Toroni is a combination of unspoiled nature, clear sea and a relaxing atmosphere, which has a calm rest.
A cozy resort town of Toroni is in the south of the Sithonia peninsula - it is one of the most remote places in Halkidiki. It cannot be called an advertised and popular direction. That's why nothing breaks the silence in Toroni, but at the same time there is everything necessary for a full rest: interesting sights, a long-stretched beach and developed infrastructure.
History of Toroni
Nowadays it is a modern resort village, but in the past Toroni was an ancient settlement and perhaps, the oldest in Sithonia. Its name was received in honor of the wife of Poseidon, Proteus`s son. Toroni was founded by Chalcis settlers in the 8th century BC. The city developed rapidly: a strategically successful location and a wealth of resources. Soon Toroni turned into one of the most important settlements in Halkidiki. Entering the Athenian Union, the city paid a high tax - another indication of the prosperity of Toroni. Later the settlement was under the rule of the Athenians, then the Macedonians and, finally, the Romans. After the last invasion Toroni fell, but did not stop to exist.
Toroni was inhabited until the XVII century, and after its inhabitants moved to the new Toroni, located 1 km from the ancient. Its powerful walls and buildings were destroyed in 1903, when the Turks dismantled them on stones to cover the central roads of Istanbul and Thessaloniki.
Toroni today: what to see and what to do
Modern Toroni is a village, where no more than 300 inhabitants live permanently. There are taverns and several souvenir shops, and Toroni beach bars are among the best in Sithonia. The resort is suitable for families and those, who want to relax from the hustle and bustle, will definitelly enjoy this place. And also Toroni is famous for its mild climate (heat is easily survived) and the purest air saturated with coniferous aromas.
The interest of tourists in Toroni is chained to the ruins of an ancient fortress. They are located on the south side of the coast, on a rocky peninsula. During the excavations that began in 1975, traces of prehistoric settlements, early Christian and Byzantine temples and fortifications were found - apparently the area was inhabited continuously, starting from the Neolithic period. Numerous remains of ceramic objects were found at the Acropolis of ancient Toroni. Part of the ancient city, its agora and harbor are hidden under water, 35 meters from the coast. For several years, experienced divers found coins and ceramic vessels here. Excavations in Toroni are not completed, as is the reconstruction of the fortress. But the ruins of the city became a symbol of the resort.
Another important finding in Toroni was the ancient burials. The silver and ceramic objects found in them are now stored in Thessaloniki, in the Archaeological Museum. The remains of two observation towers and the basilica of St. Athanasius are also worth seeing in Toroni. It was destroyed, like the church built on this place after. Remained the foundations and mosaic floors are still surprisingly beautiful. It is worth to go to the picturesque village of Porto Kufo, known for its idyllic beaches and good fish taverns. Lovers of nightlife can go to Neos Marmaras, located about 20 minutes from Toroni.
Toroni Beach
The magnificent coastline with a view of the Bay of Toroneos - that's what Toroni is glorified first. The resort's beach stretches for 3.5 km and is washed by crystal clear sea. There is a place for all comers even in the season on the spacious coast. The entrance to the water is safe and gentle, with large yellow sand, the sea is almost always calm - great and supurb conditions for recreation with children. And Toroni was awarded the Blue Flag for the purity and beauty of landscapes.
The beach of Toroni is surrounded by pine and olive groves, and hotels of all categories work nearby. Infrastructure is also the best quality: there are bars, showers, water entertainments. Part of the coast is not equipped - you can sit on it with a towel and enjoy the silence.
Settlement Destenika is settled a few minutes drive from Toroni. Its beach is considered to be one of the best in Sithonia. The quiet and small town of Destenika is famous for its clean, large sand and calm sea. You can rent boats on the coast and dine at the tavern. Also there is an equipped camping in Destenik - one of the best in Greece.
Toroni is a perfect starting point for kayak tours. The way passes by the picturesque bays and rocks of Sithonia. Also sea walks at sunset and fishing are organized from the village.
There is a river with turtles in Toroni. The place is popular with tourists who come to the river to feed its inhabitants.
From Thessaloniki: by bus number 45 to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis, then change to a regular bus service to the resorts of Sithonia.
From the airport of Thessaloniki: by bus number 79 to IKEA, change to route number 36 to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis. From this station there are buses to Toroni. The road from the airport will take about 3 hours.
