Looking down to Diaporos island in Vourvourou. Photo by A. Halkidis.
Discover Sithonia in Halkidiki
Sithonia is a destination of growing popularity. It may not have the cosmopolitan character of the opposite peninsula of Kassandra, however it does offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and entertainment.
Best beaches in Sithonia
Lagomandra
A sandy beach in a stunning natural environment about 15km from Nikiti.
A pine tree forest reaches the sea and offers its shadow and breeze to the visitors. The beach is easily accessible by car. There are activities of water sports and due to its excellent facilities it gains a blue flag every year.
Kalogria
A beautiful and popular beach just 5km south of Nikiti.
It is famous for its white sand and the off-shore rocky little island which is ideal for diving. There is a beach bar in the north part of the beach which offers umbrellas and sun-beds. It has easy access from the main road however, parking is difficult during peak hours.
Koviou
A relaxing little bay with warm turquoise water surrounded by rocks and pine trees.
It is probably the most beautiful beach near Nikiti and one of the most beautiful in Halkidiki. The sand is thin and its broad front makes it suitable for long periods of sunbathing. The rocky shore before and after the bay is ideal for exploring the seabed.
Tristinika
A long exotic beach contrasts the rocky natural environment of south Sithonia.
This spacious and beautiful beach is located near Toponi, about 40km from Nikiti. It offers every facility you may need and it is suitable for people of all ages. The bar "Ethnic" that overlooks the beach from its northern end is a must visit, especially during sunset.
Kavourotrypes
It may be hard to access, but it rewards the visitor with its stunning natural environment and the crystal clear waters.
It is not a single beach but rather a series of little bays along a rocky shore with the forest climbing down to the sea. Some bays are only accessible by sea. There are not many facilities and the place is very popular among free campers.
Vourvourou
A wonderful combination of little lagoon-like bays, rocky coastline and a chain of off-shore islands contribute to a truly tropical experience.
Vourvourou, just 11 km from Nikiti was one of the first popular destinations in Sithonia. Karydi, with its famous white cliffs is the most well known beach in the area. Visit also the Livari lagoon and the island of Diaporos, the biggest of Vourvourou islands.
Places to go & things to do in Sithonia
Enjoy the view from Parthenonas
A traditional village with a long history dated back to the Byzantine 10th century or even earlier to the Roman city of Parthenopolis.
The inhabitants were forced to abandon their homes at early seventies and move to nearby Neos Marmaras. This was due to a ridiculous plan of the military government of that time, aiming to eliminate small communities in favour of bigger towns. However, this helped the place to retain its character and special architecture. Nowadays after hard efforts, many buildings have been restored and the place is a first class destination.
Cruise around Athos
Mt. Athos is a major monastic center unique in its kind for over 1000 years. However, it is not accessible to everyone as only men are allowed to enter.
By taking the boat from the little port of Ormos Panagias about 11km from Nikiti you may cruise around Athos and admire from a comfortable distance of 500m the most important monasteries.
Porto Carras
This is not just another luxury hotel. It is part of the living history of Sithonia.
Build in early seventies literally in the middle of nowhere, it transformed a previously insignificant and poor area and made it known to the international jet set. It has its place to the modern political history of Greece as the favourite golf course of one of the most influential politicians, as the location of a European summit in 2003, where the first draft of the European Constitution was presented, and as the centre of a major political scandal just before the general elections in 2004.
Explore Mt. Itamos
Most of Sithonia is basically a mountain above the sea. It is called Itamos and offers excellent outdoor activities opportunities.
The place is not very well known to visitors who normally enjoy the beaches below. However, it is easily accessible on foot, by cycle or by 4X4 car. The whole area is a protected reserve with significant flora and fauna. While exploring the mountain you may admire breathtaking views of the Aegean and the formidable Mt. Athos.
