Sithonia Halkidiki: 10 highlights on the middle finger

Sithonia is the middle finger of Halkidiki and is considered by connoisseurs to be the most pristine region of the entire peninsula. At 817 m, the highest mountain Itamos rises above the densely forested peninsula. Picturesque bays are lined up on the coasts, where the crystal-clear sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue and leaves many a person speechless.

“Sithonia is like a coveted, richly filled treasure chest that empties a little with each new summer season.”

The times when Sithonia was considered an insider tip are long gone. In the north of Sithonia, tourism is strongly developed. In summer, the holiday resorts of Nikiti and Ormos Panagias have intense activity. No wonder, because the dream beaches around Vourvourou alone attract thousands of holidaymakers.

The south of Sithonia has hardly noticed anything of all the hustle and bustle and is still firmly in the hands of individualists and camping enthusiasts. But for quite a few, the former magic has evaporated, the region has changed too rapidly in recent years in favor of tourism.

Although many things are in a state of upheaval, we liked Sithonia in autumn with a few exceptions, it was still nice. Winding roads, mountainous terrain and a sparse population will probably delay the transformation into a tourist stronghold somewhat.

Enclosed we present the most popular sights of Sithonia and give you our personal insider tips as well as important information for your holiday in Halkidiki:

#1 Vourvourou and Diaporos Island

Probably the most picturesque beaches of Sithonia can be found around Vourvourou. The strange name refers on the one hand to the inconspicuous place, which consists only of a street with hotels and restaurants, and on the other hand to a rugged coastline about 10 km long, which stretches southwards from the resort of Ormos Panagias via the hamlets of Lagonisi and Fteroti.

The Vourvourou Bay is probably the main reason for Sithonia’s strong tourist development. Here are numerous tiny islets, some of which are inhabited, as well as the 3 km long island of Diaporos with Caribbean-like sandy beaches. Tour operators can confidently speak of the Greek Bahamas.

In recent years, many holiday homes have been built directly by the sea, which unfortunately often “block” the way to the paradisiacal bathing areas. But if you explore the picturesque coast on foot, you can reach almost every corner. A great view of Vourvourou you can catch from the hill near the Thalassokipos Accommodation (Watch on Booking.com*).

One of the most popular bathing spots is Lagonisi Beach, a sandy beach about 200 meters long with milk-blue water, but with an overpriced beach bar. On the other hand, Talgo Beach and Simoro Beach are much quieter. The latter offers a wild backdrop, but requires some climbing and has no parking nearby.

In summer, according to locals, Vourvourou must be crazy. The beaches on the land side are crowded, especially Lagonisi. On the water, it’s like a regatta with small motorboats and sailing yachts criss-crossing the Blue Lagoon. This dreamlike sea canal becomes a nightmare when 100 boats are cavorting at the same time.

Don’t miss Karydi Beach, which is framed by bizarre rock formations, more about this under point #8. By the way, we had a delicious lunch in the village in the Anchor Foodbar. To sum up, Vourvourou can be described as the largest water playground in Halkidiki for adults.

Explore Vourvourou by motorboat

If you want to explore the beautiful beaches and bays of Vourvourou by motorboat, the provider Queen boat rent a boat is highly recommended. Driving small boats is also possible without a driver’s license. The sympathetic owner Sergios and his wife Anastasia explained the 25 hp motorboat to us in the best possible way and after a briefing in the area we started.

At sea, a map helped us with orientation, alternatively Sergios provides a Google map. During our tour we circumnavigated Diaporos Island and stopped for a swim at countless bays.. Our daughter was thrilled when daddy took over the helm as captain. For us as a small family an unforgettable experience! Prices start from €80 plus fuel per trip.

→ More information about the provider at: Queen Boat Rentals

Livari Lagoon

The Livari Lagoon near the settlement of Fteroti is worth a detour. The small lake is surrounded by sandy tongues, with seawater flowing in the middle. You can walk on the narrow sandbanks, the water is very shallow and therefore also suitable for small children. An offshore rock in the sea offers an original photo motif.

Early risers should not miss the sunrise over the lagoon. It is said that magic is in the air when the red fireball behind Mount Athos rises and its warm light hits the lagoon landscape. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the morning hour during our visit to Halkidiki.

