Polykastro - all beaches

The hotel is quite old, with its last renovation seemingly done in the 90s. Be aware that there are limited power sockets, so it's advisable to bring a charger that can handle multiple devices simultaneously. The pillows are quite firm, which might be uncomfortable for some. However, the room was exceptionally clean! The restaurant offers a stunning view worth a million dollars, and I was fortunate enough to watch dolphins playing in the water from the terrace. The service, however, is a bit unusual. During dinner, appetizers and main courses are served together, while at breakfast, the egg arrives ten minutes after the rest of the meal. They charge extra for espresso coffee but don't serve the Greek coffee that is included with breakfast. These quirks might upset some guests, but I found them more surprising than anything else. The waitstaff aren't lazy, just seemingly untrained for their roles. Despite the breakfast oddities, the food for lunch and dinner was delicious and reasonably priced. So, if you visit, consider skipping breakfast and enjoy a tasty Greek lunch or dinner instead.

This beach has a straightforward appeal with its salty water and a canteen available. Although it may not have any extraordinary features, it remains highly favored by individuals dealing with orthopedic issues.

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 charming little sandy beach is an ideal spot for families with children, as it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. The lack of visitors adds to the serenity of the location, allowing for a more intimate and relaxing experience. Additionally, the nearby taverna boasts a team of welcoming and accommodating staff who are fluent in English, making for a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.

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.