a taxi from the airport directly to the bus station of Halkidiki. The distance is about 10 km.You can take a taxi from the airport or book a taxi online.
Where to Stay in Sithonia
Nikiti
Nikiti has an advantageous position at the start of Sithonia and serves as a convenient gateway to explore Sithonia. Nikiti provides easy access to beaches on both sides of the peninsula, east and west, making it an ideal destination for explorers. The charming old part of Nikiti is a village and is located 2 km away from the coast. The old Nikiti village showcases traditional Macedonian architecture, with stone houses reflecting its rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally settled by the ancient Greeks and known as Galipsos, Nikiti has seen various rulers throughout history, including the Byzantines, Ottomans, and Venetians, each influencing its culture and architecture. Famed for its fertile land, it was once an agricultural center known for olive groves and vineyards. If you are looking for accommodation, then a good option is a rooftop luxury apartment in Nikiti that you can share with your friends or family with a unique seaview. Today, the coastal village has transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, historical landmarks, and authentic Greek ambiance. Nikiti is also renowned for its pine honey, a local specialty often enjoyed with Greek yogurt, along with other honey variations like olive, heather, chestnut, and mountain honey.
Vourvourou
Spending summer holidays in Vourvourou offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Located at the east coastline of Sithonia in Halkidiki, Vourvourou boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes, creating a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration. The area is renowned for its unique combination of sea and mountain scenery, with the towering peaks of Mount Itamos providing a stunning backdrop to the serene beaches and coves. Visitors in Sithonia can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters to hiking through pine forests and exploring hidden caves.However Vourvourou is a destination of relaxation. If you are looking to party, it’s better to visit Neos Marmaras. Vourvourou offers opportunities for boat tours to nearby islands, such as Diaporos, where secluded beaches and blue lagoons await. Additionally, the village exudes a laid-back atmosphere with traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood and local delicacies, providing an authentic Greek culinary experience.
Neos Marmaras
Neos Marmaras stands as the largest seaside village-town in Sithonia, drawing crowds with its cosmopolitan vibe and natural wonders. Visitors are enchanted by its charming harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats and waterfront tavernas offering delectable Greek cuisine. Located on three hills within the Itamos or Dragoutelis mountain complex, the locals are primarily engaged in tourism, fishing, and beekeeping. With its roots tracing back to the 10th century, the village Parthenopolis or Parthenionas, offers a glimpse into history, with its stone houses, cobbled streets, and panoramic views. Indulge in local cuisine, explore the Church of Agios Stefanos, and soak in the sunset. As night falls, Neos Marmaras transforms, offering a plethora of dining options and a vibrant nightlife, from gourmet seafood by the marina to romantic dinners at Paradisos Beach. Nearby, Porto Karras Beach and other coastal gems like Spathies, Kovio, and Kalogria. For pedestrians, the southern beach within Neos Marmaras offers serene waters and vibrant Beach Bars. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure in Sithonia, Neos Marmaras offers a memorable Mediterranean experience that leaves a lasting impression especially combined with an unforgettable stay in a luxurious apartment in Neos Marmaras with a seaview.
In Sithonia, you have many accommodation options to choose from. There are hotels, campings, rooms and apartments to rent as well as luxurious villas where you can spend your memorable holidays with friends or family. Thus, you will enjoy the beauty of Sithonia in all its glory by swimming in the crystal clear waters, soaking up the Mediterranean sun and getting to know Greek culture. You will find apartments and villas with a private garden and swimming pool. Sounds like the perfect summer dream, right?
Exploring Sithonia's Beaches:
Most of Sithonia’s beaches are sandy and quiet, perfect for people who seek relaxation during their vacations and are family-friendly.
Elia Beach
Elia Beach stands as a serene haven of Sithonia for beach lovers seeking relaxation and natural beauty. With its soft golden sands stretching for over a kilometer and the clear azure waters of the Aegean Sea gently lapping at the shore, Elia Beach surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs, this pristine coastline provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Elia Beach is approximately 2 kilometers, situated 8 kilometers south of Nikiti, beginning from Spathies Beach and features an accessible asphalt road running alongside. With its varied terrain, including rocky sections and sandy stretches, visitors can choose their preferred spot along the coastline. While only the area in front of luxury accommodations offers organized facilities, the remainder of the beach welcomes visitors with their own equipment.The calm and peaceful ambiance of Elia Beach makes it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, seeking a slice of paradise on the shores of Sithonia.
Kalogria Beach
Kalogria Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches of Sithonia. On the western side of the peninsula lies Kalogria coast, spanning 600 meters and only 7 km from Nikiti. The pine trees provide a tranquil environment, while its calm sea boasts a distinctive turquoise hue. If you are looking for a cool break from the hot summer weather then you can unwind at Kalogria beach. The breezy air coming from the pine forests in combination with the mesmerizing blue waters of Sithonia will help lessen the heat of the Mediterranean sun. With shallow waters and gold sand, it stands out as one of the most stunning beaches in western Sithonia. Consequently, it attracts a large number of visitors, particularly during the peak summer months, July and August.What is more, 200 meters from the shore there is a picturesque stone island nestled in the bay. The combination of this unique landscape and the sea’s captivating colors captivates every visitor, making it a truly special destination.
Karydi Beach
Karidi Beach is situated on the eastern side of Sithonia, near the village of Vourvourou.There are many stunning beaches to choose from if you decide to spend your vacation in Vourvourou. Karidi Beach is known in Sithonia for its gorgeous natural beauty. It features soft, golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, which are characteristic of the beaches in Sithonia. The surrounding landscape is dotted with lush greenery, including pine trees and olive groves. However there are no umbrellas and sunbeds to rent so make sure you bring your own. Additionally, there are tavernas and beach bars nearby where visitors can enjoy refreshments and delicious Greek cuisine. Karidi Beach is easily accessible by car from nearby towns and villages in Sithonia Moreover, there are public transportation options available for those without access to a vehicle. Overall, Karidi Beach is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, tranquility, and relaxation on Sithonia peninsula.
