For those who love resorts with a lively atmosphere, all ways in Halkidiki lead to Neos Marmaras.
Neos Marmaras is an amazing combination of unharmed nature and paradise beaches with a typical set of resort activities. Here, exactly in the middle of the peninsula of Sithonia, no one will be bored: it doesn’t matter you are lovers of romantic evenings, or supporters of active recreation.
History of Neos Marmaras
Historians argue that the settlement on the site of Neos Marmaras existed in antiquity and continued to develop until the Byzantine era. For the Byzantines this bay was of great importance: they fortified the city with walls and erected towers to observe the approach of uninvited guests from the sea. Then the territory was the possession of one of Athos monasteries for a long time.
Modern Neos Marmaras was built as an amphitheater on a hill. It takes 56 km from Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki. It appeared on the map of the peninsula as a small village in 1922. Then Greece took a big wave of settlers from Asia Minor. Future Neos Marmaras was chosen from the Turkish island of Marmara by the Greeks for the new life. They gave the village a name in honor of this island, adding the word "Neos" – which means “a new one”.
Life in Neos Marmaras was not different from the everyday routine life of a typical fishing village for a long time. But everything changed in 1960s, when the luxurious hotel complex of Porto Carras was built nearby. The tourists also reached Neos Marmaras - they were fascinated by the laid-back atmosphere of the town. Today, it is the leader in attendance among the resorts of Sithonia. Here you can find everything from trendy restaurants to traditional taverns with home cuisine, from famous sights to quiet bays.
Where to go in Neos Marmaras:
In the city and the surrounding area there are a lot of fantastic sights. Many tourists visit neighboring village Parthenonas. Previously, the reason of its flourishing was olive oil production. But developed Neos Marmaras "absorbed" Parthenonas - almost all inhabitants moved to a neighboring city. Today Parthenonas is an interesting village with ancient architecture and a plenty of abandoned houses. As the village is located on a hill, you can enjoy a picturesque view of Toroneos Bay and Kelyfos Island. A museum and St. Stefan Church are opened in Parthenonas.
There are excursions to Kelyfos Island from Neos Marmaras. The island is tiny, but it will be interesting for those who like beautiful views and ancient history. There are ruins of the fortress and deserted bays. Also, you can visit the courtyard of Osiou Gregoriou monastery and go for a walk along the scenic trails in Neos Marmaras.
Neos Marmaras beaches:
On the one hand, the coast is narrow and sometimes rocky in Neos Marmaras. On the other hand, you can find hotels and taverns and the sea which is always clear in Neos Marmaras. The best beach near the resort (2 km) is Paradisos. It takes you two minutes to find yourself on the coast of exotic beauty. The beach is covered with sand and is never crowded. Also, there are a lot of trees as a pleasant background. Paradisos is the holder of the Blue Flag. Taverns and bars work nearby. In the outskirts of Neos Marmaras there are many decent beaches, including Lagomandra.
Entertainments: How to spend your time in Neos Marmaras
Neos Marmaras - one of the most developed resorts in Sithonia with appropriate infrastructure. Even more: in Sithonia, which has a reputation of a serene destination, this is the noisiest resort. There is a diving club which organizes trips to the most interesting diving sites and it is the place where you can rent all equipments you need. Instructors work with beginners, too. Fans of active entertainments can ride a catamaran or a canoe, go on a boat trip on a yacht or spend an evening at any clubs of Neos Marmaras. Also, there are stylish bars and taverns in the city center and in the harbor.
All shopping lovers will not be bored in Neos Marmaras . Throughout the city there are shops with ceramics, cosmetics, souvenirs, dishes from olive trees. Also, you can buy a tablecloth and handmade lace as a souvenir. Those who have been planning to buy a fur coat for a long time can visit one of the fur salons, where there are products from Kastoria.
There are numerous car rental offices for independent travelers in Neos Marmaras. However, you can use the bus service between Neos Marmaras, Thessaloniki and other cities of the Halkidiki peninsula.
From Thessaloniki: by bus number 45 to the bus stop K.T.E.L. Halkidikis, then take a regular bus - next one to Neos Marmaras.
From the airport of Thessaloniki: by bus number 79 to the bus stop IKEA, where take a route number 36 to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis station. There you can find buses to Neos Marmaras.
