PIERIA, «Olympus Riviera»

The Pierian land, birthplace of the myths, an “ark of spirit” and melting pot for peoples and cultures, since it is located in a central geographical region, integrated mores and customs, traditions and religions on the canvas of a culturally rich past.

Being the land of the initiator Orpheus and of the Pierian Muses, Pieria is synonym to abundance and wealth, a blessed place, a major attraction with plenty of elements constituting its splendor: endless coastlines, mountain and sea, green and blue in an admirable contrast, monuments and antiquities that represent the overall time range and constitute indisputable evidence of the Greek period in its long history.

Pieria, the poetic and erotic land praised and painted by many, a place that captivates with its warmth, the beauty of its landscape and the wholeness of its nature, invites you to refresh yourself, away from the daily routines, and to live your dream holidays.

Pieria offers to its visitors the flexibility of multiple options and combinations for accommodation, entertainment and alternative forms of tourism, which harmoniously blend the mountain with the sea, such as mountain-hiking, touring, archaeological, religious, culinary, sports, marine, agrotourism, adventure tourism, etc.

Visit Pieria for a variety of choices and combinations regarding accommodation, entertainment and alternative forms of tourism, harmoniously joining the mountain with the sea.

Magnificent sights and beautiful landscapes, surrounding significant archaeological sites, historical and religious monuments scattered across the Pierian land along with a plethora of cultural events, compose a unique and authentic product. It turns visiting and leisure into an exciting and engaging experience.

Pieria is located in the centre of Greece, crossed by the road axis of the International Motorway (E75), between the cities of Thessaloniki and Larissa. Its capital, Katerini, is 68 km from Thessaloniki and “Macedonia” International Airport, and is also close to the border stations of Evzoni and Promachonas. The area is easily accessible thanks to a well organized transport network. The visitor can reach Pieria by road via a modern motorway, as well as via the country’s central railway line.

The destination is part of the Eastern European cycling route under development “Eurovelo11”, connecting the specific route “Eurovelo 11” with proposed routes of cultural and tourist interest within the region of Pieria.

Pieria is located at the southern end of Central Macedonia and is bounded by the natural borders created by the Haliacmon and Peneus rivers to the north and south respectively, the waters of the Thermaic Gulf to the east and the mountain masses of Olympus and Piéria.

Mainly known for the emblematic mountain of the twelve gods, Olympus, Pieria is a place that combines three mountain masses, a 70-kilometer-long coastline, a great range of archaeological sites and Byzantine monuments, the most famous of them being the Archaeological Park of Dion, the Platamon Castle and the old monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus. Three traditional villages are located on Mt Olympus: Old Panteleimon, Old Pori and Ano Skotina, while on Piéria Mountain one can visit the traditional villages of Morna (Skotiná) and Old Elatochori with the homonymous ski center.

In Pieria there are organized hotels and accommodation facilities of all categories, famous for the good Greek hospitality and the quality of the services they offer. From five-star hotels, to rooms to let and organized campsites, Pieria offers many options for long or short term hospitality.

Moreover, in Pieria there are several businesses that cater to the needs of the visitor who wishes to use bicycle services, such as rental companies, bicycle service, etc.)

Pieria is an ideal destination for the whole family and for all ages, as there are numerous activities for young children and easily accessible beaches. At the same time, Pieria is also famous for its great nightlife, and is one of the top choices for young people, as they can find some of the largest and most impressive venues, as well as several beach bars and clubs by the sea.

Pieria and cycling

Pieria has a long relationship with cycling. The city of Katerini has a great cycling tradition. The slopes of Mount Olympus and Piéria Mountain have hosted several cycling events, with the European downhill and 4X (fourcross) cycling championships at the Elatochori ski centre being the highlight.

As far as road cycling is concerned, the coastal front is of great interest. It stretches from the Bird Observatory at the wetland of Nea Agathoupolis, at the northern end of the region, to the village of Nei Pori, at the southern end. Along the route there are villages, beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, picturesque little harbours, fish taverns and cafes. One can cycle from any point depending on their interests, capabilities and time available.

Furthermore, starting from the capital of the region, Katerini, residents and visitors can easily cycle to the nearby seaside destinations (Paralia, Olympic Beach, Korinos Beach, Alykes Kitros), or to the surrounding villages via provincial roads and sideroads.

Urban cycling in Pieria is, of course, of great importance. The geomorphology of the region, combined with the short distances within the towns and villages of Pieria, make the bicycle an ideal means of urban transportation for everyone.

Indeed, the residents of Pieria seem to largely choose the bicycle for their urban commuting, as it is more flexible, affordable, pleasant and ecological. In addition, the collectivities that have been created in recent years in the area promote cycling and also contribute to the training of cyclists, so that residents – cyclists and non-cyclists alike – are gradually becoming familiar with the presence of cyclists on the streets and respecting them equally, thus making Pieria an increasingly bike-friendly region.

The following routes are also interesting:

• From Litochoro to the old monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus and the forest location “Prionia” at the altitude of 1100m, the main “gateway” to the peaks of Olympus.
• From the Platamon Castle to the traditional villages of Old Panteleimon, Old Pori (with a small section of gravel road) and Ano Skotina (with a very small section of gravel road). This route can be extended by a few kilometers by entering the region of Larissa for a while and then descending to Leptokarya via the Leptokarya-Karya road. This route combines impressive views of the sea and many consecutive bends.
• From the village Fotiná to Morna, the dam of Morna and the village of Fteri at 1400m altitude along the beautiful gorge of Mavroneri.
• From Old Elatochori to the ski centre, another beautiful route through a dense forest of conifers and beech trees.

Regarding mountain bike, the slopes of the mountains with their extensive forest road network are ideal. There are also many trails which are maintained and used by cyclists.

On Piéria Mountain, the area of the Elatochori ski centre offers many cycling routes on forest roads and paths.

• From the ski center and to the circular slopes and the peaks.
• From the ski centre to the village of Katafigi.
• Forest roads and paths around the mountain refuge of Sarakatsana above the village of Ritini.
• Forest roads from Morna to Ano Milia and the unique “Love Path”.
• From Litochoro towards the area of Skandaliara, as far as the mountaineering refuge in Ano Pigadi. One of the main and most beautiful forest roads of Olympus with an impressive view to the Thermaic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.
• From the forest location of Saints Apostoli in Vrontou to the mountaineering refuge “Krevatia” and towards the “Naum” and “Xerolaki” streams, offering unique views of the peaks of Mt Olympus from the north and west.
• From the village of Petra also towards the “Naum” and “Xerolaki” streams, following the main forest road of Mt Olympus.

These last two routes can also be combined into a longer circular one.

On Olympus, in the wider area of Old Panteleimon, there are many forest routes and paths around the traditional villages as far as the small lake of Kati.

Cycling in recent years shows a significant increasing trend. Consequently, cycling tourism will be a component of the tourism product of our region. The creation of bicycle paths, roads marked for bicycle commuting, the creation and maintenance of paths, the operation of the Elatochori ski centre during the remaining months for mountain bikers, the accreditation of businesses as “bike friendly” and the general shift towards a bike friendly attitude will have a positive impact on the local economy, the environment and the quality of life of the residents who will embrace it.

Pierian Organization of Tourism Development and Promotion
40, 28is Oktovriou Str., Katerini, P.C 601 32
Tel: (+30)23513 51250, (+30)23513 51219, (+30)6972 722 491
E-mail: potap.pieria@gmail.com
Website: https://olympusriviera.com.gr/