#2 Walk through Old Nikiti

Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist seaside resort of Nikiti, between the mountain slopes lies the traditional village, known as Old Nikiti. The alleys with their historic Macedonian architecture invite you to take a stroll. Most of the stone houses date back to the 19th century and have been extensively restored in recent years.

At the church of Agios Nikitas from 1867 you can park your car and explore the maze of alleys on foot. For example, you will pass some traditional buildings, such as the old village school, which now houses a folklore museum. During the week, you will hardly meet anyone here except for a few cats.

We were here on a Sunday afternoon and loved the cozy atmosphere, which some Greeks also appreciated. Stop by at the central Platia of Old Nikiti and linger at Barcarolla Bar with a cool Freddo Cappuccino. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere here is magical!

The modern, seaside part of Nikiti is firmly in the hands of sun worshippers from all over Europe, especially in the summer months. In the town of 2,500 inhabitants, most of the accommodations on the Sithonia peninsula are concentrated.

Along the concrete but quite respectable waterfront promenade numerous taverns (tip: Mezervoir) and cafés. The long sandy and pebble beach of Nikiti is well visited in the season. Due to the very shallow shore area, Nikiti Beach is also very popular with families with children.

Detour to Agios Nikolaos

The town of 2,000 souls has so far been spared from mass tourism. Agios Nikolaos is located above the holiday resort of Ormos Panagias and in contrast to it, it is still authentic here. In the alleys you will find traditional stone houses with the typical wooden balconies. For a siesta, everything seems a little sleepy here.

It is not until late afternoon that the village comes to life. Then the rustic taverns gradually fill up (tip: Marathos Gastro Tavern) on the village square, shaded by deciduous trees, and children romp around the fountain. If you are looking for the original soul of Sithonia, you are most likely to find it here. The village is only three kilometres away from the beautiful Trani Ammouda Beach, which is well worth a visit.

#3 Kavourotrypes: The Lost Beach Paradise

The beaches of Kavourotrypes, also called Portokali Beach or Orange Beach, are located in the east of Sithonia, not far from Sarti. What was a small, hard-to-access paradise decades ago has now been overrun by mass tourism.

If you want to get an impression of this picturesque coastal strip in summer, you have to be there very early. Already in the morning, the bays of Kavourotrypes are so crowded that you can no longer see the beach because of all the people.

Kavourotrypes offers a truly Caribbean backdrop of bright sandstone cliffs jutting into the sea, interspersed with two narrow, sandy bathing sections with turquoise blue shallow sea and lush green pine forests framing the bays. On the eastern edge, there are even interesting stone reliefs carved by an artist.

Even at the beginning of October, the beach was still well visited in the late afternoon and numerous wild campers camped in the middle of the forest. Unfortunately, the environment has also suffered from the crowds, garbage and toilet paper are scattered everywhere in the beautiful nature.

If you like it a little quieter, you can explore the natural beach sections between Kavourotrypes and Platanitsi Beach on foot. In the meantime, this area is officially closed to motorhomes and camping and is idyllic and lonely again, especially in the low season.

Platanitsi Beach is heavily frequented in summer by the local campsite, loud music and various water sports provide appropriate fun and noise factor. The beach itself can be reached either via the campsite (fee applies) or on foot from the northern beaches.

#4 Mountain village Parthenonas

A true architectural gem is the mountain village Parthenonas, located at an altitude of 350 m above Neos Marmaras. In contrast to many modern places in Halkidiki, the village on the slopes of Itamos Mountain has retained its historical building fabric. Today, traditional stone houses adorn the narrow streets.

The city of Parthenopolis is said to have existed here even in ancient times. With the establishment of the seaside resort of Neos Marmaras in the 1920s, the town was severely affected by emigration. It was only with the beginning of tourism in Halkidiki that some locals returned and renovated the old stone houses.

Today, the former ghost village is a popular destination on Sithonia. On a walk you will come across the old Agios Stefanos village church and a folklore museum, which was closed during our visit. If you want, you can even spend a few nights here, e.g. in Theas Studios (Watch on Booking.com*).

Two taverns and cafés provide for the physical well-being of the visitors. It was particularly good for us in the Café Parthenopoli please. From the terrace you have a magnificent view over the Toronaean Gulf to the neighboring peninsula Cassandra. When we visited at the end of September, Parthenonas was a place of peace and relaxation.

Detour to Neos Marmaras

The lively town of Neos Marmaras on the west coast of Sithonia is well developed for tourism and is usually quite busy, especially in the high season. If you have the opportunity, you can spend a pleasant holiday here from May to the beginning of June or from mid-September.

