Sithonia, the second ‘leg’ of Halkidiki, captivates with its spectacular coastline, turquoise sea, and vibrant nightlife in the late afternoons and evenings. Young Greeks from Thessaloniki, seeking an escape from the city hustle, often find their paradise on this magical peninsula.
Why Sithonia?
It’s not hard to guess why young Greeks choose Sithonia, which is just about a 1.30-hour easy drive from Thessaloniki, as their favorite getaway to briefly escape city life and crowds. Sithonia boasts around 100 sandy beaches, and its green pean forests and nature are unique and well-preserved. Therefore, Sithonia inspires young Greeks as a destination for a perfect seaside adventure, on perfect beaches, with friends.
For a moment, just imagine open car windows, packed with your best friends, good music, and vibes, as you leisurely hop along the most beautiful beaches of this part of Greece. If you enjoy imagining this, then you’re in the same mindset as many young Greeks from Thessaloniki and the surrounding region, who often use their weekends to enjoy Sithonia. But where exactly do they head when they want to spend an unforgettable weekend in Sithonia?
Top Destinations for Weekend Getaways:
While Sithonia is one big (almost endless) adventure in itself, here’s a list of some favorite destinations that these young Greeks choose for a weekend beach getaway with friends:
- Armenistis: This popular camping offers a wide range of activities, from water sports to live music, concerts, performances, events, etc. Young people gather here to enjoy the fun until the early hours, indulging in one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The atmosphere gradually heats up as the day progresses, and often in the evenings, the camp itself organizes events, but there are also spontaneous parties. All of this is done with a dose of moderation, as befits such a campsite of great world renown.
- Manassu: Do you love Glamping? If the answer is YES, then Manassu Beach Bar & Camping is the place for you. Manassu Beach Bar is famous for its great daytime atmosphere, and those who like to be seen go to this beach. 🙂 Imagine light jazzy sounds of live saxophone while you enjoy your sunbed, with a perfect cocktail. That’s Manassu.
- Aretes Beach: A hidden beach with crystal-clear waters, Aretes Beach provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Everything here has a touch of Greek local chill (xalara). A great beach bar right on the beach, a restaurant, and the nearby Iza Camping guarantee plenty of young people, eager for socializing and good times on the sandy Aretes Beach.
- Toroni: This traditional fishing village attracts visitors with its authentic atmosphere and beautiful beach. Young people often come here to relax and experience the local culture and cuisine.
- Tristinika Beach: Known for its impressive rocks, where the most famous Ethnik Beach Bar is located, and turquoise sea, Tristinika Beach offers a perfect environment for adventurers and nature lovers. Ethnik will never disappoint you with great evening parties featuring the most beautiful sunset in Halkidiki!
- Orange Beach: Famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Orange Beach is the perfect place for sunbathing and relaxing with friends. The rounded rocky formations here have played with nature, and by diving into the finest sand of this beach, they have created the most beautiful natural art pieces. The nature of this beach itself is perhaps the greatest attraction of Sithonia, and its landmark, naturally attracts more tourists every year, so it is recommended that you go to this beach early in the morning or late afternoon during the peak of the summer season, as it can get crowded.
- Platanitsi Beach: Located amidst lush vegetation, Platanitsi Camping offers a peaceful oasis away from the crowds. Young people often come here to relax on sun loungers or explore hidden coves along the coast. Renovated and ready for new youth guests, its beauty promises that it might be one of the most visited destinations this summer! Anyway, here you can enjoy a large beach without much crowd.
- Kalogria Beach: Known for its picturesque sunsets and relaxed atmosphere, Kalogria Beach is a magnet for young people looking for romantic moments or simply wanting to enjoy nature. It is also one of the famous beaches for scuba diving lovers, so it is becoming more and more visited in recent years. In July and August, during the day, there can be crowds on this beach, so choose either off-season or early morning hours.
We could continue this list for a long time, but we’ll stop here because we think it’s enough to tickle your imagination to plan your weekend getaway to Sithonia! Explore the rest on your own and leave us in the comments, what are your suggestions for a weekend escape from Thessaloniki to Sithonia this summer?
