Platanitsi, Blue Flag beach in Sithonia, Greece

Platanitsi is a beach on the eastern coast of Sithonia peninsula with light sand, shallow water, and dense pine forest providing natural shade. The bay has a gentle shape and is sheltered by two headlands that keep the water calm.

The 2018 fire that broke out in Sithonia on 25 October reached the Platanitsi campsite after starting from a tree falling on a DEI power pole at neighbouring Kavourotrypes. A state of emergency was declared across the area, and the Chalkidiki fire service brought the blaze under control and stopped it, saving the site.

The name Platanitsi comes from the plane trees (platanos) around the bay. The beach sits within a Natura 2000 protected area, and its Blue Flag recognises both bathing-water quality and respect for the natural setting. The Smixi stream empties into the sea at the central part of the coast.

The beach is easily reached by car and has an organized parking area near the entrance. Visitors should arrive early, especially on weekends, since the bays are limited in size and fill up quickly.

The 2018 fire that broke out in Sithonia reached the Platanitsi campsite on 25 October; the fire service stopped it and saved the area. The campsite covers 90,000 square metres and its entrance is also the access point to the beach from the road.