In addition to a large gastronomic offer, there are also numerous souvenir shops, local shops (tip: All with herbs), boutiques and accommodation in all price ranges. Neos Marmaras did not inspire us personally. The huge luxury resort Porto Carras, once the first hotel on Sithonia, was an architectural eyesore in nature for us.

Neos Marmaras Beach stretches for miles to the holiday resort of Porto Carras and slopes very gently into the clear sea. Families with children in particular feel at home here. Numerous beach bars have settled on the beach, of which the Deep Blue Beach Bar and the Fratelli Beach & Cocktail Bar should be highlighted.

The rugged harbour bay is the heart of the town of 3,500 inhabitants, with the first thing that catches your eye is the Taxiarchis church directly above the shore. The port of Neos Marmaras is also the starting point for boat tours along the coast of Sithonia. Every Thursday morning, a weekly market takes place west of the harbour, where regional products can be purchased at reasonable prices.

• Restaurant tips in Neos Marmaras: Brunch Brothers, Deluxe Pizza
• Café-tips in Neos Marmaras: Eladia DeliFood

Panoramic road of Sithonia

South of Neos Marmaras, Sithonia is very scenic and densely forested. A panoramic road leads above Porto Carras through fragrant pine forest, windows open again and again between the trees and reveal a view of the coast. If visibility is good, you can see the Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece.

The fixed point of the west coast is the Islet of Kelifos, which looks like a giant turtle in the sea, depending on the angle of view. A great photo motif that especially inspires children! Along the road, some trails lead to untouched beaches (including Paralia Taraklia). Shortly after Camping Stavros we go back up to the main road.

#5 Time out in Sarti

A kilometre-long white sandy beach, lush green hinterland and Mount Athos always in sight – the scenery makes Sarti to the most popular holiday resort in southern Sithonia. Investors recognized this years ago and so Sarti has grown more or less unplanned.

Anyone expecting a picture-book village will be disappointed. Apartments and hotels crisscross the town, and there are so many bars and taverns on the long beach promenade that one holiday here alone is not enough. So you never get bored in Sarti, almost every day you can sit in a different bar and enjoy the view of the sea.

However, the season in Sarti is short, most tourists are drawn here in summer. At the end of September, some restaurants on the beach were already closed or were only on the back burner, true to the motto: “The chef has already gone back to Thessaloniki.” It wasn’t a problem for us, so we enjoyed our drinks at the ZanziBar beach club in a quiet atmosphere all the more.

The Plateia, the village’s central square, is a popular evening meeting place for locals. For example, there is the Ouzeri Christos Vorinakis, which occasionally features live music. In the maze of alleys you will find shops for daily needs and tourist shops as well as interesting boutiques, jewellers (e.g. Plethora Jewellery) and delicatessens (e.g. Bio Lutz Sarti).

The many cafés in the village are worth mentioning, where you can dream away the time with a Freddo and where you should definitely try the delicious bougatsa (Greek pudding pocket). Otherwise, it’s best to do only one thing in Sarti: sunbathing, because that’s what the wide Sarti Beach ideally suited for.

On the northern edge of the village of 1,100 souls, a rocky outcrop rises on which there is a small park and the devotional chapel of Agios Antonios, from where you have a magnificent view of Sarti and the surrounding area. Next to the chapel is the Folklore Museum of Sarti, which opens on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 19:30 to 21:30. Admission is free.

• Café tips for Sarti: Casablanca, Cafe Paris, Caffè Patisserie Pantazis, Peponaki Karpuzaki Bar
• Restaurant tip for Sarti: Tavern Troy Story

Platania Beach

In addition to the main beach of Sarti, there are many other bathing opportunities in the vicinity. Worth mentioning is Platania Beach, about 3 km south of Sarti. The wide dream beach is largely natural, a parasol rental is on site from May to September at the southern end.

If you’re looking for a cool drink by the sea, head to the slightly northerly Ark Beach Bar, which is accessible on foot or by rental car. The hip beach bar extends over several terraces with pavilions to the sea. If there is no holiday mood here, where will you?

#6 Sykia, Kriaritsi & Kalamitsi

About ten minutes by car separate Sarti from its neighboring town of Sykia to the south. From the wide sandy beach of the village, the view falls again and again on the Holy Mount Athos, in the low season it is quiet here. The construction boom in Paralia Sykia is limited and the gastronomic refreshment stops are very manageable.

