According to Greek mythology, the twelve gods lived on Mount Olympus, on the top of Mytikas, with their faults and virtues, their passions and weaknesses, their loves and hates. The ancient Greeks considered the imposing mountain a sacred place and it is this that piques the interest of all visitors as soon as they set foot in Pieria.
With its volume and majesty, it immediately attracts attention, while even in early summer its peaks remain, in many places, dressed in white. Mount Olympus is just one of the aces that Pieria has hidden up its sleeve to attract travelers this tourist season and which it throws hard in the «battle», in order to win the post-pandemic season. Already, the first summer visitors have begun to make their presence felt on beaches and accommodation, while in the next period, especially in July and August, arrivals and overnight stays by Balkans, Central Europeans, Israelis and Greeks who wish to combine the mountain with the sea, history with religion, entertainment with relaxation are expected to increase.
The twelve aces -as many as the Olympian gods- of Pieria were revealed in the framework of a journalistic mission, with the participation of Greek and Polish journalists, organized by the Region of Pieria in cooperation with municipalities of the region and the company «Wise Ram».
Beaches: Clear waters, blue flags and wide sandy beaches are enjoyed by visitors along the coastline of Pieria, at a distance of more than 70 km. The «menu» includes cosmopolitan beaches, others more private, water sports for those who wish, and organised beach bars for the rest. Seatrack systems have been installed on several beaches so that people with disabilities can also enjoy swimming.
Olympus: With its view, its imposing beauty and majesty, it welcomes visitors. The most famous mountain of the country, the seat of the mythical gods, impresses not only with its height but also with its proximity to the sea. Climbing the slopes offers unique experiences, while each route evokes a different sensation, since Olympus has many «faces» to show.
Traditional settlements: The traditional settlements spread over Mount Olympus and the Pieria Mountains are easily accessible. They bear witness to another era but also offer a proposal for escape. In fact, the Old Panteleimon, its picturesque square with the huge plane tree in the centre of the village and the countless walks in the narrow streets, is a constant with visitors «voting» to stay overnight in the traditional guesthouses in all seasons of the year.
Archaeological Park of Dios: In an area of 1,500 acres in Dion, with lush vegetation and running waters, ancient sanctuaries, Hellenistic and Roman theatres, ancient paved roads, baths with pools and mosaics, an archaeological park has been created, perhaps the most beautiful in Greece. Archaeologists have unearthed a very important Macedonian city that attracts visitors, who combine it with the Archaeological Museum of Dion, which has exhibits from the area and the rest of Pieria.
Archaeological site of Ancient Pydna: Within walking distance from the settlement of Makrigialos is the site of ancient Pydna, a city that played an important role in the history of Macedonia, thanks to its port and its strategic position. Excavations have uncovered hundreds of tombs from the early Iron Age, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras. Those interested can also visit the Flowers of Citrus.
Monasteries and picturesque chapels: Pieria is dotted with monasteries, churches, metochia, picturesque chapels and religious monuments in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul that are the «lever» for the development of pilgrimage tourism in the region. Places holy and redolent of the prayer and life of the Saints attract more and more visitors, Greeks and foreigners, Christians and believers of other religions.
Platamonas Castle: Pieria is dotted with Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments. Platamonas Castle is well known. Today it has been restored and hosts concerts and cultural events, while the view it offers visitors is breathtaking.
National Park Information Centre: It is dedicated to the natural wealth and multifaceted uniqueness of Mount Olympus, inviting the visitor to a «virtual ascent» from the foothills to the highest peaks. It is located in Litochoro and since its opening in 2015, it has been visited by about 50,000 people, including many schoolchildren. Through impressive images, static exhibits and a 3D projection, those interested get a solid taste of the mountain.
Olympus Festival: Half a century plus one year... 51 years... this year the Olympus Festival, one of the most renowned institutions of international scope that has gone through «a thousand and one waves» but has endured! This particular Festival is a cultural expression of Pieria and not only and attracts many visitors from Northern Greece and Thessaly. The programme will be officially announced in the next period.
Gastronomy: Steamed mussels, fried mussels, mussels fried, mussel pilaf... Tourists can find mussels in all forms in the shops as in the sea area between Methoni, Makrigialos and Citrus, organized mussel farms have been developing for years. The Pieria region is also famous for its kiwi, cherries and chestnuts, in all their varieties and in sweet form.
Wine tourism and tea roads: Some people love wine, others love tea, and Pieria has both. Some people love wine and others love wine, while others love wine and others love tea. The regional unit is part of the Wine Route of the Gods of Olympus, one of the Wine Roads of Northern Greece, and there are vineyards for tasting, such as Ktima Kourtis. On the other hand, visitors can wander around estates filled with organic tea, such as the Althaia Estate in Elatochori.
Outdoor activities: Specializing in mountain outdoor activities, the company of Nektarios Parmakis, who is also the manager of the Petrostrougas refuge, shares with visitors the beauty of the region through integrated experiences. Those interested can - among other things - discover the hidden treasures of Enipeas, do pilates on Mount Olympus, visit waterfalls and water slides and experience slow tourism in Pieria.
Anastasia Karypidou
