The Best Beaches in Vourvourou and Sithonia, Halkidiki

Shallow turquoise water along the Vourvourou beach, Sithonia

Sithonia is the greenest and wildest of the three Halkidiki peninsulas, and its coastline is lined with some of the clearest water in Greece. Vourvourou, on the eastern side of the peninsula, is the perfect base for exploring it: within a few minutes you have shallow lagoon beaches, and within an hour you can reach the famous coves of southern Sithonia. Here are the best beaches near Vourvourou and across Sithonia, with practical tips for each.

Beaches in Vourvourou

Karydi Beach

Karydi is the signature beach of Vourvourou: smooth white rocks, fine pale sand and very shallow, turquoise water that stays calm on most summer days. It is small and popular, so in July and August arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There are no large beach bars — bring water, shade and a picnic.

Fava Beach

A long, relaxed sandy beach along the Vourvourou bay, with gentle shallow water that is ideal for children. From the shore you look straight out to the Diaporos islands — one of the most beautiful views in Halkidiki.

Livari and the main Vourvourou beach

The protected inner bay of Vourvourou is lined with small sandy stretches between the pines. Because the Diaporos islands shelter the bay, the sea here is usually flat — perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking and early-morning swims.

Emerald sea between Vourvourou and the Diaporos islands

The best beaches in Sithonia (day trips)

  • Lagomandra — a pine-backed sandy bay near Nikiti on the west coast, about 25 minutes by car. Excellent for sunset swims.
  • Elia Beach — a long organised beach south of Nikiti with soft sand and clear water.
  • Kavourotrypes (Orange Beach) — a string of tiny coves with orange-tinted granite rocks and crystal-clear water in southern Sithonia, around 40 minutes from Vourvourou.
  • Platanitsi and Sarti — wide sandy beaches on the east coast with views across to Mount Athos.
  • Kalamitsi — a sheltered horseshoe bay at the southern tip of Sithonia, with turquoise water and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Armenistis — a long sandy beach between Sarti and Vourvourou, popular with families.

Tips for beach days in Sithonia

  • Start early in July and August — the smaller coves fill up by late morning.
  • Bring water shoes for the rocky coves of southern Sithonia.
  • The west coast (Lagomandra, Elia) is best in the afternoon and at sunset; the east coast (Vourvourou, Sarti) is best in the morning.
  • A small rented boat is the easiest way to reach the empty beaches of the Diaporos islands — see our Blue Lagoon boat trip guide.

Your beach base: Villa Natalia

Villa Natalia-Private beach, sunset

Villa Natalia sits directly on the Vourvourou coastline with private beach access, two heated swimming pools and a 10,000 sqm garden facing the Diaporos islands. With eight bedrooms for up to 16 guests, it is an ideal base for families and groups who want the best beaches of Sithonia on their doorstep. Read more about this luxury villa in Halkidiki.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best beach in Vourvourou?

Karydi Beach is the most famous beach in Vourvourou, known for its white rocks and shallow turquoise water. Fava Beach and the sheltered inner bay are calmer and better for small children.

Are the beaches in Vourvourou good for children?

Yes. The Vourvourou bay is protected by the Diaporos islands, so the water is usually calm and shallow — one of the most family-friendly areas in Halkidiki.

How far is Orange Beach (Kavourotrypes) from Vourvourou?

Kavourotrypes is in southern Sithonia, around 40 minutes by car from Vourvourou.

More Halkidiki guides