Where to stay in Neos Marmaras: The best areas and 14 hotels

Neos Marmaras is one of Sithonia's most popular spots, a large village built amphitheatrically above the sea, with a small harbour full of tavernas and bars. It was built in the 1920s by refugees from Marmara in Propontis, which explains its name, and today it serves as a base for those who want to explore the entire peninsula.

Choosing accommodation here is not one-dimensional. You can stay in the village and have everything within walking distance, choose a resort in Kalogria or Porto Carras for a more organised stay with private beach access, or move a little towards Nikiti and Vourvourou for quieter spots with natural beauty.

Below you will find an analysis of the areas around Neos Marmaras, with pros and cons for each, 14 accommodation suggestions, practical tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions before booking your stay.

What to see and do in Neos Marmaras

The port of Neos Marmaras is the natural starting point for any visit. In the evening, it fills with people sitting in tavernas overlooking the boats, while in the morning it's ideal for a coffee before setting off on your excursions around the peninsula. A little further up, the narrow streets of the village with their stone houses recall the area's refugee history.

The most famous beach in the area is Kalogria, a large sandy bay with sun loungers, beach bars and gradually deepening waters, ideal for families. To the south, Porto Carras boasts its own marina, golf course and vineyards, as the area is also known for its wine production, with labels circulated throughout Greece.

For food, look for fish tavernas in the port for fresh fish and seafood, as well as small shops in the village centre offering Chalkidiki flavours such as ‘yaourtlou’ (yogurt kebab) and local cheeses. In summer, an evening stroll by the port easily combines with a drink at one of the bars with a view of Mount Athos, which is clearly visible on the horizon on clear days.

If you fancy excursions, Toroni with its ancient castle and large beach is about 25 minutes south, while Vourvourou and the Diaporos islets are on the opposite side of Sithonia, about 30-35 minutes by car. Many visitors also take a day cruise around the Mount Athos peninsula, departing from Neos Marmaras or Ouranoupoli.

Getting around Sithonia is practically only possible by car, as the distances between villages and beaches are considerable and the roads are picturesque but winding. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, about an hour and a half away by car via Nea Moudania.

The busiest period is July and August, when accommodation prices rise significantly and early booking is recommended. June and September offer good sea temperatures with fewer crowds, while the area now operates outside of summer thanks to hotels that remain open all year round.

The best areas to stay in Neos Marmaras

1. Neos Marmaras Centre, for those who want a harbour, tavernas and a walk on foot

The centre of Neos Marmaras is the most practical base if you don't have a car or want to easily leave your vehicle in the car park and move around on foot. You'll be close to the small harbour, shops and tavernas, with the municipal beach just a few minutes away. In the evening, life is vibrant, which might bother those seeking absolute quiet, but it offers the most authentic picture of the village.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Many food and drink options
• Easy access to boat rentals and excursions

Disadvantages:

• More noise on summer evenings
• Difficult parking in August

Recommended accommodation:

1. Greek House Hotel
Small hotel in the village, with simple rooms and walking access to the port and beach. A good choice for couples who want budget accommodation without a car.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

2. Hotel Papagalos
Family-run hotel in the centre of Neos Marmaras, with basic amenities and friendly service. Suits those who want to be close to the port without great expense.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

3. Hotel Petunia
Small, well-maintained hotel in a central location, with rooms covering the basic needs for a few days' stay in the village.

• Average cost: approximately 58€ per night

4. Astri Hotel
Hotel with sea views, close to the centre, suitable for those who want a quiet night's sleep but quick access to the port with a short walk.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

5. HOTEL BARA
Simple, traditional hotel in Neos Marmaras, with affordable prices and basic service, ideal for short, low-budget holidays.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

2. Kalogria, Organised beach and resort accommodation by the sea

Kalogria is the large sandy beach just outside Neos Marmaras, with several hotels and rented rooms built almost on the sand. It is the most popular choice for families with children, thanks to its shallow waters and organised beach bars. You'll need a car or a short walk to the village centre.

Advantages:

• Large, organised sandy beach
• Quiet environment compared to the centre
• Many accommodations with sea views

Disadvantages:

• Requires travel for evening entertainment
• Can get very crowded in August

Recommended accommodation:

6. Amyntas Seafront Hotel
Adults-only hotel, right on the beach, with direct sea access and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking relaxation.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

7. Star Paradise Hotel
Hotel next to Kalogria beach, with rooms suitable for families and couples, a few minutes from the centre of Neos Marmaras.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

8. Aqua Marine
Accommodation near the beach with simple, functional rooms, suitable for families who want to be close to the sea at a reasonable cost.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

9. Aqua Marine 2
An annex of the neighbouring accommodation, with a similar style of stay and access to the Kalogria area, a good choice for larger groups.

