Northern Greece - Greece - page 484

Further south down the main road, and 20km before the final east-coast village of
Sarti, the large and very popular Camping Armenistis ( 23750 91487;
www.armenistis.com.gr ; Sarti village; camp sites per person/tent €7.20/8.30; May-Oct; ) en-
joys a fantastic setting between forest and beach. Services here run from market, restaur-
ant and crêperie to cinema, sports grounds and medical centre. Summer sees frequent
concerts and DJ parties. Additionally, a sort of 'tent hostel' sleeps eight (€15 per bed)
and has a BBQ and fridge.
For a little civilisation (and an ATM machine) continue to Sarti , probably Sithonia's
best base. Kids will like its long, sandy beach with playground, the restaurants are good
and there's memorable nightlife. Essentially three streets and a beach, Sarti somehow
still has the vaguely 1972 vibe that once made it an escapist haven. Indeed, 6km north
the Kavourotrypes (Crab Holes) beaches are still nudist-friendly.
For sleeping, scour local domatia or visit Sithon Travel ( 23750 94066; www.sarti.gr ;
Sarti; 9am-9pm) , which owns the majority of local rooms anyway. Expect to pay from
€40 to €60 per room. Iliadis House ( 23750 94290; www.sarti-iliadis.gr ; s/d €40/50;
May-Oct) , near the bus stop and two blocks from the waterfront, has simple, clean rooms
with balconies. Friendly owner Sokratis is keen to inform on local attractions. Alternat-
ively, Sarti Vista Bed & Breakfast Resort ( 23750 94651; www.sartivista.com ; Sarti village;
apt from €80; ) has great sea views from its hillside location behind town. It of-
fers modern self-catering apartments, an outdoor barbecue area, an infinity pool and gar-
dens.
Towards the waterfront's northern edge, Kivotos (Noah's Ark; 23750 94143; waterfront;
mains €5-9; 10am-1am May-Oct) has to be among Halkidiki's best seafood restaurants.
Empathetic owner Daniel (a dead-ringer for Richard Gere) and his staff offer excellent
service at this colourful place with tables on the sand. Try the baked aubergine mezes and
the great grilled fish (choose from the day's catch). The nearby Orange Cafe Beach Bar
(waterfront; 9am-2am) has big couches under gauze curtains and palm fronds, many
drinks on offer and free wi-fi.
One street inland from the waterfront, Peponaki ( 9am-3am) is a fun and laid-back
bar decked out in reggae tones, with ice cream next door. One street further back is Ge-
orge's Pub ( 23750 94157; [e-mail] ; 9pm-3am) , a place that has to be
seen to be believed. Local icon and musician George has been on the Sarti bar scene
since the '70s, as the cobwebs on the vintage vinyl record collection and worn wood fur-
nishings attest. George plays music ranging from rock to reggae and jazz, sometimes ac-
companying it on his trumpet. Finally, some 3km beyond Sarti, the famous Goa Beach
Bar (3km north of Sarti;

24hr) works day and night, with occasional DJ parties.