Where is Sithonia better? Open the left menu of the sithonia
Sithonia is one of the branches of the "trident" of the Halkidiki peninsula, named after the son of the god of the seas - the titan Siton. According to the ancient Greek myth, it was in the picturesque groves of Sithonia that the ruler of the underworld, Hades, managed to lure the beautiful Persephone to him.
The peninsula is washed by the waters of the Toroneos and Siengitiko bays, and ends with Cape Drepano. Here, hotels of all classes are at the service of vacationers, including the largest Porto Carras complex with a golf course and the only casino in Halkidiki. And here you can taste the nightlife in the village of Neos Marmaras.
The ancient cities of Sithonia are Galypsos, Toroni, Singos, Sarti and Derra.
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How to get to Sithonia
Getting here is not at all difficult, regular buses run constantly from the nearest airport in Thessaloniki, so having covered a distance of seventy to one hundred kilometers, depending on which resort you have chosen, you will find yourself in a safe harbor where no one is in a hurry or late, and life goes on.
Search for flights to Thessaloniki (nearest airport to Sithonia)
The main resorts of Sithonia
The western shores of Sithonia, from Nikiti to Neos Marmaras, are considered the best on the entire peninsula.
Metamorfosi and Nikiti are villages with beautiful sandy beaches and pine groves. At the same time, Nikiti is distinguished by special chimneys and bright red roofs of old houses.
The bay of Vourvourou with the beach of the same name, which is considered the most exotic on the peninsula, is also worthy of special attention.
Maps of Sithonia
Beaches
The beaches of Sithonia deserve special attention, they are among the cleanest in the world. And due to the presence of a huge number of small bays, there are practically no storms here, the water is always calm and surprisingly clear.
If you go into the sea and remain motionless, then in less than half a minute you will be attacked by a school of tiny fish, which will immediately swim away to a safe distance as soon as you move.
Soft sand or small pebbles are conducive to many hours of sunbathing, and discourage sunbathing on a sun lounger. If only in the first few days you will be absorbed in happy idleness, and then you want to have fun, there will surely be something to your taste - all kinds of slides, water skiing, jet skis, boat trips, yacht or catamaran and much more. The coastal waters of the Aegean Sea and diving enthusiasts will not leave indifferent.
Entertainment and attractions of Sithonia
Among the architectural sights of the peninsula, the most significant and popular are the ancient fortification of Likif and the Christian shrine - the Church of St. Athanasius. In addition, there are the ruins of a city founded in ancient times.
In addition to an infinitely pleasant and comfortable stay, Sithonia can also entertain you with authentic Greek festivities, the traditions of which are still observed in some villages. In addition, along the shores of the Aegean Sea there are numerous tiny villages of hereditary fishermen who will gladly introduce you to their simple life and even treat you to delicious seafood. It is here that you can get to know the character of the Greeks better, feel the manifestation of their cordiality and hospitality.
Nature of Sithonia
The peninsula of Sithonia is distinguished by its unique natural resources, incredibly beautiful landscapes and an indescribable atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Those who are tired of the noisy and fast-paced life of megacities come here and want to take a short break to recuperate, find inner harmony and just get a lot of wonderful experiences.
In a small area of Sithonia, mountain ranges, coniferous forests, olive groves, golden sandy beaches and shores covered with small white pebbles fit in. The air here is thoroughly saturated with the smell of the sea and perennial pines, and the silence is broken only by the slight sound of the surf and the cries of white-winged gulls - nothing will interfere with your solitary, but not devoid of comfort and all the benefits of civilization rest.
Urban motifs would not fit into this idyll, created by nature itself, so there are no cities on the peninsula, only small villages with winding narrow streets, where villas in the traditional Greek style are buried in greenery.
Despite all the peace and comfort of the local landscapes, it was in Sithonia that the first Greek gambling house was opened many years ago, and not a single casino could surpass the scale of which for quite a long time.
Arriving in Sithonia, you will find yourself in the world that dates back to the origins of civilization and contains a huge number of historical and cultural monuments.
