Total length 5km
Elevation Gain 240m
Duration 2.5h
Moderate level of physical condition is required
Equipment Hiking/trail running shoes mandatory
Meeting point: Sani Club Entrance, 38R6+6W Kassandreia

Start time for May – October: 09.00 am

1st stop: Viewpoint 10’
2nd stop: Koutsoupia beach, 10’
3rd stop: Simantro beach, 10’
4th stop: Kipsa area, 1.5h for swimming

This coastal hiking route from the Sani area to the beach of Kypsa is the longest route of Halkidiki that moves exclusively parallel to the coast on a clear path.
For the entire length of the route, you can contemplate the steep cliffs of the coast and the turquoise shades of the sea, getting its color from the vast pine forest. The trail is well-preserved due to the numerous visitors exploring the area on foot or by bike, looking for remote and wild beaches. You can find two fully organized beach bars along this route.
The trail is well-maintained and follows the natural lines of the coastal forest. This is a hike that can be done also by children. However, there are a few small parts where the trail is near the cliff...so, take care.

You find the trail after crossing the left part of the Sani Club hotel without any problem. There, you should see a sign leading you to the forest. From the beginning, you start hiking up and down the smooth slope. The vivid red colors of the hill are due to the presence of clay and iron, and they draw your attention while you walk next to wild and rocky beaches. You ascend while following the signs, which are blue tridents or small labels with painted leaves. Natural steps take you to the first dirt road section which serves as a fire break to support the access of the firefighters, beekeepers and resin collectors to the dense forest. You spot and follow the trail once again, right on the other side of the road.

You go a little up and down the next hill while you’re still moving parallel to the coast but much higher. The distinct aroma of heather, mastic tree, rock road and thyme meet the strong scent of the Aleppo pine, telling the presence of beekeeping activity in the area.

Soon, you cross another fire break where you need to find the sign on the opposite side. At this point, you hike inside a thinner forest of low height while you move to the left. This trail section leads you to a dirt road where you follow the trail again on the other side of the road.

You start entering a mystic part of the forest which is darker and covered with a dense canopy of riparian forest species. Maneuvers between dry streams and Mediterranean oaks take us to the forest road. You ascend on a steep but short ridge until you find yourself on the scenic beach of Koutsoupia (Judas tree). You walk on the golden sand and follow the next uphill section of the trail.

Another beautiful beach stands in our way, where we follow the same direction. This location is called Simantro and you need to hike once again on the sand to find another steep part.

Very soon, after you cross another ridge, you arrive at the well-known beach of Kypsa. Here you can find a large population of the Balkan Pond turtle (Mauremys rivulata), playing and sunbathing in a small pond next to the crystal-clear water of the sea.