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Best beaches in Kriopigi on the Kassandra peninsula
A detailed guide to the resort of Kriopigi in Halkidiki: how the beaches differ, how to get here from Chișinău, where it’s best with kids, and where to hide from the crowds and catch the most spectacular sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
The best beaches in Kriopigi – all in our overview of popular Greek beach resorts. We’ve put together a mini-guide to the most scenic swimming spots on the Kassandra peninsula (Halkidiki).
This guide is still relevant today: the infrastructure keeps developing, but the essentials remain unchanged – white sand, pine trees right by the water and the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.
Top beaches – at a glance
1. Kriopigi Beach
Central resort beach with natural pine shade, gentle entry into the water and a beachfront campsite.
2. Kalithea Beach
More waves and more bars – a popular spot for seaside parties.
3. Polychrono Beach
Palm trees, sunbeds and a long hotel strip – perfect for comfort lovers.
4. Afytos Beach
An extended beach near the picturesque village of Afytos, with warm water and green hills.
5. Possidi Beach
A white sand spit for those who want silence, stars and sunsets without crowds.
Where are the beaches of Kriopigi?
Kriopigi is a Greek beach resort located on the Halkidiki peninsula (administrative region of Macedonia and Thrace). It’s easy to find Kriopigi on the map of Greece: it sits on the “left finger” of the peninsula (this area is also called the Kassandra peninsula). The most beautiful beaches of Kriopigi stretch along the Aegean coast here.
Greece’s white beaches are among the most popular in the world, and the coastal area around Kriopigi is a place loved by both Greeks and tourists from all over the globe.
The name of the resort translates as “cold springs”, because the area has springs with exceptionally tasty and cool water. The village of Kriopigi is located on a hill, about 1 km from the popular Kriopigi Beach. Here you can not only shop for essentials, but also wander through authentic Greek streets, see village life up close and try traditional Greek cuisine.
How to get to Kriopigi beaches from Chișinău?
Halkidiki is a popular holiday destination for Moldovan tourists, as this region of Greece is relatively easy to reach by land. How do you get to Kriopigi from Chișinău? Most often, people travel by coach (hotel transfer is usually included in the package) or by private car. A road trip to Kriopigi turns into an extra adventure and a mini tour through Romania , Bulgaria and northern Greece. With your own car you get complete freedom of movement: you can see major sights without overpaying for organized excursions. You can even take your car to the islands by ferry.
Another option is to fly to Thessaloniki airport and then travel about 90 km to your hotel. You can reach Kriopigi from Thessaloniki by intercity bus (from the main bus station), by taxi or by rental car. The bus option is not the most convenient, as there is no direct route from the airport to Kriopigi: at least one change is required, buses run roughly every two hours, and the trip takes about 2 hours. If you choose a taxi, you can take one directly at the airport or pre-book via services like Kiwitaxi or Intui.Travel .
Car rental is also very popular in Greece; you’ll need a passport, an international driving licence and a bank card. You can also reserve a car online via services like Rentalcars , Discover Cars , Economybookings .
Timetables, entry rules and car rental conditions can change, so before you travel, always double-check current information with airlines, your tour operator and rental companies.
What makes Kriopigi beaches unique?
The beaches around Kriopigi are not very wide; the surface is mostly sandy, sometimes with colorful pebbles. The very light, almost white sand looks beautiful with the transparent turquoise water, which turns darker as you move away from shore. For cleanliness and maintenance, Kriopigi’s beaches regularly receive the “Blue Flag” environmental award.
The main feature of this stretch of coastline is its dense pine forest along the sea, which creates a truly healing microclimate. The scent of Mediterranean pine – stone pine rich in phytoncides – mixes with the marine air, already beneficial for the lungs. Breathing here feels easy, and you can smell the pine aroma even if you swim a kilometre offshore. That’s why this area, one of Greece’s best beach destinations, is also often referred to as a climatic resort.
The exceptionally clear water off Kriopigi is ideal for diving and snorkelling; many visitors also rent small boats. For yachting fans there are moorings and appropriate infrastructure, so you’ll often see elegant yachts and boats anchored just off the coast.
Top 5 best beaches in Kriopigi
Where can you find the best sand and the most beautiful beaches? That’s the favourite question of travellers who book their Greek holidays well in advance. People want to end up in a truly scenic place, whether it’s a summer family vacation with kids or a romantic getaway for two in Halkidiki. The map of Kriopigi beaches answers many of these questions, and we, in turn, have prepared a selection of the very best spots for swimming in this part of the peninsula.
Kriopigi Beach – the central beach of the resort
The list of beaches near Kriopigi village is headed by Kriopigi Beach itself. The pine trees shelter it from the wind and provide natural shade in the afternoon. The entry into the water is gentle and convenient for families with children. The resort is especially good for wellness and strolls: within walking distance you’ll find mineral springs, a forest and Kriopigi village – an open-air ethnographic museum. Here, on one of Greece’s best beaches, there is a beach bar, sunbeds and parasols for hire, lifeguards on duty and a variety of water activities. There are no hotels right on the seafront, but there is a well-equipped campsite with everything you need for an eco-friendly stay. The area next to the bar is livelier and noisier, while those who prefer peace and quiet can walk further along the shore and pick a more “wild” stretch of sand.