Home attraction of Sithonia The Sofronios Basilica is considered to be built at the beginning of the 5th century AD and is one of the oldest architectural monuments. There are also the ruins of a Macedonian church, which was destroyed in the 6th century. The ruins stretched for almost 50 meters, which indicates the dominance of the Christian religion in Greece. During the excavations of the basilica in 1980, inscriptions containing the name Sofronios were discovered, from which the modern name of the monument came about and it is possible that this was the name of the local bishop. A two-hour drive from Sithonia, the ruins of the city of Aristotle, Stagira, were preserved, which were finally excavated only in the 1990s. The remaining ruins of this ancient Greek city are keystones from the time of Aristotle and the remains of mighty walls from the Byzantine era.
The Sithonia peninsula is famous for its natural attractions: its cities and towns deserve special attention. The villages of the peninsula of Sithonia Metamorfosi and Nikiti have beautiful sandy shores, over which the shade of coastal pine groves stretches. Houses in the village of Nikiti are distinguished by special chimneys and bright red roofs. Neos Marmaras is a picturesque and very lively village that combines the traditional beauty and hospitality of the locals. From the hill Tragudeles (811m) tourists will have an amazing view of the entire peninsula of Sithonia and the majestic monasteries of Mount Athos and the enchanting Kassandra. Not far from the Basilica of Sofronios, a modern church was erected, which was built shortly after the destruction of the ancient cathedral.
The picturesque park of Aristotle, where you can see Parabolic reflectors - two bowls installed at a certain distance from each other, due to which there is a distortion of visibility and audibility - is another famous attraction of Sithonia. The park has rotating optical discs and a sundial in the form of a large marble slab that tells the time to the minute. Just 8 km from the city of Thessaloniki, in the town of Tagarades, one of the largest and most modern water complexes WATERLAND is comfortably located. Its total area is 150 thousand square meters. meters, on the territory of the center there are tennis courts, a basketball court, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops.
Sithonia - the middle "finger" of the Halkidiki peninsula, is considered the greenest due to the abundance of coniferous forests, which occupy quite vast territories. The name "Sithonia" comes from the name of the son of Poseidon and, concurrently, the king of Macedonia, Siton. The nearest airport is located about 90 kilometers from this part of the peninsula - in Thessaloniki. The western coast of Sithonia is washed by the Toronic Gulf, the eastern coast by the Singitikos Gulf.
The resorts of Sithonia attract many tourists, especially during the beach season - those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of megacities, recuperate, find harmony and replenish the baggage of pleasant impressions come here.
But you should not think that Sithonia in Halkidiki is suitable only for pensioners and families with children, lovers of outdoor activities will also find something to their liking here - the peninsula has all the conditions for diving, boat trips, sports games. Fans of gambling in Sithonia are waiting for a casino, and real gentlemen - a golf club.
Sithonia - the middle "finger" of the peninsula, is considered the greenest in Halkidiki
Sithonia in Halkidiki successfully combines modern tourist infrastructure and untouched natural landscapes, fishing villages are adjacent to comfortable hotels, and well-maintained beaches are adjacent to picturesque secluded bays.
By the way, there are practically no large hotel complexes in Sithonia; small cozy hotels located on the coast are more common. And recently, in order to preserve natural landscapes, the construction of hotels is generally prohibited.
How to get to Sithonia
Although the nearest airport to Sithonia is located 90 kilometers from the peninsula - in Thessaloniki - it is not difficult to get to it.
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Sithonia in Chalkidiki is by regular bus. From the airport, you need to take the bus number 79A to the bus station KTEL Halkidikis and already there buy tickets to the city you need. The schedule should be studied in advance on the official website of KTEL Halkidikis, and in more detail about this way of traveling Grekoblog.
Although the nearest airport to Sithonia is located 90 kilometers from the peninsula, it is not difficult to get to it
A taxi is a slightly more expensive, but much more convenient and comfortable way to get to Sithonia, especially since in Thessaloniki (by European standards) it is inexpensive. If you wish, you can try to find a car on the spot (relying on the honest eyes of the Greek driver) or order it in advance for the arrival of your flight - via the Internet.
The second option is more preferable if your flight arrives early in the morning or late in the evening, you are burdened with significant luggage, small children or are not very inclined to trust taxi drivers at the airport even with very honest eyes.
