Angelochori: The 1864 Lighthouse, a Flamingo Lagoon and the Best Sunset on the Thermaic Gulf
If you ask us for our favourite place in the area, we'll say Angelochori without a second thought. It's six kilometres from the house, and in one afternoon it gives you a beach, history, birds and a sunset you won't forget.
The 1864 lighthouse
On the cape of Megalo Emvolo, which older locals still call Karaburnu, stands the Angelochori lighthouse. It was built in 1864 under the Ottoman Empire, from solid brick, like the chimneys of Thessaloniki's old factories. Sources disagree on who built it: Thermaikos municipality mentions German technicians, others the French company that built the empire's lighthouses. It's 11 metres tall, joined the Greek lighthouse network in 1913 and is one of 25 listed lighthouses in the country.
Its location is no accident. It guards the entrance to the Thermaic Gulf, the spot that protected Thessaloniki from the sea. Around it you'll see the remains of fortifications: naval forts were built in 1883 to 1885, and during the German occupation the lighthouse itself became a machine-gun post. One of the concrete gun emplacements from that time still survives.
Tip: Arrive half an hour before sunset, walk out to the big breakwater and look west. On clear days Mount Olympus is right across the water and the sun sets behind it.
The lagoon and the flamingos
A kilometre south-west of the village lies the Angelochori lagoon. It's shallow, almost square, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand, and part of the Natura 2000 network. Reeds, sea lilies and asphodels grow around it, and it's a stopover for many migratory birds.
The big show is the flamingos. The largest numbers are seen in winter, so if you're here outside summer, don't miss it. Bring binoculars, stay on the tracks and don't get close. Scare them and they'll all take off at once.
Next to the lagoon there are salt pans producing about 4,000 tonnes of salt a year, and the “Salt Keeper's House”, where small music and arts events are held on summer evenings.
Stay at Theodoras House
A 91 m² home with a garden and barbecue in Nea Michaniona, for up to 7 guests, with free parking. Everything in this guide is a short drive away.
The beaches
Angelochori's main beach runs for about five kilometres of fine sand and small pebbles, and the water deepens gradually. It's not heavily built up, and that's its charm. Towards Thessaloniki there are little coves, some reachable by car. Near the fishing harbour is the “surfers' beach”, full of sails on windy days. More in our kitesurfing article. If you'd rather have a sunbed and a beach bar, Riviera is on the way, just before you arrive.
Food
The village has seafood tavernas and a small harbour with fishing boats on the side facing Pieria and Mount Olympus. The perfect combination: sunset at the lighthouse, then fish by the little harbour. If you'd rather eat back in Michaniona, see our fish taverna guide.
FAQ
When can I see flamingos at Angelochori?
Mostly in winter, when the largest numbers are recorded. Bring binoculars and keep your distance from the birds.
Is the lighthouse worth a visit?
Yes, mostly for the view. From the area around it and the breakwater you can see the whole Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus and the Aegean. It's a listed monument, so ask Thermaikos municipality about visiting the inside.
Sources: Δήμος Θερμαϊκού, Φάρος Αγγελοχωρίου · Visit Thermaikos, Angelochori · Visit Central Macedonia, Παραλία Αγγελοχωρίου
