Circular route with panoramic view to Toroneos gulf and impressive rocky terrain.
Total length 7km
Elevation gain 250m
Duration 4h
Offers the opportunity for swimming at Lagomandra beach
Meeting point: Elia Bus Stop, 5P7G+VW Sithonia

Start time for May – October: 09.00 am

1st stop: St. Paul’s chapel 10'
2nd stop: Viewpoint 15'
3rd stop: St Paul’s chapel 10'

This is one of the most scenic hiking routes of Halkidiki. It combines the colors of the sea with the Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest ecosystem. The total duration of the hike is approximately 4 hours, making it perfect for afternoon hours when you can enjoy the unique sunset.

It is a relatively easy hiking route which can be completed by every level of physical condition and age. It includes pastoral settings of olive fields, rocky terrains with phrygana and aromatic herbs as well as forest landscape of pine trees.

The route is well-marked with small metal signs with a trident (the typical marker of the trails in Halkidiki, representing the weapon of Poseidon and the three peninsulas), red marks on the rocks and on the trees as well as with small stone towers.

Leave the main road Nikiti-Neos Marmaras behind and follow a downhill dirt road towards the forest. This rural alley maneuvers between romantic olive groves and fields for 1.5km. Then, you start the ascent, where the dirt road becomes narrower and steeper for the next 400m. At this point, you can enjoy the view of Toroneos Gulf and Kassandra behind you, the first “leg” of Halkidiki.

After this steep but short ascent on the hill you can spot the impressive plane trees that surround the chapel of St. Paul. You cross the small plateau and arrive at the yard of the chapel. Here, the apostle Paul stopped to rest, under the deep shadow of the plane trees, on his way to Rome. Then, fresh water started to gush forth when he hit the ground with his wooden stick. At the churchyard we can rest and enjoy the cool water of the spring.

You walk to the left side of the chapel, passing by the granite slabs until you arrive at the dirt road. Follow the left section of this road, leaving the right part for your way back. A beautiful sandy road leads you to the heart of the forest with impressive pines of Mediterranean species.  

After approximately 500m, you should spot the opening on your right-hand side where the trail begins. You follow this trail which soon becomes narrow and rocky with numerous signs on the trunks of the trees.

After a while, under the dense canopy of the forest, you see a wooden hut which used to be an old pigpen. This is the most beautiful part of the hike, while you’re walking between aromatic plants, such as mastic trees, rockroses, oregano, thyme and wild garlic.

Walk playfully on uneven rocks by following the stone towers showing you the way. After around 1.5km you should find a dirt road. Follow this road towards the right and to the highest level. Very soon, the stunning view of Kelifos island and the myriad blues of the sea assure you’re on the right track. Continue hiking while staring at this diverse landscape until you arrive at the junction you already passed and finally at the churchyard of St. Paul once again. Follow the same way back to the main road.