A small village on the coast of Kassandra invites to breathe and feel Hellas simply as it is. Kriopigi in Halkidiki on the northeast of Greece will impress with privacy and picturesque nature. It is quiet and cozy there unlike the neighbouring noisy resorts.

The village is a perfect place for a family vacation or for the rest with a company of friends. It would be better to visit Kriopigi for those who prefer independent tourism.    

How to get

Kriopigi is located almost in the centre of Kassandra peninsula, between Polychrono and Kalithea, on the shores of Toroneos Gulf. Its location on the slope of a wooded hill is a bonus for holidaymakers: it's fresher here in the summer than in neighboring villages. However, there is a significant disadvantage in it as well — there is a long descent to the sea and the rise backwards. 

The way from the airport

Airport of Thessaloniki “Macedonia” is separated from the village of a “cold source” — that is the translation of its name from Greek — by 83 kilometres. 

Ordering an individual transfer helps to save precious time of your vacation. You don’t need to look by yourself for a public transport, address of the booked hotel or apartments. The way from the airport to the village will take about an hour. 

On the way from the airport, you can admire the thickets of Mediterranean stone pines, olive groves and vineyards. Nature is said to be the main landmark of Kriopigi and Greece in general. Having visited Kassandra, you would ascertain that it is true.

How to move?

If you would like to visit every corner of the picturesque village and not only of it, it is a good idea to rent a car. The former central waterfront has been abandoned long ago — now only the wreckages of paths, children’s swings and old broken lights remind of it. Therefore, it is best to stay in Kryopigi in private homes. They often have the best location and access to the beaches, inaccessible from the central promenade. Another option is to see the interesting places of the whole region by renting a car.

The center of the village is located on a hill, along the main road. There you can walk around and visit taverns, bars and supermarkets. There is also the old part of the town, which is easily accessible on foot from the main road.

What to see?

The central beach of Kriopigi consists of several small ones and is considered to be one of the best on Halkidiki coast. And it is well-deserved — the beach is clean, golden, with gentle access for safe swimming of children and with an opportunity to withdraw from prying eyes. 

When coming to any of the beaches in Kriopigi do not rush to rent the beach umbrella. Sometimes even at midday the natural shadow is enough — it is formed by the pine forests that surround the beach line.  

The sea is always warm and gentle: in the height of the season, the temperature of water is about 26-27˚С. It is rather difficult to go to the central beach on foot, but this walk gives an opportunity to loosen your stiff muscles before a swim and to slim down during the vacation.

The only beach bar Agora Beach is located a little away, in the direction of Kallithea. The sand there is delightful and the sea beckons with its azure. Although the bar itself is quite average in quality and high in prices. It is very convenient to relax in this place by yourself at the beginning or end of the season, when the beach bar does not work and therefore few people.

What to do?

You can make interesting photos of Kriopigi against the background of houses dating back to the century before last, which mutually complement the modern church of St. George with a high bell tower. 

For those who venerate Greek Orthodox traditions it is worth to come here at the memory day of saint great martyress Parasceve (July 26, new style) or on August 15 — the local day of the Most Holy Virgin. These holidays are celebrated in Kriopigi especially solemnly.

The cold source (pigi), after which the village is called, is located near the central square. Upwards from the village, on the border with dense subtropical forest, an unusual extemporary amphitheatre is located.

What else can you see in Kriopigi itself? It is interesting to walk along the shopping streets where the famous local textiles are sold, as well as Greek honey, wine and olive oil. Kriopigi for a purpose was called Pazarakia (“small markets”) since olden times. Trade is its history and its essence. 

After a walk through the village, it is tempting to have a rest, sit at a cocktail and discuss the beauty you have just seen. For this purpose, it would be better to visit one of the bars by the side of the central road. There are several places with a wonderful view of the sea, reasonable prices and cozy atmosphere — for example, “Sugar”.

The places of interest and excursions in the outskirts of Kriopigi

If you get tired of the silence, just 5 kilometres from Kriopigi Kalithea is located with its bars, discos and eventful resort life. Afitos, where according to the legend, the ancient Greek gods dethroned the Titans, — is the most beautiful township of Kassandra. It is known for its authentic houses of stone. The Greeks call Afitos a “stone balcony of Halkidiki” for its location on the steep rocky shore. And Polichrono is interesting for the Turtle lake Mavrobara, which is inhabited by several rare species of turtles.

Those who wish can set for a sea pilgrimage cruise along the sacred mount Athos on the board of a “pirate” ship. If you would like, you can rent a yacht for a sea voyage in Toroneos Gulf. Or drive to the neighboring peninsula of Sithonia to see its popular beaches. The fans of active rest will like such activities as diving, snorkeling and tourist hikes.

Petralona cave with its stalactites and stalagmites is located 52 kilometres away from Kriopigi. A bit further from Kriopigi Stagira is located — the motherland of great Aristotle — about 132 kilometres by car. Among the most popular excursions are the tours to Meteora with active rock monasteries of Greek Orthodox Church and a unique icon workshop.

Where to stay?

A comfort air temperature (29-34˚С in July-August and 24-28˚С during the autumn season) allows you to spend all the vacation in Kriopigi on the fresh air, except for perhaps February-March when it gets cold till 10-15˚С. 

Lowcost variants of accommodation

Relatively inexpensive variants are represented by small cottages, guesthouses and apartments. The hotel infrastructure is developed poorly, and this is one of the disadvantages of Kriopigi. But if you would like you can find variants — for example, forest apart-hotel Avatel Eco Lodge that is located not far from the village. Due to the healing air, which is saturated with phytoncides of conifers, it is able to compete with many health resort centres. 

Where you can live comfortably in Kriopigi

For those who are not used to saving money on the convenience of their accommodation, Kriopigi is able to offer two elite hotels — the five-star “Kassandra Palace Hotel&Spa” and four-star “Alexander the Great Beach Hotel”. Both of them are situated right on the seashore.  

But if you like luxury comfort and home environment at the same time, the best variant would be to stay in a villa. The advantages of such accommodation are absence of crowds, completely equipped everyday life, wonderful views of the sea and isolated beaches. Usually only the residents of neighbouring villas swim there. 

What to taste?

Meat eaters who are fond of original cuisine should visit Bistro Kriopigi. There they treat you to unusual meat dishes with sauces, due to which ordinary dishes of Greek cuisine taste in a new way. During the day you can watch the sea with a goblet of delicious wine in your hand, and in the evening — enjoy live music.

If you want to taste the authentic Greek cuisine — better choose one of the local taverns by the central highway. Anthoulas, which is located right in the heart of the village, is especially popular for its delicious dishes and warm atmosphere. Here they cook according to classical Greek recipes from the choice farm and sea products. And of course they serve perfect Greek wine here. Even combined with a simple snack, its flavour opens brightly and distinctively.

Did they serve you free fruits or a dessert as a compliment from the establishment? Don’t be surprised — it is a tradition in Northern Greece!

Any imported and Greek products are sold in local supermarkets. There are several shops near the central highway.

Useful info

  • Keep in mind that it is more comfortable to take a car at the Thessaloniki airport for the entire vacation in Kriopigi;
  • A universal Greek greeting “Yasas!” that is 2-in-1 “hello” and “goodbye” will win over the local residents.
  • There are just a few public lavatories on the beaches — it is important to consider this fact before you set to the seaside.