Paralia is a tourist seaside destination located in the eastern part of Pieria, in Northern Greece. It is a famous resort with a vibrant Mediterranean climate and 10 kilometers of coastline that create a unique geomorphological environment.

The beach was founded by fishermen after 1922. Due to its exceptional geographical location, it quickly became a popular tourist destination, featuring many hotels and rental apartments, beach bars offering water sports activities, traditional Greek taverns, and local shops for visitors who want not only to relax during their summer vacation but also to experience the local culture.

Paralia is just a few minutes away from Katerini, the capital of Pieria, a lively city with many shops, modern cafes, bars, and restaurants to meet every need. The locals are always willing to help you with anything you may need, making your experience even more enjoyable.

The Capital of Pieria

Although the foundation and origin of its name remain a mystery and continue to be the subject of research to this day, what is certain is that Katerini has evolved into a beautiful, modern city that offers its residents and visitors significant experiences and quality of life. The capital of Pieria, the mythical land that hosted gods and Muses, built ancient civilizations, and served as an eternal passage between Macedonia and Southern Greece, now presents itself in its finest attire, with an urban landscape interspersed with greenery, infrastructure and organization, cleanliness, and cultural achievements.

As a “coordinator” for the large crowds visiting the numerous points of interest in the area, such as Mount Olympus and Pieria, the beaches of the Olympic Riviera, and the proud ruins of ancient, Byzantine, and modern times, the small town at the beginning of the century, known as “Atira” or “Aikaterini,” has developed to accommodate 56,000 permanent residents and charm its visitors.

Starting from its most beautiful landmark in the center, the Municipal Park, which is one of the largest and most diverse urban parks in the country, Katerini finds ways to balance between intense daily life and moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Walking through the city reveals many attractions, especially in the squares along the center, with statues, monuments, and traditional buildings that evoke the recent and tumultuous past of its residents.

The city is connected to Thessaloniki via the national road, located 70 kilometers away, and is served by the airport of the Macedonian capital, as well as a railway connection. In turn, it connects all points in Pieria and travelers with seaside resorts, hiking trails of Olympus, the monasteries and churches scattered along the mountain slopes, and traditional villages with Macedonian architecture. Between the highest mountain and the endless sea, between Northern and Southern Greece, Katerini is the ultimate crossroads—one that is both a destination and a meeting point.

Mountain and Sea

Few places combine the duality of “mountain and sea” as harmoniously as Litochoro, a small town with a population of 7,000. Nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus and near the shores of Pieria, Litochoro serves as a starting point for excursions to Greece’s highest mountain and the award-winning beaches of the area. With its full facilities, it offers services to visitors year-round, whether for vacations, mountaineering, recreation, or exploring the natural treasures of the region.

From Litochoro begins the most popular hiking trail of Olympus, located at “Mylos,” which crosses the impressive Enipeas Gorge to the point known as “Prionia.” The route through the lush slopes of the divine mountain, alongside the river, features natural lakes, waterfalls, wooden bridges, and stunning rock formations that were formed in the gorge separating Olympus and leading to Litochoro. It is the ideal way to admire the environmental beauty of the area before heading higher to the Plateau of the Muses and the peaks. The broader region is perfect for hiking, canyoning, 4×4 excursions, cycling, and climbing on the slopes or the artificial climbing walls in Litochoro.

The settlement retains traditional Macedonian architecture, with characteristic colors that harmonize beautifully with the environment, creating a wonderful stroll through the alleys and “baires,” where time seems to have stopped. The Naval Museum showcases the great maritime tradition of the locals who excelled at sea since the 18th century, utilizing the natural position of the place and the timber provided by Olympus. Inside and around the town, there are churches and chapels, and a short distance away, one can visit the Monastery of Saint Dionysius on Olympus and the old Monastery with the cave where Saint Dionysius lived in the 16th century, which is still preserved today.

The Place of Prayer Inside the Cave of Olympus

A short distance from the Old Monastery of Saint Dionysius on Olympus, in the Enipeas Gorge, lies the Cave of Saint Dionysius, where a small chapel has been built. It serves as a common meeting point for climbers of Olympus, as the trail that passes through the cave is the most popular path on the mountain. The cave was used for ascetic practices by the founder of the monastery in 1542.

Saint Dionysius used to pray outside the monastery he built and equipped, located 17 kilometers from Litochoro. He preferred the tranquility of the caves and landscapes of Olympus before returning to his spiritual work. The cave is the third point in the area where one can discover their personality, alongside the old and new monasteries situated lower down, outside Litochoro. Additionally, it offers a stunning landscape for relaxation during hiking, functioning as a natural refuge within the dense forest.

Mount Olympus, the “Mountain of the Gods,” the center of ancient myths and the highest mountain in Greece, dominates the borders of Thessaly and Macedonia with its majestic and solid mass. Full of deep gorges, towering peaks reaching up to 2,918 meters (the peak “Mythikas”), and countless trails that many daring explorers have walked towards its “conquest,” it is the first National Park of the country, an area of unique biodiversity, standing like a majestic circular tower, extending over a perimeter of 150 kilometers.

