Sithonia is the middle peninsula of Halkidiki, a region near the city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: stunning beaches with turquoise waters and lush forests with mountain views. Sithonia is ideal for nature lovers, families, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxing and authentic Greek experience. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the most important things to know before you visit Sithonia, how to get there, what to do and see, and where to eat and stay.
How to Get to Sithonia
The easiest way to get to Sithonia is by flying to Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, and then renting a car or taking a bus to the peninsula. The distance from Thessaloniki to Sithonia is about 100 km, and it takes about 1-2 hours to drive, depending on the traffic and your final destination. You can also fly to other nearby airports, such as Kavala or Thessaloniki, and then take a train or a bus to Halkidiki. However, having your own car is highly recommended, as public transportation in Sithonia is limited and unreliable. You will need a car to explore the different beaches, villages, and attractions of the peninsula.
When to Visit Sithonia
The best time to visit Sithonia is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and most of the facilities are open. However, August is the peak season, and you can expect crowded places and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and affordable holiday, you can visit Sithonia in May or October, when the weather is still mild and suitable for swimming, but not all the restaurants and shops are open. You can also visit Sithonia in the winter, when the peninsula is covered with snow and offers a different scenery and atmosphere. However, you should be prepared for cold and rainy weather, and very few facilities operating.
What to Do and See in Sithonia
Sithonia is a paradise for beach lovers, as it boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Greece. You can find sandy or pebbly beaches, organized or secluded beaches, calm or wavy beaches, and beaches with different colors and shapes. Some of the most popular and stunning beaches in Sithonia are:
- Kavourotrypes: A series of small coves with white sand and crystal-clear water, surrounded by rocks and pine trees. This beach is also known as Orange Beach, because of the orange umbrellas and sunbeds that are available for rent. You can also find a beach bar and a snack bar on the beach. Kavourotrypes is located on the east coast of Sithonia, near the village of Sarti.
- Kalamitsi: A long and wide beach with golden sand and blue-green water, backed by a green hill. This beach is ideal for families, as it has shallow water, a playground, and a camping site. You can also find several taverns, cafes, and shops on the beach. Kalamitsi is located on the south coast of Sithonia, near the village of Sykia.
- Karidi: A small and picturesque beach with fine sand and turquoise water, surrounded by rocks and pine trees. This beach is perfect for couples and romantic photos, as it has a serene and idyllic atmosphere. You can also find a beach bar and a snack bar on the beach. Karidi is located on the east coast of Sithonia, near the village of Vourvourou.
- Porto Koufo: A large and deep bay with dark sand and calm water, enclosed by high cliffs. This beach is also a fishing port and a historical site, as it was used as a submarine base during World War II. You can also find several fish taverns, cafes, and shops on the beach. Porto Koufo is located on the south coast of Sithonia, near the village of Toroni.
Sithonia is not only about beaches, though. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of the peninsula by visiting some of the following places:
- Diaporos Island: A small and uninhabited island in the bay of Vourvourou, with exotic beaches and turquoise water. You can reach the island by renting a boat or a kayak from Vourvourou, and explore its hidden coves and caves. You can also snorkel, swim, or sunbathe on the island, and enjoy the tranquility and the scenery.
- Mount Athos Cruise: A boat trip along the west coast of Sithonia and the east coast of Athos, the third peninsula of Halkidiki, where the monastic state of Mount Athos is located. You can admire the impressive monasteries and the majestic mountain from a distance, as women and non-Orthodox men are not allowed to enter the area. You can also stop at the island of Ammouliani, where you can visit some of the beaches and the village.
- Parthenonas: A traditional and picturesque village on the slopes of Mount Itamos, overlooking the sea and the bay of Toroni. You can visit the village and see its stone houses, its old church, its folklore museum, and its art gallery. You can also enjoy the panoramic view, the fresh air, and the local cuisine at one of the taverns or cafes in the village.
- Sithonia Honey: A family-run business that produces and sells organic honey and other bee products, such as pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. You can visit the honey farm and learn about the production process, the benefits, and the varieties of honey. You can also taste and buy some of the products, such as thyme honey, pine honey, heather honey, and honey with nuts.
Where to Eat and Stay in Sithonia
Sithonia offers a wide range of accommodation and dining options, from budget-friendly to luxury, from traditional to modern, from seaside to mountainous. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose a place that suits your needs and tastes. Here are some of the best places to eat and stay in Sithonia:
- Boukadoura: A cozy and elegant restaurant on the beach of Nikiti, serving Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and local products. You can enjoy dishes such as grilled octopus, stuffed calamari, mussels saganaki, and fresh fish, as well as salads, appetizers, and desserts. You can also enjoy the view, the service, and the wine list.
- Thalassa: A modern and stylish restaurant on the beach of Kalamitsi, serving fusion and creative cuisine, with influences from Asia, Europe, and Greece. You can enjoy dishes such as sushi, curry, pasta, burgers, and steaks, as well as salads, soups, and desserts. You can also enjoy the ambiance, the music, and the cocktails.
- Five Senses: A traditional and charming restaurant in the village of Parthenonas, serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on meat and grilled dishes. You can enjoy dishes such as lamb chops, pork ribs, chicken souvlaki, and beef stifado, as well as salads, pies, and desserts. You can also enjoy the view, the fireplace, and the rakomelo.
- Danai Beach Resort & Villas: A luxurious and elegant resort on the beach of Nikiti, offering spacious and sophisticated rooms, suites, and villas, with balconies, jacuzzis, and private pools. You can enjoy the facilities, such as the spa, the gym, the pool, and the private beach. You can also enjoy the restaurants, the bars, and the activities, such as yoga, golf, and sailing.
- Ekies All Senses Resort: A chic and eco-friendly resort on the beach of Vourvourou, offering cozy and stylish rooms, suites, and bungalows, with balconies, hammocks, and outdoor bathtubs. You can enjoy the facilities, such as the spa, the pool, and the private beach. You can also enjoy the restaurants, the bars, and the activities, such as kayaking, biking, and hiking.
- Camping Armenistis: A family-friendly and well-organized camping site on the beach of Armenistis, offering tents, caravans, and bungalows, with electricity, water, and Wi-Fi. You can enjoy the facilities, such as the showers, the toilets, the laundry, and the supermarket. You can also enjoy the restaurants, the bars, and the activities, such as volleyball, basketball, and water sports.
