Neos Marmaras is a port town and popular resort on the western coast of the Sithonia Peninsula (the second of the three “fingers” of the Halkidiki peninsula). It is located 125 km from Thessaloniki and 55 km from the town of Polygiros-on the slopes of hills, surrounded by picturesque pine and deciduous forests. The population of the city is about 3000 people, but during the season the number of people on the coast increases 6-7 times due to the influx of tourists.
Weather and climate
The Mediterranean region is characterized by mild winters and sultry summers, with no storms, storms, or rainy seasons. The average air temperature in October and April is +20, in May – +25, from June to September – from +27 to +33 degrees. The most favorable time for rest is from September to November and from April to July.
The water temperature in January – up to +12, in May – up to +18, in October – up to +20, in August – up to +26 degrees. If you want to enjoy nature, come here in the spring – the summer heat deprives the local vegetation of its usual “exuberance”.
On a note! Another popular resort on the Sithonia peninsula is the village of Nikiti. It is located 20 km north of Neos Marmaras. For more information about the resort, see this article.
Where to sunbathe?
All the beaches of Halkidiki deserve the attention of fans of a quality holiday, but Neos Marmaras offers a unique offer-privacy against the backdrop of the emerald Aegean Sea, golden sand, olive groves and charming coves.
Neos Marmaras beach
One of the beaches is named after the town and offers a view of the uninhabited island of Kelifos, which resembles a turtle in its shape. In summer, the coast is quite crowded, although due to the proper organization it remains comfortable. The beach received the international Blue Flag Award for its clean waters and safe swimming.
Lagomandra
For sports and swimming, Lagomandra beach is ideally suited for snorkeling, boating, spending time on sun loungers, beach bars and cafes. Among the advantages – a wide coastline, coarse sand, a smooth descent into the water, pine trees, in the shade of which you can hide from the sun’s rays, a full set of changing rooms, showers and toilets. Rent two sun beds and an umbrella costs 10 euros, but you can stay on your own towel.
Disadvantages-during the season, it is difficult to find a place to park a car, but it is easy to meet a sea urchin where the rocks descend into the sea.
Please note! One of the most beautiful parts of the coast in Halkidiki is located near the village of Toroni. You can read more about it here.
Kochi
Young people will love the newfangled Kohi Beach, equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, playgrounds and a music bar – discos are held here on weekends. In addition, the cleanest water with a sandy bottom and comfortable depths for children, the opportunity to walk along the coast and have a snack – excellent conditions for a family holiday.
Another of the best and most popular beaches is located in the village of Vourvourou in Sithonia.
Things to do
Neos Marmaras was founded only in 1922, which is negligible for the centuries-old history of Greece, but there are enough interesting places here. For example, the village of Parthenonas, whose inhabitants at the beginning of the last century grew olives and were considered prosperous, but with the appearance and active development of the city, they gradually left their homes for higher earnings. Several decades ago, the houses of the deserted village were restored, and a museum of ethnography was opened in the former school.
Itamos National Park
Special mention should be made of Itamos National Park. The territory of the reserve is decorated with an itamos tree (berry yew), which is 2000 years old. Its peculiarity is toxic fumes. They say that if you fall asleep under itamos, you may not wake up.
Water sports
Wine lovers should visit the Carras Estate (Domaine Porto Carras) to taste fine drinks. For fans of sea adventures, scuba diving training is provided at Poseidon Diving Academy and Ocean Diving Center. Lolos Ski Center provides safe water skiing, motorcycling and banana boat rides.
Yacht tours
CharterAyacht, Yako Sailing, Flying Sailing, Pantelis Daily Cruises and Fishing Greece organize sailing trips with natural beauty, fishing and water sports activities. Yacht tours include exploring protected areas and car-free beaches, rich catches, delicious food tasting, fabulous Greek sunsets, and the chance to meet dolphins.
Do you want to buy something as a keepsake?
Enjoy the colorful Art Bazaar souvenir shop in the center of Neos Marmaras, and the best Antica watch salon in Halkidiki is surrounded by eateries – after seeing the sights and spending a little money, you can immediately mark your purchases.
How to get to Neos Marmaras
Most often, tourists go to this resort in Greece from the airport of Macedonia (Thessaloniki). There are two ways to get to your destination on Sithonia.
Bus
First you need to get to the city. Next to the airport, there is a stop from which the number 79 bus to Thessaloniki runs. You need to get off at a stop called IKEA and transfer to one of the buses that go to the Halkidikis Bus Station (#36, 36B, 36Z).
From Thessaloniki bus station, Ktel Halkidikis buses run to different localities in Halkidiki (Greece). Transport to Neos Marmaras is not frequent-1-3 times a day, depending on the season. Travel time — 2 hours and 20 minutes. The fare is 13 euros. You can check the current schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the carrier — ktel-chalkidikis.gr.
On a note! If you decide to stay in Thessaloniki, read this article with photos about the city.
Taxi
Everything is simple here. At the exit of the terminal there is a counter where you can order a taxi on arrival. The estimated cost of the service is 120-150 euros.
In the Greek town of N. Marmaras, no one will be bored – next to luxury hotels, rental houses and inexpensive hotels, there are fashionable restaurants and modest inns with national and overseas cuisine. Stylish bars and night clubs, casinos and golf courses are also present in the village. When you come to Neos Marmaras, you can explore the culture, customs of the indigenous people, alluring culinary traditions and natural landscapes, or simply splash in the crystal waters and drown in the soft sand.
