It may not be a coincidence that the ancient ancestors “placed” their gods here. It is undoubtedly an area full of small treasures that most people have low on their “radar”. What one can say with certainty about Pieria is that nature “painted” it here! Endless beaches, picturesque villages, rich natural environment, ancient monuments, local gastronomy, and of course the biggest brand name of the country: the mythical Olympus. Here you will see it all!
The thing about Pieria is that it is equally beautiful in every season! So, it makes you wonder when you will visit it. That is why once is never enough. You will want to explore it again and again for different reasons and for the numerous activities you can do as it is not unfairly considered one of the most gifted areas for sports and contact with nature. So follow us on a journey to Pieria full of images, experiences and emotions.
Residence
That's all you need to worry about. In every settlement in the area there are many options for every budget. From budget rooms and hotels to beautiful guesthouses and luxurious suites. However, if you are looking for an unforgettable five-star stay, check out our article on Cavo Olympo!
What to see
Dion
It was the sacred city of the Macedonians with Philip and Alexander the Great celebrating their victories here with games in honor of Olympian Zeus and the Muses. At the archaeological site of Dion you will encounter perhaps the most beautiful archaeological park in the country with two ancient theaters, temples, baths, villas, paved streets, mosaics, etc. The area is idyllic amidst towering trees, streams with ducks, butterflies and dragonflies dancing around you. You will need quite a bit of time to tour it but you will be compensated.
You won't want to miss visiting the archaeological museum located nearby where you will see the largest ancient mosaic in Greece and the one-of-a-kind musical aerophone instrument!
Rema Orlia
A few kilometers outside of Dion you will encounter a place straight out of fairy tales! After parking your car at the chapel of Agios Konstantinos, you will follow an easy path and within a few minutes you will find yourself at the first waterfall that creates a small lake. The second waterfall that follows is even more imposing while the landscape enchants you.
There you can also go canyoning, that is, descending a canyon with special equipment and always under the guidance of experts.
Litochoro
Arriving in Litochoro you begin to feel the awe of Mount Olympus! This small town is the “gateway” to the mythical mountain, but at the same time it is located within close proximity to the sea. Here, therefore, you will wander through the old part of the city with the old mansions and the imposing building of the Primary School (former Urban School, a building from the early 20th century).th century) located next to the church of Agios Dimitrios. Then you will walk in the plane tree forest of the “Katounia” park, you will visit the Municipal Gallery of Litochoro “Vasilios Ithakisios” and the particularly remarkable Maritime Museum (the area once had a large community of sailors).
Following the route by car to the location “Prionia”, at an altitude of 900m, is the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios on Olympus, which was built by the Saint in the 16th century.the century. Nearby is the hermitage (Agios Spilaion) in an area of unique natural beauty in the Enipeas gorge.
Food – Drink: For a different gastronomic experience, go to Gastronomy in Olympus and Appetizer AppetizerYou will drink coffee at Little house among the plane trees and a drink at Disco RomeikoYou will try breakfast and pies at “Bougatsa Kalimera”.
Ascent to Mount Olympus
From the “Prionia” location, the most famous trails that lead to the shelters and the peak of Olympus, Mytikas at 2917m, begin. The climb is demanding and in some places quite difficult. The numerous accidents in recent years demonstrate the fact that this is not a simple matter as weather changes and unpredictable factors can endanger climbers. If you want to go carefree and safely to the top, contact a mountain guide who knows the area and will make your journey a breeze!
Platamonas
This is the well-known picturesque fishing village that many have called the “Mykonos of Central Macedonia”! And it may be somewhat subdued during the rest of the season, but in the summer a bustling beehive spreads around the settlement. You will walk along the beautiful promenade, sit down for fish dishes in the elegant taverns, enjoy the sunset behind the mythical Olympus and have fun until dawn in the numerous bars.
Food – Drink: Don't leave without trying the famous Platamonas shrimps in any recipe. In most taverns you will eat excellent food. Our favorite, however, is "Delfini" under the castle (it is only open in summer). For breakfast and delicious pies you will sit at "Olympia" under the cool plane trees, while you will enjoy unique cocktails at Stavento and Sfinaki.barOh… and the ice cream from Gelato is divine!
Platamonas Castle
Built at a strategic point to control the passage to and from Macedonia, it was constructed by the Latins in the 11th century.the century AD and was used until the middle of the 19thth century. It is preserved in fairly good condition and stands out from the rest thanks to its central octagonal tower.
Just opposite, in the settlement of Neos Panteleimonas, you will find taverns and restaurants for dining with unobstructed views of the castle. What stands out is the restaurant of Chalet Castelo at the highest point of the settlement.
New Resources
The ideal place for family holidays! As the settlement developed after the 80s, it has wide streets and squares. Its main feature, however, is the huge golden beach with dozens of beach bars. Here you will find all kinds of water sports as well as places to relax. The coastal road is a feast for the eyes for walks after sunset and we definitely recommend you to sit down for pizza at Vergina.
Old Resources
At an altitude of 600 meters lies the traditional settlement of Palea Pori (Pourlia). The stone-built houses that are “suffocated” by the greenery of pine, plane and fir trees create a microclimate that makes even the hottest days seem cool! The view is amazing, while the few picturesque guesthouses and a couple of picturesque taverns ensure a peaceful and trouble-free stay.
Old Panteleimonas
One of the most beautiful villages in Macedonia! A preserved settlement with natural beauty and traditional local color, it wins you over from the first moment. You will walk along its picturesque cobblestone streets, admire the stone-built mansions, buy local products and souvenirs from the beautiful shops, sit for a coffee in the square with the plane trees and visit the beautiful church, in a setting that reminds you of a movie. It is no coincidence that the village was used for the filming of the series “Bloody Soils”, but also for the film “Alexander the Great” by Theodore Angelopoulos. Have your drink in the evening while watching the lights of the Thermaikos at “Enastron", tried the delicacies at Old Cafe – Fofo's Sweets and enjoy well-cooked meats at Agnanti and “Olympus”. The area is famous for its hiking trails, mountain bike and enduro routes, and also for paragliding.
Skotina-Pandeleimonas Beach
Where until the 90s you only saw camping, tents and caravans, luxury villas and lavish Airbnbs are springing up. And not without reason. The area is embraced by centuries-old plane trees that reach all the way to the sandy beach and form a unique setting to "charge" your batteries.
There you will also encounter a concept that is unprecedented for Greek standards, the Gallaria, an amazing all day bar inside the old railway tunnel. It's really worth a visit! Don't leave the area without trying the shrimp pasta at Psarou... you've never had better, trust us!
Elatochori
Leaving Olympus and passing through the Pieria Mountains, the village you must visit (preferably in winter) is Elatochori. It consists of two settlements, the old and the new, with the old being more picturesque and beautiful. There you will admire the historic church of Agios Nikolaos with its carved wooden iconostasis and elaborate hagiographies and a small but cozy folklore museum. For lunch you will go to Old School, while for your accommodation choose the Vaela Resort.
The must-see of the area, however, is the ski resort, which has given new impetus to the development of the area with its charming guesthouses and villas. Here you will ski with a view of the mountain of the gods and at the same time you will gaze at the Thermaikos and Halkidiki!
Closing
Pieria, with so many beauties, truly has the luxury of being a four-season destination. Even though it is low profile… Maybe that is its trump card. It is there for those who know. For those who are looking for the different, the special, the unpretentious. And Pieria offers you generously and to the maximum!
