ithonia, is Kassandra's untamed sister. Certainly a place that has managed to retain it's wild beauty and spirit, that proves to be so irresistible to lovers of the great outdoors. Climb its highest peak, Mt Dragoudelis (811m), and enjoy a magnificent view from the top over the whole of Sithonia peninsula, with the conical Mt Athos visible to the east and Kassandra to the west.
		Tiny beach coves abound, their waters a mix of deep blues and emerald green. In the south, at Kartalia, bearded vultures make their nests on sheer seaside cliffs. Tourist resorts are developing rapidly, offering an attractive alternative to Kassandra. A more developed side to Sithonia can be found in areas like the tropical-like Toroni, the picturesque natural harbour of Porto Koufo, the sandy beach of Sykia, the lengthy joyful beach of Sarti and the cosmopolitan Neos Marmaras.

ne of the most visited places in northern Greece, Toroni is famed not only for its almost tropical beaches, but also for its position in Greek history. The present-day settlement bears the name of ancient Torone, which was colonized from Chalcis in the 8th century BC and flourished in the Classical period. Excavations that have been carried out on the area brought to light sections of the fortifications of the ancient Torone, including a round tower and the walls of the acropolis. Mt Itamos, thick with pine and plane trees, looks proudly over the virgin coastline. It is one of the few areas in Greece where diving is permitted.

hucydides , the ancient Greek historian, mentions the place as the "kophos limen" which means the silent harbour. And indeed Porto Koufo, with its rocky shores containing large caves, is one of the safest natural harbours in Greece. Greenery surrounds this seafront village - part of the Toroni municipality - whose residents and visitors revel in the sight of crystal-clear waters lapping onto a long sandy beach. Fishing boats loll about at the harbour as their owners shake out their nets, smiling and laughing no matter what the day's catch.

After Porto Koufo we find the 19th century traditional settlement of Sykia, or 'Logos' as was named by some Athonite documents of the Byzantine period, one of the largest villages in Sithonia. Today village has to show to the visitor its parish church, dedicated to St. Athanasius, with its carved wooden shrines.
The beach of Sykia, some 3 km away from the village, and the nearby long sandy beach of Kalamitsi with their crystal clear water are ideal for swimming and relaxing under the sun. To the west of the village, on the "Koukos" hill, there are remains of a fortress and evidence of a prehistoric settlement. On this site, in September 1987, began a systematic excavation of an early Iron age cemetery (10th to 8th BC centuries) .
So far many tombs have been investigated and the grave offerings, which have survived are of exceptional interest.

arti, also in Toroni, is another favourite destination where it is said that from the local beach one can count the monasteries on Mt Athos in the distance. Fireworks light up the beach on August 15 during the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrations, when the moon is at its fullest. Apart from the numerous stores, taverns and cafes, water sports are offered along the lengthy beach.

ituated on the east coast of Sithonia, Neos Marmaras is a cosmopolitan resort area. Beaches nestle at the bottom of Mount Meliton, which is dotted with citrus, almond and pine trees along with the grapes that go into making the globally known Carras wines.
		Sample them at the local wine-tasting centre, which is a part of the famous Porto Carras tourist resort. Porto Carras complex has three hotels and it also includes a marina with pleasure craft, an open-air theatre, a casino and a golf-course. Porto Carras also includes a model farm and poultry farm to supply its needs, an oil press and a winery, which produces its tasteful range of wines.
Since 1970 the great increase of the tourist traffic, turned Neos Marmaras into the tourist centre of the area.

Photos and text taken from "Chalkidiki & Mount Athos -   today and yesterday" (Toubis Editions)

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