The central beach of Kriopigi is appreciated not only for its incredibly clear water, pines and soft sand, but also for the staff’s attention to guest comfort: a large car park allows you to leave your car close to the beach, there is a children’s area for different ages, and shaded garden spaces set up for fun and relaxation. Since the water here is usually calm and transparent, this place is perfect for snorkelling, diving and boat trips.
Travellers staying at hotels near Kriopigi village can swim and sunbathe not only on Kriopigi Beach, but also on other beaches along this stretch of the peninsula. Having a car makes it especially easy to explore all of the best beaches around Kassandra.
Kalithea Beach
Kalithea Beach, located about 5 km north of Kriopigi Beach, is the second most popular beach in the Kriopigi area. It has a car park and full beach infrastructure (parasols, sunbeds, changing cabins, showers, etc.). Divided into two parts by a concrete pier, it attracts those who like swimming and having fun in the waves. It’s windier here than at Kriopigi Beach, so bigger waves are common, especially on the right side of the pier. The gently sloping seabed is safe for children. In the evenings the beach turns into a centre for young people’s parties, with bars and clubs in full swing.
Polychrono Beach
Polychrono Beach, located further south than Kriopigi Beach, has some rocky patches, but remains very popular and quite busy due to the many hotels and cafes nearby. Immaculately clean water, light-coloured sand, palm trees and “tropical” parasols make it a perfect background for holiday photos from Halkidiki’s best beaches.
Afytos Beach (Athytos Beach)
No overview of Kriopigi beaches would be complete without mentioning Afytos Beach, located about 7 km north of the central Kriopigi beach. The beach is fairly long – roughly 5 km along the coast – with some rocky sections, but it’s especially valued for its very warm water and comfortable landscape. Gentle green hills surround the beach, and you don’t need to hike up steep paths for shopping or strolls. Hotels and entertainment venues are set close to the shore, lush vegetation colours the landscape, and the water is crystal clear.
Possidi Beach
Rounding off the top five most famous beaches around Kriopigi is Possidi Beach. Here, on a narrow snow-white sand spit stretching far into the sea, there are no cafes or shops, no sunbeds or parasols. Instead, you get the chance to spend a perfect Greek vacation surrounded by untouched nature: dramatic sunsets, free and easy swimming, and quiet sunbathing.
How to choose the best beach in Kriopigi
The best beaches in Kriopigi – just like anywhere in the world – have their own “specialisation”, so it’s worth choosing your spot by the sea according to your personal interests and travel style.
Paralia Afitos – beach where dogs are allowed
In the wider Kassandra region, where Kriopigi’s finest white-sand beaches are scattered (alongside party beaches, snorkelling spots and family areas), you’ll also find places like Paralia Afitos, a beach where dogs are allowed, provided you follow local rules and use a muzzle when required.
Moudounou Beach – for peace and quiet
Those seeking seclusion and relaxation in the midst of nature choose Moudounou Beach, about 7 km from Kriopigi Beach. The path down the steep slope can be a little challenging, but the reward is worth it: fewer people, lots of space to unwind, and great conditions for both relaxing and sea activities. Most visitors come here to snorkel; you can find instructors and rent equipment on site.
Agios Nikolaos Beach – best with a 4x4
Another wild sandy beach, best reached with a 4x4 vehicle, is Agios Nikolaos, about 9 km from Kriopigi Beach. The bumpy, rocky road may not be easy, but once you arrive you’ll be rewarded with calm and a meditative atmosphere on the shore. There are also many other beaches on Kassandra, more or less developed, that will appeal to those who value peace and privacy.
Nea Potidea – beach with facilities for people with disabilities
Some beaches offer special facilities for visitors with disabilities. Nea Potidea Beach, for example, provides not only the standard infrastructure, but also a barrier-free environment and areas specifically adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Lagoon Beach – a naturist beach near Kriopigi
There are also beaches in the region where nudism is common. The best-known naturist beach near Kriopigi is Lagoon Beach, surrounded by forest and a campsite.
What to do in Kriopigi besides the beach
Take a walk through Kriopigi village, which feels like an open-air ethnographic museum: white houses with balconies, traditional taverns, small churches and cosy squares. It’s easy to find cafes serving home-style Greek food, fresh fish and grilled dishes.
Boat and yacht trips along the coast are very popular: you can go on a mini cruise along the Kassandra peninsula, stop at secluded coves, snorkel and take photo shoots with turquoise water as your backdrop.
Foodies should try local cheeses, olive oil, honey from nearby mountain villages and, of course, Greek wines. Popular souvenirs include natural cosmetics based on olive oil and products from local farmers.
If you feel like a change of scenery, the picturesque villages of Afytos and Kalithea are within a short drive, with bars, clubs and viewpoints offering impressive panoramas of the Aegean Sea.
1-day itinerary for the beaches around Kriopigi
Morning: start your day at the central Kriopigi Beach. It’s perfect for swimming with kids and getting used to the local microclimate with its sea-and-pine aroma.
