Swimming at Sithonia’s Best Beaches

Because it is located near the main road, it’s easily accessible from various points. The sandy beach features smaller inlets, and on its left side where the lagoon is, is more secluded, pebbled, and rocky. It is known as a “deaf” harbour, since anyone inside loses the acoustic contact with the tumultuous open sea, which provides an ideal anchorage for any kind of vessel. Fishing and spearfishing enthusiasts will be in their element here.

Tristinika

A magnificent beach with crystalline waters, Tristinika is situated on Sithonia’s southwestern tip, almost 19 kilometres south of Neos Marmaras. It extends over one kilometre, is fairly wide, has coarse white sand, and waters that deepen abruptly. Its vast expanse ensures relaxation, or the opportunity to camp for those seeking less organised surroundings. A smaller section of the beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers.

Despite having a fervent following, Tristinika hasn’t been heavily exploited for tourism yet, and the surrounding area’s dining, recreation, and accommodation facilities are not as abundant as at other beaches. Access to the beach is relatively simple, but signage is not particularly helpful, and tarmac gives way to a dirt road until you reach the sea. A point of reference for the beach is the ETHNIK beach bar, located on its right side, offering an incredible view, eclectic music, and an invitingly relaxed atmosphere.

Vourvourou

Vourvourou sprawls between the two picturesque villages of Ormos Panagias and Sarti. Its popularity stems from its extensive sandy shoreline and azure, shallow waters. It’s a haven for families with children, offering a wealth of sandy expanses and an array of water sports facilities including surfing boards, water bikes, and more. Furthermore, boat trips to Diaporos, the largest of the nine islands opposite Vourvourou Bay, are a must. Close to Vourvourou, there’s a fishing village where you can have fresh seafood at the local tavernas.

Karydi

Situated in northeastern Sithonia, within the seaside settlement of Vourvourou, Karydi Beach is an unorganised beach, greatly loved and photographed for its turquoise waters and fine white sand, earning the devotion of countless visitors. It is set against a backdrop of a golden sandy beach, an encircling pine forest that looks like it’s about to plunge into the sea, and diverse, captivating rock formations that lend the beach a unique charm, reminiscent of the Caribbean.

The surrounding pine trees offer generous shade to beach-goers while the white rocks are perfect for pictures, snorkelling, and idle contemplation. The cheerful sounds of children playing, a nearby canteen for refreshing respite, ample shaded parking and an overall relaxing ambiance contribute to making this small cove enchanting. Access to the beach’s shallow, warm waters is an easy affair via a paved road.

Trani Ammouda

Among the largest beaches in Sithonia is Trani Ammouda, also known as Livrochio, with its extensive sandy stretch. Situated on the northeastern side of the peninsula, it is adjacent to the bay of Panagias and is only about four kilometres from the traditional village of Agios Nikolaos.

Its thick sand, crystal clear and slightly colder waters make it a family-friendly beach and a popular swimming spot. Along the vast coastline are beach bars and sunbathing facilities, although you can also set up your own umbrella right by the water’s edge. However, the organised portion of the beach surpasses the unorganised section.

On its northern edge, on the small cape that borders it are the remnants of a small Byzantine fortified complex belonging to the metochi (dependency) of Agios Nikolaos of Chrysokamarou, which offers a special historical dimension to the beach.

Ai Iannis

Ai Iannis (St. John) is a popular beach situated on the western flank of the Sithonia peninsula. Just a five-kilometre journey south from Nikiti, this expansive coastal strip is known for its sandy shores and calm waters, making it a welcoming retreat for families and children. It’s well organised, with a beach bar, sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as watersports. The spacious beach’s superb positioning draws the attention of numerous tourists; being easily accessible and with ample parking – albeit tested by the flux of incoming traffic – it satisfies most demands. Immediately neighbouring to its north-west, lies Kastri beach, equally beautiful, albeit smaller and lesser known. To its left unfolds an imposing, luxurious newly built five-star tourist resort. As you continue travelling southwards, Ai Iannis offers an elevated vantage point and roadside panoramic views.

