Neos Marmaras
Neos Marmaras is the
most cosmopolitan resort of the Sithonia peninsula, which uniquely combines the
sea and mountains, fun pastime, romantic walks as well as Greek and
international cuisine.
Walk along the trail,
surrounded by pine forest that runs along the sea shore, gives visitors
breath-taking views of the amphitheatre resort of Neos Marmaras and uninhabited
island Kelifos located opposite of the settlement, which resembles a shape of a
turtle.
It is hard to remain
indifferent to the natural beauty of the place: the sea sparkling under the sun
with numerous sparkling scales; shimmering in the sun magnificent sandy beaches
lapped by the turquoise waters; shiny pebbles from the waters of the sea
visible from under the foamy waves and sky at sunset, painted in a bright
palette of colours of the departing sun...
Traditions brought to
Neos Marmaras by refugees from the island of Marmaras (modern Turkey), give the
resort a special atmosphere, which is most evident during the summer season,
with holding here many local festivals.
In short, staying in
the coastal town of Neos Marmaras gives complete rest as well as a wide range
of entertainment, full relaxation and intense exercise (for all ages and
preferences).
Historical
records
Neos Marmaras was
founded in 1922 by refugees who have arrived here from the island of Marmaras,
which is located in Asia Minor. Until then, the place was owned by Osiou
Gregoriou – the monastery of St. Gregory of Mount Athos. Today, the eastern
part of the settlement has buildings in the former metochion, which were
constructed here in 1905, and Dormition Abbey, dating back to 1865.
In 1960, one of the
largest hotel complexes in Greece – Porto Carras – was erected to the
south-east of Neos Marmaras. This project entailed intensive tourist
development of the region as a whole, transforming a small resort town in the
most important sights of Chalkidiki.
In connection with such
rapid development, the old village of Parthenonas, which is located at the foot
of Mount Itamos was attached to the settlement of Neos Marmaras in 1970,
forming the western part of modern resort.
Attractions
and cultural events
At the entrance to Neos
Marmaras, next to the road, there is an abandoned complex of buildings, which
were once Metochion Tripotamos dating back to the 19th century. The metochion
belonged to the Monastery of Kastamonu, presenting a striking example of
traditional architecture of metochions in Chalkidiki.
A boat “Santala” symbolises
history and traditions of the inhabitants of the town of Neos Marmaras. It
headed a string of fishing boats with refugees on board who arrived here in
1922 from the island of Marmaras in Asia Minor. A copy of this boat can be
found today in the central harbour of Neos Marmaras.
From the standpoint of
the history of the town, great importance is attached to the temple of the Holy
Archangels, which has icons brought here with refugees.
The annual celebration
of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost) is a pleasant surprise for all visitors to the
resort: this day includes representation of an Orthodox wedding, which,
according to tradition, was carried out in the old Marmaras on the territory of
the modern Turkey.
As for Parthenonas, we
are talking about a village kept under protection of the state. It is located
at an altitude of 350 metres above the sea level, which is a perfect choice for
hiking as well as for a friendly chat over a cup of coffee or delicious meal.
It is assumed that the
name of the village Parthenonas is associated with the ancient town of Parfenupoli,
which existed on this site in ancient times. However, the first time this place
was mentioned only in the Byzantine era. Today, the area has the Folklore
Museum, which represents particular interest. Museum exhibition presents the
tradition of the inhabitants of Neos Marmaras, including household utensils,
national costumes, photographs of the early 20th century and also
earlier period.
Great attention is
given to the traditional religious festival, which is held on an annual basis
on 27 July, in the Church of St. Panteleimon in Parthenonas in Neos Marmaras.
To the north of the
village Parthenonas, there is the main ridge of Sithonia – Mount Itamos (811
metres above the sea level), rather known as Dragudelis. Climbing all the way
to the top of the mountain takes about 15 kilometres away. In addition, there
is one of Europe’s largest private vineyards (the second largest) located next
to Neos Marmaras. It supplies various wines produced under the brand name
“Porto Carras” around the world.
For those who want to
enjoy the splendour of the monasteries of Mount Athos, at least at a distance
(from the sea), the place offers daily cruises around the Athos peninsula,
starting from the harbour of Neos Marmaras. This is especially true for women
who are not admitted for entrance to the Holy Mountain.
Food
The old taverns of Neos
Marmaras, decorated in the traditional style, with hanging on the walls
black-and-white photos of past times, offer delicious fresh fish, the taste of
which competes with the unique location of these institutions, that is, at the
water's edge.
It is worth mentioning
that most of the coffee shops and taverns of the town are located close to the
harbour, from where you can see the primary school of the settlement of Neos
Maramaras and Church of the Archangels, which are both located on two hills
situated close to the sea shore.
Entertainment
For those who like having
good time - until the morning, which, in fact, is the characteristic of the
whole of Greece, and especially for resorts in Neos Marmaras where there are
plenty of nightlife centres that can satisfy different tastes and requests:
from clubs with Greek and foreign music to beach bars with incendiary musical
rhythms in the open air and full of stars.
What
to do
Of particular interest
is the climbing to the top of Mount Itamos, which is covered with lush
vegetation. The 15-kilometre route leads to a viewing platform, which offers
spectacular views of the Sithonia peninsula. The same way can be done on
mountain bikes or motorcycles, which can be rented in specialised offices
located in Neos Marmaras.
The hotel complex of Porto
Carras, which is located 2 kilometres from Neos Marmaras, offers almost all
kinds of water sports. Moreover, there are golf courses, tennis courts,
basketball courts, an equestrian club and spacious modern marina, which is, in
fact, a well-equipped miniport for yachts of different sizes.
Water sports are also
available on the beaches of Neos Marmaras. In addition, there are also beach
volleyball courts.
In addition, Neos
Marmaras is ideally suitable for family holidays. Apart from pleasant walks along
the promenade or picturesque coves, the resort features a playground outdoors
as well as game rooms for children.
Range
of services
Neos Marmaras is
equipped with all necessary infrastructures for quality service and convenience
of its residents and, of course, visitors and guests of the town. There are
banks and ATMs (for quick operations) as well as pay-phone boots, a police
station, medical offices, pharmacies, internet cafes and a post office.
There are taxis to move
around, car and motorcycle rental offices, sea boats connecting the hotel with
the Porto Carras resort of Neos Marmaras, and intercity coaches running to
Thessaloniki and the neighbouring resort towns of Sithonia.
In addition, there is a
wide variety of shops, including photographic supplies and fishing shops for
fishing enthusiasts, as well as petrol stations and garages for repair and
maintenance of vehicles.
Shopping stores offer a
wide range of products and goods for daily needs, whilst souvenir shops,
offering handicraft goods, allow you to pick up unusual gifts, which are good
examples of traditional craftsmanship of local artisans.
Beaches
Glorious sandy beaches
of the modern resort of Neos Marmaras surprise visitors by their diversity:
small bays, shallow and deep, cosmopolitan and secluded – for every choice and
taste, but certainly always with crystal clear water.
The main beach of Neos
Marmaras has many fish taverns and a beach bar. It starts from the last bay of
the town and continues up until Porto Carras – the largest hotel complex in Chalkidiki.
Obviously, other
beaches of Neos Marmaras are not worse – each is interesting in its own way.
These are the beaches like Lagomandra, Tripotamos, Keramarya, Paradeisos,
Ladarё, Spalafronisya, Azapiko, Kutsupya, Tristinika, Kohi and Korakas.