Neos Marmaras Explained

Neos Marmaras
Name Local:	Νέος Μαρμαράς
Type:	community
Coordinates:	40.1°N 70°W
Periph:	Central Macedonia
Periphunit:	Chalkidiki
Municipality:	Sithonia
Municunit:	Sithonia
Population As Of:	2021
Population:	3038

Neos Marmaras (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Νέος Μαρμαράς, Néos Marmarás, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /ˌneos marmaˈras/, "New Marmara") is a town on the Sithonia peninsula, in the Chalkidiki peninsula, Macedonia, Greece. In 2021, Neos Marmaras had 3,038 permanent residents; however, the summer-time population has been estimated at 20,000.^[1] The main industries are tourism, agriculture (olives, wine, and honey), and fishing. Situated on three shoreline hills, below the two mountains, Itamos and Tragoudeli (singing mountain), Neos Marmaras is located 125km (78miles) from Thessaloniki, 55km (34miles) from Poligyros and 9 kilometres (6 mi) from Elia (Nikiti).

History

Most of the residents are originally from Marmara Island, in the Sea of Marmara, and from Parthenonas, a small village on the mountain, Itamos.

Neos Marmaras was formed in 1925 by Greek refugees from Marmara Island following the Asia Minor catastrophe and exchange of populations with Turkey.

In 1970, the traditional inland hill village of Parthenonas was abandoned and these inhabitants moved down to the coast and also settled in Neos Marmaras boosting its population.

Since the 1980s, Neos Marmaras has become a popular tourist town with numerous cafes, restaurants and bars along the waterfront being very busy in the summer months.

Historic Population

Historic Population Evolution of Neos Marmaras^[2]
Year	Population	%±
1940	1.238	_
1951	1.337	8,0
1961	1.587	18,7
1971	1.706	7,5
1981	2.407	41,1
1991	2.474	2,8
2001	2.840	14,8
2011	3.352	18,0
2021	3.038	align=right	-9,3

Porto Carras

Porto Carras is a big 5-star resort outside Neos Marmaras. It is one of the biggest in northern Greece.There is also a famous wine from Porto Carras called Domaine Porto Carras.

Settlements

Neos Marmaras has numerous settlements and islands including:

• Paradeisos (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Παράδεισος, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /paˈraðisos/), a small settlement close to Neos Marmaras. It has approximately 40 people and lies just downhill of Marmaras in a low-lying area.
• Agia Kyriaki (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Αγία Κυριακή, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /aˌʝia ciriaˈci/), a very small marina and fishing settlement in a small bay outside Marmaras with some 20 people living there in the summertime.
• Imeri Elia (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Ήμερη Ελιά, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /ˌimeri eˈʎa/) is a small settlement close to Porto Carras. Some older mills are found in the river, Potamos Neou Marmara near Imeri Elia. The area has some 20 people living there in summer.
• Azapiko Beach (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Αζάπικο, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /aˈzapiko/), a famous beach outside Marmaras, with only 5 people living there in summertime.
• Kelyfos Island (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Κέλυφος, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /ˈcelifos/), meaning Shield Island in Greek, is an island located just outside the bay of Neos Marmaras. It is also called Turtle Island, as the island is said to look like a turtle. The island was a strategic hiding point during the ancient days of Greece and in some cases during the Second World War.
• Spalathronisia (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Σπαλαθρονήσια, in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /spalaθroˈnisça/). This island is located near Azapiko beach. It is the biggest island on the west side of Sithonia peninsula.

Climate

Neos Marmaras has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSh) with strongMediterranean influences. Winter highs are around 13°C while summer highs are around 32°C. Winters are particularly mild, and on average they are slightly warmer than the French Riviera, while it is the only area of Macedonia with a hot semi-arid climate and the northernmost area of Europe with such a climate. According to the National Observatory of Athens station data, Neos Marmaras falls in hardiness zone 10a. ^[3]

External links

• • Find information for Neos Marmaras and every other city of Halkidiki
• http://www.portocarras.com/domain-porto-carras.html
• http://www.portocarras.com/
• Panoramic view of Neos Marmaras

Notes and References

1. http://www.neosmarmarasnet.gr/ Neos Marmaras, Halkidiki
2. http://dlib.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/categoryyears?p_cat=10007862&p_topic=10007862
3. Web site: N.O.A Monthly Bulletins .