Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki is in the middle of this popular tourist region. While Kassandra on the west is most developed in terms of infrastructure (hotels, nightlife facilities, overall tourist exchange…), Athos on the east has been a well-known “monastic republic” since the medieval times. Even today, only males are allowed to enter Athos; females risk a year in custody if they are caught visiting. Sithonia, with its countless beaches, lush greenery and beautiful countryside, is a paradise for all those who rate either a relaxing or active holiday in a pleasant environment above everything else.
Natural beauties of Sithonia
Sithonia’s countryside can be divided into northern and southern parts. While the north boasts verdant greenery consisting of perennial, deciduous and Mediterranean plants, the south is featured by undergrowth and bare cliffs. The seaside, however, is very attractive either way, with a few hues of blue water that perfectly blend with varieties of greenery that descend to the coastline or with whitish cliffs that penetrate into the sea.
The nature on Sithonia is dominated by an endless stretch of hills overgrown with pine forests or undergrowth, while its coastline is dotted with both well-known and hidden beaches. Getting around on Sithonia is very easy since the main road circles around the peninsula, with occasional paths that radiate away from the road. Some of the radiating roads will take you to inland villages, while others lead to distant beaches or exceptional viewpoints.
Resort areas of Sithonia
There are two main resort areas on Sithonia and a few other smaller resorts area in the south. Neos Marmaras is the main small town of the western shore, while Sarti is on the eastern. Both settlements are convenient bases for exploring the peninsula and are located roughly in the middle of the western and eastern sides. Neos Marmaras and Sarti are also the most developed towns on Sithonia, featuring promenades, a wide range of accommodations, bars, restaurants, first aid and shopping facilities. Just note that Neos Marmaras is hilly, which might not be convenient for people with small children.
Kalamitsi, Toroni and Porto Koufo are located further south, offering a limited number of tourist facilities and are found in a beautiful environment. These villages are convenient for all those who like to stay put in a resort area that isn’t overcrowded. Vourvourou is a high-end resort area, located further north on the eastern coast. Vourvourou, unlike other Sithonia towns and villages, doesn’t have a promenade, but boasts exclusive villas and a few marvelous beaches in the vicinity set in a beautiful environment (for example, Karidi and Fava Beaches).
Some of the most beautiful beaches of Sithonia
To tour all beaches of Sithonia, you would probably need an entire summer. There are around 80 beaches that are known of, and a large number of them are tucked away from the main road, requiring a bit of exploration to be found. The most beautiful beaches are the most difficult to find, and the majority of these beaches are located in the northern part of the eastern Sithonian coastline.
Fava (in the photo) and Mega Portokali Beaches are two such hidden beaches, and you won’t regret any time spent finding them. Fava is located to the south of Vourvourou, while Mega Portokali is located next to Portokali (Orange) Beach to the north of Sarti. As you proceed to the south, Goa, Sykia, Kalamitsi and Mamba Beaches stand out from others, while on the western side of the peninsula, most people (including me) find Kalogria, Elia and Lagomandra Beaches the most outstanding.
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How to discover Sithonia
The best way to discover Sithonia and its engaging seaside and countryside is by car. Simply start from one point and circle around the peninsula. Beaches aren’t especially distant from one another and you won’t find it difficult to tour several beaches in a day if you start early. If you have a camper or a tent, all the better since Sithonia has numerous camping grounds densely distributed and occupying some of the most beautiful coves around the peninsula.
History
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