Diaporos: The Exotic Greek Island with Warm Waters All Year Round

The island of Diaporos in Halkidiki in northern Greece is like an exotic paradise with crystal- clear warm waters and no winds all year round.

Halkidiki is a strikingly beautiful peninsula in Northern Greece made up of three “legs,” which all boast many different attractions for travelers. Despite being one of Greece’s premier tourist destinations, Halkidiki (or Chalkidiki) can be overlooked by international travelers.

Diaporos is never windy—unlike most of Greece

The island of Diaporos measures just one and a half square miles, making it a tiny Greek paradise.

While it remained uninhabited for centuries, the beautiful islet became a haven for the rich to build summer homes in the 1950s. Now, tourists can freely access its beautiful beaches.

It is an ideal destination not only for those who want to relax and kick back on one of its beaches with white-pink sands but also for those who cannot stand cold water or want to enjoy the sea in the winter time.

The long beach of Vourvourous, which is located just across the water, creates a natural bay for Diaporos, and as a result, the islet is unaffected by winds. This is the main reason the waters stay warm and peaceful all year round.

The only way to reach Diaporos, however, is to negotiate with the fishermen of Vourvourous and the surrounding areas for transportation by boat.

The allure of Halkidiki

Halkidiki is an extraordinarily beautiful tourist destination with a different flavor than that of the more cosmopolitan Greek areas, such as Athens or Mykonos. Halkidiki is the perfect place to relax in the summertime, offering many opportunities for those who prefer to take their vacation in quieter, more natural surroundings.

The peninsula is often frequented by domestic tourists as well as those from nearby Balkan states due to its position in northern Greece. However, it is a uniquely stunning place that should not be overlooked by overseas or international travelers.

Halkidiki is very popular among those who prefer camping holidays since it has many organized campgrounds which cater to budget conscious travelers who enjoy their vacations immersed in nature. Most campgrounds are placed on or adjoining one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, making them perfect for beach lovers.

Due to Halkidiki’s proximity to Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, it is a perfect getaway for those visiting northern Greece. Halkidiki is located about 40 km (25 miles) from Thessaloniki—only a short car or bus ride away.

Thessaloniki locals will often visit Halkidiki for a long weekend over the summer in order to soak up the sun on its beautiful beaches. For international tourists, a trip to Halkidiki could be combined with a visit to Thessaloniki for a perfect balance between city and nature getaways.

When visiting Halkidiki, it is always a good idea to visit Thessaloniki, as well (and vice versa). Both offer unique experiences and stunning views and are slightly more “off the beaten track” for international tourists. A trip to Northern Greece is not to be missed!