Vourvourou Beach is a truly special place. Yet it’s relatively unheard of when you compare it to other coastal locations in Greece. This might be down to the fact that it’s tucked away on the Greek mainland, rather than on one of the islands that attract hordes of tourists every summer.
Vourvourou is only 90 minutes by car from Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. It’s a lovely place to visit for the day, and even better if you can stay over. Reasons to linger for longer include a great choice of hotels and apartments, some really good seafood restaurants, and other stunning local coastal spots to discover.
If you want to visit this beautiful part of Halkidiki, read on to discover why you should. Spoiler alert – the swimming, snorkeling, and sunsets in this area are spectacular, and that’s just for starters.
From exactly where Vourvourou Beach is to getting there, what to do, where to stay and eat, and the weather, this is the ultimate guide to Vourvourou Beach in Greece.
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Vourvourou Beach Location
Vourvourou Beach is situated in northeastern Greece, to the south of Thessaloniki, the second-biggest city in Greece. It lies within Halkidiki, a popular part of the mainland which includes finger-like peninsulas jutting out into the Aegean Sea.
Vourvourou is on the Sithonia Peninsula. This is positioned between the Kassandra and the Mount Athos peninsulas. Vourvourou faces north, at the center of a curving bay.
The Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki is shaped like the Greek God Poseidon’s trident. The three prongs, from west to east, are the Kassandra Peninsula, the Sithonia Peninsula, and the Mount Athos Peninsula.
Often simply known as Sithonia, the middle peninsula is abundant in beautiful beaches. The landscape also features mountains and fragrant pine forests. There’s close to 100 beaches here, and the bay at Vourvourou is one of the most breathtaking of all.
Getting to Vourvourou
By public transport
Traveling between Thessaloniki Airport and Vourvourou by public transport involves going by bus. There isn’t a direct service. In summer, you can take a taxi ride of around five to 10 minutes to the KTEL bus station, then catch a bus from there to Agios Nikolaos.
This bus trip takes around two hours and 10 minutes, and services operate around four times per day. You can then take a local taxi to reach the beach, with a journey time of around 20 minutes.
By car
The closest airport to Vourvourou and the Sithonia Peninsula is Thessaloniki. Formerly called Mikra Airport and officially known as Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, it’s around eight miles (or 13 kilometers) southeast of the city. Vourvourou is about 65 miles (or 105 kilometers) south of Thessaloniki Airport.
The approximate driving time between Thessaloniki Airport and Vourvourou is one hour and 35 minutes, depending on traffic. A/D Thessalonikis Neon Moudanion is the road you’ll follow. This remains close to the coastline and the Thermaic Gulf throughout the route. Check out car rentals options here.
Check out Driving in Greece.
Parking in Vourvourou
If you do plan to drive, look out for hotels offering free parking, such as the Ekies All Senses Resort, Vourvourou Hotel, Vergos Hotel, 4Elies apartments, Kamares House Apartments & Studios, Anna Karra Studios & Apartments, Five Senses Luxury Villas, Thalassokipos, and Itamos House. You can find out more about these accommodation options below.
By taxi or private transfer
If you don’t want to drive but would like to travel by car, you could take a taxi or arrange a private transfer between the airport and Vourvourou. The trip typically takes around an hour-and-a-half.
By hotel shuttle
Choose your hotel carefully and you may be able to book the property’s airport shuttle service to take you to Vourvourou from the airport. Hotels offering this service include the Ekies All Senses Resort, Vergos Hotel, Pefka Studios & Apartments, 4Elies apartments, Kamares House Apartments & Studios, Anna Karra Studios & Apartments, and Five Senses Luxury Villas.
Discover more about each of these recommended places to stay below.
10 Best Vourvourou Accommodations
Much of the accommodation in the Vourvourou area consists of small, family-run hotels and luxury apartment complexes. Many of these are beachfront properties, spread over several miles of coastline. Whatever your budget, you can find a range of options to suit, from mid-range hotels and apartments to ultra-luxurious hotels and villas.
Ekies All Senses Resort – 4*
Best for a private beach
Enjoy access to a private beach at Vourvourou bay by staying at the Ekies All Senses Resort. It’s a luxury four star oceanfront property with a freeform pool, a beach bar, and a seaview restaurant. Private dining on the beach is available, and guests can also make the most of the on-site spa facilities.
