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 S toward Ionian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
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 <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. 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 <span class="inline-stat">26°C</span> 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.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-07 – 15-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy 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 is a Blue Flag certified beach in Thessaly, Greece. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Kritharia free to access?
Yes, access to Kritharia is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Kritharia?
The best time to visit Kritharia is September. Water temperature peaks at around 26°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 27.5°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Kritharia?
Kritharia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
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. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Greece
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.
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