The Olympic Riviera is the ideal summer retreat, boasting beautiful beaches and warm waters to help you forget all your stresses. Whether you’re searching for a secluded spot to have a quiet beach picnic or want to spend the day indulging in water sports, this list of Top 10 sandy beaches on the Olympic Riviera has something for everyone.
1. Paralia
Paralia is a bustling tourist destination that caters to thousands of holidaymakers with high-quality services and some of the best organized beaches on the Olympic Riviera. Due to its compact size, Paralia can easily be reached by car, public transport or bike.
Paralia’s main attractions are its sandy beaches. The main beach is well-organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and other amenities for guests’ use. Plus, you can take in stunning views of Poseidon’s Temple while swimming here!
The expansive beach is a favorite spot for camping overnight, watching the sunset or stargazing and offers stunning views of sea stacks. You can also enjoy hiking, cycling and kite-flying here; plus it’s ideal surfing territory!
2. Olimpic Beach
For a serene beach with plenty of activities, Olimpic Beach is an ideal option. Here, you can take a dip in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the sand and indulge in some water sports.
This beach is ideal for wildlife watching, with seals, otters and whales frequently passing by. You might also spot surfers catching waves or bald eagles nesting along the shoreline.
The beach is a popular spot with both locals and visitors from out of town. It boasts plenty of public art, making it the perfect location for taking barefoot walks along the shore or strolling along its walkways.
Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, expect some crowds during the summer months. Nonetheless, the park remains relatively uncrowded compared to other waterfront parks and can provide an enjoyable spot for picnics or longer stays. There are two picnic tables near the pier as well as benches in both mini plazas and along the walkway.
3. Litohoro
Litohoro, known as a getaway to Mount Olympus, offers visitors plenty of attractions like Dion archaeological site, Platamon castle and numerous hiking paths leading up to Mount Olympus.
Litohoro is an ideal destination for history buffs and culture aficionados alike, boasting numerous charming taverns and cafes. Furthermore, there are various hotel types available to book in the village.
This hotel, situated right on the beach, offers traditional rooms and excellent service. It provides free Wi-Fi and a buffet breakfast every morning. Indulge in some refreshing cocktails at the restaurant or relax with massages and body treatments at its spa.
4. Kokkino Nero
Kokkino Nero (meaning “Red Water”) is a village and beach located at the foot of Mount Ossa in Karitsa, Municipal Unit Evrymenes of Agia Larissa Thessaly. The name comes from local hot springs which are colored red by mineral salts.
The village is a stunning combination of mountain and sea, making it one of the oldest settlements in the region. It also boasts the famous Thermal Spring, whose vibrant hue comes from mineral salts and is believed to have healing powers.
Visitors from Poland and the Czech Republic enjoy its tranquil beaches, as well as two coasts: on the north side there is a pebble beach for half a kilometer, while further south there is sandy beach stretching 1 kilometer long.
The village is renowned for its taverns and bars that serve fresh fish and homemade wine. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along the nearby Canyon of Calypso to experience three waterfalls as well as an ancient forest of towering beech trees.
5. Nei Pori
Nei Pori is a popular beach resort situated on the southernmost coastline of the Olympic Riviera. Its long sandy beach, which earns every year an award from the European Union Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety, makes it perfect for family holidays.
The resort offers a range of accommodation, most of which are apartments or studios, as well as tavernas, restaurants and souvenir shops. Furthermore, visitors can purchase fresh produce at the local market.
Guests at this beach resort can spend their days lazing in the sun or taking part in watersports. The area is monitored by a lifeguard and offers loungers and umbrellas as well as changing rooms, showers, toilets.
El Greco Nei Pori Apartments offer guests a breathtaking mountain view from their apartment, just 600 metres from Nei Pori Beach. This accommodation also has its own bar, garden and free WiFi internet access. Each air-conditioned unit comes with its own balcony as well as a flat-screen TV for added entertainment.
6. Platamonas
Platamonas is a beach town and coastal resort in Central Macedonia. It boasts numerous amenities such as shops, cafes and restaurants; plus it has its own marina for small boats.
Within a short drive of Nei Pori Beach, the 4-star Diverso Platamon, Luxury Hotel & Spa provides accommodation with views of the port. Each room comes complete with its own balcony, branded toiletries and television for added comfort.
This property boasts a wellness area with Jacuzzi and sauna facilities. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served each morning.
Platamonas Castle is an important archaeological landmark of the region. It was constructed by Lombard knight Rolando Piska and may have had Byzantine origins. After being captured by Venetians in 1425 and Turks again in 1427, Platamonas castle once again fell to Lombard knight Rolando Piska.
7. Katerini
Katerini, a picturesque seaside town in the prefecture of Pieria, boasts many cozy hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It has become a popular getaway for honeymooners, families and senior citizens alike.
The municipality is renowned for its idyllic sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. It also serves as a great jumping off point to discover picturesque offshore islands like Skiathos or Skopelos.
Mount Olympus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Katerini, offers many exciting hiking trails. Join one of our guided Olympus hiking tours to uncover an ancient monastery, sacred caves, the bathtub of Zeus and many more breathtaking wonders.
Hotel Tropicana in Katerini, only 80 metres away from Paralia Beach, provides air-conditioned rooms and suites with free internet access. Each room boasts a balcony overlooking either the sea or mountains while in-room amenities include satellite TV, whirlpool tub and minibar.
8. Leptokarya
Leptokarya is a popular tourist destination renowned for its sandy beaches and organised beach bars. Situated at the foot of Mount Olympus, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and take in some rays.
The town offers various accommodation options, such as hotels and bungalows. Furthermore, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.
There are plenty of activities to do in the surrounding area, such as visiting Meteora monastery – a must-see during your vacation. You could also go hiking and explore its surrounding terrain.
The Aisymi-Leptokarya porphyry Mo prospect is located in a backarc geotectonic regime and shares similarities to other post-subduction porphyry molybdenum deposits elsewhere. The ore contains significant amounts of Mo (up to 215 ppm) and Se (29 ppm), along with trace elements like Ag, Sn, Bi and Te.
9. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is an exciting Greek city with a vibrant multi-ethnic heritage. It combines the sophistication and energy of a major city with the warmth and charm of a smaller village.
The city centre features a stunning waterfront promenade that draws crowds year-round. It links major sights such as the White Tower, Photography Museum and Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
Take a stroll through Upper Town, featuring many traditional Balkan houses dating back to Ottoman times.
One place you should visit is the Covered Market Bezesteni, where you’ll find shops selling fabrics, flowers, hand-crafted dishware and other local products. It will take you back in time and give you a great insight into their culture!
You could also take a short trip to Vrasna, an attractive Byzantine tower. It would be the ideal spot for admiring a breathtaking sunset.
