Potamos Beach in Epanomi, located 40 km from Thessaloniki, attracts a diverse crowd thanks to its spacious sandy shore, available amenities, and the opportunity for day trips to the sea. It’s a place where comfortable infrastructure meets wild nature, and depending on personal preferences, visitors can choose lively beach bars or quiet, secluded spots with stunning views of Mount Olympus and the endless sea.
Infrastructure
The central part of the beach is lively and well-equipped, with bars, sunbeds, showers, and changing rooms. Music plays almost everywhere, creating an energetic atmosphere, though some might find it noisy. Here, you can enjoy coffee, cocktails, various salads and smoothies, as well as seafood and fast food.
For those who prefer peace and quiet, there’s the option to set up your own gear on more natural, undeveloped sections. However, it’s important to note that shade is almost nonexistent in these areas, so don’t forget sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring water and snacks – the nearest Lidl supermarket is 6 km away, in the village of Epanomi.
During the peak season (July-August), the beach can get crowded, but from September to June, it’s particularly pleasant. Families with children are drawn here not only by the shallow waters and warm sea but also by the presence of an inflatable water park with instructors. For activity lovers, there are volleyball courts and water sports equipment rentals.
A few minutes’ walk away is the Akti Retzika complex, which includes a hotel, campsite, restaurant, and bar. Hotel guests can use the beach sunbeds for free, and the establishments offer both traditional Greek dishes and fast food. The atmosphere is nice, but on weekends, the noise from music can last until late at night.
Nearby attractions
At the western end of Potamos Beach begins the Cape Epanomi – a sandy spit with turquoise waters and the famous sunken ship. The shallow depth here makes it a popular spot for beginner snorkelers. Unlike the eastern part of Potamos, the cape has no infrastructure, and the road leading to it is sandy and difficult for regular cars to navigate. The coastline splits, allowing visitors to choose the side with calmer waters. This place combines natural ruggedness with breathtaking sea views, and its proximity to Thessaloniki makes it a favorite weekend destination for both locals and tourists.
If you’re looking to change the scenery after a day at the beach, a visit to the Ktima Gerovassiliou winery near Epanomi is worth it. This estate, covering 95 hectares of vineyards, is famous not only for its wines but also for its Wine Museum, where you can see a collection of rare corkscrews and wine-related artifacts. Tours include tastings and walks through the vineyards, and the local wines are renowned for their high quality, thanks to the region’s favorable climate.