The mountain attracts thousands of visitors annually. Admirers of the unique natural environment enjoy hiking its slopes, while climbers aspire to conquer its peaks. From the classic starting point at its eastern foot, Litochoro, various hiking and climbing routes are offered to visitors to explore its beauty, while organized shelters on the mountain provide space for rest and enjoyment of the fresh air.

The variety of its habitats is impressive. The intense diversity of Olympus’s terrain, the different orientations of its slopes, the rocky formations, the high altitude, and the short distance of the peaks from the sea create a vast array of vegetation types and habitats. The significance of the Park has been recognized not only in Greece but also worldwide. The summit is just 18 kilometers from the beach of Litochoro, allowing visitors to find themselves in the snowy heights in the morning and enjoy a swim in the sea in the afternoon, under the summer sun.

At the foot of Olympus, 5 kilometers from the sea, lies Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, dedicated to Zeus and the twelve gods. Excavations, which began in 1928 and continue to this day, have revealed rich findings from the Macedonian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, which are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Dion.

At the foot of Olympus, 5 kilometers from the sea, lies Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, dedicated to Zeus and the twelve gods. Excavations that began in 1928 and continue to this day have revealed rich findings from the Macedonian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, which are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Dion.

The Archaeological Park of Dion includes, in addition to the significant findings, the Ancient Theater, where ancient tragedies are revived during the Olympus Festival, as well as other performances. South and on the outskirts of the settlement of Dion, with the Sanctuary of Demeter to the west, lies this unique construction of the Hellenistic period, dating back to the reign of Philip V (221-179 BC).

It is built on the slope of a low natural hill, with a northeast orientation, which, according to Vitruvius, is suitable for good ventilation of the area. From a construction perspective, the theater was formed through excavations and artificial embankment, and the result of these interventions is the harmony with the natural landscape, making it unique in its kind. After the installation of wooden seats, it now accommodates 4,000 spectators.

Magic and Canyoning at 1,100 Meters

One of the most significant streams of Olympus, the mythical Helicon, where the Pierian Muses and the Maenads wished to wash their hands in the pure waters to atone for the murder of Orpheus, crosses the slopes of Olympus and forms waterfalls and natural pools. Today, known as the Orlias stream, it is accessible by car from the village of Dion and offers a beautiful route toward Olympus.

The Orlias Gorge, at an altitude of 1,100 meters, is the most famous and most visited gorge of Olympus and is ideal for canyoning. It offers endless descents, with the highest reaching 27 meters, and a short hike from one rappel to the next. At certain points, it provides wonderful views of the gorge walls and culminates at the famous “Red Rock” waterfall, which is 20 meters high. In this lush and impressive area, the crystal-clear waters of the gorge flow, while there are many slides and small lakes for diving, swimming, and water games.

Charm on the Slopes of Olympus

Paleos Panteleimonas is a picturesque village in the Pieria region, protected by the European Union. It sprawls on the slopes of Lower Olympus in the northeast, at an altitude of 700 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Thermaic Gulf and the southern Pieria coastline.

The settlement is believed to have been built in the 14th century and was restored and revitalized in the 1970s. It is characterized as a traditional village and is one of the best examples of Macedonian architecture in Northern Greece. Its beautiful cobblestone streets, restored stone mansions, and rich flora and fauna provide unique sights for visitors. The traditional character of the village, combined with its proximity to the tourist resorts of Pieria and the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, has made Paleos Panteleimonas an attraction for visitors and passersby in southern Pieria, approximately 100 kilometers from Thessaloniki.

In the central cobblestone square of the village, the church of Saint Panteleimon, the old school, and traditional taverns stand out. Just outside the settlement lies the unique environmental school of the area, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and 4×4 routes.

Top Tourist Destination in Pieria

Platomonas is the most popular tourist resort in Pieria, located in the southern part of the region, on the Aegean coast, and near the Tempi Valley. As part of the extensive coastline of Pieria, it features numerous beaches with miles of shoreline, combining golden sand with pebbles, forming coves, and offering many organized areas as well as free spaces for bathers. The beaches, primarily awarded Blue Flags for their quality, have combined cleanliness and expansiveness with the tourism infrastructure of the area, making Platomonas a top holiday destination for Greek and foreign visitors for many years.

The town, built at the foot of Olympus, is home to approximately 2,000 residents who are mainly engaged in fishing and tourism. The older inhabitants come from Paleos Panteleimonas, a traditional village just 7 kilometers away, which attracts visitors with its Macedonian architecture and picturesque buildings. A symbol of the area is the medieval castle that overlooks a hill next to the sea, well-preserved as a visitable monument, offering stunning views in all directions, with the most enchanting view enjoyed by the daring who descend Olympus by paraglider.