The actual village with its traditional village structure is located in the hinterland. Although almost 2,000 people live in the large village, it is still tranquil. One reason for this could be that the ring road, on which Sithonia can be bypassed, not leads through Sykia.

The neat white houses with the red-tiled tiled roofs look charming from afar. In the centre of the village, in addition to the time-honoured church of Agios Athanasios from 1819. In the Chatzidimitriou Vasileios Bakery, which also has a branch near the sea, you can stock up on Greek pastries.

Adventurous and experienced hikers can explore the Stone Age settlement site “Thesi Koukos” above the village. Easier to reach (gravel road) is the old Watermill on the Pavlara River on the northern outskirts of the village, which probably served as a residential quarter for a time. The waterfalls further upstream are unfortunately completely overgrown by nature.

In order to revitalize the region somewhat, the municipal established the project Fortuna – Sea Forest Recreation. Locals and visitors will meet in several pavilions, a small café will serve drinks and even live evenings are planned.

Kriaritsi: Ghost Town of Halkidiki

On the way east from Sykia Beach you will pass the beaches of Pigadakia, Tourkolimnionas and Klimataria, where taverns (tip: Taverna Zambakos) and bars (tip: Estrella Beach Bar) offer sun loungers for rent. Klimataria Beach is the most popular, the turquoise blue bay with the golden beach is one of the top 10 Halkidiki beaches.

Shortly afterwards you will reach the area of Kriaritsi, which is especially interesting for Lost Places fans. Decades ago, the Greek government began to build a rehabilitation center for civil servants and former military personnel on an area of 13.2 km². The quiet location in the southeast of Sithonia with a view of Mount Athos was ideal for this.

However, the resort was never completed, as a construction freeze was imposed from one day to the next. A complete network of roads runs through the rough terrain like a giant spider’s web. Electricity and water pipes are available, and there are even bridges. It’s the Ghost Town of Halkidiki, only without houses.

The scenery is reminiscent of a Wild West setting – goats, sheep and cows graze in the wasteland, here and there an old building, broken cars on the side of the road, that has an apocalyptic character. In addition, there are some fantastic beaches and bays, the most famous are Kriaritsi Beach, Golden Beach and Tigania Beach.

In summer, beach bars provide for the physical well-being of bathers. On the idyllic Kriaritsi Beach even cows feel at home and two campsites offer an easy Sithonia holiday (see point #10 Camping Sithonia). From the hill above the beach, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the region and Mount Athos.

In order to breathe new life into Kriaritsi, the company Grekodom Development plans to build 3,000 houses. Almost nothing has been constructed so far. Friends from Thessaloniki told us that they bought plots years ago and are waiting for it to finally start…

Presumably, the construction projects will be delayed by archaeological finds, including sparse remains of a Hellenistic tower. You will find it pretty much in the center of Kriaritsi. Important: To avoid getting lost in Kriaritsi, follow the arrows on the road with “Exit” or “Beach”.

Swimming stop in Kalamitsi

Kalamitsi is the southernmost holiday resort on Sithonia, next to Toroni.. In the tiny town, which consists almost exclusively of apartments and restaurants, several hundred holidaymakers cavort in summer. The reason for this are the picture-book beaches, which are lined up around Kalamitsi and separated from each other by rocky reefs, a snorkeling paradise!

The eye-catcher in Kalamitsi is the small island Rhino Rock, which gives the village an exotic flair. Along the beach promenade there are a few taverns and cafés for the physical well-being, but none of them are worth highlighting. When we visited at the beginning of October, the beach was still well attended. A feast for the eyes from afar, it was unfortunately littered in places on closer inspection.

The best view of Kalamitsi Beach you catch from a rock on the eastern stretch of the beach, where there is a devotional chapel in honor of Virgin Mary. Behind it, a donkey path leads to Wild Kalamitsi Beach, which is natural, but unfortunately is taken over by wild campers.

#7 Toroni and Porto Koufo

In the far southwest of Sithonia lies the coastal town Toroni with its kilometre-long sandy beach. In the low season, the town of 230 inhabitants is still relaxed and holiday homes, apartments and studios are available for individualists. Taverns are lined up along the beach promenade, most of which enjoy a rather average reputation.

