PORTO KOUFO BAY

This bay (Πόρτο Κουφό) is superb and considered Greece's largest natural harbor. Open to the sea via a narrow channel, it is 1,600 m long and 550 m wide. It is 120 m deep and surrounded by hills over 200 m high. You can discover it at your leisure, laying out your towel on a 1 km-long beach, then grabbing a bite to eat in one of the tavernas in the small port to the north. Another option is to explore the history and enjoy the breathtaking views on foot. To do this, you need to set off from the small cape Likythos, south of Toroni beach. From here, a 1.6 km path leads to the highest hill overlooking Porto Koufo, to the north of the channel. Here, at an altitude of 210 m, stood the acropolis of Toronè. Next to a Greek flag fluttering in the wind, you can gaze out over Sithonia, the Toronean Gulf and Kassandra. But ancient ruins are rare. What you'll notice most are the fortifications... made of concrete. They were built by the Germans during the Occupation to protect the bay. From 1941 to 1944, Porto Koufo served as a hiding place for Kriegsmarine submarines in the Mediterranean. This little-known episode of the Second World War also left its mark at Kanonia ("cannons"): again starting from Cape Likythos, another 2.3 km path runs along the coast to a large bunker that was equipped with anti-aircraft guns. Set on an outcrop guarding the entrance to the bay, it too offers delightful views.