🌟 Nikiti Travel Guide – Explore Halkidiki, Greece

📍 Location & Basic Facts • Nikiti lies about 100 km southeast of Thessaloniki on the Chalkidiki peninsula. • It is the administrative seat of the municipality of Sithonia. • According to the 2021 census, the permanent population is about 2,922. • Despite its small permanent population, in summer the number of people present can swell dramatically — reflecting its popularity as tourist destination. 🏛 History & Old Town • The site near Nikiti once belonged to the ancient city Galipsos. The remains from antiquity lie south of Nikiti, near what is now Kastri beach. • The “old village” of Nikiti dates back to the 14th century — originally built inland to avoid pirate raids. • The old town features stone-built houses, narrow alleys, cobblestone streets and traditional architecture — giving the area a strong historic and “timeless” atmosphere. • On top of the old village hill sits the church of Agios Nikitas, and many of the historic buildings date from the 19th century — including an old school (built in 1870) that today houses the Historical and Folklore Museum of Nikiti. 🌊 Coastal & Modern Nikiti — Beaches, Marina, Tourism • Since the 1950s, Nikiti has expanded southwards toward the sea. By the 1970s, the coastal plain was developed, and over time many buildings, homes, hotels and leisure infrastructure have appeared along the waterfront. • The seaside part offers long sandy beaches, mini-bays, and crystal-clear turquoise waters — perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. • There is a marina at or near the waterfront, accommodating pleasure boats and yachts — adding a luxury/touristic dimension alongside the traditional village. • Tourism is the principal economic sector today. Alongside tourism, agriculture remains — especially olive growing and beekeeping. • Nikiti — and generally Sithonia/Chalkidiki — is known for producing high-quality honey; beekeeping has long traditions here. 🏺 Culture, Heritage & Local Life • The Historical and Folklore Museum of Nikiti, located in the old school building (built 1870), preserves and exhibits local artifacts, giving insight into the traditions, everyday life and heritage of the area. • Walking the old-town alleys, you can see genuine architecture: stone houses, wooden balconies with flowers, courtyards — a striking contrast to the modern seaside stretch. • Local economy (besides tourism) still includes agriculture, with olives and honey as traditional products.