PIERIA – GREECE
The land of myths & natural wonders invites you to discover them.
The City of Katerini
The capital town of the Prefecture of Pieria is Katerini. It is situated in the center of the prefecture flanked by Olympus, Pieria, and the coast of Thermaikos Bay. It is 440 Km from Athens and 70 Km from Thessaloniki via the National Highway E75 Athens –Thessaloniki. After a long period of constant agricultural development, Katerini has transformed into one of the most powerful commercial, economical, and administrative centers of Northern Greece. The town offers an extensive market with a substantial increase in activity during the summer offering every visitor a rich variety of clothing, footwear, sports items, jewelry, etc. The center of the town, with its pedestrian pavements, the impressive Municipal Park, the Metropolitan Temple, the Church of Agia Ekaterini, the Pondian Museum, the shopping center on the central pedestrian sidewalk, and the few notable old buildings also attract visitors’ interest.
OLYMPUS RIVIERA
The Olympus Riviera-Pieria region, nestled along the coastline of northern Greece, is renowned for its stunning combination of majestic mountains and azure seas. Home to the mythical Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Greece and the legendary residence of the gods, the area offers breathtaking natural landscapes, charming seaside villages, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and water sports, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
MOUNTAIN OLYMPUS
The awe-inspiring ridges of the highest mountain in Greece, the verdant Enipeas Gorge and the view of the Thermaikos Gulf create a landscape of unique beauty. Some 1,700 different wildflower species are found in Olympus National Park, along with rare birds and many species of butterflies, following the rich flora and fauna of the area, while Olympus’ waterfalls make this stunning landscape even more impressive. Eight refugees are operating on Olympus which covers the needs of visitors, hikers, walkers, climbers, and mountaineers. Mount Olympus comprises one of the most popular albeit interesting ski mountaineering destinations within the Greek territory. A little thing called canyoning. Because jumping and sliding off waterfalls on Mt. Olympus sounds like a cool thing to do.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
On the slopes of Olympus, a mere 5 km from the beaches of Pieria, Ancient Dion, the Holy City of Macedonia was found under a covering of undergrowth and water. This city had been a thriving center of civilization from the time of its foundation for 1,000 years from the 5th c, BC to the 5th c, AD. According to ancient Greek writers, Macedonians regularly gathered in Dion to worship the Gods of Olympus, and to make sacrificial offerings, as can be seen from the objects found on the site. It was here that King Archelaos organized athletic competitions and theatrical events, and Philip the Second celebrated his victories at Dion, as did his son, the famous Alexander the Great. It was here that Alexander gathered together his troops to prepare for his journeys of conquest, worshipping Zeus, King of the Gods of Olympus. In the temple of the Gods of Olympus was a magnificent bronze statue created by Lissippos, which depicted the 25 horsemen who died at the Battle of Granicus river in Persia.
Indelible Tradition
On the slopes of Olympus, a mere 5 km from the beaches of Pieria, Ancient Dion, the Holy City of Macedonia was found under a covering of undergrowth and water. This city had been a thriving centre of civilization from the time of its foundation for a period of 1,000 years from the 5th c, BC to the 5th c, AD. We learn from Ancient Greek writers that the Macedonians regularly gathered in Dion to worship the Gods of Olympus, and to make sacrificial offerings, as can be seen from the objects found on the site. It was here that King Archelaos organized athletic competitions and theatrical events, and Philip the Second celebrated his victories at Dion, as did Alexander. It was here that Alexander gathered together his troops to prepare for his journeys of conquest, worshipping Zeus, King of the Gods of Olympus. In the temple of the Gods of Olympus was a magnificent bronze statue created Lissippos, which depicted the 25 horsemen who died at the Battle of Granikos.
SACRED TREKKING
masterpieces of faith
Religious life and tradition are two elements that are inherent in the historical and spiritual evolution of Pieria. This is proven by the many houses of worship, which offer an unforgettable religious experience to the pilgrims.
Winter Activities
The most important archaeological site at Mount Olympus in Greece, where sanctuaries from the Hellenistic and Roman periods were found.
Wetlands
This is a sandy beach near Ancient Pydna, (8th-7th c. BC), the seat of the Bishop of present-day Louloudies Kitros. The most important feature of the area is the internationally significant wetland, the “lagoon of Alikes Kitros”. You can take advantage of the harbor to moor your boat, and immediately next door to the harbor are the salt flats where salt is extracted from the seawater. Don’t miss the traditional fish taverns there and enjoy tasty fresh fish and locally produced oysters.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Meteora
one of the most breathtaking views in Greece
Meteora in Thessaly (Central Greece) and Kalampaka is a literally situated city under the rock towers of Meteora. The thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. The monasteries, the number of peaks to climb, and the paths for hiking attract tourists 365 days per year.Vergina
The capital Aigai is the same as the current Vergina which revealed unplundered Macedonian royal tombs, the most important tomb of Philip II. Inside the golden urn found, valuable utensils and weapons that are exposed to the museum formed inside the Great Tumulus. In the same area have discovered the Acropolis, the Palace with magnificent mosaic floors, the temple of the goddess Eukleia and the ancient theater.
Thessaloniki
The city of Thessaloniki, the capital of the prefecture and co-capital of the country took its name from the sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki, who was Cassander’s wife. Plenty of sights and highlights like the White Tower, a sign-stamp for the city, the walls of late antiquity, the triumphal arch of Galerius, the churches of Agios Dimitrios, Achiropoiitos, Agios Minas, and Agia Sophia, offer the opportunity to travel into history and culture coming from ancient centuries to our days. It is also worth visiting the cosmopolitan district of Ladadika, next to the port, which has been transformed into a place of contemporary entertainment and gastronomy with restaurants, taverns, bars, and pubs, night clubs overwhelmed by visitors.