Northern Greece - Greece - page 485

If driving, explore less-visited beaches further south, or visit the (thoroughly untouris-
ted) Sykia . Other Sithonians call this village 'Little Texas' for its independent streak.
Getting There & Away
Driving is the best way to do Halkidiki, saving considerable transit time and letting you
explore the best beaches. Otherwise, there's no better way to feel like a miserable tourist
than to go by bus.
First you'll need to take a Thessaloniki city bus (45A or 45B, running from the main
bus station to the train station, Plateia Aristotelous and Kamara), to the east-side
Halkidiki Bus Station ( 2310 316 555; www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr ; Ethniki Odos, Thessaloniki) ,
filled with chatting locals and confused, perspiring tourists. Counting the time lost wait-
ing and in heavy traffic, it can take an incomprehensible three to six hours to actually ar-
rive at Halkidiki from Thessaloniki.
Buses serve Vourvourou (€12.20, 1¾ hours, four daily), Akti Zografou (€15.50, 3
hours, four daily), Camping Armenistis (€17, 3¼ hours, four daily), and Sarti (€18.30,
3½ hours, four daily). However, some east-coast buses reach Camping Armenistis and
then turn back, neglecting Sarti. Nevertheless, Sarti buses cross the southwestern tip
when returning to Thessaloniki. The discounted return ticket is valid for 15 days.
Crossing to Sithonia from Kassandra by bus requires changing at Nea Moudania, at
Kassandra's northern foot. Halkidiki's buses do not go east to Kavala (or anywhere else);
it's back to Thessaloniki for everyone.
Athos Peninsula (Secular Athos) Χερσόνησος του Αθω
The Athos peninsula has family-friendly beaches on its northernmost part; south of Our-
anoupoli is the Mt Athos monastic community. Land entry is prohibited between the two.
At the northeastern, secular edge, Ierissos once had ferries to the monasteries but is cur-
rently infamous for its proposed Canadian gold-mining project, which the cash-strapped
Greek government approved in 2012 despite local protests. At time of research, protests
from locals (and the monks) on environmental grounds continued to delay the gold-dig-
gers.
Just off Athos' northwestern coast, Ammouliani is a small island with fine beaches,
pensions, camping, tavernas and 600 year-round inhabitants. Five daily ferries travel here
from Trypiti and Ouranoupoli. Excursion boats from Sithonia also visit. The kiosk above
the dock has local maps, with contact details and locations of everything on Ammouliani;