Elia 2/Anthemus
Central Macedonia, Greece — Excellent water quality
The Elia Coast lies 8 km southeast of Nikiti and is easily reached by the coastal road and main highway. The beach stretches over 2 km, with sandy sections that give way to a soil and rock wall. Fine pebbles meet blue-green waters, and vegetation…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Elia 2/Anthemus
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Elia 2/Anthemus?
Elia 2/Anthemus is a 2km stretch of coastline on the Sithonia peninsula in Central Macedonia, Greece, lying 8km southeast of Nikiti. The beach combines sandy sections with fine pebble areas and is backed by a dramatic landscape where the shore meets soil and rock walls. East-facing, it offers excellent bathing water quality and good road access. The site draws visitors seeking a longer, less confined beach experience compared to nearby Sithonia alternatives, with water temperatures reaching 24.7°C in August and remaining swimmable from June through November.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Central Macedonia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Elia 2/Anthemus faces E toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Mar | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Oct | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Nov | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Dec | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
The best time to visit Elia 2/Anthemus is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.2°C in July.
How crowded does Elia 2/Anthemus get?What can you expect in terms of crowds at Elia 2/Anthemus? The 2km length works in your favor. Even during peak summer months (July-August), when air temperatures reach 27-28°C and water hits 24°C, the extended shoreline distributes visitors rather than concentrating them. You won't experience the packed conditions of smaller, enclosed beaches.
Summer season (June-August) naturally brings the most activity. June marks the opening of reliable swimming weather, with water reaching 21.8°C. July and August see peak holiday traffic, both from Greek visitors and international tourists. The road access means day-trippers are common—locals and visitors making brief stops without overnight stays.
September remains busy but noticeably quieter than August. October and November see sharp drops in visitors as water temperatures fall to 15°C and below, though hardy swimmers still venture in. Winter months (December-May) are quiet, with few swimmers despite road accessibility.
The pebble sections attract different users than pure sand areas. Families often prefer the sandier portions, while those comfortable on pebbles spread across the broader length. The soil and rock wall backdrop means some visitors come for photography or resting rather than swimming exclusively. Overall, the beach's length means you can find quieter spots even during busy periods by walking along the shore.
Is Elia 2/Anthemus open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Elia 2/Anthemus
Is Elia 2/Anthemus safe to swim?Elia 2/Anthemus is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Elia 2/Anthemus?Peak water temperature at Elia 2/Anthemus reaches around <span class="inline-stat">24.2°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.1°C.
What is the beach like at Elia 2/Anthemus?Elia 2/Anthemus extends over 2km along the Sithonian coast, making it one of the longer beach options in the region. What defines this beach's character? The combination of sandy stretches transitioning into fine pebble areas, all facing east. The water here holds excellent bathing quality certification, and the blue-green color reflects the clean Aegean conditions.
The beach's structure is distinctive—where sand gives way, you encounter a wall of soil and rock rather than gentle shallows throughout. This geological feature shapes the landscape, creating visual interest and natural barriers. Vegetation grows along the shoreline, contributing to the area's coastal character.
Water temperatures follow a strong seasonal pattern. Winter months (January-February) see temperatures of 5-7°C, making swimming uncomfortable. Spring warming accelerates: March brings 8.4°C, April reaches 11.9°C, and by May you're at 16.8°C. The proper swimming season runs June through November. Peak warmth occurs in July-August with temperatures of 24.2-24.7°C. September maintains 20.4°C, October drops to 15.2°C, and November falls to 11.4°C—still manageable for hardy swimmers.
Access is straightforward. Roads run along the beach itself and connect to the main road, eliminating the need for difficult coastal walks or unmarked paths. This accessibility means the beach serves mixed purposes—day visits, longer stays, and even passing traffic.
Who swims here? The extended length and road access attract families, groups, and individual visitors seeking space without the intensity of smaller, more sheltered beaches. The pebble sections appeal to those who prefer defined beach areas over soft sand exclusively.
Does Elia 2/Anthemus have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Elia 2/Anthemus meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Elia 2/Anthemus sits on the Ionian Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Ionian.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
While You're Here
Beyond Elia 2/Anthemus
Nikiti, located 8km northwest of Elia 2/Anthemus, serves as the nearest significant settlement. The town offers basic services including shops, tavernas, and accommodations. Sithonia itself—the broader peninsula—contains multiple villages, beaches, and coastal routes for exploration.
