Porto Koufo

Porto Koufo beach is inside the bay of the same name at the southern tip of Sithonia — the largest natural harbour in Greece. The bay is almost enclosed, with a narrow entrance between high rocks, and its name, from the Greek for 'deaf', explains why the sound of the open sea can't be heard inside.

The shore is sandy with pebbles in places, and the bottom deepens gradually. Because the bay is sheltered, the water is almost always calm, even on days when there are waves outside — a real asset when the meltemi blows. The beach is free, so bring an umbrella.

The big advantage is that the village's fish tavernas sit by the water, with the boats moored in front of them, so a swim and a meal combine easily. Boats leave the harbour for trips along the southern coast. Toroni, with its long sandy beach and the ancient acropolis on Lekythos, is about three kilometres away, and Marathias and Lemos beaches are even closer.