Kriopigi Holidays

Tucked away on the pine-covered slopes of Kassandra – Halkidiki's westernmost peninsula – Kriopigi is one of those gorgeous Greek villages that still feels properly authentic. The name means "cold spring" in Greek, and locals reckon you can actually feel cool underwater currents mixing with warmer seas as you swim – pretty refreshing on a scorching August afternoon. The village tumbles down a hillside above a Blue Flag beach on the Toroneos Gulf, with cobbled lanes, traditional stone houses and sea views that'll make your jaw drop and your insta' pop. It's peaceful without being dull, with traditional tavernas, ouzo bars and stunning sunsets over the water. And if you fancy a livelier night? Kallithea's legendary bar scene is just 5km away.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Weather: Summer temperatures hit 27-32°C with up to 13 hours of sunshine; sea temps reach a gorgeous 25-27°C from June to September

• 💶 Prices: A cold Mythos costs €3-4, main courses at local tavernas run €8-13, and a meal for two with drinks works out around €30-50

• 🍯 Fun fact: Kriopigi is famous for its local honey, olive oil and honey-based products – pick some up from village shops for a properly tasty souvenir

Top Reasons to Visit Kriopigi

• 🏖️ Beautiful Blue Flag beach – Kriopigi's beach has won two Blue Flags for water quality and purity. It's a mix of soft sand and fine pebbles with crystal-clear waters and stunning views across to Sithonia. Organised with sunbeds but never overcrowded.

• 🏛️ Traditional village charm – This is properly authentic Greece. Wander the narrow cobbled lanes, admire centuries-old stone houses, grab an ouzo in the village square and taste real Greek coffee while soaking up views over the gulf.

• 🌲 Pine forest setting – The whole area is surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean pine forests and olive groves that tumble down to the sea. Brilliant for walking and cycling, with marked trails through the trees.

• ⛱️ Perfect beach-hopping base – Kassandra's coastline is studded with gorgeous beaches. Drive 15 minutes in either direction and you'll find everything from buzzing beach clubs to hidden coves.

• 🍷 Proper Greek food and drink – Traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood, grilled meats and local specialities. Don't miss the honey from Halkidiki's famous beekeepers or the house wines served chilled in metal jugs.

Where to Stay

Kriopigi's got a brilliant mix of accommodation, from luxury beachfront resorts to cosy family-run hotels nestled in the pines.

• The Kassandra Palace Seaside Resort is the standout – a proper 5-star job right on the beach with panoramic Aegean views, an indoor pool, spa and wellness centre, multiple restaurants including Asian-Peruvian fusion, and a kids' club. Perfect for families wanting the full-service experience.

• Hotel Kriopigi is a well-reviewed 4-star property on the hillside with outdoor and children's pools, a wellness centre with sauna and massages, and a free daily shuttle to the beach 800m away. Proper traditional Greek hospitality with all the mod cons.

• The Alkion is a charming boutique 3-star set in 15 acres of olive and pine trees, renovated in 2017. Just 500m from the beach with sea views, kitchenettes in all rooms and a friendly family atmosphere. Great for couples and families who fancy self-catering.

• Palladium offers solid 3-star accommodation on the Kassandra peninsula with an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and kids' club. About 800m from the beach with animation and entertainment in season.

• For a budget-friendly option, the Kassandra Bay is a calm oasis surrounded by pine trees, just 800m from the beach with pool, sea or mountain views from every room and proper Greek taverna food in the restaurant.

Top Things to Do in Kriopigi

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Things to Do in Kriopigi for Families

• 🏖️ Beach days on Kassandra – Kriopigi's own beach is brilliant for families, with shallow waters and full facilities. Nearby Pefkochori and Hanioti have Blue Flag beaches with water sports and beachside restaurants.

• 🕳️ Petralona Cave – One of Europe's most important prehistoric sites, about 50km away. Walk through a million-year-old cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites where Europe's oldest human skull was found. Kids love it – just remember no photos inside.

• 🐢 Lake Mavrobara turtles – Near Polychrono village, this freshwater lake is home to rare turtle species. Peaceful spot for a wander and wildlife spotting.

• 🏊 Water sports – Jet-skiing, pedalos, kayaks and banana boats are available at organised beaches up and down the coast. Calm Aegean waters mean it's safe for supervised kids.

💑 Best Things to Do in Kriopigi for Couples

• 🌅 Sunset drinks at the village square – Grab a table at one of Kriopigi's traditional cafes, order a carafe of house wine and watch the sunset paint the sky over Toroneos Gulf.

• 🏘️ Explore Afitos village – Just up the coast, Afitos is Halkidiki's prettiest village with honey-coloured stone houses, cliff-edge views, the Folklore Museum and romantic tavernas tucked into cobbled alleys.

