Sithonia Guide

Porto Koufo

This was the ancient Toroneos port, the largest natural harbour in northern Greece, as mentioned by Thucydides. Since ancient times it was called Kofos limin (Deaf port) because whoever stands inside the bay does not hear at all the noise of the sea, as a deaf man would not! During Byzantine times, it was a base for pirates. The landscape at Porto Koufo is one of the most impressive of Halkidiki, as the port is enclosed by cliffs, leaving only an opening of approximately 300 metres for the vessel and fishing boats to go through.

Parthenonas: The deserted Village

Ascending the steep Mount Itamos towering Sithonia‘s olive groves one comes to a stop at the sudden curious silence lingering in the Parthenonas, the deserted Village of Sithonia. Where once the market traders shouted and the Church bells echoed through the streets, the time has come to a standstill on the square, resting in the shadow cast by the long-abandoned stone-houses. Emerging from the stillness, an uphill path leads to a refreshing, lively settlement with Folklore Museum, Souvenir shops and Tavernas offering a priceless wrap-around outlook over the gulf. We suggest paying a visit to the unique Parthenonas as part of a peninsula- roundtrip and indulge in Sithonia‘s best panoramic views over a chilled glass of Ouzo or Tsipouro.

Toroni

Excavations have shown that the area was inhabited since prehistoric times. Ancient Toroni was the most important city in Halkidiki. It was located on the north and northwest side of the hill of Vigla, which is the western breakwater of Kofos Limin. At that spot there are visible walls of the Classical (5th-4th century BC) and early Hellenistic periods (3rd century BC). On site today you will see what is left of the fortifications – a round tower at the location of Anemomylos (Windmill) and parts of the fortifications at the top of Vigla. The excavations at the cemetery unearthed, amongst others, a silver hydria of the 5th century BC with medusas carved on the handles, now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. At the bottom of the sea, the docks of the ancient port were discovered.

THE CASTLE OF LYKITHOS. Traces of habitation dated to the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) and house foundations and partial ruins  of the early Iron Age (11th-8th century BC) were discovered on the rocky peninsula. It was one of the two citadels of Toroni. The ancient city had strong fortified walls and according to Thucydides, there was even a temple dedicated to Athena in Lykithos. The tip of the peninsula towards the sea had its own fortifications which communicated with the castle through an internal gate.

Nikiti Village: A stone’s throw away

Neatly divided, Old and New Nikiti Village merges 19th-century allure of Macedonian stone houses with coastal Tavernas, laid-back Beach Bars and charming Souvenir shops. From the Old village rises the Church of Agios Nikitas like a fortress perched on the hilltop, offering sovereign views over the preserved sand- coloured alleys which distantly blend with the colourful streets of the New village. The weekly farmers` market is just one reason to pay a visit to Nikiti which is a mere 8-minute drive from the Resort or a short bike ride or coastal walk away.

Neos Marmaras: Vineyards and Village charm

Following the directions to Neos Marmaras, one may not know to have navigated right onto one of Greece‘s most picturesque Routes: The winding coastal roads to Neos Marmaras bear sheer endless spots for dreamy photographs, entrances to hidden bays and a direct lead to the Porto Carras Vineyards. Whether the destination is a walkway through the grapes or the former fishing village‘s shops, bars and tavernas – on this Route unlike any other the journey is the reward! At the Resort, we gladly arrange a car rental or guided tour to embark on the memorable Route which we recommend combining with a visit to the Pathenonas.

Local Tavernas

Dotted along the shoreline of Sithonia, local Tavernas dish up the Aegean´s catch of the day and rustic Greek delights. Depending on the mastery of cuisine or cult-status of restaurants that have been handed down over Generations, our Team is happy to recommend and secure a table on your behalf. A lunch right in the sand, on a clifftop location or accompanied by Sithonia´s best panoramic views-  we are delighted to share our local expertise or to equip you with a picnic basket making the beach of your choice the restaurant for the day.

Ormylia Monastery

The imposing complex of the monastery is located 4.5 km south of the village of Ormylia and is the largest in Greece, with more than 100 nuns. It was a glebe of the Vatopedi monastery since the 12th century. In 1924, it was given to refugees in order for them to build the Vatopedi village there. Weaving, embroidery, hagiography and standardization of traditional products workshops operate on the premises, as well as an Art Diagnosis Centre, equipped with the latest technology, dedicated to the conservation of relics and icons. The monastery is open to visitors Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00-16:00, and Sunday 10:00-19:00. Tel.: +30 23710 41498.

Kavourotrypes

The Kavourotrypes (engl. “Crab Holes”) stretch over kilometres of coastline. Its many secluded beaches lure with Caribbean flair and no crowds cluttering the peaceful picture. The unpretentious beauty is a backdrop for hunting seashells along the coast and discovering hidden coves along the way. In the early hours, one can watch native crabs hurry across the cold morning sands. With pincers raised the little crabs to emerge from their holes, the “Kavourotrypes”, and scuttle side-ways into the waters to be swirled with the grains, freed from gravity and carried back home at the end of the ride.

Karydi beach & Vourvourou Islands

Karydi is a series of small, dreamy beaches in the brush of coastal Vourvourou. Pine trees cascade the turquoise waters, which ebb in as a deep teal and turn golden as they churn the sand on the shore. A short walk off the paradisiac scenery, a Boat Rental company sees you off to captain a Motorboat to the small islands scattered around Vourvourou. On this discovery tour, one is free to navigate right onto deserted white beaches as if you were washed up on a tropical island with not a footprint in the sand.

Armenistis Beach

A mere 10 minutes drive from the Kavourotrypes, an orchestra of laughter, music, and family fun are in earshot as the powdery sands of Armenistis Beach appear behind the pinewoods. The one-kilometre stretch boasts a Beach Bar, a Seafood Tavern, a Minimarket, a popular Campsite and of course, several impressive Sandcastles. A water sports station invites to thrilling rides speeding over the waves while landlubbers may just put their skills at Beach Volleyball to the test.

Tigania Beach

Kriaritsi Beach

Kalamitsi Beach

Kastri

Sithonia is not short of paradisaic Beaches and with Towels in the Trunk and a Road Map at hand, the Resort`s glamour vanishes in the rear window. To follow the trails to where the Locals succumb to the summer days, one would not need to drive further than to the outskirts of Nikiti Village. The sandy stretch of Kastri Beach is a favourite for local families. Aquamarine waves brush against “Kastri-Island”, a miniature island located a mere 10-minute swim away from the shore. Kastri-Island is a natural playground for Kids who usually gather there for a treasure-island- adventure or snorkel along the beach to seek gems of rocks and seashells in the sand.

Kalogria & Spathies

In the soft sands of Kalogria Beach, many barefoot trails mark the path to its renowned calm and shallow waters which lure above all long-distance swimmers and families with little non-swimmers to this destination. Nearby, Spathies Beach invites an unspoilt lagoon with several small stretches as well as the main beach. Spathies Beach is a yet untouched paradise, predestined for an undisturbed towel- and packed-lunch picnic in the sand.

Ethnic Bar & Tristinitsa Beach

With crushed Ice cooling the Mohito and soft Reggae tunes filling the sea air, the Ethnic Bar brings Jamaican flair to Tristinika Beach. Under the colourful lanterns dangling from a roof of palm trees, mingling with locals is made just as easy as taking a dip into the blue between cocktail rounds. The adjacent Beach and Campsite are a stone`s throw away from the Barstool and both are an equally desirable spot to watch the sun vanish on the horizon whilst the music tunes up to welcome the nightlife.

Limanakia – Porto Karas