Kriaritsi Beach is an enchanting, quiet harbor, stretching for about one kilometer in the middle of the smaller part of the Halkidiki Peninsula. Here you can get an ideal suntan as well as admire the views of Mount Athos, sitting right opposite the coast.
Kriaritsi Beach makes its visitors fall in love with it at first sight. First of all, this destination enchants travelers with the authenticity of Greek nature, boasting small mountains, sharp rocks, and stones, covered with mosses. Secondly, you can hardly resist a temptation to dive in the crystal-pure waters, playing with azure and light-blue shades. Thirdly, it impresses visitors with the length of its coastline, housing numerous tents and beach umbrellas. Camping is here is not only welcomed but is very popular. And there is no wonder!
The harbor here is so full of colors and beautiful nature that it seems to preserve that absolute purity from the prehistoric times. The greens, the pine tree forests, a clean sandy beach with small grains of sand... What a lovely bay is here! Its waters are so transparent and clean that you can see the sea bottom from the sailboat, being more than a hundred meters from the shore. Although the harbor is open, periodically, you can see the waves here. It is also important to bear in mind, that the bottom here is quite deep. Thus, you should constantly keep your eyes on children. Regarding the sea entry, it mildly slopes into the sea. That is why there is no need to worry about the sudden slope or a rise.
Besides, Kriaritsi is not only a beach but also a ghost city. In the past, it had to become a settlement devoted to St. Paul. For such a purpose, the investors had bought the building of the monastery on Mount Athos, bearing the same name, and all people inside it. The investors had an intention to build about 3.000 houses for summer holidays in the city. At the same time, fate prepared other plans for the city. Thus, all the intentions of the investors failed.
It is one of the versions, reflecting why people regard Kriaritsi as a ghost town. You will need to take a ride along the endless labyrinths to access the beach. What is great about that is the quality of local paved roads. They keep on remaining in a perfect state for decades.
The territory of Kriaritsi Beach in Sithonia consists of two parts: the main beach with a total length of about 500 meters and several small bays, divided by the rocks. The territory of the bays is popular with nudists. Thus, you should keep an eye on your kids and not allow them to go there. Furthermore, you should also get ready for unexpected “surprises.” The major beach houses a small camping site with a supermarket and two beach bars. When the beach visitor orders a cocktail or a cup of coffee from the Kriaritsi Beach bar, he can use sun loungers and beach umbrellas on the shore free of charge. There are also toilets and shower cubicles here.
There are no grounds for beach sport on Kriaritsi beach. At the same time, it is not a big problem for fans of beach volleyball and badminton. The shades of the nearby trees create a perfect hideaway for arranging a picnic, a chess competition or just cool down after bathing in the sun.
Diving is of great popularity at Kriaritsi Beach. Thanks to the increasing depth of the sea bottom, there is no longer a need to go far from the coast to admire the underwater life. Some people go diving here, while others – go snorkeling by the rocks. Although professional instructors are present on the beach from time to time, anyone who tries this type of entertainment is guaranteed a sea of pleasure. Kriaritsi Beach is also a nice place for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Those travelers who stay on the beach until evening get a wonderful opportunity to admire a sunset by Mount Athos as well as enjoy dinner nearby. We highly recommend that you try fish dishes and traditional Greek wine. Being “topped” with enchanting views of local nature, the taste of meals will give you a lot of pleasure.
The harbor housing the beach is situated on the eastern coast of the peninsula. You can find it near Pigadaki Beach and Klimataria Beach, right beyond the area of the Kriaritsi ghost city.
To reach the beach, you will need to find a crossroads, sitting a few kilometers north of Kalamitsi. After a short drive, on your right, you will see a road sign-board with the name of the beach. Turn this way to access the overhead passing, and then to the unpaved road, running to the labyrinths of a ghost town. After that, you should follow the road signs. You will find the most picturesque place of the island within a 15-minute ride. Besides, do not even try to reach the nearby Klimataria from here. It is easier to access via the main road.
