Total length of full circular route 12.5 km
Elevation gain 460m
Duration 6.5h (breaks not included)
Good level of physical condition is required
Equipment Hiking/trail running shoes mandatory.
Meeting point: Main Road Nikiti - Neos Marmaras, 3RQ3+33M Sithonia

Start time for May – October: 09.00 am

1st stop: along the stream for 15'
2nd stop: at the bench on the road 15'
3rd stop: Parthenonas village 15'
4th stop: along the descent to N. Marmaras 10'

Less or more breaks will be scheduled by the guide dependent on the physical condition of the group and the weather conditions which may affect the completion of the activity.

The old historical village of Parthenonas (bearing the name of the famous temple on the Athenian Acropolis) is one of the most visited destinations of Halkidiki. It's a strategic location with magnificent views to Toroneos Gulf and the endless olive groves. Above all, the old Macedonian style of architecture explains its vast reputation. While it was an abandoned village for more than 60 years, it got a new life after the 90s when lovers of the Mediterranean light and sea breeze bought properties and decided to live there for the rest of their lives. 

This beautiful but strenuous circular route starts from the dirt road you find along the main road Nikitis – Neos Marmaras. You leave the sign “Oreivatiko monopati Mana Nerou” behind and start walking on the dirt road between well maintained olive trees and vineyards. After less than 1km you arrive at the lowest part of a hilly spine and cross a thinly planted olive grove. A trident, the typical marker of the trails in this area, shows your way, representing the weapon of Poseidon and the three peninsulas of Halkidiki.

The signs lead you to a clear and narrow trail section where you need to ascend for a while, maneuvering between large, impressive rocks. Mediterranean bushes and aromatic herbs keep you company till you find another dirt road. Here, you can take a short break and enjoy the smell of oregano, thyme and mastic trees. You rise from your rest on the bench overlooking the bay, onward to Kassandra peninsula and the southernmost point of Sithonia. Follow the signs, taking you to another trail section and soon you return to the dirt road. On your left-hand side, you take the trail again until you find a natural spring called Mana Nerou (water of mother).

As you continue on this uphill part you need to cross the dirt road again. After a while you can finally see the first picturesque houses of the village and feel the refreshing sea breeze. It’s worth wandering around the colorful narrow streets and finding the old, almost haunted, school in the heart of the stone town square. This is a hiking route with great variety in terrain and habitats, a variety which calms the mind and the soul.
For your descent to Neos Marmaras, follow an alternative route which passes by the old stone watermill of Georgios Konistis.

From the highest point of the village, follow the dirt road towards the forest. Along your way you will find a sign for “Kamini, Tourles”. Take this secondary dirt track and hike for around 1.5 km.

At this point, follow the path till you see a series of layers of granite rocks, eroded by the freshwater. As you descend for a while hike on another dirt road until you find again the trail on your left-hand side. This downhill trail takes you to the rear side of the abandoned watermill close to the seasonal stream.

You can leave the trail to get closer to the mill. An information sign gives you some historical information for the construction. One should not miss the opportunity to literally walk on the millrun and explore the back end where one can see the impressive hydropower pool with crystal clear blue water.

Go back to the front of the mill and find the trail which will finally take you to Neos Marmaras.
This indistinct path moves along a rocky and verdant dry stream and will lead you to the dirt road next to the main road.

Walk next to old goat pens and summer houses and after 1.5 km you will find yourself on the main road. In 300m, you can see your starting point once again.