Guide to the best 5 beaches of Sithonia in Halkidiki
Halkidiki is the peninsula that extends at the east of Thessaloniki city and boasts some of the best beaches in Greece. In fact, with 94 blue flags (for 2020) Halkidiki places itself as the first top Greek destination for the variety and quality of beaches in Greece.
The region of Halkidiki is comprised of three peninsulas that the Greeks like to call “feet”. The first foot’s name is Kassandra, the second Sithonia and the third is Mount Athos. In this article, I would like to introduce some beaches at the second foot, called Sithonia, that are worth a visit.
Fortunately, there are many beaches of the same quality at Sithonia that you can choose from. I will refer to those five that I personally prefer having visited them many times, since I live in the area.
Type of beaches at Sithonia
If you are a crystal clear water beach type and a little bit isolated, you will not be disappointed if you choose Sithonia. It is here that the best beaches of the region of Halkidiki are found, but at the same time you can find serviced beaches too, with well-organized beach bars, if it is pampering you are looking for.
Let us begin our explorative tour beginning from the west coast of Sithonia to make a round trip counter clock-wise to mark the best beaches.
KALOGRIA beach
Kalogria beach is situated near Neos Marmaras village. The colors of the water and the shape of the bay make it enchanting. During sunny days, the sea color turns into an amazing turquoise shade, thanks also to the golden sand.
You have the option either to set camp at the free part of the beach, or at the MOA beach bar on the side of the bay. I suggest that you be there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the scenery and the colors or at sunset, because the sun sets in front of your eyes. You can relax at the bar with a cocktail and enjoy this amazing view.
PORTO CARRAS beach
If the second foot is famous for the few organized beaches compared to the first foot and its pristine quality waters, Porto Carras is the exception that confirms the rule. This touristic complex is made up from various luxury hotels, private villas, vineyards and has hosted important meetings between head of States of the EU. Moreover, it is equipped with luxury services like sports camps, a golf course, a helipad and one of the biggest private marinas in Northern Greece.
There are different types of accommodation available and many tour operators sell packages for a weeks’ minimum stay. I on the other hand, suggest that you visit anyway even for just a day. It is worth it.
In order to enter the complex there is a small booth where you pay a fee (10 Euro for adults and per car, at least that is my information while I am writing this article) and you can move freely around the non-residents areas.
Stop by the Koxi beach bar. The beach is nice, the waters clear and the service is very accommodating. It is the ideal place to combine a relaxing day at the beach and a walk at the adjacent gardens or at the marina to catch a glimpse of the moored big yachts.
KAVOUROTRYPES beach
The photographs that you may have seen in most advertisements for Halkidiki are from Kavourotrypes beach. The Greeks call it also “the pools” because the sea here is quite still, since the particular white rocks scattered throughout the bay create smaller bays. This way it gives the impression that you are in small, natural pools.
Undoubtedly, you have to pay a visit to the most exotic beach of Halkidiki. The beach offers a beach bar on its one side called “Portokali”, which offers basic service. The sunbeds are few and it is always hard to find a place to sit, especially during high season. On the other side of the bay, you can find a nudist’s beach.
In order to get there, you have to park your car a bit far, either on the street or at the beginning of the pine forest that you have to cross anyway on foot to get to the beach. It is a short and easy walk, not to worry about it.
My advice is to go early in the morning, while the beach is still relatively quiet to enjoy a dip or a walk in the pine forest and then, when the sun is high you can leave satisfied having seen it all. Especially, if you don’t have a beach umbrella with you. Even in that case, you could seek refuge under the pines. If you intend to spend the day there though, it is highly advisable to bring your own refreshments and food.
MANASSOU beach
It is not the beach with the most shallow waters, therefore I would not suggest taking the kids there easily, but Manassou has its own merits, such as its position and organization. In order to get there, you have to drive a non paved road full of turns, but it is not difficult. Seen from above, the beach is quite picturesque. It sits on a bay immersed in green and while you walk towards you can take very nice panoramic photos.
Once you are down the road that takes you to the beach, there is a spacious parking lot and the homonymous beach bar that gave the beach its name, called Manassou. The beach bar is well organized: it offers every possible comfort such as sunbeds, a bar and a restaurant. Moreover, concerts are held there during certain weekends in the summer and parties that last till dawn.
To my opinion, it is the ideal beach to visit in the afternoon after you have visited in the morning beaches that are more virgin, wild and not organized.
KARYDI beach
Karydi beach is a lot like Kavourotrypes. It has the advantage of being less famous and smaller, but that doesn’t mean it is less crowded during high season. The water colors are incredible and the green that surrounds it makes it even more stunning.
It is a non organized beach: if you are a sun lover or you plan on staying for a while only, I suggest that you be there early in the morning to find a place to sit under the trees, for a bit of shadow. Otherwise, be prepared and bring your own beach umbrella. If you go later than sooner, be sure to find crowds and the only place to put your beach towel will be on the rocks, if you are lucky enough. If you want to take a quick dip, it is one of the ideal beaches.