Order a taxi to Sithonia Halkidiki online. As a rule, the driver meets his passengers at the exit from the baggage claim area, holding a sign with their names in his hands. All details regarding the trip come to the e-mail immediately after the order.
The main advantages of this method of travel are the price of the trip that is known in advance (it can be calculated even without making an order), the ability to pre-order a car with a large trunk or child seats, and the absence of the need to pay extra in case of a flight delay or cancellation. The company itself monitors the aircraft arrival board and sends the car to the terminal just in time.
The beach season on the peninsula lasts from May to September
The third way to get to Sithonia from the airport is to rent a car. Thus, you can not only comfortably get to the hotel, but also subsequently explore local attractions on your own.
The easiest and most convenient way to rent a car in Greece is with the help of the popular European service - Rentalcars.
The system, which has common roots with the well-known hotel portal Booking.com, is a car rental price comparison service with instant booking capability. Thus, in a matter of seconds, you can find the best offer among local car rentals.
The only “But” is that during the season, car rental prices tend to change very often and significantly. Therefore, if you have found an offer that suits you, it is better not to postpone the reservation indefinitely. In half an hour it can "leave" to a more determined traveler.
Climate and weather
The weather in Sithonia is typical for Greek resorts: summers are dry and rather hot, and winters are warm and humid. The hottest months are July and August, at this time the air temperature often reaches + 35C, but the heat is easily tolerated due to the proximity of the sea.
In summer, the water off the coast of Sithonia warms up to + 24 + 26C and remains warm until mid-autumn. The beach season in Sithonia, due to the Mediterranean climate, lasts here from May to September, and in especially warm years - from mid-April to mid-October.
The beaches of the Sithonia peninsula are considered among the cleanest in the world.
Sithonia Hotels
Although the construction of new hotels remains a big question, the infrastructure of the peninsula is able to satisfy any taste: from the most demanding to the unpretentious. On Sithonia itself and in the vicinity of the peninsula there are more than 200 hotels of the most diverse star rating and pricing policy.
The most successful selection of them with photos of rooms and reviews of real guests.
Excursions
There are few sights in Sithonia, so it will not be difficult to allocate time for their inspection. Undoubtedly, the church of St. Athanasios in Sikia, built in 1814 and then restored several times after fires, deserves attention.
The town of Nikiti is very interesting, standing on the site of the ancient Galypsos, a powerful city that flourished in the 8th-7th centuries BC. This is probably all on Sithonia itself ... But far from everything in Greece. Moreover, to new, worthy of visiting places, from Sithonia is "within a stone's throw".
Excursion to Olympus includes not only climbing the mountain, but also visiting other local attractions
About 40 kilometers from Sithonia is the ancient city of Stagira - the birthplace of Aristotle, a little further - - the second most important city in Greece.
For those who travel without a car, a trip to Thessaloniki is more interesting, because, in addition to sightseeing, it also allows you to taste all the delights of cheap European shopping and entertainment for which the city is so famous.
The sacred mountain is also very popular, on which, according to legend, the Greek gods, led by Zeus, lived.
An excursion to Olympus includes not only climbing the mountain, but also visiting the ancient monastery of St. Dionysius, a traditional Greek lunch in one of the Olympic villages, as well as a trip to the Tembi Gorge, where a healing spring bearing the name of St. Paraskeva beats from the ground.
Meteors make a lasting impression on every traveler
If time permits, be sure to go to - a unique monastery complex, located on high cliffs scattered across the Thessalian valley.
Six monasteries of the former monastic republic are still operating and make an indelible impression on everyone who decides to make this trip. On behalf of Grekoblog, only one thing can be said - Meteora is the most interesting and impressive place in this part of Greece, although the trip here can be somewhat tiring.
You can request details about any of the excursions or sign up for it through the Maribel guide, which we wrote about in articles and. You can also find her contacts there. Maribel is a very nice girl and speaks excellent Russian, so I highly recommend her.
Cave Temple of St. Paraskeva and a healing spring gushing from an underground lake are the main places of pilgrimage in the Tempi Valley
Beaches
The beaches of Sithonia are considered to be among the cleanest in the world, many of which are marked with the European Blue Flag. Most of the beaches of Sithonia are sandy, there are also pebbles, but the pebbles are so small that the difference is almost not felt.
