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Pieria Greece

Apart from the natural beauty, the coast and the beaches, and the modern touristy infrastructure, Pieria continues to pride itself on its magnificent cultural and archaeological monuments. Macedonia International Airport is connected with Pieria through the principal moforway in Greece and is only 80 km away. Pieria will offer you a serene and delightful stay.

Places of interest in Macedonia (the 13 prefectures)

Thessaloniki, Halkidiki (Chalkidiki), Kavala, Drama, Serres, Kilkis, Pella, Imathia, Pieria, Florina, Kozani, Grevena and Kastoria.

South Pieria

As you move further info the area, you are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery and unique spots which bring together wisdom and art. Exquisiteness is to be found at every step you take and life is there for you to sense. The magnificent Castle of Platamonas warmly receives the visitors who enter Pieria from the South and prepares them for what they are about to see and experience. Crystal clear waters, fascinating beaches and abundant vegetation are to be found throughout the area. Many cosy little taverns adorn the beach and will help you appreciate the luring golden sandy coast of South Pieria even more. Savour the traditional and delicious cuisine a truly new experience. The tourist development of the area and the high-standard hotels are in perfect harmony with the surrounding enchanting scenery. The beaches of Gritsa, Litochoro, Leptokaria, Platamonas, Neos Panteleimonas, Skotina Platamonas and Nei Pari are same of Pieria's unique and most enchanting and beautiful spots. Lively spirits, entertainment, new tastes and sensations, the sea, good times, music and a carefree life harmoniously bland in to build the daily picture of yet another exquisite and fascinating part of Pieria.

Left: The Olympus (Photo Ivo)
Right:The Olympus (Photo Millesime)

Central Pieria

At the heart of the district you will also find the heart of the tourist region of Pieria. The Community of Paralia, the Olympic Beach and Korinos make up the brightest and most cosmopolitan side of Pieria. Vast beaches and the sea combine with radiant smiles which seem to be absorbed into the golden glitter of the sand. Pieria has established ties with visitors who will come back year after year to get together with people who have become their dear friands. The facilities and warm cosiness offered by the family-run hotels will make your stay truly unforgettable. There will be an abundance of challenges and attractions: the shops and the buying opportunities; the nightlife and the best clubs in Macedonia; the traditional Greek cuisine and the fish taverns with their rich menu of seafood "mezedhes".

Left: Photo Wendy Torenvliet - Typical Greek
Right: Photo Platamon - A Taverna in Noi Poiri

North Pieria

A forty-five-minute drive from Macedonia International Airport will take you to Pieria; the northern part is one of the most precious treasures of the district. The splandid marine conservation park of Alikes-Kitros invites the interest of ecological organizations and environmentalists from all over the world. The visitor can also view and admire 170 rare species of birds. Irresistible beaches and are as of unparalleled beauty will lead the visitor on a special journey through images wrought by the serenity of the scenery and the might of nature. Entertainment, leisure and vacations are perfectly combined with the numerous archaeological and historical monuments one can visit. The history of Macedonia is there, for you to see, embossed on the Classical Hellenistic and Roman antiquities of the area. Ancient Pidna, one of the most significant towns of the Kingdom of Macedonia, the Tombs, and the neolithic settiements of Makrigialos and Methoni are among the most notable archaeological sites of North Pieria.

The Coast of Olympos

Pieria is well-known for its seventy-kilometre coastline below Mt. Olympos. An imposing and grandiose feeling constantly enhances the ambience of Pieria. There are seventy kilometres of cosmopolitan or virgin sandy beaches preserved through times under the auspices of divine Olympos. The mountain watches over every single word they utter and every single move they make. These will be passed on to the visitor who will be initiated into the bliss of this experience. Enjoying the blue waters of the Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Coast of Olympos and being able to see the crest of Mt. Olympos is a unique sensation. In Pieria the Olympian gods placed only three colours on their palette: blue for the sea, green for the mountains, and gold for the beaches. In Pieria the words "leisure, entertainment and vacations" assume their true sense. Imagery in Pieria changes at a very fast and breathtaking pace. The sea offers fun, pleasure, sport, the beginning of friandships and relationships, in the company of a refreshing long drink which, there, on the beach, is transformed info the nectar of the gods.
Indulge in the multitude of images, the countless experiences, the unique sensations, colours and scents, which your senses will retain from the sweet moments which you enjoyed in Pieria. The clear waters of the Coast of Olympos and the golden beaches are among the numerous, charms of this land which has been blessed by gods and humans alike. From one and to the other, the Coast of Olympos, which is easily accessible to the visitor, extands an irresistible invitation to a journey of rejuvenation and vivacity. It is these elements that make up a unique combination: the Coast of Olympos and the warm and comfortable stay offer the visitor the true sense of vacations.

