A scattering of beaches and woodland hiking paths lie along Diaporos’ coastlines. Myrsini Beach, also known as white beach or Hawaii beach for its saturated blue waters and pristine shores, is one of the most popular spots to stop by.
After dropping anchor, tuck into a delicious lunch at the island’s tavernas. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fresh seafood and authentic Greek dishes.
1. Varoulko Restaurant
The place offers a great dining experience as one gets to dine in an ancient looking setting. The ambience is neoclassical and gives you a very authentic taste of Greece. They offer delicious food with a modern twist and some signature cocktails. The staff is friendly and the service is excellent. It is one of the best places to eat in Diaporos.
Situated in Halkidiki, Diaporos is a beautiful island paradise that boasts crystal-clear warm waters and no winds all year round. This is because it’s connected to mainland Vourvourou by a natural bay, so you can enjoy the beach without worrying about cold water or strong winds.
Diaporos is a little off-the-beaten-path, so you’ll only be sharing its beaches and crystal clear waters with a few other tourists during your visit. That means that you’ll get a lot more peace and quiet than most other Greek islands, even during the peak summer months.
The beaches and rocky coastlines of Diaporos are what draw many visitors to this small paradise, with the most popular destination being Myrsini Beach. This stunning beach is often referred to as “White Beach” or “Hawaii Beach,” and boasts white-pink sands, crystal clear waters, and secluded coves. Other beaches on the island include Natural Bay and Peristeri Beach.
There are also numerous woodland hiking trails and clifftop vistas on the island for those interested in exploring the nature of this beautiful island. However, the biggest draw to this amazing place is the pristine blue waters of the “Blue Lagoon,” a heavenly pool of water that is perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The easiest way to access Diaporos is to rent a boat from the main port of Vourvourou. You can also book a day trip from one of the organised tours of Halkidiki that offer pick-up and drop-off to your hotel in Thessaloniki, as well as a speedboat ride across to Diaporos from Vourvourou. Many of these trips also offer traditional Greek lunches, and visits to other Greek islands in the area. They’re definitely worth considering if you want to avoid the stress of renting your own boat and managing logistics on your own.
2. Lithos Restaurant
Diaporos is a little slice of heaven located in the picturesque peninsula of Halkidiki. It is like a tiny Greek paradise with crystal-clear warm waters and no wind all year round. It is a perfect escape for those who are looking for an exotic getaway without the crowds of international tourists.
The main appeal of Diaporos is its beaches and secluded coves. It is also home to a few hiking trails and is an ideal place for nature lovers. The most popular beach on the island is Myrsini, a pristine beach with white-pink sand. It is rumoured to be the best beach in all of Halkidiki, and it is easy to see why.
Another highlight of the island is Lithos Restaurant. It is a great place to enjoy Greek food and the fresh fish is especially delicious here. The atmosphere is also quite relaxing and it is a nice place to dine with family or friends.
It is a great idea to take a boat trip around Diaporos island and visit the many secluded coves and beaches. Taking a boat will give you a true sense of independence and adventure, as well as allow you to enjoy the beauty of the sea around the island. You can rent a kayak in Vourvourou or join an organised day tour to the island. Either way, you will be sure to have an amazing time.
While at Lithos Restaurant, you should try their grilled salmon and calamari. The calamari is one of the best I have ever eaten in my life and the grilled salmon was so tender and juicy that I could not believe it. This restaurant has become a regular on my list when in the area, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who is in the area.
The atmosphere is really relaxing, the staff is really friendly and the food is excellent! The prices are a little bit higher than average but it is definitely worth it for the quality and taste. It is a lovely place to take a date or spend some quality time with your loved ones!
3. Bella Roma Cafe
With Americans chomping down about three billion pizzas a year, there is no shortage of places to enjoy this Italian favorite. But the menu at Bella Roma Café in Ware, Massachusetts, goes far beyond the typical pizzeria’s offerings. The restaurant serves a range of creative paninis, fresh salads and cheese and charcuterie plates, with a dessert list that is sure to delight.
The menu varies, but some highlights include a Caprese panini on housemade ciabatta with mozzarella, basil pesto and roasted red peppers, as well as the Bo flatbread with figs, arugula, prosciutto and swiss cheese. The charcuterie plate for two is a good choice for sharing, with a variety of meats and cheeses sourced from local purveyors. The kitchen also offers a selection of signature dishes, including the Bella Roma burger and the white pie with ranch dressing replacing pizza sauce, resulting in an interesting blend of flavors.
While you are at it, don’t leave without sampling the infamous kouign-amann, which is a pastry layered with choux paste, butter and sugar and filled with various fillings. You will be impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the creativity behind the dessert.
For an evening out that’s a bit more upscale, head to Casina Valadier in the swanky Villa Borghese neighborhood. The menu is upscale too, with a mix of Mediterranean-style appetizers, pasta and seafood dishes. But the real highlight is the view of the city’s famous Spanish steps from the open-air terrace.
If you’re looking for a spot with great food, wine and a cool atmosphere, check out Ad Hoc in Rome. This eatery features a killer bar, an incredible rooftop restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Lycabettus hill and a super intimate dining room. The menu changes often, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Another excellent option is to skip dessert at your sit-down dinner and take a passagiata (stroll) to Pompi, where the world-famous tiramisu has been served for decades. With the best views in town, it’s well worth the stop!
4. Tapabento
Located in the centre of Vourvourou bay, this hotel is within walking distance of the beach and offers large family rooms, traditional Greek cuisine at its rooftop restaurant, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with private balconies. The hotel also features a spa centre and children’s playground, as well as a garden with barbecue areas.
For visitors interested in exploring Diaporos and the surrounding areas, it’s best to rent a boat. The coastline of the island has a scattering of beaches, woodland hiking paths and rocky coves that sit along the shore. The waters are clear, making them perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
A boat trip around the island is an amazing experience that gives you the freedom to explore as you please and enjoy everything it has to offer. Sailing around Diaporos takes just 30-60 minutes, so you can easily spend a day relaxing on the island, but if you’re feeling restless or wanting to see more of the surrounding area, you could also sail further afield to the nearby Peristeri and other islands that surround it.
The Blue Lagoon is a heavenly pool of turquoise waters that’s a must-see attraction for visitors to Halkidiki. Located between Diaporos and the smaller island of Agios Isidoros, it attracts people arriving by everything from small boats to massive yachts and ships.