If the road ever takes you to Sithonia, make sure to visit the town of Neos Marmaras. It is located on three hills along the coast on the west side of the Sithonia peninsula in Halkidiki 125 kilometers from Thessaloniki and 55 kilometers from Polygyros, and we can comfortably say that it is the center of activities in the area.

Neos Marmaras perfectly combines natural beauty, traditional history, and an active nightlife. Its sandy beaches, such as Lagomandra and Paradisos, have crystal-clear waters, and its busy harbor is lined with tavernas and restaurants selling fresh seafood and local cuisine.

Most of the inhabitants originated from the island of Marmara in the Bosphorus near Istanbul (today Turkey) in 1922, after inhabiting their homeland for thousands of years. They were scattered all over the world, but many of them ended up in Thessaloniki, and many here in Neos Marmaras. Upon arrival, they found desolation, but thanks to their persistence, they managed to create a beautiful city, as it is today.

By 1970, new opportunities came. They gave up on the traditional way of earning a living – agriculture and started developing tourism. Within the large resort of Porto Carras, the local population has been given more job opportunities in the tourism industry. Many decided to open their own hotels, apartments, and restaurants, so the tourism industry became the backbone of the local economy.

Nowadays, Neos Marmaras has only about 3,000 permanent residents but in summer months the population increases to up to 20 000 inhabitants and tourists. With so many people in a relatively small place, there is no doubt that Neos Marmaras has something for everyone.

The place combines sea and hills, wild beach fun and romantic walks, international and Greek cuisine and so many other things...

A walk by the sea gives visitors a unique view of both Neos Marmaras and the uninhabited nearby turtle-shaped island of Kelifos.

Population: 3,352 (2011)

Postal code: 63081

In the evening, stroll through the town center and enjoy the nightlife. Neos Marmaras is one of the liveliest places in Halkidiki due to its many restaurants and bars lined up on the main street and along the coastline.

You can try golf on probably the best golf course in Greece or taste wine from one of the largest wineries in Europe – Domaine Porto Carras. Enjoy cycling tours around or simply, of course, relax on the beautiful beaches awarded the Blue Flag.

If you are looking for something completely different you can visit the nearby historic traditional village of Parthenonas. Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the Kassandra peninsula while having dinner in the garden of a tavern or restaurant.

In Neos Marmaras there are banks with ATMs, doctors’, pharmacies, post offices, markets, etc.

When you want to drive around there are taxis, you can rent a car or a motorbike or take a boat that connects Neos Marmaras with the big Porto Carras resort, and a bus to Thessaloniki or other nearby places in Sithonia.

Of course, there are many kinds of shops including those with fishing equipment, souvenir shops, leather goods shops, groceries, etc.

The best time to visit Neos Marmaras is between May and September when the weather is warm and ideal for beach life. During these months, this small town comes to life with tourists enjoying the beaches, cafés and taverns, and vibrant nightlife. July and August are the peak months, perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere on the beaches, while May, June, and September offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for a more relaxed and peaceful experience.