Neos Marmaras (Greek: Νέος Μαρμαράς, Néos Marmarás, pronounced[ˌneosmarmaˈras], "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. The main industries are tourism, agriculture (olives, wine, and honey), and fishing. Situated on three shoreline hills, below the two mountains, Itamos and Dragoudeli, Neos Marmaras is located 125 kilometres (78mi) from Thessaloniki, 55 kilometres (34mi) 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.
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
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
-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: Παράδεισος, pronounced[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: Αγία Κυριακή, pronounced[aˌʝiaciriaˈci]), 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: Ήμερη Ελιά, pronounced[ˌimerieˈʎa]) 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: Αζάπικο, pronounced[aˈzapiko]), a famous beach outside Marmaras, with only 5 people living there in summertime.
Kelyfos Island (Greek: Κέλυφος, pronounced[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: Σπαλαθρονήσια, pronounced[spalaθroˈnisça]). This island is located near Azapiko beach. It is the biggest island on the west side of Sithonia peninsula.
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