Pieria Prefecture

The prefecture of Pieria combines uniquely the endless light blue beaches, the beautiful mountains, the myths and the history.
Capital of the prefecture is the city of Katerini built in the rich plain that begins from the foot of mount Olympus and reaches the sea.

Katerini, according to historical sources existed from prehistoric times. According to a version, it was the ancient Atira, which with Pydna, Dion and Methoni were the most important cities in the region around Olympus. The current version is that the city owes its name to its protector Saint, Ekaterini of Sinai, and it is truth that the city is reported by this name in many documents after 1710. During that time settlers from the peninsula of Sinai came to live in the area and build the homonym church in honor of Saint Ekaterini.

Katerini today has developed in to a modern city with rich economic and social activity, intense intellectual and cultural life and all the characteristics of a European city.

Nature - Environment

Olympus. Mount Olympus, well-known as the residence of gods of mythology has the taller peak of Greece, Mytikas (2.917m.), and dominates imposingly all the region.
Olympus, declared a National Forest, has exquisite flora and fauna and is ideal for mountain climbing and walks and has organized routes and shelters. The landscape is unique with forests, natural beauties, waters that go down and shape small lakes. Starting line for the climbers is the town Litochoro at the slope of Olympus.

Pieria. The green all around Pieria mountain with the traditional settlements and routes that are included in the European Mountainous Paths are ideal for alternative tourism.

In Elatochori during the winter months you will enjoy ski at the ski centre.

In Palaios Panteleimonas you must visit the traditional settlement at the slopes of Olympus on 700 meters altitude with view to Thermaikos gulf.

The gorge of river Enipeas near Litochoro. There the waters coming down from Olympus shape small beautiful lakes.

The forest of Palaia Leptokaria

The traditional settlement of Morna

The water biotopes with more important the water biotope of Axios - Loudias - Aliakmonas – Alikis Kitrous.

Beaches

The prefecture of Pieria has a lot of beaches with beautiful sandy beaches and blue waters at its shoreline with hotels, tourist lodgings, tourist market, places for amusement and recreation. All the beaches have credentials of light blue flags form the European Union.