• Average cost: approximately 78€ per night

10. Glaros Blue
Accommodation in the Kalogria area with comfortable rooms, suitable for stays of several days thanks to its proximity to the beach and basic amenities.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

3. Porto Carras, Resort accommodation with marina, golf and vineyards

Porto Carras is a large, organised resort just south of Neos Marmaras, known for its marina, golf course and vineyards that produce renowned wines. It suits those who want an all-in-one stay, with pools, beaches organised by the resort itself and activities without needing to leave. It's more isolated, hence suitable for those who don't mind the distance from nightlife.

Advantages:

• Large resort with full facilities
• Marina and golf course
• Quiet environment, away from the hustle and bustle

Disadvantages:

• Distance from the centre of Neos Marmaras
• Higher prices during the summer months

Recommended accommodation:

11. Porto Carras Meliton
Large resort with private beach access, marina and multiple facilities, suitable for families and those who want organised holidays without moving around.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

12. Meliton Inn Hotel & Suites
Hotel next to the beach in the Porto Carras complex, offering simpler accommodation compared to the area's larger resorts, but with the same access amenities.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

4. Nikiti and Vourvourou, Quieter bases towards the northern side of Sithonia

If you want to combine Neos Marmaras with quieter spots, Nikiti and Vourvourou are relatively close, about 20-35 minutes by car. Nikiti has its own promenade, while Vourvourou is known for its emerald waters and the islets of Diaporos. It's a good choice for those who want to explore all of Sithonia and don't mind daily travel.

Advantages:

• Access to very beautiful, less crowded beaches
• Quieter environment
• Good base for exploring the entire peninsula

Disadvantages:

• A car is needed daily
• Further from Neos Marmaras' nightlife

Recommended accommodation:

13. Vourvourou Hotel
Accommodation in Vourvourou, close to the emerald waters and the islets of Diaporos, ideal for those who want contact with nature and quiet beaches.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

14. Marina
Simple accommodation in Nikiti, close to the village's promenade, suitable for those who want a base between Neos Marmaras and Vourvourou.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

15. Theano Luxury Suites Nikiti
More upgraded suites in Nikiti, with spacious areas, suitable for couples or small families who want something more than a simple room.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

16. Kelyfos Hotel
Hotel in the wider Sithonia area, with functional rooms and easy access to Neos Marmaras and the surrounding beaches.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book early for July and August. Sithonia fills up quickly during peak months, especially hotels with beach access.
• Hire a car. The distances between Sithonia's villages and beaches are too great to cover without transport.
• Try local wine. Porto Carras is known for its vineyards, with labels you'll find in almost every taverna in the area.
• Prefer June or September. You'll have warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the intense summer period.
• Combine with an excursion to Toroni. Toroni's ancient castle and large beach are about 25 minutes away and worth half a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Neos Marmaras from Thessaloniki?

The distance is approximately 120 km and the car journey takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic in Nea Moudania.

Do I need a car in Sithonia?

Yes, it's almost essential. The distances between beaches and villages are considerable, and public transport is limited.

Which area is best for families with children?

Kalogria, thanks to its sandy beach with shallow waters and organised facilities a few minutes from the village centre.

When is the best time to visit?

June and September offer good sea temperatures with fewer crowds, while July and August see the most intense activity.

Are there accommodations open all year round in Neos Marmaras?

Several hotels in the area, especially in the village centre, operate beyond the summer season, but it's always advisable to confirm before booking.

Is it worth staying in Porto Carras instead of the centre?

If you want an organised holiday with pools, a marina and golf without travelling around, yes. If you prefer walking and a lively port, the centre is a better fit.

The conclusion

Neos Marmaras caters to almost every type of traveller. If you want to stroll on foot and experience a lively harbour, stay in the village centre. Families with children will feel more comfortable in Kalogria, while those seeking organised holidays with full facilities will find what they're looking for at Porto Carras. Finally, if you're interested in exploring all of Sithonia, a base towards Nikiti or Vourvourou gives you better access to quieter beaches.

Also see our guides for where to stay in Plakias and accommodation in Malia.