Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is another historic little town in Sithonia. The first inhabitants were probably people of the bronze age (3300—1200 BC). Remains of their settlement have been discovered on a hill called “Vetryno”, south west of the modern town.

During the classical era, there was a town called “Siggos” in the area, named by Herodotus. However, there is no further information about it, nor any significant archaeological evidence. Nevertheless, “Siggos” has given its name to the bay between Sithonia and Mt. Athos peninsula. It is now called the “Siggitikos” bay.

Agios Nikolaos was very probably established by people of little settlements that existed in the area during the late Byzantine and early Ottoman periods. While the bronze age people preferred the hill tops and their classical era descendants preferred the seashore for their establishments, the medieval people preferred to hide on high ground and in between hills. This tendency reflects the precarious times they lived on; times of piracy raids, of plague, and of brutal tax collectors. Therefore the selection of the location of Agios Nikolaos was an act of survival. A successful act indeed, as the town survived through difficult times.

Today, the people are returning to the seashore, leaving the traditional settlement intact, a gem for you to explore. Tourism is the main economical driver and the coastal area of Agios Nikolaos is the main asset of the place. From the long beach of Livrochio, to the little bay-port of “Ormos Panagias” and the lagoon of Vourvourou, the accommodation and entertainment business is thriving. The options vary from luxurious hotels to budget stays. So there is no excuse for not being there!