There are also large beaches with water attractions and all the necessary equipment - umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms, and picturesque secluded beaches, located in small bays, which indent almost the entire coast. The coast is protected from strong winds by mountains, so big waves here are no less rare.
Photos by: cycladia.com, Nikolaos, dreamland.rs, cordelia.typepad.com, Nikolaos, robert bower, panoramio.com, bigheaduna.
Sithonia, named after Siton, the son of the ancient Greek god Poseidon, is a unique peninsula. It stretches between the colorful Toronic Gulf and stretches all the way to Cape Drepano. The city, blessed by Poseidon himself, is located in northern Greece. Sithonia Chalkidiki is a picturesque and unique region, represented by expanses with a Mediterranean healing climate that has a positive effect on people, mountain ranges and wonderful forests that fascinate the eye. The highest point of the peninsula is Mount Itamos, located at an altitude of 811 meters above the sea.
When a person gets to Sithonia, he becomes a part of the world, which is created by numerous bays, a warm sea that shimmers in all shades of blue, gray shiny rocks, shady pine branches. Greek Sithonia seems to be hidden behind the evergreen trees, which gives it a unique atmosphere of naturalness, as if it had never been touched by the progress of technology and went to mankind in the form in which the discoverers of ancient Greece found it.
Unlike many popular areas in Greece, Sithonia is a calm, quiet place where the tourist can always relax on secluded, picturesque vacation spots and beaches or immerse themselves in the atmosphere of sleeping under the pine trees in a comfortable hammock. For lovers of quiet places that are not crowded with flashy markets and other crowded places, Sithonia will always open its doors, giving you the opportunity to peacefully breathe in the air of the Aegean Sea, enjoying the silence of the ancient peninsula.
In the western part of the peninsula of Sithonia, the tourist will find delightful bays that seem to be hidden among the evergreen hills, crystal clear water of beaches, which, it seems, no man has set foot on. At the same time, for lovers of noisy parties and shopping in foreign countries, there are always developed tourist centers that will not leave indifferent even a seasoned tourist.
The climate of Sithonia, created for healing by nature itself
The ancient state of Greece is distinguished not only by its interesting history, entertaining mythology and hospitable inhabitants, it is also famous all over the world for its mild, Mediterranean climate. While in the CIS countries the temperature in summer is simply unbearable, and in winter it makes you shiver from the cold, in Sithonia the gentle rays of the sun, pleasant temperature and average humidity, accompanied by light sea breezes, await the tourist. On the influence of climate, especially on the benefits of the Mediterranean, physicians have published a lot of work and recommendations. It is the weather of Sithonia that makes this region not only a place of recreation and entertainment, but also a world-famous health resort, a visit to which will benefit the health of all family members.
Excursion rest on the lands of Sithonia
Excursions will allow you to open the veil that hides the secrets of the Sithonia peninsula. Excursion life is an integral part of the life of both travelers and locals, who again and again strive to be rooted in their past. Recreation and excursions take the traveler into the whirlpool of local color, heroic past and cultural sculptures that this region is full of.
It is impossible to discover the mystery of the land without visiting the centuries-old city of Sarti. Its expanses once fought with the inexorable sea that washed away the walls of civilization. The era of Sarti ended in the distant 16th century, leaving a unique monastery to its descendants. Every traveler will be able to feel the atmosphere of this heritage of religious life by stepping into the temple of Xiropotamos. Here, the past centuries and the bustle of the present are surprisingly intertwined, vacationers can enjoy the spectacle of musical and theatrical performances, which are often performed on the impromptu stage of Xiropotamos.
It is impossible to rest your soul, having visited the lands of Sithonia and not seeing the local heritage of the inhabitants of the peninsula - the majestic city of Toroni, a silent witness of many centuries. His tragic fate begins from the moment of the bloody seizure of these lands by the Macedonians back in 348 BC. So, the glorious Toroni gradually fell into decay, however, even now everyone traveling around Halkidiki can touch the majestic atmosphere of the acropolises in Vigla, the foundations of which tell about the drama of past times.