Room types range from superior doubles to junior and larger suites, including some with private terraces or pools. All accommodation is air-conditioned, with fresh, modern decor and cable TV. An airport shuttle service is operated by this hotel, and it also offers free parking.
Vourvourou Hotel – 2*
Best for a beachfront terrace
For affordable seaview accommodation, Vourvourou Hotel is a well-regarded option. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood rooms with natural light, while air conditioning keeps you cool. There’s also lovely gardens, including an oceanfront terrace with sun loungers and parasols.
Though there’s no pool, you do benefit from direct beach access. You’ll also find barbecue facilities for cooking al fresco. Many rooms offer ocean views, while others overlook the mountains. There are double, triple, and family rooms available, all with flat-screen TVs and fridges to keep your drinks and snacks chilled.
Vergos Hotel – 2*
Best for Greek dining
Hotel Vergos is another popular, pocket-friendly choice among visitors to the Vourvourou area. With a two-star rating, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ playground, and a traditional Greek restaurant.
You can pick between rooms, studios, and apartments; some offer side or panoramic sea views. All have fridges and air-conditioning to beat the summer heat. As well as the restaurant, there’s a snack bar, and regular Greek nights are held on the premises.
Five Senses Luxury Villas
Best for style and space
Five Senses Luxury Villas offer high-end accommodation for those seeking the ultimate in both comfort and style. With two or three bedrooms in each villa, plus sofa beds, they’re ideal for families, small groups, and anyone seeking more space than you’d get with a hotel or apartment.
Facilities for outdoor living include a barbecue and picnic area and a kids’ playground, while the well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher makes it easy to self-cater when you want to. With an outdoor pool, fabulous views, and a deluxe yet rustic finish, this is a special place to stay in Vourvourou.
Thalassokipos
Best for hillside views
Built into the side of a hill overlooking the bay, Thalassokipos bridges the gap between luxury villas and vacation apartments. If you have an eye for design this is the one for you, as it features an colorful interior commended by the European Property Awards.
Thalassokipos offers a selection of studios and suites for up to four guests, and all rooms have garden access or a private terrace. There’s a small, private beach area within 100 meters, with other local beaches within easy reach, too.
Pefka Studios & Apartments
Best for dining in or out
Pefka Studios & Apartments are only meters from the sands of Vourvourou. There are studios and one bedroom apartments here. Though the decor isn’t the most modern, accommodation is comfortable, clean, and well-equipped, including an oven, stovetop, coffee machine and more for self-catering.
Expect a warm welcome and a great location when staying here, plus plenty of restaurants and the beach within a few minutes’ walk. The outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying the sunshine, and you can also cook outdoors at the barbecue area.
4Elies Apartments
Best for lovely gardens
These apartments at Vourvourou are situated right by the seafront. They offer a range of amenities for kids and adults, including play equipment, yoga classes, and barbecues for guest use.
4Elies Apartments offers a range of units, all with sea or garden views. Decor is simple and bright, with lots of warm wood for a cozy feel. Kitchen equipment means you can also cook up a storm indoors, and there’s plenty of space in the grounds for picnicking, too.
Kamares House Apartments & Studios
Best for a warm welcome
Kamares House Apartments & Studios also provides beachfront lodging in Vourvourou, just moments on foot from the sand. The units are comfortable and fully-equipped, and guests can enjoy access to a private beach area.
Accommodation options range from simple studios offering just over 200 square feet of compact living space to superior two-bedroom apartments with around 600 square feet and lofts with two bedrooms and about 800 square feet.
Anna Karra Studios & Apartments
Best for personal service
Live among the olive trees by booking a stay at Anna Karra Studios & Apartments. There are trees dotted around the spacious grounds, with the beach just beyond the lush green lawns. Anna is a very kind and helpful host, who goes out of her way to make your stay a memorable one.
There’s a selection of one and two bedroom apartments, sleeping up to four in each and offering ocean vistas. Facilities at the complex include a private beach area, a coffee shop and bar, a children’s playground, table tennis, and free use of bikes.
