Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Kriaritsi Beach
Kriaritsi is a beach on the southern tip of Sithonia in Halkidiki, below the village of Sykia, looking east across the gulf to Mount Athos. Around 800 m of coarse sand is split by rocks into a series of small bays, with clear water that shades from turquoise to deep blue and rocky islets offshore that are good for snorkelling. The seabed drops gradually, so it suits swimmers more than small children. The central bay is the organised part, with two beach bars, a restaurant and showers; sunbeds and umbrellas come with a drink but cover only a small area, and a campsite sits in the hinterland behind one section. Nude bathing happens on a separate, smaller cove next to the central bay; reviewers place the clothing-optional area at the northern end of the beach, away from the bars. Because it lies at the end of a confusing network of minor roads, Kriaritsi stays relatively quiet even in high summer, and the regional tourism site calls it one of the most beautiful beaches in Halkidiki.
Getting there
From Sykia, drive south following the signs for Kriaritsi; the route uses narrow local roads, passes an abandoned holiday development locals call the 'ghost town', and is described as one of the more demanding beach approaches in Sithonia, so use GPS (the beach is not on the main road). Our sources give no parking details or public transport to the beach itself, so plan on driving. Walking from the central bays to the nude cove at the northern end takes a few minutes over sand and rocks. No wheelchair access.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the colour and clarity of the water and the relative calm compared with Sithonia's busier beaches, and many say the approach road is confusing and rough enough to worry drivers of small cars. Reviewers note a clothing-optional area at the quieter northern end, which they warn may not suit families with young children, while the central bay with bars is clothed. Sunbeds are limited, so arrive early or bring your own shade.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Greece has no officially designated nude beaches; nude bathing is tolerated on secluded stretches if it stays discreet. At Kriaritsi it is confined by custom to the small cove at the northern end, away from the beach bars; we found no signage or reported enforcement.
Naturism at Kriaritsi Beach sits under Greece's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Greece public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 40.0261, 24.0171
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Greece
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude area at Kriaritsi?
In a smaller separate cove beside the central bay, which reviewers place at the northern end of the beach, away from the bars.
Is it hard to get to?
The road from Sykia is narrow and confusing, passing an abandoned development; use GPS and drive carefully.
Are there facilities?
Yes, in the central bay: two beach bars, a restaurant, showers and a few sunbeds. The nude cove has none.
Is it suitable for children?
The central bay is fine for families, but the water deepens steadily and the nude cove is better avoided with young children.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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