The sightseeing route of travelers around the island of Sithonia will definitely lead to a galaxy of local beauties and attractions of Halkidiki. The next destination, which can be comprehended for decades, will be the temple of St. Athanasius in the city of Sykia. This stronghold of religious life was erected in the not so distant past - 1814, however, for such a short existence, it twice suffered the horror of fires raging within its walls, but the temple, like a Phoenix, was reborn from the ashes and now serves as an occasion for numerous legends.
Excursions around the lands of the Sithonia and Chalkidiki peninsulas are a kind of cult followed by all the "pilgrims" of these places, the region is rich in sights, ancient monuments and a shift in cultural trends that are reflected in the authentic architecture of these glorious places. To feel the atmosphere of Sithonia, you need to spend more than one month, or even a lifetime, but you can touch the secrets of centuries-old history along the legendary routes. The cost of excursions on the peninsula ranges from $50 to $300, but the impressions received on these lands will accompany you for the rest of your life.
Attractions and legendary monuments of Sithonia
The route will be long, we will start moving forward from the present days, delving into the mystery of the dramatic eras, rooted in antiquity. The town of Neos Marmaras bears the proud title of attraction; its very name reflects new trends and notes of modernity. There is something to admire here: travelers will find themselves in the real epicenter of entertainment life. Its history is new and begins in the 20s of the XX century, however, the colorfulness of authentic taverns, traditional cafes, markets, most accurately convey the atmosphere of everyday life of the inhabitants of the Sithonia peninsula, and comprehension of current traditions is the best starting point for discovering myths and legends antiquities.
Delving into the chronology of local beauties and a reason for pride, guests usually move to the lands of the town of Nikiti. These lands silently guard all the cultural relics of past centuries, as archaeologists discovered a small civilization near Nikitia. Even in the VIII-VII centuries. BC, the mighty city of Galypsos flourished here. However, all the mystery of this once prosperous land is covered with a layer of earth and walls of a completely new life.
It is impossible to pass by the stronghold of religious traditions - the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built in the very heart of Nikitia. The first foundation stone was laid in the 14th century, the locals hold sacred and protect this place. Because in their memory, the destruction of the legendary temple of St. Athanasius, another pearl in the galaxy of sights of Sithonia, echoes with menacing echoes. Nowadays, the temple flourishes in the city of Sikia, since grateful descendants in 1870 not only revived the building from the ashes, but also built a school near its walls.
And to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a truly mythical, acquaintance with the gigantic lands of the city of Sikia will help. Its history goes back to the distant Neolithic, but the locals managed to preserve cultural heritage, the best examples of architecture and countless works of art. This is how Sithonia will appear before every guest, and this fertile land will forever become a part of your personal history.
Golden coasts of the "second finger of Halkidiki"
Having set foot on the lands of the peninsula, each traveler has a magnificent panorama of friendly azure waters and sunny sand dunes. The coastline offers every newcomer the opportunity to drown in the rays of the sun on the sands of their beaches. Countless beaches of Sithonia are covered with sand or ornate pebbles. Since ancient times, the coast has been famous for its miraculous properties that help a person gain health and longevity.
Laurels of championship on the peninsula among the great variety of beaches won Karidi. The aroma of pine needles, azure warm waters and snow-white sand - all this creates a unique environment for a comfortable stay. The beach of Sithonia is equipped with all the necessary amenities to provide travelers with comfort and tranquility.
To find peace and enjoy intercourse with nature, Tristinika Beach is a sheltered bay that offers breathtaking panoramas of evening sunsets. The fine sand and the purity of the sea invite travelers from all over Sithonia. It is impossible to ignore the coast of Elia beach - the epicenter of life for vacationers with a variety of cafes, entertainment centers, those who appreciate privacy will be welcomed by the sand of Tripotamos beach - a secluded coast where you are left alone with nature. Ready to meet travelers and the golden dunes of Fava beach, and the warm sea of Turkolimnionas.
How to get to Sithonia
You can get to the island of Sithonia both by your own car from Sarti, and by bus routes that go from Kassandra. In addition, many tourist organizations offer a boat tour along the shores of Chalkidiki, which ends with the landing of Sithonia. The routes of transport, both water and land, can be found at the information desks of bus stations and tourist companies conducting excursions. Movement around Sithonia itself can be done both by taxi and by scooters, water modes of transport. The hospitable inhabitants of the region, which was blessed by Poseidon himself, will always be happy to give a ride to a tourist anywhere in the natural pearl of Greece.