• 🎷 Sani Festival – If you're visiting July–August, catch world-class artists at Sani Festival on the atmospheric Sani Hill stage. Past acts include Grace Jones, Norah Jones and the Gipsy Kings.

• 🛥️ Sunset cruise – Book a boat trip around Kassandra or across to the Sithonia peninsula. Many include swimming stops at hidden coves and fresh seafood BBQs on board.

🎉 Best Things to Do in Kriopigi for Groups

• 🍻 Bar hop in Kallithea – Just 5km from Kriopigi, Kallithea is Kassandra's nightlife capital with beach bars, clubs and bars open til the early hours. La Roca and Fiji Island are legendary.

• 🚙 4x4 Jeep safari – Explore Kassandra's interior with an off-road adventure through pine forests, traditional villages and olive groves, usually finishing at a taverna with wine tasting.

• 🎭 Kassandra Festival – Running since 1993 at the Siviri amphitheatre, this festival brings ancient drama, concerts and performances to a stunning seaside setting. About 25km from Kriopigi.

• 🤿 Scuba diving – Crystal-clear Aegean waters make this brilliant diving territory. Local operators run PADI courses and guided dives to discover underwater caves and marine life.

🏛️ Best Things to Do in Kriopigi for Culture Lovers

• 🏛️ Temple of Ammon Zeus – This ancient sanctuary in Kallithea dates back 2,400 years and includes ruins of temples to Zeus, Dionysus and Asclepius. Discovered accidentally in 1968 during hotel construction.

• 🏺 Afitos Folklore Museum – Housed in a beautiful 19th-century stone mansion in Afitos, this small museum showcases traditional Halkidiki life with crafts, costumes and agricultural tools. Open summer evenings.

• 🏰 Tower of Sani – A 14th-century Byzantine watchtower overlooking the Sani marina. Climb for views over the wetlands and spot flamingos in the lagoon below.

• 🧓 Petralona Cave Museum – The museum beside Petralona Cave houses Europe's oldest human skull (around 700,000 years old), fossils of cave bears and lions, and evidence of the first use of fire in Europe.

When to Visit Kriopigi

🌸 Spring (April–May, 17–25°C)

Halkidiki's wildflowers bloom across the peninsula and temperatures warm up nicely. Sea temps reach around 18-20°C by late May – fine for a refreshing dip.

• 🥚 Orthodox Easter celebrations across Kassandra with candlelit processions, midnight church services, fireworks and traditional lamb feasts

• 🍷 Sani Gourmet Festival (May) – Michelin-starred chefs descend on Sani Resort for a week of gastronomic events

• 🌊 Beaches quiet and uncrowded – perfect for exploring the coast without peak-season numbers

☀️ Summer (June–September, 27–32°C)

Peak season brings hot sunny days, warm seas (25-27°C) and a brilliant buzzy atmosphere. Book ahead – Halkidiki is hugely popular with Greek holidaymakers.

• 🎷 Sani Festival (July 12 – August 23, 2025) – World-class concerts on Sani Hill with artists including Norah Jones (July 19), Gloria Gaynor (July 26) and Gipsy Kings (August 16)

• 🎭 Kassandra Festival (July–August) – Ancient drama and concerts at the amphitheatre of Siviri

• 🏊 International Swimming Crossing of Toroneos Gulf (mid-July) – Watch elite swimmers complete the 26km crossing from Kallithea to Nikiti

• 🐟 Feast of Sardines, Nea Moudania (mid-July) – Week-long festival celebrating the humble sardine with music, dancing and masses of grilled fish

🍂 Autumn (September–October, 20–27°C)

Brilliant weather continues with fewer crowds and warm seas. September's still proper beach weather; October's ideal for exploring, hiking and harvest experiences.

• 🍇 Grape harvest season – Visit wineries around Arnea for tastings and harvest celebrations

• 🍯 Arnea KOUZINA Traditional (October) – Food festival in the beautiful mountain village celebrating local honey, crafts and cuisine

• 🌅 Quieter beaches – Enjoy Kassandra's gorgeous coast without the summer crowds

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring beyond Kriopigi? These nearby spots are all easy to reach:

Kallithea (5km south) – Kassandra's nightlife hub with beach bars, clubs and the ancient Temple of Ammon Zeus. Party central after dark but lovely beaches by day.

Afitos (3km north) – Halkidiki's prettiest village with stone houses, cliff-edge views over Toroneos Gulf, a folklore museum and romantic tavernas.

Sani (15km north) – Upmarket marina resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, world-famous summer festival and seven kilometres of stunning beach.

Pefkochori (20km south) – Lively beach resort on Kassandra's east coast with brilliant nightlife, long sandy beach and great water sports.