Activities and Sightseeing
Visitors to Pieria can take advantage of a wide range of day excursions within the region, organised by the local Tourist Agencies. Visitors can also get away from the crowds by making use of the reasonably priced local taxi services or private transport.
In north Pieria you can visit the beaches, the historical sites and the wetlands of Alikes. Take the coast road from Alikes to Agathopouli to the Aliakmonas Delta and you will see nature in all her glory, historical monuments and picturesque villages.
In Central Pieria there are several rewarding routes, notably along the edge of the Pieria Mountain Range through the villages along the main roads from Katerini. One of the least used and most scenic is that from Riakia skirting the mountain side towards Veria. Recently resurfaced and little used, it offers magnificent views across the Macedonian plain, running through superb country.
Finally, excursions in South Pieria can be taken in the area around the beaches near the Castle of Platamonas along to the wetlands of Nei Pori. Historical sites, superb scenery and traditional villages are to be found in a beautiful natural setting.
Olympus Mountain
From Homer’s time right up to the present day poets and artists have not ceased to sing the praises of Mount Olympus, and the simple fact that the representatives of a great historical civilization such as Greek civilization imagined Olympus as the home of their gods is indicative of the awe that this mountainous massif provokes.
It is not impressive only for its height with the peak Mystics reaching 2.918 meters but also for its short distance from the sea. It truly dominates the landscape with its many different aspects. Each trip to Olympus evokes different feelings because the mountain has many faces to show its visitors.
Platamon Castle
The Platamon Castle is a Crusader castle (built between 1204 and 1222) in northern Greece and is located southeast of Mount Olympus, in a strategic position which controls the exit of the Tempe valley, through which passes the main road connecting Macedonia with Thessaly and southern Greece. The tower (donjon), which overlooks the highway, is an imposing medieval fortress.
It is the best-preserved castle in north-central Greece, with its imposing central tower, dominating the National Highway.
Ancient Dion
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.
Palaios (Old) Panteleimonas
An exceptionally attractive old village with wooden beamed houses whose overhanging upper rooms and balconies mark out its singular character.
Situated at a height of 500 m. on the slopes of Lower Olympus it affords unique views towards the Thermaic Gulf and beaches of South Pieria. In the central paved square there is a venerable plane tree, the old church of St. Panteleimonas, the old school house which has been restored.
