Pieria I consider to be one of the most underrated places in our country, by the Greeks themselves. However, this does not apply to tourists, who know the beauties that this blessed place has to offer and visit it in series. Through this text, I hope to get rid of any doubts you may have and to add this place to your travel list soon.
A few words about the area
Pieria is a region of Central Macedonia, and its capital is Katerini. The name Pieria comes from the ancient tribe and country of Pieris, while it is suspected that it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age! Of course, there dominates the highest mountain in Greece and seat of the Greek gods, Olympus, which is in itself a reason to visit it. Plus, in Pieria you will find several sites of archaeological interest, such as Dion, Pydna, Paliabela Kolindrou and Platamonas. The permanent population of the region amounts to 126.698 inhabitants, but it shows an increasing trend, while the migration flow is limited. Below I chose for you, what I think should be seen by someone visiting the area for the first time.
10) Dion
Dion or city of Zeus is a miniature village at the foot of Mount Olympus, which has a huge history. As you have already guessed its name comes from the god Zeus. It was first mentioned in 424 BC from Thucydides, while the Golden Age of Dion is considered the age of Alexander the Great, during which it had become a religious and cultural center similar to Delphi and Olympia! Inside the village you will find the Archaeological Park and the Museum of Dion. With a ticket that costs 8e, you will have access to both archaeological sites, where you will find finds of ancient Macedonia, Egyptian shrines, a Roman theater, a cemetery, baths, mosaics, statues and much more that came to light in 1928.
9) Leptokarya
Leptokarya is a town located in the coastal part of Pieria. It is one of the most touristy summer destinations in the country, since it is said to attract over 3500 tourists annually. According to the locals, its name came from the countless hazel trees that existed there during the Turkish occupation and the Greek rendering of the Turkish word fintikoi (hazelnut village). The northern part, above the train tracks is very picturesque, while on the lower side you will find mainly hotels, taverns and tourist shops. Leptokarya finally has a lovely beach, which even has a blue flag.
8) Elatochori
In the most mountainous municipality of the prefecture of Pieria, the Municipality of Pieria you will find Elatochori. This attractive little village is built at an altitude of 800 meters and is a prime winter destination. It is located in the Pieria Mountains which are essentially the continuation of Olympus and is a place with many mountain shelters, rich vegetation and wildlife. In fact, in Elatochori, there is the only ski center in the prefecture, so if you are in the area in winter do not hesitate to visit it.
7) Enipeas Gorge
A breath away from Litochoro begins the enchanting gorge of Enipeas. It is a beautiful route that starts from the area of Miloi at an altitude of 320m and ends at Prionia at an altitude of 1100m. In fact, Prionia is the last point you will have access by car, so it is worth it to enjoy the ride up there on four wheels and then go down the gorge to the end, at a distance of about 9 kilometers, ie about five hours. The river Enipeas is often mentioned in mythology, since Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis, bathed in its waters, while the gorge of Enipeas was the place where the Maenads devoured the hero Orpheus.
6) Katerini
Of course, the capital of the prefecture, Katerini, could not be missing from the list. A city that manages to attract tourist interest all year round. The most likely scenario regarding the name of the city, says that it comes from the chapel of St. Catherine, which is located east of the city where today we meet the cemetery. Being in Katerini, you should not miss a visit to the gem of the entire municipality, the Municipal Park. Also interesting are the Democritus square, the old aquarium, the church of St. Paraskevi and the park of Livithra.
5) Platamonas
Platamonas is another seaside village of the prefecture of Pieria, which you should add to your list. According to tradition, it owes its name either to the many plane trees located in the area or to the wide sandy beaches that have its coasts, which by the way are among the best in the prefecture. But the pride of Platamonas is its castle. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Macedonia, which stands proudly above the National Road. Entrance costs 3e, but you can wander around the fortress and the courtyard for free, watching the magnificent view of Thermaikos and Olympus.