In the Platomonas area, there are hotels and accommodations of all categories, restaurants, and fish taverns serving seafood caught by boats in the harbor, providing a lovely sight for a morning stroll, as well as every kind of facility for a complete holiday. Access is easy via highway, train, or from Thessaloniki Airport. Platomonas can accommodate up to 125 boats in its high-standard marina, while its location, opposite Halkidiki and between the port of Thessaloniki and the Sporades Islands, makes it a busy place for hosting and sheltering boats.

Thessaloniki, the “Bride of the Thermaic Gulf,” is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Macedonia, with a history spanning over 2,300 years. It was founded in 315 BC by Cassander and was named after his wife, Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Its strategic location at the crossroads of the Balkans and the Aegean has made it an important commercial, cultural, and administrative center from antiquity to the present day.

The city is home to rich monuments from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, which testify to its timeless significance. The White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki, stands on the waterfront as a reminder of the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The Byzantine past of Thessaloniki is prevalent throughout the city, with monuments such as the Rotunda, Saint Demetrius, and richly decorated churches that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Modern Thessaloniki is a vibrant urban center known for its rich cultural life. It hosts the International Film Festival and the International Fair of Thessaloniki, while its gastronomy is renowned, combining local Macedonian flavors with influences from Asian Minor and Balkan cuisines.

The city blends tradition with modern elements, with traditional markets, museums, and historical monuments in perfect harmony with contemporary shops, restaurants, and bars. Thessaloniki’s waterfront, one of the most beautiful in Greece, offers unique moments of relaxation, with views of the Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus in the background.

Thessaloniki is also an important educational and research center, with Aristotle University being the largest university in the Balkans. Its youthful energy, thanks to the students who flood the city, combined with its rich history, makes it a destination full of vibrancy and culture that is sure to enchant every visitor.

Vergina, a small town in Macedonia with immense historical significance, is located at the foot of the Pierian Mountains, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki. It is globally renowned as the site where the royal cemetery of the ancient Macedonians was discovered, with the most significant tomb belonging to Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. This discovery by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos in 1977 was one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century and illuminated an entire era of ancient Greece.

The Museum of the Royal Tombs in Vergina houses the rich finds from the tombs, including golden grave goods, armor, and royal diadems. Of particular significance is the golden larnax with the Vergina Sun, the symbol of the ancient Macedonians, which is considered the emblem of the Argead dynasty. The magnificence of the tombs and their artifacts reveals the high art and power of the ancient Macedonian kingdom.

Vergina, the ancient Aigai, was the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom before it was moved to Pella. There, the most significant political and religious events of Macedonia took place, and the Macedonian kings found eternal rest in the royal tombs. The theater of Vergina, located near the royal cemetery, is the site where Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC.

In addition to its historical and archaeological interest, Vergina offers visitors a serene natural environment, with lush hills and views of the surrounding mountainous regions. Visitors can explore the ruins of the palaces and enjoy the authentic Macedonian hospitality in the local villages.

Vergina is an integral part of Macedonian history and one of the most important monuments of Greek cultural heritage, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world who wish to experience the glorious era of the ancient Macedonians up close.

Meteora, one of the most impressive and sacred monuments in Greece, dominates Thessaly, near the town of Kalambaka. The towering rocks that rise vertically from the ground, with monasteries that seem to literally float between the sky and the earth, create a landscape unique in the world. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has emerged as one of the most significant centers of Orthodox Christian faith, attracting visitors and pilgrims from every corner of the globe.

The monastic community of Meteora began in the 14th century, when monks sought solitude and spiritual peace in these steep rocks. In these natural “towers,” the monks built monasteries that, due to their difficult access, ensured isolation and protection from invasions. At their peak, Meteora hosted about 24 monasteries, while today six of them are operational, where visitors can experience the tranquility and religious atmosphere that surrounds the area.

The monasteries, such as the Great Meteoron, the Monastery of Varlaam, and the Monastery of Saint Stephen, are true masterpieces of architecture, crafted with great skill atop the towering rocks. Inside, visitors can admire rare frescoes, Byzantine relics, and manuscripts that testify to the rich history and culture of Orthodox monasticism.

In addition to the spiritual dimension, Meteora offers unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The trails that traverse the rocks are ideal for hiking, while climbing the steep slopes has become a popular activity for enthusiasts from around the world. The unique landscape, with the impressive rocks rising into the sky, combined with the tranquility and serenity of the area, offers an experience that merges spiritual elevation with complete harmony with nature.

Meteora is not just a destination; it is a journey through time, faith, and the grandeur of nature, a place where visitors can enjoy peace and serenity in one of the most stunning and imposing landscapes in the world.

This unique landscape, with monasteries that appear to float among the clouds, was so enchanting that it inspired the creation of some fantastical locations in the popular series “Game of Thrones.” The imposing rocks and the sense of isolation and mystery they provide seem to have fueled the imagination of the show’s creators, influencing the depiction of isolated castles and fortresses, such as those of the Eyrie, the seat of House Arryn.