Kavourotrypes

Captivating, exotic, renowned and utterly unique, Kavourotrypes (meaning crab holes) is in eastern Sithonia opposite the mountainous mass of Mount Athos on the mainland. Essentially, this is a complex of small inlets, an array of consecutive, private, mini beaches. Boasting pearly white sands surrounded by distinctive white rock formations – some smooth and welcoming – these well-sheltered pockets, protected by a thick pine forest, have incredible azure-green waters. Isolated, virtually deserted and largely wind-sheltered and warm, they convey a sense of primordial, ancient beauty. For many, they are considered to make up the finest beach in all of Halkidiki.

Twenty-two kilometres from Vourvourou and seven from Sarti, the beach is reachable via a turning from the main road (although the signage is not very good) through a dirt track. Subsequently, due to the peculiarities of the terrain, we arrive on foot at a revealing landscape, with tree roots seemingly cascading, as if thirsting for the sea. The only organised beach among Kavourotrypes features a renowned beach bar, and a kiosk shaded by pines sells basic provisions.

Toroni

At the southwestern extremity of the coastline lies the expansive and renowned Toroni beach, stretching more than 2 kilometres in length. Whether covered in fine sand or pebbles, in parts organised with umbrellas and sun loungers, or free, it’s stunningly beautiful, curvaceous and welcoming. Access is straightforward and easy, the setting spectacular, and despite its crystal-clear waters deepening relatively quickly, it is sheltered and friendly. The coastal road that runs parallel and immediately behind it is lined with a considerable number of cafes, seasonal goods shops, souvenir stands, taverns, accommodations and bars – as though the entire settlement adapted to its shape. A signature of Toroni beach, at its left end on the Lekythos peninsula, is a Byzantine fortress, once of polygonal appearance, with large parts of its fortifications and remnants of a temple still standing. They act as sentinels over the coastline, testament to the region’s historical significance.

Elia

Located in western Sithonia, almost midway between Nikiti and Neos Marmaras, Elia is extraordinarily long but, notably, a narrow strand with a unique personality. It’s easily accessible, although the roads leading to it are relatively narrow, given its proximity to the main road that traverses the entire peninsula from west to east. Its name, meaning ‘olive’, comes from the numerous olive groves flourishing in the area. In some parts covered in fine sand, in other with pebbles, this is where you can bathe in crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by tall pinetrees and steep, rocky cliffs.

The beach is child-friendly and relatively shallow, partially organised with all the essentials. It also has secluded, shaded corners and behind it, elevated in the broader area, are plenty of accommodations and eateries. Turquoise waters, rich vegetation, variations in the morphology of the slender beach and the landscape, form a triptych that makes Elia a popular and beloved coastline.

Kalamitsi

A cherished and well-known shore, Kalamitsi finds itself on the southernmost point of Sithonia peninsula, about 15 kilometres from the village of Sarti and roughly 10 from Sykia. Its shape forms a curved, sandy bow, flanked by clear, azure waters that deepen swiftly, with the shore’s rugged terrain adorned with dense vegetation at either end. This beach is well-appointed, with sun loungers and umbrellas plentiful for beachgoers. The village spills out onto it, with bars, tavernas and places to stay dotting its edge. Directly before the beach, on its west corner, a distinct islet is accessible via a short swim, offering an easy climb to its summit, a perfect spot for a workout, showcasing oneself, a photographic session, or contemplative gazing. Alongside Kalamitsi, the village’s main and most recognisable beach, on the southwest side, is a smaller picturesque beach that caters to camping enthusiasts, while to the east, a smaller and more secluded beach is ideal for naturists.

Armenistis

On the central portion of the second peninsula of Halkidiki, on the eastern side, Armenistis is a beach especially popular amongst the young. It boasts a great length and breadth and has a golden sandy shore, an iconic, well-equipped camping site, dense pine-filled surroundings, and stunning tropical waters. Beyond this idyllic landscape, the view towards the Athos peninsula and Mount Athos is beautiful.

Most of the beach is well-organised, but also provides free space for visitors. While a large portion of the beach belongs to the camping site, a small footpath to its left ensures access without having to enter through the camp. At its leftmost point, which tends to be quieter, the rocks defining the beach’s borders are a great spot for refreshing dives. Access to Armenistis is straightforward: simply turn at the relevant signpost from the main road, heading towards the sea, and embrace the downhill drive.

