Located on a stretch of Chalkidiki coast that juts out into the Aegean Sea, Greeceâs Kriopigi now tends to refer to the huge coastal resort rather than the village. The resort, which usually soaks up 300 days-worth of sun every year, was built on top of steep hills that lead down to a shingle bay. The climb down from those hills to reach the beach is steep enough to warrant a train that ferries tourists up and down. The original settlement, âold Kriopigi villageâ, is near to the resort as are the eponymous cool springs (or krio pigi).
Like most of Greece, Kriopigi enjoys (and occasionally swelters under) abundant sunshine and a Mediterranean climate which encourages hot, arid weather in the summer and mild, moderately moist winters. There are noted regional variations to the general climate in Greece and the North-East may experience some cold winter air drifting in from the Balklans. In addition to the sea breezes which cool the coastal areas to some degree; the dry, seasonal meltemi winds from the North help to regulate the temperature in Kriopigi even though they are sometimes known to intensify the heat in Crete and the southern islands.
Due to the inviting temperatures of the Aegean Sea, Kriopigi is home to a typical, tourist-targeted plethora of water activities such as surfing, scuba-diving and water-skiing. The average sea temperature is always above 10°C and, from June to October, the water is unlikely to drop below 20°C. In fact, as the sea reaches its hottest in August, a wily tourist with enough tea-bags could endeavour to make the worldâs largest cup of tea...
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Heat waves are common in Kriopigi during the summer when the two hottest months, July and August, experience an average temperature range of 21°C up to a scorching 32°C. With sea temperatures rising to around 25°C as well as roughly 12hours of sunlight and very little rainfall, July and August may be too hot to handle for all but the hardiest sunbathers. Which is why it is perhaps better to visit from April to June when the average temperature ranges are 10°C-20°C, 14°C-25°C and 18°C-29°C respectively. That period also tends to see two or three more days of rain and two or three less hours of sunshine.
Another ideal time to see Kriopigi is September to October when the low-to-high average heat is 17°C-28°C and 13°C-22°C and, again, there is generally a tad more rain with an hour or two less of sun. Not quite as idyllic on paper as the weather in July and August, but, as they say, too much of a good thing can result in sunburn and profuse sweating.
Winter
Kriopigi gets wetter and slightly colder during winter. Throughout December, January and February the average temperature range drops to between 2°C and 12°C. From November to February there are typically 6-8 days-worth of rain although, since Kriopigi lies in the East and rain is more frequent on the western coast of Greece, it could be worse. Winter usually sees around four to five hours of sunlight.