"The second finger of Halkidiki" is the proud name of Sithonia, which is a real pearl in the galaxy of islands and peninsulas of the region. That is why every traveler seeks to plunge into the whirlpool of beauty, colorful architecture and the abundance of cultural heritage samples at once, passing along the route of the sights of Sithonia and the whole of Halkidiki. Guests of the peninsula are fascinated by the quintessence of antiquity, which contrasts side by side with the fussiness of modernity. Therefore, every traveler of Sithonia considers it his duty to visit the centuries-old heritage of antiquity and the man-made creations of his contemporaries.
Of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, Sithonia is the greenest. It is located in the middle between Kassandra and Athos. The city of Thessaloniki is about 90 km away. Sithonia is considered the most beautiful part of Halkidiki and is ideal for those who like to combine beach holidays and walks in the mountains and forests. Two natural barriers, Athos from the east and Kassandra from the west, do not allow the winds to roam. Therefore, the sea is always clean here. The beaches are exceptionally sandy and surrounded on all sides by pine forests. The coast is quite winding and abounds in cozy bays. The hotel base is diverse, with an abundance of new luxury hotels. There are children's camps in Sithonia, and campsites, and studios with apartments. Sithonia is named after the son of Poseidon named Siphon. This beautiful green peninsula is suitable for families and outdoor activities. A riot of colors accompanies vacationers everywhere: the azure sea, white sand, emerald pines and colorful roses and bougainvillea. The proximity of St. Athos and the hospitality of the locals add comfort and peace. Mount Itamos, the vineyards of Porto Carras, the islets of Vourvourou, the bay of Porto Koufo will evoke pleasant emotions and memories for a long time.
Geography
Sithonia is a small peninsula. It is 50 km long and 24 km wide. Sithonia is more mountainous than Kassandra. The landforms are quite soft, with a winding coastline. Almost the entire peninsula is covered with pine forests. The Itamos ridge with a maximum height of 811 m passes through the whole of Sithonia. Sithonia is washed by two bays of the Aegean Sea: Toroneos on the western side and Singitikos on the eastern side. The coast is calm on both sides, with sandy beaches. The west coast is busier and more populated than the east.
Climate
In Sithonia, as well as in all coastal Greece, the climate is of the Mediterranean type. Summers here are dry and hot, with a maximum daily temperature of +32 +35°C. Winters are humid and cool. Rains fall from November to March. From March to June, everything in Sithonia blooms and fills with fruits. From June to October it is hot and dry here. The water temperature in the sea in summer ranges from +22°C to +27°C.
Population and tourism
Of the 106 thousand people living in Halkidiki, only 12,420 people. registered in Sithonia. The population is mainly employed in tourism, the development potential of which is huge in the region. In addition to tourism, agriculture and beekeeping are developed on the peninsula.
Mythology and history
The ancient land of Halkidiki is thoroughly saturated with myths and legends. Even the shape of the peninsula is explained by the ancient legend about the sea god Poseidon, more precisely about his children Siphon and Pallini. Somehow, the formidable giant Athos tried to steal the beautiful Pallini, but the young Siphon prevented him. Poseidon, trying to help, threw a trident at Athos. The trident stuck into the ground and when Poseidon pulled it towards him, furrows formed. These furrows are called Pallini, Sithonia and Athos. In the 8th c. BC e. trading colonies appeared on Sithonia, founded by the inhabitants of the island of Euboea. The largest of them were Galypsos, Singos, Toroni, Sarti and Sermila. In honor of Singos and Toroni, bays from the east and west of Sithonia were named. In the 5th c. BC e. the cities of the region participate in the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War. In 348 BC. e. these cities lost their independence and became part of the Macedonian kingdom. In 168 BC. e. trade in the region comes under the control of the Romans, which led to a decline. From then until the 9th c. Chalkidiki is a godforsaken province. In 855, the Byzantine emperor Basil I the Macedonian declared the lands of Chalkidiki "every kind of silence and peaceful stay of the monks" until the end of time. This leads to an increase in the number of monks on Athos. The rest of the territory of Halkidiki turns into agricultural land of Athos monasteries. In 1430, the Ottomans captured Thessaloniki, and Chalkidiki along with them. Exorbitant tribute and frequent attacks by pirates led to a decrease in the population in the region. After the liberation in 1912, Halkidiki, including Sithonia, was inhabited by about 15 thousand inhabitants. But in 1922 the Greeks who lived in Asia Minor moved here.