Leisure, entertainment and vacations in Pieria

In Pieria the words "leisure, entertainment and vacations" assume their true sense. Social and lively times of pleasure alternate with moments of serenity and tranquillity which one may seek and find either at the well-organized hotels in Pieria or at the numerous cafes and bars on the Coast of Olympos. In Pieria you have complete freedom of choice: tranquillity and relaxation, lively times of andless fun, leisure and entertainment, new gastronomy experiences. Zeus Xenios (the hospitable) has ensured that Pieria and its people know what hospitality is all about and have a strong urge to offer it to all. At the hotels, camping sites, the small and warm guesthouses and rented rooms on the Coast of Olympos, the focus is placed on the visitor who is treated as a guest and is generously offered the use of all the amenities. There are many features which make Pieria ideal for your visit. Its location allows you to use it as a starting point for journeys that will take you to the beauties of Northern Greece. The value added services, which are treated as a labour of love and are offered with warm friandliness throughout the stores of Pieria, the extensive range and variety of shopping opportunities, which offer very good value, the cultural and folklore events and attractions, and the numerous "happenings", form the basis of an enhanced-quality stay for the visitor to Pieria.

Mount Olympos

Mt. Olympos magnificently embraces Pieria. It provides a legandary aegis over the coastline of the area, the Coast of Olympos. The imposing clouds and rich forestry establish its global dominance over the land of Pierla. It is a widely known source of attraction and a meeting point for mountaineers and nature-lovers throughout the world. Its inviting beauty lovingly fosters the secret of life and joy in its innumerable trails and crests. Saturated with the nectar of the gods who dwell on its summit, it inspires the visitor with awe, enchanting him and initiating him to the cult of silence. The visitor who wishes to indulge in the joy offered by Mt. Olympos must remain silent on his journey; he must listen to the unique sound of the legandary mountain; he must constantly observe and perceive; and he must use all his senses to absorb the hues and the scents of the mountain. Walking the trails of Mt. Olympos is an unprecedented experience. The view of Pieria and its coastline from the top of the mountain is an invaluable marvel. The exceptional flora and fauna of the area attract global scientific and specialist interest. When UNESCO chose Mt. Olympos as global biosphere monument, it verified that Olympos is a treasure for the whole world; Pieria is its guardian. A unique feature which the visitor to Pieria can enjoy is that, in a matter of a few minutes, he can leave the crystal clear blue waters of a beach and find himself on a quiet spot on Mt. Olympos. The salt water instantly withdraws and allows the vitality of the mountain air and of the springs of Olympos take control. The visitor has easy access to the legendary mountain and the journey is idyllic. It is no wonder that the friends of Olympos will renew their rendezvous year after year, thus confirming that everything on this mountain is unique and amazing: the beauty, the charm, the history and mythology which surrounds it, the unparalleled nature and the experience it offers. Natural and man-made shelters allow the visitor to spend a night on certain spots of the mountainside. Maps of the area, informative literature and experienced mountaineers will help the visitor discover the secrets of Mt. Olympos in absolute safety. The town of Litochoro, built at the foot of Mt. Olympos, is the ideal starting point for the visitor who wishes to discover the legendary mountain.

Visiting Mount Olympos

Olympos is the national park of Greece. Its beauty is hard to describe and is veiled in legend. The flora and fauna are of exceptional interest since many species can only be found on the holy mountain. Vegetation is arranged in four successive zones with no clear boundaries; the relief of the area and the microclimate allow for many changes. The first and lowest zone, from 300 to 600 metres, is abundant in evergreen trees (oak, chestnut and arbutus trees). The second zone, from 600 to 1,700 metres, is a beech, fir and black pine forest. The third zone, from 1,700 to 2,000 metres, has coniferous trees. The fourth zone extends to the crest and is covered in turf with many rare plants, including 23 species only found in Olympos. The fauna is also admirable with a high concentration of rare reptiles, birds and mountain mammals. Mt. Olympos, majestic and intact through the ages, is truly fascinating. The visitor who will hike through the National Park on international trail E4 will admire nature's abundant variety in vegetation, as well as the falls of Enipeas and the changing scenery. The scientist will study the area in terms of its geology, environment, ecology, flora and fauna. The hiker will experience unique moments as he climbs the vertical face of the mountain at the two organized climbing sites in Zilnia and Stetani. The mountain is also suitable for the cyclist who wishes to try the forest roods. The most daring mountain lovers con also take off from the "parapente" centre at the Stavros shelter.

