Variko
Central Macedonia, Greece: Excellent water quality
Litohoro-Variko is a resort beach on the Pieria coast, with Mount Olympus rising behind it. The sandy shoreline has several hotels, rooms to rent, and camping sites. Water sports are available, and you can rent bikes or cars to explore the surrounding area. From the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Variko
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Variko?
Litohoro-Variko is a resort beach on the Pieria coast, with Mount Olympus rising behind it. The sandy shoreline has several hotels, rooms to rent, and camping sites. Water sports are available, and you can rent bikes or cars to explore the surrounding area.
From the national road, follow signs into Litohoro to reach the beach. More info: www.olympus.com
It sits alongside certified beaches along Central Macedonia, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Variko faces east toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | Low |
| Feb | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Variko?
The best time to visit Variko is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.3°C in summer.
How crowded does Variko get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Variko sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Variko open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Variko
Is Variko safe to swim?
Variko is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Variko?
Air temperature at Variko reaches 26.3°C in July. Water temperatures vary by season. Check local conditions before visiting. In winter (January), air temperatures average 5.4°C.
What is the beach like at Variko?
Variko is a sandy beach on the Central Macedonia coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Variko sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? Read Why Greece has 607 Blue Flag beaches.
Transport
Getting to Variko
How do I get to Variko by car?
Variko is approximately 12.51 km from Dion - Olympos Municipality. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Variko?
The nearest airport is Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG), approximately 50.7 km away.
Can I get to Variko by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Dion - Olympos Municipality.
Nearby
Near Variko
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Variko. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Variko
- Public toilets Public toilets 325 m
Cafés near Variko
- Restaurant Restaurant 224 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Variko
- Wheelchair access
- No dedicated disabled access listed
- Visual assistance
- No
- Showers
- Yes
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 30 Sep |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.1844°N, 22.5646°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Variko FAQ
Is Variko suitable for children?
Variko has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Variko free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Variko. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Central Macedonia, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Variko?
The best time to visit Variko is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Variko?
Variko is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Variko?
Variko is located in Central Macedonia, Greece. It is approximately 12.51 km from Dion - Olympos Municipality. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG), 50.7 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Variko?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Variko, including 325 m away.
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Variko?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Variko, including 224 m away.
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Variko
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.