Itamos House Vourvourou
Best for a balcony or terrace
At only 300 meters from the local beach, Itamos House Vourvourou is a great choice for anyone seeking spacious, self-contained accommodation. Shared areas include a guest lounge and pleasant gardens with a terrace and barbecue.
Stay at Itamos House and you can pick between double and triple rooms with kitchenettes, and a range of studios and larger apartments with up to two bedrooms. All also come with a private terrace or balcony.
Amenities and Activities at Vourvourou Beach
Vourvourou Beach is located at a gently curving bay. It offers a broad sweep of golden sand, lapped by clean, shallow water. This stretch of coastline is dotted with sea caves and small, rocky, islands. Or venture inland, and you can also discover evergreen pine forests and the mountains of Sithonia.
There are good facilities at Vourvourou Beach, and visitors have the chance to try a range of water sports. You can rent equipment, and touring by boat is a must when spending time here. The islands in the bay are accessible by boat, and the biggest – Diaporos – is the most popular one to head out to.
Due to the shallow, clear water and golden sand, this beach is perfect for people of all ages. Just beware of the boats: as renting a boat is so popular here, there can be many in the water, especially if you swim further out.
A five minute walk will take you to a range of local eateries in the village. So you don’t need to go far when you want a choice of places to get food or a cool drink.
Some parts of Vourvourou Beach are private and access is restricted to hotel guests only. Head to the northern end if you want to visit without staying over at one of the beachfront properties. You can also find boat rentals in this area. Many sun loungers belong to the hotels, but some can be rented for the day from local vendors.
Vourvourou Beach is most popular for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips. The proximity to the village and local cafes and restaurants also adds to its appeal.
Weather in Vourvourou
Like the rest of Europe and North America, the climate of Vourvourou means summer is in June, July, and August. Winter is between December and February. The spring months are March, April, and May, with fall between September and November.
July is the hottest month, with average temperatures of around 84℉ (29℃). August is next, with averages of 81℉ (27℃), followed by June when it’s around 73℉ (23℃) on average. Remember these are averages, and highs can be about five degrees hotter.
Fall is generally a little warmer than spring, with averages of about 70℉ (21℃) in September, 61℉ (16℃) in October, and 52℉ (11℃) in November. In spring, you can expect averages of around 48℉ (9℃) in March, 55℉ (13℃) in April, and 64℉ (18℃) in May.
Winter in Vourvourou brings colder temperatures of around 43℉ to 45℉ (6 to 7℃) on average. This is the wettest season, too, with around nine days of rain per month. Seven or eight days of rain are average for the year, though in July and August you can expect wet weather only around twice per month.
Best time to visit Vourvourou
The best time of year to visit Vourvourou is early fall, or late spring. This means you can avoid the crowds and beat the high summer temperatures.
September is the warmest month outside of summer, closely followed by May. Apart from July and August, September is also the driest month, with just four days of rain on average. Even June has around six days of rain. Following summer, the water is also pleasantly warm for swimming in September.
Summer is of course a lovely time to visit. But due to the European summer holidays, it’s popular, and therefore not as peaceful as the shoulder seasons.
7 Best Cafes and Restaurants in Vourvourou
Vourvourou’s cafes and restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from traditional Greek or Mediterranean to other European and favorites, such as Italian. Adults and kids alike should therefore find something to suit their tastes. Some local establishments are known for their seafood, given Vourvourou’s coastal location.
Do note that some restaurants may have seasonal operating hours. It’s always advisable to check current opening times, especially if you’re visiting during early spring, late fall, or winter.
Anchor FoodBar
Best for burgers
Open all day between 8am and midnight, Anchor FoodBar is popular for wine and cocktails as well as dining. You can get a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or snack here, including gluten-free and vegan options.
Expect a great choice on the menu, generous portion sizes, and smiling staff. The burgers come highly recommended, and you can also get good coffee here. Prices are reasonable and the location very convenient.
Melia
Best for seafood
One of the most popular restaurants in Vourvourou, Melia offers both Greek and international cuisine. Dishes range from a modern take on moussaka or a flavorsome goat risotto to freshly-prepared calamari or shrimp.
