Perched on the south-west coast of the Sithonia peninsula, Toroni is an ancient Greek city and modern beach resort in Chalkidiki. It’s renowned for its ruined fortress walls, early basilica and submerged port remains. Toroni also boasts a sweeping seafront promenade and beach lined with charming alfresco tavernas.
Things to do in Toroni
Wander through the ruins of Toroni’s ancient settlement, which was first mentioned in the 8th century BC as a colony of Chalkidean. See the ruined wall of Likithos (one of Toroni’s two ancient citadels) and some of the more than 100 tombs that date back to the Iron Age. Toroni also encompasses the remains of an early Christian basilica, St. Athanasios, with only its nave mosaic and marble columns still visible today.
Toroni is fronted by a 2.5-kilometre-long stretch of sand where you can laze in the sunshine and cool off in the blue-green waters of the Aegean Sea. Divers and snorkellers can venture below the surface to explore the submerged ruins of Toroni’s ancient port, including the foundations of its agora and several large building stones that were used around 3,000 years ago.
A short drive south of Toroni is Porto Koufo Beach, a narrow strip of sand overlooking the deepest natural harbour in Greece. It was mentioned by the 5th-century BC historian Thucydides, who has been dubbed the “father of scientific history” and was used by German submarines during World War II due to its Aegean Sea access.
Getting around Toroni
Toroni is around two hours’ drive from Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Having your own vehicle is the best way of accessing Toroni while the centre of the village is small enough to explore on foot.