Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

Ierissós Beaches

Overview

Nestled on the eastern coast of Halkidiki's Athos peninsula, Ierissós is a vibrant coastal town that serves as a fantastic base for a beach holiday. It offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere combined with the authentic character of a historic Greek settlement. The town's centerpiece is the expansive Ierissos Beach, a long stretch of sand and fine pebbles lapped by famously clear, Blue Flag-awarded waters. While the sea deepens relatively quickly, its beauty and the lively promenade running alongside it make it a beloved spot for visitors and locals alike.

The true appeal of Ierissós lies in the sheer variety of its coastline, with a beach to suit every preference. For a dramatic change of scenery, Kakoudia Beach is just minutes away, renowned for its unique and stunning white rock formations. Families often prefer the calm, shallow waters of Xiropotamos Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. If you're seeking a quieter escape, the vast, undeveloped shoreline of Komitsa Beach offers tranquility near the Mount Athos border. For a truly iconic experience, a short ferry trip to Ammouliani island reveals Alykes Beach, a picture-perfect bay that is among the region's most famous.

Beyond these highlights, the area invites further exploration. Many visitors enjoy boat trips to the nearby Drenia islands, a small cluster of islets celebrated for their shallow, turquoise waters. From easily accessible shores to secluded coves, the coastline around Ierissós is rich with options waiting to be discovered. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our longer list of the area's best beaches included in this guide.

FAQ

Is Ierissós a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Ierissós is considered a great destination for families. The main town beach is long, sandy, and has been awarded Blue Flags for its clean water. It's well-organized with many amenities like showers and changing cabins. While the water depth at the main beach increases relatively quickly, making it better for confident swimmers, there are nearby alternatives like Xiropotamos and Kakoudia beaches that are also suitable for children. The town itself is family-friendly, with a pleasant seaside promenade, playgrounds, and even a small, free aquarium that kids will enjoy.

What is the main beach in Ierissós like?

The main beach in Ierissós is one of the longest in Halkidiki, stretching for several kilometers in front of the town. It features coarse sand and has been awarded Blue Flags for its water quality and facilities. The beach is well-organized, with sections offering sunbeds and umbrellas from beach bars, often free with a drink purchase, as well as plenty of free space for your own equipment. The water is known for being crystal clear, though it deepens quite quickly a few meters from the shore. A paved promenade runs alongside the beach, lined with cafes and tavernas.

Can you swim in the sea at Ierissós and what is the water like?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea at Ierissós. The water is known for being crystal-clear and has been awarded Blue Flags, indicating high quality. The main beach has coarse sand. It's important to note that the water gets deep relatively close to the shore. Due to its location on the open gulf, the sea can sometimes be wavy, especially when it's windy. Lifeguards are on duty, and you should pay attention to the warning flags.

Are the beaches in Ierissós organized with sunbeds and umbrellas?

The main beach in Ierissós offers a mix of organized and free sections. You will find numerous beach bars that provide sunbeds and umbrellas, which are typically free to use if you purchase a drink or snack. However, there is also ample free space along the extensive shoreline where you can set up your own towels and umbrellas. Other nearby beaches like Kakoudia are mostly unorganized, so you'll need to bring your own gear.

Can I find accommodation right on the beach in Ierissós?

While there are many hotels, apartments, and studios located very close to the beach in Ierissós, often just across the seaside promenade, finding accommodation directly on the sand is less common. Many highly-rated places are just a one or two-minute walk from the sea, offering easy access and often sea views from their balconies. The town's layout, with the promenade separating the buildings from the beach, means most accommodations are 'beachfront' in terms of proximity and views rather than having direct sand access.

What are some of the best beaches near Ierissós worth visiting?

Besides the main town beach, there are several beautiful beaches nearby. Kakoudia Beach, just 2km away, is famous for its unique white rock formations and golden sand. For calmer waters, especially on windy days, Xiropotamos beach on the western side of the peninsula is a great option. Nea Roda and Komitsa beaches are also popular choices, offering long stretches of sand. For a special day trip, many visitors take a short ferry from the nearby port of Tripiti to the island of Ammouliani, which is renowned for its stunning, exotic-like beaches such as Alikes.

How do the beaches in Ierissós compare to Ouranoupoli?