The restaurant is located by the beach, and offers friendly service. There’s a kids’ menu, and diners lavish praise on the Greek and Italian cuisine and seafood dishes alike.
Garlic Restaurant
Best for meat-eaters
Also consistently named as one of the top places to eat in Vourvourou, Garlic is one for committed carnivores. Though vegan and vegetarian alternatives are offered, this Vourvourou restaurant specializes in grills and barbecued meats.
A welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff make dining here a nice experience. The food is delicious, too, and prices are fair. Burgers and Greek gyros top the list of the best dishes to try here, though there are plenty of other options too.
Gorgona
Best for Greek food
Also known as Poulman or the Pullman restaurant, Gorgona in Vourvourou is considered one of the best tavernas in the area. Though prices are average, the food is of a very high standard, and there are good options for children, vegans, and coeliacs.
The menu includes seafood and Greek and Mediterranean fare, and the location is superb. If dining during the evening, try to time your visit so you can see the spectacular sunset.
Bokeh Restaurant
Best for beachfront dining
Not only is Bokeh ranked among the top restaurants in Vourvourou, it’s also right there on the beach, with an outdoor dining deck, chairs and beanbags on the sand. If you want to dine, kick back, and relax with a cocktail, this is the place to do just that.
Again, this spot offers unparalleled sunset views, and the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back. The menu features seafood, plus Greek and Mediterranean specialties.
Gousto
Best for pool access
This relaxed restaurant and pool bar is located at Hotel Vergos, and offers diners the added bonus of pool access. It’s very family friendly with a playground close by, in addition to the outdoor swimming pool.
The menu includes Italian-style pizza, plus a range of Greek and European dishes. Befitting the location, there’s also a good selection of fish and seafood. Visit Tripadvisor for reviews.
Pizza Top
Best for pizza
Pizza Top is ideal for those craving Italian cuisine while spending time in Vourvourou. The brick-built, wood-fired oven is perfect for those with a penchant for pizza. A real feature is the outdoor space here, which includes a covered al fresco dining area, grassy lawns, and plat areas.
For Italian food and entertaining the kids, you cannot beat Pizza Top when dining out in Vourvourou.
Other Local Attractions
Other local beaches and swimming spots are well worth making time for when visiting Vourvourou. These include Karidi beach,
Karidi beach
Karidi is a beautiful and relatively unspoiled beach with shallow, azure waters and limited amenities. There is a beach bar serving drinks and snacks, but it’s best to bring a towel to lie on, plus a source of shade, as there are no sun loungers or umbrellas to rent.
Karidi beach is very popular with swimmers. It’s also incredibly photogenic, and ideal for increasing your engagement on Insta or making friends back home green with envy!
Livari Lagoon
To some, Livari is Sithonia’s most spectacular stretch of coastline. It comprises a narrow sandbar made from fine, light golden sand. This runs between the bay and the sea, creating a beautiful lagoon that’s perfect for swimming in.
There aren’t really any facilities here, so do bring along what you need for the day. Beware of slippery rocks, too. Like Karidi beach, this is a very photogenic place, so don’t forget a fully-charged smartphone or camera.
Diaporos Island
Diaporos is the largest of the nine islands in the bay, close to Vourvourou. It’s situated directly across the water from Vourvourou beach and village. The best way to reach it is by renting a boat at the beach.
Many sandy coves can be found around the edge. Diaporos Island is a snorkeler’s paradise, too, with a number of reefs and warm, clear water. For rich marine life and secluded coves, don’t miss Diaporos when visiting Vourvourou.
Why Visit Vourvourou Beach?
Vourvourou Beach is a beautiful and a must-visit destination, and well worth visiting Halkidiki for. Due to the abundance of quality accommodation and affordable dining options by the sea and in the village, it also makes a great base for exploring the Sithonia Peninsula and beyond.
The proximity of other local attractions like Diaporos Island, Livari Lagoon, and Karidi Beach also add to Vourvourou’s appeal. It’s also just an hour-and-a-half by car from Thessaloniki Airport, and many hotels can provide a transfer service if you don’t want to drive.
If you’re seeking someplace new to discover next summer, why not add Vourvourou beach to your travel bucket list?
