Kriopigi Holidays 2024/2025
Sandwiched between pine-covered mountains and the Aegean Sea, Kriopigi is a traditional Greek village with a choice of sandy beaches, ideal for couples and families looking for All Inclusive Halkidiki holidays. Its wooded scenery is ripe for walking and bird-spotting, while Kriopigi’s quaint old town comes complete with a maze of small streets and there’s also the remains of an ancient outdoor amphitheatre.
Kriopigi Holiday Deals
Your choice of beaches
Kriopigi’s beach is its main attraction. It’s a long stretch with its widest point at the southern end, where the water is also deepest. Families tend to stay around the shallow waters at the narrower northern end of the beach, which also benefits from natural shade provided by the pine trees on the edge of the sand.
The journey from town to the beach is downhill and, while you can stroll back up to your hotel in 10 minutes, there’s a mini-train which does the journey there and back throughout the day to save your legs.
All along this part of the coast small coves can be found where you can sink back in the sand and enjoy the peace of this popular Halkidiki destination. There are a few sports taking place in the water so you can hire a pedalo or go jet ski-ing a little further out. If you want more in the way of water action, Kalithea and Polichrono are a short bus-ride away and are particularly good for scuba diving.
Hillside old town
Kriopigi’s centre is a labyrinth of narrow streets that lead to a main square where you’ll find white-washed tavernas and a few shops with red-tiled roofs. Walking through the streets you can catch spectacular views over the beach and across to Sithonia, while in the other direction is a sea of olive groves and pine forests.
Close to the centre of town is the ‘krio pigi’ – the natural-water spring that gives the village its name – beside which there is a small, ancient amphitheatre. Once you’ve walked through the countryside to get there you’ll be rewarded with fresh, cool water from the spring and some of the best views in town.
Square or beach eating
In both the beach area and old town, the majority of Kriopigi’s restaurants are Greek. They serve traditional dishes and plates full of fresh seafood, although – on your cheap holiday to Halkidiki – you’ll also find Italian specialities, plus a few British options. For example, you can get an English breakfast and a Myrthos beer at Casablanca Bar on the Main Street.
The main square is where some of the best authentic tavernas lie, such as the acclaimed Anthoulas Restaurant whose customers travel for miles to sample the delicious Greek food and specials such as pork with prunes. But you can decide for yourself whether you prefer to dine with a sea view or in a pretty, stone square.
Nightcaps
Many of Kriopigi’s tavernas carry on serving drinks well after dinner is over, and some put on music into the night. Around the square, nights remain low key but they can be a little livelier down by the beach, where there is a good selection of tavernas and bars that stay open late. If you crave loud nights with lots going on, nearby Kalithea has a good mix of venues from chill-out bars to big clubs.
Things to do
The main priorities in Kriopigi are relaxation or taking gentle walks through the hills, but nearby towns and day trips offer chances for more upbeat activities. Boats leave daily to the neighbouring peninsula of Sithonia to explore its natural beauty and a little further to view the ancient monasteries of the Athos peninsula from the water.
Fifteen minutes away in Hanioti there’s a dive centre where beginners and advanced divers can brush up their skills and spot octopuses, sea horses and starfish. Keen shoppers will find a few places selling clothes and souvenirs. There are also plenty of spa and tennis facilities available at the resorts hotels, making the location ideal for anyone looking to book a Greece package holiday. Or take a trip out to Polichrono to spot turtles in its lake and Sani for high-end shopping and marina-side dining.