East Sithonia
How to Get There
The second leg or peninsula of Halkidiki (or Chalkidiki) is located about 650 kilometers from Athens (628 kilometers to Vourvourou, 665 kilometers to Sykia, and 652 kilometers to Toroni). Take the National Road from Athens to Thessaloniki, then take the peripheral road, following signs for Halkidiki and then toward the second peninsula, that is toward Nikiti and Agios Nikolaos.
You can also reach Thessaloniki by plane with Aegean Air or Ryan Air or by train; for train information and tickets, see TRAINOSE. Or you could take a bus; information is available at KTEL Thessaloniki, or by calling 210-5150025.
From Thessaloniki, the KTEL CHALKIDIKIS bus departs daily for Kalamitsi, Porto Koufo, Sarti, Sykia, and Toroni . Information is available by telephone at 2310-316555 and at KTEL CHALKIDIKIS.
Transportation
Roads
The road network in eastern Sithonia is in pretty good shape, but be careful because the roads have many twists and turns, with one lane in each direction and no divider between the two lanes. The roads between the main settlements are paved, but to get to some beaches you will need to use dirt roads which are sometimes passable and at other times more difficult to use. Parking is also difficult at many beaches in the summer months.
Other Means of Transport
KTEL buses from Halkidiki run daily between the main settlements of eastern Sithonia.
Useful Tips
1 . Halkidiki fills with people every August, so keep in mind that it might be harder to find accommodation during this month, even in a campground. On the other hand, take into account that in June and September the climate in northern Greece does not always leave the sea warm enough for comfortable swimming.
2 . Even though eastern Sithonia has dozens of choices for accommodation, it is good to plan ahead. Reserve a room, or if you want to stay in a campground, choose carefully, then call to request a reservation several days in advance. Many campgrounds in eastern Sithonia take reservations.
3 . Because many of the small beaches in the area are difficult to access, it's worth renting a small boat to visit them. There are rental companies in Vourvourou and Ormos Panagias, as well as elsewhere.
4 . The KTEL buses operate different routes, and many of them make a lot of stops. Find out about the express routes with the schedules that will be most convenient for you.
5 . At many beaches, there is a parking problem, especially in August and on summer weekends, so be prepared. Also, be aware that all campgrounds charge an entry fee for leaving a car on their premises.
Useful Phone Numbers
Agios Nikolaos Police Department: 23750-31111
Fire Department: 23710-22978
Agios Nikolaos Health Center: 23753-50000
Municipality of Sithonia: 23753-50100
KEP (Citizens’ Service Center) of Nikiti: 23750-20244
Hospital of Polygyros: 23710-20100
Taxi in Agios Nikolaos: 23750-31324
Sykia Post Office: 23750-41440