Midday: after lunch, head toward Afytos Beach. On the way, stop in Afytos village, wander the stone-paved streets and have lunch at a tavern with sea views.
Evening: finish the day at Possidi Beach – the white sand spit and sunset over the Aegean Sea will be the perfect finale to your short trip. Don’t forget to bring water and everything you need, as there is limited infrastructure on the sand spit itself.
With a car, this route is realistic without rushing, with several stops for swimming and photos.
2-day itinerary around Kassandra, with Kriopigi as your base
Day 1: spend the morning and first half of the day at Kriopigi Beach, gently easing into holiday mode. After lunch, move on to Kalithea Beach: swim in the waves, grab a drink at a bar, and in the evening add dinner and, if you’re in the mood, nightclubs and parties.
Day 2: in the first half of the day, plan a trip to more secluded spots – Moudounou or Agios Nikolaos are perfect for wild nature lovers and snorkellers. Closer to sunset, head for Possidi Beach to watch the sun go down from the sand spit.
This itinerary is a good fit if you want to experience beaches with very different vibes in a short time – from family-friendly and hotel-lined to almost wild and sparsely populated.
Where exactly is Kriopigi, and what’s the easiest way to get there?
Kriopigi is located on the “first finger” of Halkidiki – the Kassandra peninsula – about 90 km from Thessaloniki. For guests from Moldova there are three main options: an organised coach tour, a self-drive trip via Romania and Bulgaria, or a flight to Thessaloniki followed by a transfer by bus, taxi or rental car.
Thanks to Greece’s well-developed road network, it’s easy to combine a stay on Kassandra with trips to other regions, mountain villages and nearby resorts across Halkidiki.
Summary: why you should choose Kriopigi beaches
To sum up, the best beaches in Kriopigi are not just swimming spots – they are impressive landscapes where everyone can find their own place in the sun. You’ll find both sandy and pebbly beaches here, each with its own character. Head to Kriopigi to see the uniqueness of this coastline with your own eyes – your holiday is sure to be unforgettable.
Book your perfect beach spot in Kriopigi today and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a fairy-tale Greek seaside escape!
FAQ: frequently asked questions about Kriopigi beaches
Where is Kriopigi and what kind of resort is it?
Kriopigi is a small resort village on the Kassandra peninsula (Halkidiki) in Greece. It’s known for pine forests right at the water’s edge, very clear sea and a calm atmosphere ideal for families.
How do I get from Chișinău to Kriopigi?
You can join an organised coach tour, drive your own car via Romania and Bulgaria, or fly to Thessaloniki and continue by bus, taxi or rental car. The best option depends on your budget and preferred comfort level.
When is the best time to visit Kriopigi beaches?
The swimming season usually runs from May to October. The warmest water and most stable weather are from mid-June to late September, while July and August are the busiest months.
Is Kriopigi suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes. The central Kriopigi Beach has a gentle, sandy entry into the sea, shallow water at the shore and natural shade from pine trees. There is a car park, kids’ areas and basic infrastructure, making it a good choice for families.
Are there Blue Flag beaches in Kriopigi?
Yes, beaches around Kriopigi regularly receive the Blue Flag environmental award for water quality, safety and good infrastructure.
Which beach is best for peace and quiet?
For a quieter experience, Moudounou and Agios Nikolaos are good choices, as well as the sand spit at Possidi Beach. These places have fewer facilities and fewer people, but more contact with nature.
Where is it best to go snorkelling or diving?
Thanks to the clear water, snorkelling is possible in many places, but the most popular spots are around Kriopigi Beach, Moudounou and Agios Nikolaos, where the seabed is interesting and the atmosphere calmer.
Can I bring my pet to the beaches in Kriopigi?
There are beaches in the region where dogs are allowed, for example Paralia Afitos. Always follow local rules, keep your pet under control and make sure you don’t disturb other visitors.
Are there beaches adapted for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. Nea Potidea Beach offers accessible infrastructure: ramps, barrier-free zones and facilities designed specifically for visitors with reduced mobility.
Which beach should I choose for nightlife near Kriopigi?
If you’re looking for bars, clubs and late-night parties, Kalithea Beach and the venues around it are the most popular option, with several bars and nightclubs.
Can I rent a car in Thessaloniki to drive to Kriopigi?
Yes. There are many car rental companies at Thessaloniki airport and in the city. You’ll need a passport, driving licence and bank card. A car gives you complete freedom to explore the Kassandra peninsula.
Is Kriopigi a good choice for independent travellers with their own car?
Yes. A road trip is an excellent option for experienced travellers. You can combine a Greek beach holiday with stops in Romania and Bulgaria, and once on Kassandra it’s easy to visit several beaches and villages over just a few days.
Are there any “wild” beaches near Kriopigi?
Yes. Moudounou, Agios Nikolaos and parts of Possidi Beach can be considered almost wild. There is minimal infrastructure, so it’s best to bring water, snacks, a sunshade and everything you need for your comfort.
Are there naturist beaches in the Kriopigi region?
Yes. Lagoon Beach is known as a naturist beach near Kriopigi, surrounded by forest and a campsite. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to check local rules and always respect other visitors’ privacy.