Traditions and customs
The proximity of Athos affected the way of life in Sithonia. People here are open and friendly, they honor traditions and customs, especially Orthodox ones. Religious holidays are celebrated widely, especially Easter. In summer, there is a swim across the Toroneos Gulf from the settlement of Nikiti to Kallithea on Kassandra.
Attractions
There are not many settlements in Sithonia and the adjacent part of Chalkidiki. The most important of them are Nikiti, Neos Marmaras, Metamorfosi, Agios Nikolaos and Sarti. Nikiti is the municipal center of Sithonia. The population is about 3 thousand inhabitants. Here are all the administrative offices of the district, the police department and banks. The village got its name from the church of St. Nikita (16th century). There are many bars and cafes in the coastal part of Nikiti. In the old part of the village there are ancient temples surrounded by centuries-old residential buildings. On the square, in the shade of plane trees, traditional taverns are comfortably located. Neos Marmaras is the tourist center of Sithonia. 3 thousand people live in the village. Neos Marmaras is located on the western coast of Sithonia, at the foot of Itamos, on the shores of two adjacent bays of the Toroneos Gulf. Thessaloniki is 125 km away. This is the only region of Sithonia where winemaking is developed. The village has a large number of shops, taverns, restaurants and bars. Vacationers from the neighboring Porto Carras complex prefer to spend their leisure time here. Agios Nikolaos is located 2 km from the coast of Singitikos Bay. It was in this part of Halkidiki that the ancient Singos was located, after which the bay was named. About 2 thousand people live in the village. In the area of Agios Nikolaos are Vourvourou and Ormos Panagias, from where pleasure boats sail to the shores of St. Mount Athos. The village has a beautiful pedestrian zone with taverns and cafes where locals like to hang out. Metamorfosi is a small settlement (700 people). Thessaloniki is 90 km away. Metamorfosi is located at the very beginning of Sithonia, on a wooded slope, on the shores of the Gulf of Toroneos. Now in the village and its environs there are modern hotels, camping and two children's camps. In addition to tourism, the population is engaged in fishing and beekeeping. Sarti is located on the east coast of Sithonia, off the coast of the Singitikos Gulf. On the contrary, the city of Athos (2033 m) is visible across the sea. In the village
Beaches
Sithonia has both long sandy beaches with all amenities and secluded calm bays surrounded by sheer cliffs and pine trees. Diving can be done on three of them: Kalamitsi, Armenistis and Platanitsy. 14 beaches of Sithonia have been awarded the highest EU Blue Flag award. Nikiti. It is located in the eastern part of the sandy coast, 30 km long. This is probably the only beach in Sithonia, surrounded not by pine trees, but by olive trees. There are many taverns, bars and cafes. There are no large hotels either in the village itself or in the nearest district. Neos Marmaras. The beach, located on the outskirts of the village of the same name, stretches for 2 km to the Porto Carras complex. The well organized sandy beach is equipped with every comfort. On the beach you can use the services of cafes and beach bars, water sports. You can satisfy your hunger in the numerous taverns of the village. Sarti. A very popular beach among Greeks. For many years, lovers of a relaxing family holiday have been coming here. And for lovers of outdoor activities, there is a water sports center. Panoramic views of Mount Athos and pine forests will appeal to nature lovers. The coast here is sandy, the sea is crystal clear. Toroni. An unusual beach for Sithonia, the entrance to the sea here is mostly pebbly. From the south, the beach is protected from the waves by a long cape. In various places on the beach you can find taverns that go directly to the sea. Fortifications and ancient temples remind of the rich history of Toroni. It was in honor of this place that Toroneos Bay was named. Psakudya. Beautiful beach, perfect for relaxing. This is a long sandy beach equipped with sunbeds. Not far from the coast there are hotels, apartments, shops and taverns. Pine trees approach the sea from the west, olive trees from the east. Metamorphosy. In fact, it is a whole complex of beaches and bays with different entrances to the sea. Mostly sandy, but in some places there are pebbles. On this coast there are hotels and children's camps. Gerakini
