Kalochori - all beaches

The allure of the beach was undeniable, even on a blustery day. Despite the winds whipping through my hair, I found myself captivated by the stunning scenery. It was as if the ocean and sky were engaged in a dance, their movements synchronized in perfect harmony. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a soothing lullaby, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. As I walked along the sandy shore, I couldn't help but hum the words to On the Beach by Chris Rea. It was the perfect soundtrack to this idyllic moment.

This beach is truly one-of-a-kind with its expansive shoreline, accompanied by trees that provide natural shade. The water is shallow, revealing sandy depths, and it teems with a diverse range of marine life waiting to be discovered by snorkelers. The beach stretches for a considerable distance, offering numerous secluded spots where one can peacefully relax on the sand. It's a favorite among the locals, who frequent it daily for a few hours to swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy the company of friends. The sunsets witnessed from this beach are absolutely breathtaking, and at dawn, many locals gather here for fishing.

This beach does not meet the criteria to be considered a Blue star beach, which requires meeting strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards. Unfortunately, this beach is not even kept clean at an adequate level, and there is a complete lack of educational content. Many people visiting the beach do not know how to recycle or simply leave garbage behind. The lack of cleanliness extends to the toilets, which are avoided by the majority of people due to their poor condition. Additionally, there is a pack of 6-7 large dogs living on the beach, which poses a safety concern as they have been seen being aggressive towards other dogs and people. During my 10-day stay near the beach, I witnessed all of these issues. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that this beach will ever be great, regardless of the maintenance efforts. This is mainly due to the constant presence of seaweed and plastic-based garbage washed up on the beach, which is a testament to human inadequacy. The sea itself is green, murky, and highly polluted. However, regular daily maintenance could greatly improve the beach, despite the fact that the sea often resembles a swamp. The sea floor also gives a similar feeling, as stepping on something that seems like a stone can easily turn out to be a man-made object, most commonly seaweed. This pollution is likely a result of the beach's location in the bay, which is too close to the main source of pollution: Thessaloniki.

This beach bar/restaurant is definitely one of the best I've visited in this area. The atmosphere is fabulous, the food is great, and the staff is very friendly. And, of course, they follow the Greek tradition of offering amazing free desserts. The beach itself is stunning, although it may be a bit narrow, it stretches out for quite a distance. The bar/restaurant occupies a portion of the beach and plays nice music, but there are also other areas where you can relax and hang out freely.

Splendid!

This serene and peaceful destination boasts a tranquil atmosphere with a refreshing lack of overwhelming crowds. However, the beach itself could benefit from some improvements to enhance its cleanliness and overall appeal.