A Halkidiki sunset cruise sails from the resorts of Kassandra and Sithonia into the open gulf as the light drops behind the peninsulas. Plan the rest of the trip with Greece Tours.
Where do Halkidiki sunset cruises leave from?
From Marina Miraggio and the Chrousso pier at Paliouri on Kassandra, and from Neos Marmaras, Nikiti, Ormos Panagias, Porto Carras and Sarti on Sithonia.
Babasails bases its yachts at Paliouri, Nikiti, Porto Carras and Ormos Panagias.
The Marabu starts from Paliouri or Sarti in Sithonia, or by arrangement.
Transfers to the port are not included on the yacht cruises. Day trips from the city sit at Thessaloniki day trips.
What is the Sunset Bliss yacht cruise?
The yacht is pet-friendly. The city version sits at Thessaloniki sunset cruise.
What is the Marabu private sunset tour?
The boat has two lockable toilets, shade under an awning and a canopy, and a large lawn on deck.
Children are welcome on the family-run boat.
A 30 per cent reservation fee is refunded for cancellations up to one week ahead.
What sailing cruises run at sunset in Halkidiki?
The half-day cruise sails from the Paliouri pier to the western shores of Sithonia and the Spalathronisia islets.
It includes a skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, music, WiFi and GoPro photos.
Babasails asks a 30 per cent deposit and charges no fee for cancellations 21 days ahead.
What do you bring on a Halkidiki sunset cruise?
A swimsuit and towel for the swim stop, sunscreen and a hat for the Greek heat, and your own drinks and snacks on boats that allow them, such as the Marabu.
Towels are supplied on the Sunset Bliss yacht.
Lunch and snacks are extra on the Babasails cruises.
Book early in high season.
What happens if the weather is bad?
You pay nothing when the Marabu cancels for weather.
Short-notice places open up when other tours cancel.
The rest of the peninsula sits at Halkidiki.
Where does a Halkidiki sunset cruise sail?
Out of the marinas on the Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas into the Toroneos gulf, with the coast on one side and open water on the other as the light drops.
Halkidiki reaches into the Aegean with three long peninsulas.
Kassandra is the westernmost, Sithonia the middle one, and Athos the eastern.
The gulf between the first two is sheltered, which keeps the water calm in the evening.
Where do Halkidiki sunset cruises leave from?
From the harbours at Kallithea, Nea Fokea, Sani and Pefkochori on Kassandra, and from Neos Marmaras, Porto Koufo and Vourvourou on Sithonia.
Porto Koufo is the largest natural harbour in Greece, almost closed to the open sea.
Vourvourou sits opposite a group of small islands.
Each marina serves the resorts along its own stretch of coast.
What does a Halkidiki sunset cruise pass?
Pine-covered headlands, sea caves along the Sithonia coast, the beaches of Kavourotrypes and the islets off Vourvourou, with Mount Athos on the horizon to the east.
The Athos peninsula rises to more than two thousand metres at its southern end.
Diaporos is the largest of the Vourvourou islands.
The coastline is rocky, with small sand coves between the points.
How long does a Halkidiki sunset cruise take?
Two to three hours, leaving in the late afternoon and returning after dark, with a swimming stop before the sun goes down.
Boats anchor in a sheltered bay for the swim.
The return leg runs with the coast lit behind.
Longer trips add a second bay on the way back.
When does the sun set in Halkidiki?
Around nine in the evening at midsummer and around five in midwinter, which moves the departure time through the season.
Cruises run from late spring to early autumn.
The sun drops over the water on the western side of each peninsula.
Blue hour follows for about half an hour after it.
What does a Halkidiki sunset cruise include?
The crossing, a swimming stop, shade on deck and drinks on board, with the boat returning to the same marina.
Towels and ladders for swimming are carried on board.
Boats vary from small caiques to sailing catamarans.
The crew sets the route by the wind that evening.
Which peninsula suits a sunset cruise?
Kassandra for short trips from the big resorts, and Sithonia for the quieter coast, the sea caves and the islands off Vourvourou.
Kassandra is closer to Thessaloniki by road.
Sithonia has fewer hotels and more empty coves.
The Athos peninsula is closed to general visitors on land.
Can you see Mount Athos from a sunset cruise?
Yes, from the eastern side of Sithonia on a clear evening, as a pyramid on the horizon across the Singitic gulf.
Separate day cruises sail along the Athos coast to view the monasteries from the sea.
Women are not permitted to land on the peninsula.
Boats keep the distance from shore that the rules require.
What do you take on a Halkidiki sunset cruise?
Swimwear, a towel, a light layer for after dark and flat shoes for the deck.
Evenings cool quickly once the sun goes.
Decks are wet after the swimming stop.
A bag with a strap is easier to handle on board.
Does a Halkidiki sunset cruise suit families?
Yes. The gulf is sheltered, the swimming stop is in shallow water, and the trip is short enough for young children.
Boats carry life jackets in children’s sizes.
Shade on deck matters in the first hour.
The return after dark is calm in the inner gulf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a sunset cruise in Halkidiki?
How long is a Halkidiki sunset cruise?
2 hours on the Sunset Bliss yacht and about 4 hours on the Marabu.
Is there a swim stop?
Yes. The cruises stop to swim before or at sunset.