Kolymbithres

The name means basins, and it describes the beach exactly: masses of grey granite, weathered over millennia into smooth curving forms, run into the sea and split the sand into a series of small enclosed coves, each holding shallow calm water. The rock shapes are the attraction as much as the swimming, and children can move from pool to pool. It sits across the bay from Naoussa, so a small boat from the harbour is the pleasant way to arrive, taking about ten minutes. Parts of the beach are organised with sunbeds and canteens, parts are left plain. On the headland above stand the remains of a Mycenaean acropolis at Koukounaries, excavated on the hilltop.

What you actually see

• The granite basins - weathered rock dividing the bay into pools.
• The sculpted shapes - smooth curving forms above and below water.
• The boat crossing - a ten-minute hop from Naoussa harbour.
• Koukounaries hill - a Mycenaean acropolis site on the headland.

When to go

May, June and September for warm water without the peak crowd; July and August fill the coves and the organised sections early. Northerly wind can push chop into the bay.

Honest expectations

The beach is small for its fame and gets very crowded, with the best pools taken by mid-morning in season. Sunbed areas cover much of the sand. The rock is slippery underwater and can be sharp at the edges.

Nearby

Naoussa is across the bay; Monastiri beach and the Ai Yannis chapel are further along the headland.