A brief look at Néa Fókaia reveals two sides of this coastal town: beaches around the settlement and a passage through the rock leading to the Holy Spring Shrine of Saint Paul. The small harbor also shapes the town’s character. Here, the coast and time at the beach sit alongside a historic place to visit; the Byzantine Tower adds another distinctive landmark. If you’re looking for a destination that brings the sea together with specific cultural sites, Néa Fókaia offers both.

Beach and swimming

The beach stretches around the settlement. It has fine sand and clear, turquoise water, and has been awarded the Blue Flag. The entry into the water is also an important part of the swimming experience: the water stays shallow for several meters before gradually deepening. A different kind of swimming is recommended for the stretch of coast below the Byzantine Tower: adventurous swims close to the rocks. This recommendation applies to this particular stretch of coast; conditions along the shore can vary. The difference is useful when planning your time at the beach: the beach offers sand and shallow water near the shore, while the stretch below the tower is suited to swims close to the rocks.

Holy spring shrine in the rock

You can reach the Holy Spring Shrine of Saint Paul through a 20-meter-long underground passage carved into the rock. The spring lies at the end of the passage. To the right of the shrine is a dark rectangular room where visitors can stand upright. The underground entrance makes this a different kind of discovery from time spent at the beach.

Local history and feast days

The founding of Néa Fókaia is associated with the year 1922: the town was founded by refugees from Asia Minor. Another historic landmark is the Byzantine Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Paul. Both names refer to the same building, which is useful to know when finding your way around the town. The 1922 founding and the Byzantine Tower offer different historical perspectives: one on the origins of the town, the other on an older landmark. The Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated every year on June 29 and 30; the service takes place in the Chapel of Saint Paul at the entrance to the town. Cultural events were also held on the tower grounds during the summer season as part of the Kassandra Festival. If you’re planning to visit for a feast day or cultural event, check the dates for your travel period.

Location and orientation

Néa Fókaia is about 80 kilometers from Thessaloniki. For specific travel planning, you can then take your starting point and preferred travel dates into account.

Discover more destinations: Kassandra, Petralona, Nea Moudania, Agios Georgios, Flogita, Siviri, Nea Roda, Pefkochori

For the broader travel overview: Chalkidiki.