Paralia
Central Macedonia, Greece: Excellent water quality
Paralia is a beach in Central Macedonia, Greece, located 7.61 km from Katerini Municipality. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. Drinking water is available on-site. The beach operates…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Paralia
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Paralia?
Paralia is a beach in Central Macedonia, Greece, located 7.61 km from Katerini Municipality. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. Drinking water is available on-site. The beach operates throughout its designated season, though swimmers should take appropriate precautions. April, May, and June offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August see the heaviest crowds.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Central Macedonia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Paralia faces south toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Feb | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Mar | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| May | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Paralia is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.5°C in July.
How crowded does Paralia get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Paralia sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Paralia open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Paralia
Is Paralia safe to swim?Paralia 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 Paralia?Peak water temperature at Paralia reaches around 23.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5°C.
What is the beach like at Paralia?Paralia on the Central Macedonia coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Paralia have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Paralia meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Parking is available nearby.
Paralia 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 Paralia
How do I get to Paralia by car?Paralia is approximately 7.61 km from Katerini 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 Paralia?The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), approximately 288.3 km away.
Can I get to Paralia by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Katerini Municipality. The nearest recorded bus stop is 110 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Paralia?Paralia lists Κατερίνη as the nearest railway station, 5.66 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Paralia
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Paralia. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Paralia
- Παραλία Bus stop 110 m
- Παραλία Bus stop 113 m
- ΠΙΕΡΙΚΟΣ Bus stop 276 m
- ΠΙΕΡΙΚΟΣ Bus stop 277 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 451 m
Cafés near Paralia
- Vanilla House Ice cream 65 m
- Gelato Ice cream 69 m
- Sofrano Caffee Café 72 m
- Ice cream Ice cream 83 m
- La Platea Café 92 m
Parking near Paralia
- Parking Parking 313 m
- Parking Parking 317 m
- Parking Parking 335 m
- Parking Parking 359 m
- Parking Parking 427 m
Supermarket near Paralia
- Supermarket Supermarket 161 m
- Supermarket Supermarket 178 m
- Place Market Supermarket 188 m
- Hermes Market Supermarket 189 m
- Super-Market Supermarket 208 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 | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 110 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 110 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.2674°N, 22.5983°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Paralia FAQ
Is Paralia suitable for children?
Paralia has a child-friendly score of 2/10. Facilities include showers and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Paralia free to access?
Access to Paralia is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Central Macedonia, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Paralia?
The best time to visit Paralia is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Paralia?
Paralia 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 Paralia?
Paralia is located in Central Macedonia, Greece. It is approximately 7.61 km from Katerini Municipality. The nearest airport is Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" (ATH), 288.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Paralia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 110 m from Paralia (Παραλία), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Paralia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Paralia, including Vanilla House (65 m), Gelato (69 m), Sofrano Caffee (72 m), and 83 m away. Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Paralia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 313 m from Paralia, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Paralia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 161 m from Paralia. Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © 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 Paralia
- 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.