Entertainment
There is always something to do in Sithonia. In towns and villages, there are an abundance of taverns, restaurants, bars and cafes, which always serve local and international cuisine, local wine and sweets. On the peninsula there are institutions with music programs and youth nightclubs. On the territory of the Porto Karras complex there is a casino, which is considered one of the largest in Greece. There is an 18-hole golf course covering an area of 45 hectares. The most active nightlife is in Neos Marmaras, Nikiti Sarti. There are many bars, discos and nightclubs. Some beaches host beach parties. In the summer, various festivals, holidays and sports competitions are held in Sithonia. Active guests can go diving or horseback riding. At the end of summer there is a tuna fishing competition in Porto Koufo. Many hotels offer tennis or water sports facilities. For nature lovers, routes in the coastal and mountainous parts of Sithonia are suitable. Here you can ride a mountine-byke or arrange a jeep safari.
shopping
The most famous and popular product from Sithonia is local honey. Moreover, not only flower, but also pine honey is found here. In the heart of Sithonia are located the vineyards of Porto Carras, which produce wonderful wines. Labels with the inscription "Porto Carras" can be found in all the best restaurants in Greece. In addition to wine and honey, special attention should be paid to olive oil and olives. Oil from Halkidiki has an unusual aroma and taste. For example, large olives of the Gigantes variety grow mainly in this part of Greece. Guests of the region show great interest in various wooden figurines and handicrafts of local craftswomen.
Transport and movement
Air communication. There is no airport in Halkidiki, but this is not a problem at all. Macedonia Airport Thessaloniki is located 30 km from the northwestern border of the region. Every year, about 400,000 tourists arrive at Thessaloniki Airport, who have a rest in Halkidiki. Maritime communication. There are no large cargo-passenger ports on Sithonia. Pleasure boats sail from the port of Ormos Panagias to the shores of Athos, to the port of Ouranoupolis. From Neos Marmaras you can take a boat to neighboring Kassandra. For more distant destinations, you can use the port of Nea Moudania, from where ships sail to the Northern Sporades (Skiathos and Skopelos). There is a large port in neighboring Thessaloniki, from where you can get to the Dodecanese and Crete. Buses. By public transport from Sithonia you can go to Kassandra, Athos and Thessaloniki. Green buses with the inscription KTEL on a luminous board pass at intervals of 20-30 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the driver. Taxi. In Sithonia, as in all Halkidiki, taxis are painted silver. The vast majority of cars are new Mercedes. There are taxi stops in every village, but it is more convenient and faster to call a taxi. The fare can be negotiated in advance. The fare is approximately 1 € per km.
Cuisine and food
In Sithonia, as in all of Greece, the cuisine is quite simple, but tasty. No wonder Mediterranean cuisine is considered the absolute leader in terms of usefulness. In mountain settlements, preference is given to dishes from meat, legumes, grains and dairy products. Typical dishes for Sithonia are goat meat baked in lemon sauce, chicken boiled with grits, and tsobaniko risogalo (rice boiled in sweet milk). Of course, one cannot ignore the local feta - feta cheese made from lamb and goat milk. Fish and sea products prevail in the coastal zone. Fresh striped mullet, catfish, dorado, tuna and flounder are grilled on coals. And the grouper is definitely used for fish soup. In Sarti, they cook delicious dried octopus. For dessert, you should try Nikiti revani, which is made from cereals, honey and milk. In terms of taste, it competes with Revani from Veria, which is considered the best in Greece. In Halkidiki, and in Sithonia in particular, wonderful wines are made. In taverns, you can safely order both Port Carras and Tsantali wines, as well as ordinary homemade wine. Several varieties of grapes grow on Sithonia. These are the French varieties Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. But there are also local varieties Moshomavro and Malaguzia (not to be confused with Malvasia).