4) Litochoro
Litochoro is a picturesque town, built on the slope of the highest peak of Olympus, Mytikas. As is easily understood, it is the most common starting point for those who want to "conquer" the mountain of the Gods. It first appears in the 14th century, while its name seems to come from the mythical Leto. Litochoro stands out for the traditional architecture of the Macedonian style and the alternations of the rich vegetation that surrounds it.
East of it, we meet Plaka Litochoro. It is essentially the coastal part of the city, which is full of hotels, restaurants, cafes, campsites and other tourist shops.
3) Orlia Stream
Orlia stream is often called an "earthly paradise for lazy people". This is because usually similar natural "wonders", such as waterfalls and lakes with blue waters are difficult to reach. This is, of course, not the case with the oldest river of Pieria. Orlia stream is easily accessible by car, since you will park right next to the waterfalls and the chapel of St. Konstantinos! From this point, to reach the two waterfalls and the three ponds, is required a walk of a maximum of 50 meters! Once you get there, you will be speechless with the wonderful scenery, which is taken from a fairy tale. According to mythology, the Orlia River “perished” from its shame, refusing to purify the Maenads, who wanted to wash their hands there from the blood of Orpheus.
2) Palaios Panteleimonas
Palaios Panteleimonas (Old Panteleimon) is one of the most picturesque villages you will ever visit. There time seems to have stopped, with the cobbled streets, the Macedonian mansions, the absence of cars and the green landscape full of trees, prevailing. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the village, the beautiful panoramic view of the Thermaikos Gulf and of course awesome food. Extremely interesting is the fact that a few years ago, you wouldn't have found anyone at this point. In the '50s the locals abandoned the settlement, founding Neo Panteleimona (New Panteleimon) very close to the sea. However, since the 80s, the village began to have life again, being today one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the country.
1) Olympus
Without a second thought at the top of the list is Mount Olympus. Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest in the Balkans after Rila in Bulgaria. It is known worldwide mainly for its mythological context, as at its top lived the twelve "Olympian" Gods according to the religion of the ancient Greeks. Its highest peak is Mytikas at 2,917 meters, while the last refuge you can reach by car is called Prionia and is located at 1100 meters! Going up by car, you should first stop at the forest location Zilnia, with the fantastic view, then drink a coffee in the shelter of Stavros and finally eat a soup in Prionia. Beyond that, there are many trails and routes for all categories and types of travelers, which will offer you an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay
Pieria attracts tourist interest all year round. As you can easily understand, it will not be challenging to find the right place to stay, whenever you decide to visit. Personally, I would suggest choosing the mountainous part of Pieria in summer and the coastal part in winter. Being out of season in both cases, you will achieve lower prices and you will see the place away from the hordes of tourists.
My first proposal is located in Paralia Katerini and is none other than SKS Boutique Suites & Rooms. It is a modern and luxurious hotel unit in the heart of Paralia Katerini, which exudes a sense of relaxation and hospitality in a simple atmosphere and combines comfort with minimal decoration.
In addition, an excellent choice is Hotel Olympos, which is located just thirty meters from the beach of Leptokaria. It is an elegant two-star hotel, featuring spacious and well-equipped rooms, harmoniously combining austerity with style. In the area there is also a luxurious swimming pool, so during the summer months do not miss the opportunity for a cool swim, along with an exotic cocktail.
Where and what to eat
Located in the prefecture of Pieria, you should definitely try its traditional products. As I have mentioned several times in this text, this county combines the mountain with the sea, which implies both quality meat and good fish. Pieria is famous for its mussels due to the mixing of sweet and salty water in the area, cheeses such as feta, giza and goat and cooked foods such as goat and mutton. In summary, for seafood, I recommend Zorbas in Leptokarya, for meat the Taverna Olympus in Paliaos Panteleimonas and for delicious snacks the Meze Meze in Litochoro.
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Mouzakidis Pantelis