Halkidiki: Kassandra, Sithonia and the Athos coast
Three fingers of pine forest and clear water, from the cliff village of Afytos round Sithonia to the tower of Ouranoupoli.
- Distance
- 214 km (133 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 58 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- June 8, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 214 km (133 mi) with 7 stops, from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli Tower. About 2 h 58 min of driving in total.
Route description
An expressway leads south-east from Thessaloniki to Nea Moudania and the Kassandra peninsula. Afytos, perched on a cliff above the sea, has stone houses and a view over the Toroneos Gulf; Kassandra is the busiest of the three fingers, so continue to the quieter east.
Sithonia has a ring road of about 120 km through pine forest and along sandy coves. Neos Marmaras is the main resort on the west coast, with boats to the small islands; further south the road passes the ruins of Toroni and reaches the sheltered bay of Porto Koufo.
Rounding the tip past Sarti, the east coast faces Mount Athos across the gulf. Near Vourvourou, the smooth rocks of Karydi beach frame shallow turquoise water. Free camping is not allowed, but there are many campsites right on the beach.
The last leg crosses to the Athos peninsula and Ouranoupoli, with its Byzantine tower. Boat cruises follow the Athos coast past the monasteries; only men with a permit can go ashore. Avoid mid-August weekends, when Thessaloniki empties onto the peninsula.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Thessaloniki
Greece - 292 km
Afytos
Greece - 337 km
Neos Marmaras
Greece - 424 km
Porto Koufo
NatureSithonia, GreeceThe largest natural harbour in Greece, an almost enclosed bay between steep hills at the tip of Sithonia. Good for a swim and a fish lunch.
- 534 km
Karydi Beach
NatureVourvourou, GreeceA small beach of white sand between smooth rocks and pines, with shallow water ideal for children. Arrive early in high summer, as parking is limited.
- 628 km
Ouranoupoli
Greece - 70 km
Ouranoupoli Tower
HistoryOuranoupoli, GreeceA Byzantine tower on the harbour of the last village before Mount Athos. Boat cruises from here sail along the monasteries, which women may only see from the sea.
