Kritharia
Thessaly, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kritharia is a beach on the Thessaly coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to September 15 and offers free access. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kritharia
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kritharia?
Kritharia is a beach on the Thessaly coast in Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to September 15 and offers free access. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. You'll find a kiosk and shop on-site. September is the best month to visit, with July and August drawing the largest crowds. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers concerned about water quality.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Thessaly, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Kritharia faces south toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 23°C | Low |
| Jul | 28°C | 26°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 26°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 9°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kritharia is September. Air temperatures peak around 27.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 26°C in July.
How crowded does Kritharia get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kritharia sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kritharia open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 15-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Kritharia
Is Kritharia safe to swim?Kritharia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Kritharia?Peak water temperature at Kritharia reaches around 26°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.5°C.
What is the beach like at Kritharia?Kritharia is a sandy beach on the Thessaly coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Kritharia have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kritharia meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Kritharia sits on the Ionian Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Ionian.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Kritharia
How do I get to Kritharia by car?Kritharia is approximately 8.24 km from Volos Municipality. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Kritharia?The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), approximately 180.0 km away.
Can I get to Kritharia by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Volos Municipality. The nearest recorded bus stop is 854 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kritharia
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kritharia. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Kritharia
- Ταβέρνα Κριθαριά Restaurant 195 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 15 Sep |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest bus stop | 854 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.2943°N, 22.9029°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kritharia FAQ
Is Kritharia suitable for children?
Kritharia has a child-friendly score of 2/10 based on Blue Flag certification criteria. As a certified beach in Greece, it meets international standards for safety, water quality, and environmental management.
Is Kritharia free to access?
Access to Kritharia is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Thessaly, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Kritharia?
The best time to visit Kritharia is September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 26°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kritharia?
Kritharia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Kritharia?
Kritharia is located in Thessaly, Greece. It is approximately 8.24 km from Volos Municipality. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), 180.0 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Kritharia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Kritharia, including Ταβέρνα Κριθαριά (195 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Kritharia
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.