Even in ancient times, the city of Torone existed on this site. Their sparse remains are located at the southern end of the Toroni Beach. Although it is the most important archaeological site in Sithonia, it seems neglected and overgrown by nature.

Nevertheless, a short walk to the cape is worthwhile, because from the ruins of the Byzantine Lykithos Fortress you have a magnificent view of the coastal town of Toroni. However, caution is advised when exploring the facility, as it is not secured. In the evening, the Kastro is even atmospherically illuminated.

The port of ancient Toroni has sunk and can be explored on a dive. In the shallow and crystal clear waters of Toroni Bay, you can also snorkel wonderfully. Alternatively, you can rent a pedal boat at Aqua Play Boats Rental Toroni to explore Toroni Bay.

Porto Koufo

Only 3 km south of Toroni is the small fishing village of Porto Koufo, which is home to the largest natural harbour in Halkidiki. We have been here several times, because the hamlet is known for its excellent fish taverns.

For example, you can sit very idyllically in the Tavern Tzitzikas, overlooking the fishing boats in the harbor. All dishes are extremely delicious and we personally consider it to be the best restaurant in Sithonia. If you just want to stop by for a drink, you can linger in the bar Porto Libre.

You can refresh yourself on the narrow sandy beach, which slopes gently into the crystal-clear water in the shore area. The bay of Porto Koufo is so sheltered from the wind that it is not for nothing that it bears the name “deaf harbour”. Sailors feel particularly comfortable in Porto Koufo, as they can anchor here in peace.

To the south of the bay is the Porto Koufo Lagoon, which is fed by seawater. On the narrow beach, which slopes gently into the water towards the sea, you can relax wonderfully and watch the arriving sailing ships. Wild camping at this idyllic place was prevented by a barrier a few years ago.

Hike to Cape Sithonia

Although the interior of Sithonia is largely natural, the high pine forests hardly allow any views when hiking. We enjoyed the hike to Cape Sithonia (Akrotiri Sithonias) in the far south. From the Porto Koufo lagoon, a gravel road leads to the settlement of Marathias.

Then it goes through an olive grove and then about 100 m steeply uphill to a goat stable, which is a challenge even with an off-road vehicle. From here it is about 30 minutes on foot to the Cape. Along the way, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the wild coast.

On the last part we go through a fragrant pine forest, to shortly afterwards see the southern tip of Sithonia from an elevated position. If visibility is good, you can see the Sporades Islands Alonissos and Kyra Panagia in the south, as well as the island Limnos in the east.

At the Cape, the wide Akrotiri Beach invites for a picnic. There is no garbage disposal here, please take your leftovers back with you and keep this beautiful spot on Sithonia clean. Depending on the starting point, the tour is about 2-3 km long (one way), classified as moderately difficult and should not be done at lunchtime.

#8 Beautiful beaches in Sithonia

Sithonia probably has the most beautiful beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula. Picturesque bays and beautiful beaches are spread over the entire middle finger. Most of them are made of fine gravel that hardly sticks to the skin after bathing.

Agridia Beach

Secluded beach north of Sykia, accessible only by a dirt road. The recommended beach bar on site provides sun loungers in season, the rest of the beach is natural. The sandy beach drops quite deep in the shore area and is well suited for snorkeling due to the rocks at the edge. In August, however, very crowded by (wild) campers!

Destenika Beach

Wide, largely natural bay in the southwest of Sithonia, north of Toroni. Golden sand and crystal clear sea create an almost exotic atmosphere here as well. Two beach bars provide sunbeds and umbrellas, but there is still enough space to spread out your towel yourself.

To the south is the small bay of Bogi Beach, which is usually deserted in the low season. Behind Bogi is Ema Beach, an organized beach with very shallow bay that is very popular with families with children. The neighboring Luka Beach is natural, but drops deeper into the sea.

Kalogria Beach

Long bay in the northwest of Sithonia between Nikiti and Elia. The scenery of coarse, golden sand, turquoise blue water and green pine forests is very charming. In high season, the beach is dominated by the numerous sun loungers and umbrellas of the local beach bars. In the low season you will find a wonderful natural swimming spot here.

Karydi Beach

Fantastic beaches near Vourvourou in the east with beautiful fine sand, framed by green conifers. In the very shallow bays, the sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue. In between are sandstone-colored rocks (called Rocks on the beach) that separate the individual beaches from each other.

