The town of Ormos Panagias boasts the largest and one of the best rated beaches on the middle promontory of Sithonia. Cruises also depart from the local marina along the coastal monastic state of Athos.
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Ormos Panagias itself is more of a small village with a pretty little square where you'll find a few tavernas and a couple of small shops selling beach gear and food.
Beaches and swimming
The main beach, over 1km long, starts about 100m from the centre of the village and continues northwards. It is very spacious and clean, and has been awarded the European Blue Flag for quality.
The beach is covered with fine white sand, the entrance to the water is extremely gradual and comfortable.
The water in the bay tends to be calm and clear, and at the northern end, around a small rocky headland, it is also suitable for snorkelling. Thanks to the rural surroundings with fields and villas, Ormos Panagias beach has a pleasantly peaceful atmosphere, and you will always find plenty of places here, as the Sithonia peninsula is generally less visited than Kassandra closer to Thessaloniki.
There are sunbed and umbrella rentals, several bars and a small children's inflatable waterpark.
Cruises
Ormos Panagias is one of the main departure ports for cruises around the coastal peninsula of Athos with the Monastic Republic. Although you can't get to the mainland, you can see several spectacular monasteries from half a kilometre away.
Cruises from Ormos Panagias last 4-5 hours and cost around 30 eur. They are organised by companies such as Athos Sea Cruises or Ormos Travel Agency.
Accommodation Ormos Panagias
A wider range of accommodation awaits the individual traveller, although it is advisable to book a hotel at least 4-5 months before your trip for the widest choice. Prices here are lower than in the larger resorts and start as low as 44 eur per night for 2 in September or June, and around 55 eur in the holidays.
See for example the superbly rated apartments Sofia & Lakis House or Hotel Alexandros ** 50 metres from the beach.
How to get to Ormos Panagias?
The resort is located 95 km from Thessaloniki Airport and can be reached in an hour and a quarter by car. Most of the local accommodation offers free parking.
Ormos Panagias is also served by regular KTEL-Chalkidikis buses, search for the destination on the web under the name "Ormos Panagias":
- Thessaloniki - 3 times a day, journey time approx. 130 minutes and ticket price 12,30 eur
- Vourvourou - 4x daily, journey time 10 minutes and ticket prices 2 eur
- Nikiti - 3 times a day, journey time 15 minutes and ticket prices 2 eur
- Nea Moudania - 1x daily, journey time 70 minutes and ticket prices 5,80 eur
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