Tips! If you would like to avoid crowds, then there is also a hidden gem that easily gets missed between Karidi beach and Fava beach, called Aphroditi beach. Some other beaches to discover near Vourvourou are Livari, Rodia and Zografou beach.
Klimataria Beach
Klimataria beach is a smaller beach to the expansive Sikia beach near the tip of Sithonia. If you want to visit Klimataria beach from Sikia, turn right along the cobbled road leading to the shoreline, passing by Linaraki and Pigadaki beaches. After about a kilometer, you’ll encounter Tourkolimnionas beach, marking the terminus of the road just before an uphill to Klimataria beach. However you will need to pass through a narrow road so drive slowly and carefully. Don’t forget to pause on your way to take some photos, as the scenery of the bay with its exotic waters is breathtaking. Right next to the beach there is plenty of space for parking, but in order to easily find a parking space, we advise you to arrive early. This beach has toilets and showers. If you do not like the crowd, visit the beach very early in the morning. Sunbeds are usually provided with a drink or food in a restaurant and a smaller part of the beach is available for visitors with their own equipment.
Kavourotrypes Beach
Kavourotripes beach is a collection of small coves within a dense pine forest, creating a hidden gem along the coast.The warm waters, white rocks, and lush pine trees cascading towards the sea form an exotic landscape of breathtaking beauty. Exploring the coastline on foot allows you to discover the charming bays, though caution is advised due to slippery paths and thick vegetation. Until recently, Kavourotripes remained undiscovered in Sithonia, hence the absence of directional signs along the road leading there. Small openings between the trees reveal dirt paths leading to the beaches, a short distance from the main road. Situated about 6 kilometers from Armenistis and 5 kilometers north of Platanitsi, the captivating beauty of Kavourotripes beckons travelers seeking tranquility and natural splendor. Follow the winding road from Sarti, and on your left, you’ll glimpse small, deep blue coves nestled amidst tall trees, each offering a glimpse of unspoiled coastal charm.
Sithonia beaches are very popular among tourists and visitors during high seasons. To secure a spot on the most famous beaches during this time,it is recommended to visit early in the morning. There is ample parking available near the beaches, making it convenient for visitors to arrive by car.
Experience the Greek Culture in Sithonia
If it’s you first time visiting Greece or even Sithonia, it is mandatory that you try the Mediterranean cuisine and the Greek specialties, such as Horiatiki Salata (Greek salad with feta cheese), which is the perfect meal for a hot summer afternoon, moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and saganaki. Moreover, Greek cuisine also offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, given its extensive coastline. Some popular Greek seafood specialties are grilled octopus, fried Calamari and shrimp Saganaki, which is shrimp cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes feta cheese, served hot and bubbling in a small pan.
History Of Sithonia
Sithonia took its name from Sithon, the king of Macedonia, the son of Poseidon, god of Olympus. Halkidiki in Greek Mythology is the region where the Giants were born and where Gigantomachia took place. According to scientific research, the geomorphology of paleontological Halkidiki was very different from today’s.
The area between Kastri and Agios Ioannis of today’s Nikiti is considered a very likely location of the ancient city of Galipsos mentioned by Herodotus. Residents of Sithonia were mainly engaged in fishing and agriculture. The inhabitants had embraced Christianity which was the legal religion of the Roman state since the time of Constantine the Great (beginning of the 4th century AD). The Ottomans ruled the region in the 14th century until 1821 when the Greek War of Independence began. In 1923, thousands of Greek refugees from Turkey settled on the Sithonia peninsula in Greece as part of a major population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
Among the many places worth seeing in Sithonia are Neos Marmaras, the ancient town and castle in Toroni, the church of Agios Athanasios and the windmills in Sykia and the 16th century church in Nikiti. Porto Koufo, is the largest and safest natural harbor in Greece, which is mentioned by Thucydides as “hollow harbor” and is the fishing center of the region. South, from the exit of the port you will find Kartalia, the southernmost tip of Sithonia, an impressive area with rocky deserted beaches. The historical buildings of ancient Toroni were demolished by order of the Ottoman at the beginning of the 20th century, in order to use the stones as material for the construction of a road from Thessaloniki to Constantinople (Istanbul).
Events in Sithonia
Nikiti Swimmer Diaplous
Every last week of July, the Nikiti Swimmer Diaplous Toroneou draws athletes worldwide to conquer the challenging long-distance race across the Toronean Gulf. Starting from Kallithea Kassandras and reaching the finish line at Nikiti Beach, swimmers navigate the waters, battling unpredictable currents and changing weather. Emerging victorious, participants celebrate their triumph over adversity.
Olynthos Olive Festival
During the final three days of July, Olynthos hosts its vibrant Olive Festival, a celebration of local culture and culinary delights. Visitors come to indulge in the region’s finest olives and savor the distinctive taste of tsipouro. The festivities culminate on the last day with a lively concert, where attendees enjoy music and revelry under the starlit sky. As a token of hospitality, complimentary servings of tsipouro and olives are generously distributed.
Sithonia, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, promises an unforgettable vacation experience. By following this guide and embracing all that Sithonia has to offer, you’ll create lasting memories and leave with a deep appreciation for this hidden gem of Greece. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sun-drenched beaches, thrilling outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion, Sithonia welcomes you with open arms. Start planning your dream vacation to Sithonia today!