Unfortunately completely overcrowded in midsummer, poor parking situation, no changing rooms, showers or toilets. In the low season certainly one of the most beautiful beaches on Sithonia, but for our taste the main beach was still very crowded at the end of September. The further you get away from it, the quieter it gets.

Beaches around Elia

Elia Beach in the west of the island is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear, shallow waters, which is especially suitable for guests of the popular Anthemus Sea Hotels (View on Booking*).

In the northern area, not far from the Acrotel Elea Beach Hotels you will find some hidden bays with pebble beaches and shady coniferous forests, where you can swim relatively undisturbed. Even very nice at sunset!

#9 Highlights in the Sithonia Hinterland

Eager explorers will have seen everything on Sithonia after a short time, but the mountainous hinterland far away from the beach and sea offers all the more variety. The densely wooded foothills of the up to 1,165 m high Cholomondas Mountains undoubtedly create a Black Forest atmosphere.

In addition, the provincial capital of Polygyros, located in the heart of Halkidiki, provides a glimpse into typical Greek everyday life, away from the tourist crowds. Below we have put together some worthwhile excursion destinations for you.

Polygyros

The capital of Halkidiki is surrounded by lush green coniferous forests at an altitude of 436 m in the mountains between Sithonia and Kassandra. Although Polygyros is only 13 km from the sea, it hardly plays a role in tourism with its slightly more than 6,000 inhabitants.

If you are looking for an authentic Greek place without a lot of frills, you will find it here. In the center there are some small parks, such as at the museum and at the Six fountains, even historic buildings are still there. In addition to good cafés and restaurants away from the tourist hustle and bustle, there are also nice accommodations in the village, including Klities Guest House (Watch on Booking.com*).

In addition, we were happy to find out during our visit that the locals here are still interested in their guests. From the café owner who asks if we like Halkidiki to the museum employee who spontaneously gives us tips on how to explore the region, including the worthwhile viewpoint at the Prophet Elijah Chapel above the village.

• Café tips for polygyros: Breakfast Pass, Broken Cup, Kentrikon coffee bar
• Restaurants in Polygyros: Six Fountains, The Marigoula, Agioneri

Most visitors come to Polygyros because of the Archaeological Museum of Halkidiki, which provides comprehensive information about the history of the peninsula. In recent years, it has been extensively restored and in addition to the classic finds such as statues, tools and jewellery from Olynth, Stageira, Akanthos & Co., the museum is now supplemented by multimedia elements.

• Opening hours Archaeological Museum Polygyros: Mon – Sun 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (Tue. closed), admission 4 €.

Cholomondas

Just beyond Polygyros, the Cholomondas Mountains stretch with their largely untouched nature and the Cholomondas of the same name, the highest mountain in Halkidiki. In winter, the 1,165 m high summit is often covered in snow. Due to its proximity to Thessaloniki, the region is known as a weekend excursion destination and climatic health resort, especially among city dwellers.

The tree population is considerable, in addition to the typical pines, there are also deciduous trees such as oak, beech or walnut. Since large parts are under nature conservation, the animal world feels at home here. If you are lucky, you will see eagles circling above you or meet a (shy) golden jackal while hiking or hear its howling at night.

From Polygyros, the road above the Halkidiki Hospital winds its way north in serpentines, accompanied again and again by fantastic panoramas. After a good 20 minutes, the first signs point to mountain taverns. To the left and right of the road are a handful of inns, the most famous being the Sogambros Tavern. To be honest, none of them really appealed to us.

A short time later you are below the summit, which is unfortunately not dominated by a Greek church, but by a military barracks and is not accessible. Nevertheless, it is a great landscape setting, especially in autumn when the foliage begins to colour. After another 20 minutes, the mountain village Arnea (see Athos and East Halkidiki).

Mountain village of Taxiarchis

In the mountain village below the Cholomonda, the first municipal Christmas tree in Greece is erected every year at the beginning of November. Among the Greeks, Taxiarchis (Greek: archangel) is known as the village of Christmas trees, because tens of thousands of Christmas trees are grown in the region. But conservationists can breathe a sigh of relief: for every fir tree felled, two new ones are planted according to a strict ecological plan.

The village of 700 inhabitants is a worthwhile destination for those seeking relaxation. The clocks tick differently here, even in summer there is no sign of the hustle and bustle on the coast. From the Plateia around the Archangel Church (church consecration festival on November 8), you can explore the traditional village. Two taverns (tip: Kafeneio I Synántisi), a bakery and a café-bar provide for the physical well-being.