Kalogria Coast

Kalogria Beach lies between Agios Ioannis and Elia beaches, on the northwestern flank of Sithonia, roughly seven kilometres south of Nikiti. Easily accessible just off the main road, this beach presents a unique blend of golden sands, crystal-clear calm waters and verdant surroundings where pine trees anticipate a graceful dive into the sea. In the centre of the bay, a distinctive feature of this beach is the miniature rocky islet, nearly 200 metres from the shore. With a strong set of lungs and good swimming, it is easy to explore the seabed or get a view of the beach and its lush surroundings from another perspective. Decently facilitated with sunbeds and umbrellas available, one end of the beach has rocks perfect for sunbathing, exploration, and refreshing dives. Nearby, both Kovio coast (north) and the Spathies (south) also have charming sandy beaches worthy of a visit.

Sykia

Set in a picturesque bay opposite the Holy Mountain, and around 4 kilometres from the charming town of Sykia, renowned for its extensive and interesting historical past, is the eponymous beach. Located on the middle leg of Halkidiki and its southeast side, Sykia is expansive, with a lovely wide sandy shore, not as organised as the others, but with a fascinating view of the imposing Athos. Two windmills dating from the late 19th century are among its attractions, considered significant landmarks of folk architecture.

Easily accessible, being approximately one kilometre from the main road, Sykia provides essential catering and recreational facilities. Very near to Sykia, either to the northeast or southeast as the coastline unfolds, small rocky outcrops or mini peninsulas separate it from other gorgeous beaches nestled in breathtaking coves. These lesser-known places, such as Griava beach, Valti beach, Tourkolimniona beach, Klimataria, and Linarakiare certainly worth a visit.

Neos Marmaras

A stone’s throw to the left of Neos Marmaras and a brief five-minute stroll from the bustling town, you;ll find this expansive beach, predominantly organised and usually buzzy beach. The shoreline, peppered with coarse sand and gravel, communes with the waters of the Toroneos Gulf. As you traverse the heart of Sithonia’s western coast you’ll reach azure-blue waters that deepen gradually, but at a fair clip. Trees sporadically spread along the beach, providing refreshing shade, while a multitude of bars, cafés, quaint tavernas, and various shops accompany your journey just behind and along the route. These are the inherent characteristics of this organised, cosmopolitan, and urban beach.

At the far-left end of the beach stands the imposing Porto Carras Hotel, a well-known establishment renowned for its colossal contribution to Halkidiki’s tourism development. The hotel boasts its own luxurious and comprehensive organisation, right by the sea. Within the gulf, directly opposite the beach, is the Kelyfos or Turtle islet. Uninhabited and encased by a steep coastline, its wild olive trees and pines beckon for scuba and underwater explorations. Both leave a lasting impression on the sands of Neos Marmaras.

Sarti

On the eastern flank of Sithonia, located between Kavourotrypes and Sykia, is Sarti, effortlessly reachable and one of the largest on the peninsula. Inevitably included in the list of popular and well-known beaches, Sarti lies in front of its namesake settlement, a tourist resort and holiday destination. Spanning over two kilometres and offering wide and comfortable spaces, much of Sarti beach is organised and surrounded by a plethora of options for restaurants, tavernas, bars, and accommodations. Transparent waters and golden sands characterise Sarti, which is a haven for water skiing, surfing, and fishing. A gaze out to the sea from the shore invokes awe and admiration as the majesty of Mount Athos captivates the onlooker.

It’s worth noting, precisely because they are so loved and famed, that the beaches of Sithonia, and indeed all of Halkidiki see an enormous influx of visitors during the summer. Parking, ease of access, and ensuring sufficient space on the sand and in the sea all adhere to the unwritten rules of the busy Greek summer. Arm yourself with patience, proceed with caution, fill your spirit with positivity, and, if feasible, visit the beaches during less busy times. Discover the magic of waking up early to catch the sun as it rises or peeks over the splendid Athos while you swim. Choose the late hours on the western coast to experience unrivalled sunsets, rekindle your love for walking, and surrender, whenever you can, to the shady power of the pine. Sithonia awaits you, generous and magical. Immerse yourself in its charm.

Read also:

Sithonia Peninsula: A Mosaic of Blue Flag Beaches

Seafood on a budget in Sithonia

Amouliani: An Island off Halkidiki that Enchanted ‘The Times’