Ierissós and Ouranoupoli both offer beautiful beaches but have different atmospheres. Ierissós features a very long, wide, sandy beach directly in front of a lively town with a promenade. It's more of a local hub and can feel more spacious. Ouranoupoli's beaches are also sandy and located near the town, which is the main departure point for Mount Athos boat tours, giving it a different, more transient tourist vibe. Ouranoupoli offers stunning views of the Drenia islands and Mount Athos itself. The choice often depends on whether you prefer a larger, more expansive beach town (Ierissós) or a more compact, picturesque village feel (Ouranoupoli).

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Ierissós?

If you are staying in the town of Ierissós, you can easily walk to the main beach, which is located right in front of the settlement. However, to explore the other highly recommended beaches in the area, such as Kakoudia, Xiropotamos, Komitsa, or to get to the port for a trip to Ammouliani island, a car is highly recommended. Having a car gives you the flexibility to discover more secluded coves and the diverse coastline of the Athos peninsula.

People Also Ask

What is the best time of year to visit Ierissós for a beach holiday?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Ierissós is from June to September. During these summer months, the weather is consistently warm and sunny, with average air temperatures around 30°C (86°F). The sea temperature is also very pleasant for swimming, typically ranging from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F). This period offers the best conditions for enjoying the beaches and all water-based activities.

Are there any quiet or hidden beaches near Ierissós?

Yes, for those seeking a more secluded experience, there are several options. Kakoudia Beach, while well-known for its rock formations, is often less crowded than the main town beach. Komitsa Beach, located near the border with Mount Athos, is a very long beach that is mostly undeveloped, offering plenty of quiet spots. Adventurous visitors can also explore the coastline between Ierissós and Olympiada to find smaller, wild bays that are accessible via dirt roads.

Is Ierissós beach windy? What if the sea is rough?

Ierissós is located on a large, open gulf, so it can be windy at times, which can result in waves. Lifeguards are present on the main beach, and it's important to check the flags. If you find the sea in Ierissós is too rough for your liking, a great local tip is to drive to a beach on the opposite side of the peninsula, like Xiropotamos. Located in a bay and facing west, the sea there is almost always calm when Ierissós is wavy.

Are there beach bars or nightlife on the beaches in Ierissós?

The main beach in Ierissós has a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Along the promenade, you'll find numerous beach bars and cafes that offer sunbeds, drinks, and food throughout the day. In the evenings, the promenade becomes a popular spot for a stroll, and these establishments offer a place to enjoy a drink by the sea. While it's not a major party destination, there are places to enjoy music and a vibrant atmosphere, especially during the peak summer months.

What is Kakoudia beach known for?

Kakoudia Beach, located just a couple of kilometers from Ierissós, is famous for its unique and impressive white rock formations that divide the beach into several coves. These smooth, sculptural rocks create a stunning and atmospheric landscape against the golden sand and blue sea. It's a wide, long beach that is generally not crowded and is mostly unorganized, making it a great spot for photos and a more natural beach experience.

Is it worth taking a boat trip to the Drenia islands from near Ierissós?

Absolutely. A boat trip to the Drenia islands (also known as Gaidouronisia or 'Donkey Islands') is a highly recommended experience. These small, uninhabited islets, located between Ammouliani and Ouranoupoli, boast shallow, turquoise waters and sandy beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. You can rent a small boat yourself from Tripiti or Ouranoupoli or join an organized tour. It's a perfect day trip for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a stunning natural setting.

Besides the beach, what is there to do in Ierissós?

Ierissós is more than just a beach town; it's a community with a rich history. You can visit the ruins of Ancient Akanthos, located right next to the modern town. The town has a cultural center with a 3D presentation of Mount Athos. The seaside promenade is perfect for evening walks and dining in local tavernas. Ierissós also serves as a great base for exploring the wider region, including taking a boat tour to view the monasteries of Mount Athos (from Ouranoupoli or Ierissos port), visiting Aristotle's Park in Stagira, or hiking in the nearby forests.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Ierissós: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today is shaping up to be a fantastic beach day in Ierissós! Expect a high air temperature of 34.7 °C, perfect for soaking up the sun. The sea temperature is a balmy 29.0 °C, inviting you for a refreshing swim. The UV index will reach 8, so be sure to apply sunscreen regularly. With very little cloud cover, the sun will be shining brightly. The light wind should make for comfortable conditions, and the sea will be calm with small waves.
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Air

Low / High27.5°C/34.7°C
Feels Like (High)35.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature29.0 °C
Wave Height0.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:16/20:45
Sunshine Hours13.0 hrs
UV Index8
Cloud Cover5%
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Wind

Speed12.4 km/h
Gusts22.3 km/h
DirectionN

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