In Amanos Shop there are knitted bags and handmade souvenirs, but also local products such as honey or herbs. We stocked up on Greek organic mountain tea several times, you can’t get it so cheaply anywhere else. In addition, many mushrooms and truffles grow around Taxiarchis, which are offered at the weekly markets (including in Neos Marmaras).

The Mushroom Festival takes place every year on 13 September, where you can sample the delicious manitaropita (mushroom-filled pastries). Equipped with a good hiking map or GPS, adventurers can explore the region, which is also known as the “Amazon of Greece” by the locals because of its wilderness.

#10 Camping in Sithonia

The entire peninsula of Halkidiki is considered a popular camping destination. Of the approximately 15 campsites, ten are located on the middle finger alone, almost all of them directly by the sea. We also enjoyed the idyllic places on Sithonia with our caravan in autumn 2024.

The facilities are simple, but offer a high feel-good character due to the family atmosphere. In addition, we personally have never stayed so cheaply by the sea in Greece. In the low season we had no problems getting a pitch, even directly on the beach there were still some available.

→ We can recommend this campsite in Sithonia:

• Camping Stavros
• Camping Castello
• Mitari Camping
• Melissi Camping

In the high tourist season (end of June – beginning of September) it is advisable to reserve the places well in advance. Or to consider from the outset whether camping in the Greek summer with over 40 degrees is really the right thing to do. From conversations with camping neighbors, we learned that some campsites often become party strongholds in August.

We were disappointed by the number of people wild camping on Sithonia. Officially banned in Greece, it is tolerated or not controlled in many places. Personally, illegal camping directly on sand dunes or by the sea makes us think. Beach areas with their natural flora and fauna are not only trampled underfoot, but crushed with mobile homes weighing tons.

Do a few have to treat nature in this way at the expense of the many? How are the daily garbage, hygiene articles and toilets disposed of? The garbage cans on site are completely overcrowded, often we found tons of handkerchiefs scattered in the dune landscape. Illegal camping villages, some of which are fenced in with barbed wire, have already formed in remote corners.

Halkidiki, in addition to the Peloponnese has the largest selection of campsites in Greece. Everyone should go to an official place and thus contribute to the preservation of the natural beach areas. Because according to the law, the beaches in Hellas are there for everyone and must always remain freely accessible.

More Sithonia tips for your holiday

Sithonia Excursions and Tours

The most popular excursions in Sithonia take place on the water. With a motorboat or sailboat you explore the beautiful coast of the peninsula and anchor in beautiful bays. We have selected three recommended tours or activities for you to enjoy, which you can book directly through our partner, GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the Blue Lagoon & Ammouliani tour*

➲ To the Sunset West Sithonia boat tour*

➲ To the boat tour Coves of Halkidiki*

Hotel tips for Sithonia

The middle finger of Halkidiki is still a popular holiday destination for individualists and camping enthusiasts. The largest range of accommodation can be found in the towns of Nikiti, Neos Marmaras and Sarti, but you can also expect the most tourists in the summer. If you like it a little quieter on holiday, you should look around Toroni and Sykia in the south.

Here is our personal selection of beautiful accommodations in Sithonia. Click on the links from Booking.com* to learn more about the accommodations:

• Ammouda Villas, Ormos Panagias*
• Amyntas Seafront Hotel, Neos Marmaras*
• Klities Guest House, Polygyros*
• Oniro Boutique Hotel, Toroni*
• Ta Petrina, Vourvourou*

Sithonia car rentals

If you don’t just want to spend a beach holiday on Sithonia, you can’t avoid a rental car, the peninsula is too mountainous and rugged. East and West are only connected by a dilapidated gravel road via the central interior of the country.

Only in the north and south is there an asphalted ring road that connects both parts of the peninsula. You have to plan a lot of time if you want to travel from west to east on Sithonia (e.g. Neos Marmaras to Sarti about 50 km, 1 hour drive).

You can book cheap Sithonia rental cars in advance with our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap rental cars*

A public bus network connects almost all major towns on the Sithonia Peninsula. In summer, the buses are often very full. Current timetables can be found at: KTEL Halkidikis

→ More articles and numerous Halkidiki travel tips can be found at:

• Halkidiki Blog – The region at a glance

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