The mountain region of Pieria

(Traditional settlements)
Here, the magic of nature and the unspoiled scenery combine with tradition. This web extends from the lower part of Olympos (Palios Panteleimon, Palla Skotina, P. Pori) to the Pieria, where traditional settlements (Aglos Dimitrios, Elatochori, Ano Milia, Kolindros, Morna) have sought their hiding place in rich vegetation and in the poetic ambience with a panoramic view. These settlements, scattered throughout Pieria, are not mere specimens of bygone lifestyles and evidence of yesteryear. They fully preserve their integrity with strong elements of traditional architecture, forming an alternative approach which combines the sec with the prerequisites for enjoyable vacations, far from conventional stereotypes and the crowds. The journeys are of supreme magnificence and the beauty of nature is hard to describe; here, life offers a new perspective. The visitor con re-establish his emotional bands with the unspoiled scenery. Memory unfailingly functions at the very heart of beauty in this glorious environment. A similar feeling is given by the numerous little country chapels, monasteries and Byzantine churches which are scattered throughout the area (the temple of the Assumption (11th century) in Kontariotissa, the Basilica in Petra, Olympos (11th century), the shrine of Agios Athanasios in Eginio, the Kanala monastery in South Pieria, the monastery of Agios Dionysios (16th century) in Olympos).

Katerini

Katerini is centrally situated in the district and is very near the resorts of the area. Thus, it actually assumes its dominance as capital of the Prefecture. Katerini is bath the administrative and commercial centre of the Prefecture and plays a leading part in the well-balanced and rapid growth of the area. The town-centre reminds the visitor of a modern European city with plenty of shopping opportunities. Most Greek banks have branches in the town and there are also bureaux de change facilities and public services. The Katerini Prefecture General Hospital operates as a centre which coordinates an extensive round-the-clock health care network throughout Pieria. Katerini is well-known for its cultural life and the numerous events in the world of art and literature. The main motorway of Greece runs through Katerini and links Pieria with the urban centres of Athens and Thessaloniki within a relatively short time. In less than one hour you can reach "Macedonia" International Airport in Thessaloniki, as well as several major towns.

Dion

Ancient Dion is situated at the foot of Mt. Olympos, only 5 kilometres from the coast of Pieria, in an area of boundless natural beauty. Its name has a divine link with Zeus (Dias), the father of the gods. Dion was the sacred town of the Macedonians. It first flourished in the times of Archelaos (414 - 399 BC), when the King organized a nine-day athletic and drama contest to honour Zeus. King Philip also celebrated great victories in Dion and Alexander sacrificed to Zeus before embarking on his major campaign. Many archaeological finds have thrown light on the history of Dion and the Macedonians. The shrines of the gods, the theatres (Hellenic and Roman) and the stadium were discovered beyond the city-walls, which suggests that they were employed for broader worshipping purposes. The offerings of the worshippers were placed in these shrines and the announcements which informed the Macedonians who attended the feasts about important state issues were posted in the temple of Zeus. The archaeological excavations also suggest that Dion extended its hospitality to gods from other regions (Sarapis, Issis). The town was well-planned and had a good network of rectangular roods, in the "hippodameion system".which were laid with tiles in the times of the empire. The roods defined structural squares with residences, public buildings, stores and workshops. The baths complex is also splendid. with a comprehensive water supply and drainage system incorporating clay, lead and built ducts. It appears that it served various purposes. Apart from the archaeological site, one may also visit the Dion museum where an exhibition on the everyday life in ancient Dion is on display.

Culture

The unforgettable moments you will experience in Pieria are not confined to its natural attractions. Throughout the summer, Pieria becomes a cultural centre for art and literature and is visited by prominent representatives of the Greek and international art scene. The Olympos International Festival features the best Greek and international cultural events of the summer. Special emphasis is placed on Ancient Greek tragedy and comedy and such plays are performed at the Dion ancient theatre. Every summer dozens of thousands of visitors are given the opportunity to witness the revival of the Hellenic spirit and drama in a truly imposing ancient theatre. The International Folklore Week is another major event which invites the participation of music and dance groups from all over the world. For seven days Pieria accommodates a global feast celebrating the friendship and joy of different nations. Pop concerts, modern theatrical performances, and art exhibitions all add to the cultural life of Pieria and meet the expectations of the most demanding audience.

The Macedonian map Links: Pieria(dutch) Pieria (belgian) Text source: Prefecture committee for tourist promotion of Pieria