Nikiti, located 8km northwest of Elia 2/Anthemus, serves as the nearest significant settlement. The town offers basic services including shops, tavernas, and accommodations. Sithonia itself—the broader peninsula—contains multiple villages, beaches, and coastal routes for exploration.
The region's geography offers hiking opportunities across the Halkidiki peninsula. The forested inland areas contrast sharply with the coastal landscape you see at the beach. Local roads connect various villages and smaller beaches, allowing visitors to explore alternative swimming spots within 30-minute drives.
The region's geography offers hiking opportunities across the Halkidiki peninsula. The forested inland areas contrast sharply with the coastal landscape you see at the beach. Local roads connect various villages and smaller beaches, allowing visitors to explore alternative swimming spots within 30-minute drives.
Tavernas and small restaurants operate in Nikiti and surrounding areas, serving Aegean fish and regional Greek cuisine. Supply shops for beach essentials exist in Nikiti, though don't expect large supermarket-style facilities. Accommodation ranges from rooms in local houses to small hotels and apartments—advance booking is essential during June-August.
Tavernas and small restaurants operate in Nikiti and surrounding areas, serving Aegean fish and regional Greek cuisine. Supply shops for beach essentials exist in Nikiti, though don't expect large supermarket-style facilities. Accommodation ranges from rooms in local houses to small hotels and apartments—advance booking is essential during June-August.
Transport
Getting to Elia 2/Anthemus
How do I get to Elia 2/Anthemus by car?Elia 2/Anthemus is approximately 5.07 km from Sithonia Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Elia 2/Anthemus?The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), approximately 250.6 km away. Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" lies 250.6km northwest of Elia 2/Anthemus. From the airport, drive southeast toward Sithonia. The journey takes approximately 3-3.5 hours depending on route selection and traffic conditions. Head toward Thessaloniki initially, then south toward the Halkidiki peninsula and Sithonia Municipal Unit. Once in the Nikiti area, follow local roads southeast for 8km to reach the beach. Rental car hire at the airport provides flexibility, though the distance makes this a full-day commitment from arrival.
Can I get to Elia 2/Anthemus by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Sithonia Municipal Unit.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 31-10 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.1427°N, 23.7356°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Elia 2/Anthemus FAQ
Is Elia 2/Anthemus worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you want extended beach length without overcrowding. The 2km shoreline, excellent water quality, and straightforward road access make it practical for day visits or longer stays. The combination of sandy and pebble sections suits different preferences. Water temperatures are swimmable June through November, with peak warmth in July-August (24°C). The east-facing orientation and vegetated shoreline add visual interest. It works well as a base for exploring the broader Sithonia peninsula.
How do I get to Elia 2/Anthemus?
By car is the practical option. Athens airport lies 250.6km away—approximately 3-3.5 hours driving southeast toward Sithonia. Head toward Thessaloniki first, then south into Halkidiki. From Nikiti, drive 8km southeast to reach the beach. Roads run along the beach itself and connect to the main route, so once in the area, finding access is straightforward. No train or reliable bus services reach this coastal location directly.
What's the best time of year to visit?
June through September offers the most reliable conditions. June sees water temperatures of 21.8°C and fewer crowds than peak summer. July-August deliver the warmest water (24°C) and air (27-28°C) but attract maximum visitors. September cools slightly to 20.4°C in the water while remaining pleasant in air temperature (23.4°C) and much quieter. May and October are shoulder months with cooler water (16.8°C and 15.2°C respectively) but manageable conditions. November onwards sees temperatures dropping below 11°C.
What facilities are there?
The beach itself has minimal infrastructure visible in available data. Nikiti, 8km away, supplies tavernas, shops, and accommodation options. Beach essentials and food require trips to town. The road access means you can drive to the beach easily, but expect to bring supplies or plan meals in nearby Nikiti. Accommodation ranges from small hotels to local rooms. Peak season (June-August) requires advance booking.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, the extended length and sandy sections appeal to families. The 2km beach provides space for children to explore safely, and the straightforward road access means easy entry and exit. Pebble sections suit older children comfortable on varied surfaces. Water temperatures June-August (21-24°C) are appropriate for young swimmers, though supervision is necessary. The lower crowds compared to smaller beaches reduce stress. Nikiti provides food and supplies nearby. The soil and rock wall backdrop offers shade in some areas.
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