Useful tips to visit the amazing beach of Kavourotrypes in Halkidiki
Halkidiki has amazing beaches with crystal clear waters. One of the most noted and most spectacular beaches is Kavourotrypes, known also as Orange Beach, borrowing the name from the small beach bar adjacent to the beachfront. For those in love with the sea, it is a true paradise on earth.
The name Kavourotrypes in Greek, when literally translated, means “Crab Holes”, intending that seafront made of coves and natural pools with a shape that resembles the hole that a crab makes in the sand.
How to reach Kavourotrypes
The beach of Kavourotrypes is at Halkidiki. Halkidiki is a peninsula made of three “feet” (this how the locals call the 3 peninsulas that make up for Halkidiki) that extends east of Thessaloniki city.
Kavourotrypes can be found on the east side of the second foot, which is called Sithonia, on the road that connects the village of Vourvourou to the village of Sarti.
Driving down from Vourvourou to Sarti, one will find the beach to his left. The panoramic view is similar to a thick vegetation that usually blocks the view to the sea. It is therefore not easy to identify where the beach is, because there are many small unpaved roads here and there that take you to the sea and all look similar. Road signs are barely there, but you will find a simple indication on a small sign that says “Beach Bar Portokali” (the name of the Beach Bar on the beach of Kavourotrypes).
In order to find the exact location of the beach using GPS, I suggest using the following link from Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/i5WUR4GgQwYUxzg28
It will be easier to follow the navigator, since it will help you take the right turn in the pine forest. During high season you will find many parked cars even on the main road and that is definitely a sign that you have arrived at the right place, but probably at the wrong time since it is a strong indication that it will be packed.
Once you turn on the gravel road between the trees, you must slow down (no paved road, uneven terrain) for about 300 m until you park under a tree. You are going to have to walk the last 150 m in order to reach the water.
When to visit the paradise of Kavourotrypes
The sea is amazing and the place is getting more famous by the year, thanks to the bigger influx of tourism in Sithonia that has many beaches of the same high quality. For this reason, during high season you can expect to find it super crowded (overcrowded I might say) and this fact will not allow you to enjoy it at its best.
If you can visit in June or September, that would be the ideal period during summer since the big crowds will not be there. If you can visit only during July and August, I strongly suggest avoiding the weekend because that is when the Greeks add to the tourists visiting for the day.
The most important suggestion though is to be there early in the morning for a bunch of reasons: you can find a better place on the beach, you can avoid the crowds and the hottest time of the day, the sea is usually calmer and the morning colors of the waters when the sun is rising are even better.
The umbrellas on offer at the beach bar are a few and chances to get one during high season are low. If you don’t like staying under the hot sun or you have small kids in tow, it is better that you arrive organized with your own umbrella or go early to find a spot under a tree that is closer to the sea. A good compromise is to go there for one or two hours max to take a quick dip and enjoy the view before the crowds arrive.
How is the beach divided: beach bar, sand, rocks and nudists
The beach is basically divided in three “areas”. As soon as you park the car between the trees and go on foot, you will note immediately on your left the beach bar “Portokali”, which means orange (that is why the beach is known also as Orange Beach).
The beach bar is equipped with sunbeds close to a cove with sand. Behind you will find the kiosk with drinks and snacks.
The central area is the free one and it is not equipped. There are rock formations and strips of sand to lie down. The best positions will be the first ones to be taken of course. Overlooking the shore there is a small kiosk with some tables.
The area on the right side is intended for the nudists. You have to cross over a curb of the beach to reach that and is very well identified with a big sign that from that point on you are expected to be naked.
A tip is that on both sides of Kavourotrypes, if you are willing to walk, you can find more secluded bays to swim and with significantly less people there. In any case, there is a bit for every taste!
The water is crystal clear and that makes it a natural swimming pool
The water is the least to say, spectacular. It is exactly like entering a swimming pool. You can see the seabed from everywhere you are, even when you swim further into the sea. Swimming there is an experience of a lifetime. If you are into diving, imagine all the underwater photos you can take.
Truth is that what ruins a bit the experience is the garbage here and there in the forest from visitors or from those that do free camping, which by the way is not allowed. Unfortunately, the human invasion in this paradise has brought this too.
If you happen to visit Halkidiki and specifically Sithonia, you cannot miss this spot with the amazing colors. Are you ready to dive into the blue of Kavourotrypes?
