Holidays to Kriopigi

Top attractions

By far the greatest attraction in Kriopigi is its pretty pebbly beach. Awarded the Blue Flag, it’s surrounded by pine woodland and olive groves that produce olive oil, which you are likely to sample in local restaurants.

Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the green hills, Kripigi has a wonderful view of the Gulf of Kassandra. You are bound to find lots of remnants of the past as the area has been inhabited since ancient times, with Kriopigi built in the place of the ancient towns of Neapolis and Flegra. In the charming town square there are also remains of an ancient theatre.in Kriopigi.

You can also step back in time in Greece’s second-biggest city, Thessaloniki. Only 90 kilometres outside of Kriopigi, the cosmopolitan city has a history that dates back some 2,300 years. Like an open-air museum, the city has plenty of Byzantine monuments, as well as 5^th century churches and Ottoman architecture in the Old City to explore.

Beaches

Holidays in Kriopigi begin at its beautiful sandy beach. As a double Blue Flag winner and flanked by pine-clad hills, Pigadakia beach is extremely picturesque and somewhere you’d want to spend the whole day. With plenty of sun loungers and parasols to rent, you can easily get a cold drink and snack at the nearby cafés and tavernas. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot, there are quieter coves to discover.

The ribbons of stunning golden sand tickle the crystal clear waters that are ideal for unwinding in the wonderful Greek sunshine. Swim in the warm crystalline waters, which are shallow enough for little ones and make for a serine holiday. If you fancy playing some beach games, then park your towels at the southern side of the beach where it’s at its widest.

Also on the peninsula of Halkidiki is the Kallithea beach that looks across the sea to views of the hills of Sithonia.  By day the beach hosts volleyball and water sports, while at night it becomes a party spot.

Eating out

If authentic Greek cuisine is your bag, you’re in luck on your Kriopigi holiday. Even though the village is small it still has a number of decent restaurants, cafes and taverns to enjoy local and traditional dishes. You can expect the freshest of ingredients here as the surrounding fertile land produces great wine, honey, olives and oil.

With several restaurants along the waterfront, Kriopigi is a great spot for tucking into seafood. Get a table at one of the harbour-side tavernas and watch the fishing boats bring in their daily catch, then order the dish of the day – from the ocean to your plate. If you want to try a local favourite, squid kalamari is a favourite with the locals, as are baked sardines drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice.

Greek classics like gyros and moussaka are both rich in taste and are complimented afterwards with a dessert of honey-soaked baklava. The local Rapsani red wine is also a good accompaniment.

Nightlife

Like the daytime, when the sun goes down on Kriopigi it remains very chilled. The few bars in the town centre provide a relaxed atmosphere but if you want something more exciting after hours, you should venture elsewhere.

If it’s a lively after-hours scene you’re after then head to the resort of Kallithea. You’ll have your choice of trendy bars and thriving night clubs, which line the main strip area. For all-night dancing, further down the coast in the village of Pefkohori is the popular summer club, NoNo.

Alternatively, go out in nearby Kassandra, where the party-scene doesn’t get started until midnight, as most Greeks go out for dinner and drinks much later. The lively nightlife scene spreads out around the central square to an esplanade of bars along the beach. For beer fans, Zytheion Beer House with its 100 different beers is worth a visit, whilst cocktail lovers will enjoy the potent mixes at SunShine, the coolest bar in the square.

Family holidays

Family holidays in Kriopigi are made at the beach. With lush greenery and the blue Aegean Sea, Pigadakia beach’s scenery is outstanding. Along with your children, you’ll have endless hours of fun in the sand. The well-organised beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas so you and the little ones can relax in comfort, whilst keeping in the shade.

If you want to get out of the sun, take the short trip on the train from the beach to the village, where in the summertime, you and family can catch a performance or concert at the small Siviri theatre. You can also broaden your family’s knowledge by taking a trip to the many archaeological sites in the area. An hour north from Kriopigi is the famous prehistoric Cave of Petralona with its stalactites and stalagmites. 

In Hanioti village on the Kassandra peninsula, the children will love the bouncy castles and the trampoline at the Fairytopia playground. Or down on the beach there are range of exciting water sports from ringos to kayaks, which will excite all the family. Families looking for an all inclusive stay will find several options in Kriopigi 

Couples holidays

The Halkidiki region is the birthplace of the god of love, Eros, so romance is in the air. Couples holidays in Kriopigi mean lazy days spent together on the sandy beaches and dips in the warm Aegean Sea.

When you both want to get away, hire a car and explore the ancient monuments, or even sample the region’s many fine wines. The land of renowned wines since ancient times, particularly the white wine Mendi, there are plenty of vineyards in the area. Take a visit to the aptly named ‘Smile of the Soul – Tzikas Estate’ in Siviri to try its chemical-free organic wine in an intimate tasting.

Rather than enjoy the sunset from the beach, book a trip on a boat. What better way to spend an evening on a sunset cruise with your loved one. Starting at Kassandra, the floating sundown party boat passes around the peninsular and fuels you with music and free-flowing beer and cocktails.

Action & Adventure

Nature plays a big part on holidays in Kriopigi and adventure lies on every corner. Home to some truly amazing hiking trails, you can traverse the coastline, which is splashed by the clear waters of the North Aegean. Another trail takes the intrepid explorer through the luscious pine forests and across the steep mountain slopes on which the village sits. Along your hike you will get the chance to get up close to local wildlife and sample some of the irresistible traditional flavours of natural honey and locally-made olive oil.

Nearby Kassandra is home to the best water sports on the east coast. A sailing cruise is the best way to discover the hidden coves and gems of the sea. If you want to get up close to the marine life, you can dive into the warm Gulf of Kassandra and go snorkelling. Better still, scuba diving will get you closer to the sea bed. Book a guided tour to explore the various dive sites.

Culture

It’s easy to add a day of culture into your Kriopigi holidays. The region has been inhabited since the ancient times and the village is located between the historic cities of Flegra and Neapolis, so you’ll find hidden historical remains all over the place.

Formerly known as Pasarakia, meaning small bazaar, until the mid-20^th century, Kriopigi now takes its name after the natural source of cold water. The spring is worth a visit and can be easily reached on foot.

Elsewhere, if you take a drive further out, you can visit archaeological sites such as the Mount Athos monastery in Nea Phokea, the remains of the ancient Zeus temple at Kallithea and the Poseidon temple in Posidi, which are all within 30 minutes away.  

Further afield, about an hour away from Kriopigi is Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki in the north. Its Old City has notable monuments scattered around and is a memorable day out.