Olympic Riviera • 9 Best Highlights & Travel Tips

To have a great vacation, it doesn’t always have to be an island in Greece—as the mainland region around Mount Olympus, the country’s highest peak, has proven to us once again. The so-called Olympic Riviera has been an insider’s tip among Northern Europeans for years—at least during the off-season—because starting in mid-June, this coastal strip with its diverse hinterland becomes a popular destination for vacationers from the Balkans.

The Olympic Riviera is a region full of contrasts: along the coast, sun loungers line up one after another with music blaring from beach bars, and just a ten-minute drive away, you’ll find birdsong and unspoiled nature with waterfalls in the mountain villages.
Tom & Ella

During our first brief visit years ago, we were disillusioned; the holiday village of Olympiaki Akti seemed like a mini-version of Bulgaria’s Golden Sand Beach: umbrella after umbrella, endless beach bars, and a bustling fair right by the sea. So it was time for a second chance, because the region has two sides: once you leave the bustling coast behind, you’re greeted by a charming hinterland.

We spent a week exploring the foothills of Mount Olympus, with Zeus, the father of the gods, seemingly always close by. We breathed in the alpine air and took in fairy-tale waterfalls, ancient sites and quaint mountain villages. Ultimately, we were pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was to take a holiday here.

You will find our personal thoughts at the end of this post, but first, let us introduce you to our Top 9 highlights of the Olympic Riviera:

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Where is the Olympic Riviera?

The Olympic Riviera is located in northern Greece on the Thermaic Gulf, just a stone’s throw from Thessaloniki. It stretches from the Aliakmonas Delta—a unique natural paradise—through the city of Katerini, the region’s main town, southward to the foothills of Mount Ossa. Technically, “Olympic Riviera” is just a marketing name, since the province is actually called Pieria. But because Mount Olympus, at 2,918 meters, is visible from almost everywhere, this evocative name has stuck over the years.

From Thessaloniki, it takes at least an hour to drive the approximately 70 kilometers to the Olympic Riviera. The city of Katerini, with its approximately 60,000 residents, forms the center of Pieria. Paralia Katerini and Olympiaki Akti are considered the most popular vacation spots.

But let’s be honest: In the summer, the northern part of the Olympic Riviera gets really crowded. Vacationers from Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia have been regular visitors for years due to the region’s geographical proximity. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you should head to the towns near Mount Olympus, such as Litochoro or Leptokarya, or all the way south to Platamonas and Neoi Poroi. Read on to find out if this region is right for you.

Getting to the Olympic Riviera

The easiest way to reach the Olympic Riviera is by flying to Thessaloniki and then renting a car. There are direct flights to Thessaloniki from nearly every European airport. Flight prices are cheaper than to the Greek islands, and even in summer, there are great deals from EasyJet, Ryanair, and even Aegean starting at 50 to 60 euros one way without luggage.

The short flight time to Thessaloniki is another advantage of the region. From Berlin, it takes 2 hours and 20 minutes; from Vienna, 1 hour and 45 minutes; and from London, 3 hours and 15 minutes. By the way, flights to Thessaloniki operate year-round.

→ You can find cheap flights to Thessaloniki through our partner Skyscanner*:

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From Thessaloniki, you’ll need a rental car, which is best reserved in advance. The drive from Thessaloniki to Paralia Katerini via the Aftokinitodromos 1 (A1 or E75) highway takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Tolls are required on some sections and must be paid at toll booths. If you’d like, you can even add a two-day city trip to Thessaloniki—that way, the start of your vacation will be even more relaxing. Rental car prices from Thessaloniki start at around 30 euros per day.

→ You can find rental cars for the Olympic Riviera through our partner Discover Cars*:

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In general, if you’re taking a two-week vacation, it’s worth taking a road trip through Greece—for example, to Meteora, the Chalkidiki Peninsula, or even as far as Pelion near Volos. That way, you can experience the many facets of Northern Greece in a single trip. You could structure the trip as follows, for example: 2 days in Thessaloniki, 5 days on the Olympic Riviera, 2 days in Meteora, and 6 days in Chalkidiki.

If you have enough time, you can drive your own car along the Balkan Route to the Olympic Riviera. We’ve done this countless times and have never had any problems. The distance from Munich to Katerini is 1,600 kilometers, which is about 16.5 hours of driving time—easily manageable with two overnight stops.

#1 Mount Olympus: Home of the Gods

Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain range and the namesake of the roughly 80-kilometer-long coastal strip. Even as you approach from Thessaloniki, you’ll see the massive mountain range towering above, which is sometimes shrouded in clouds for days on end, even in summer. In ancient times, Mount Olympus was considered the seat of the twelve principal gods, led by Zeus. Today, it is a national park with extraordinary flora and fauna. Over 1,500 plant species grow here, and with a little luck, you might even spot golden eagles and chamois.

As soon as you leave the coast, you’ll sense the region’s alpine character, and your spirit of adventure will be instantly awakened. Mount Olympus wasn’t officially climbed until 1913, by the Swiss explorers Frédéric Boissonnas and Daniel Baud-Bovy, who were guided by local Christos Kakalos. But a word of caution for summit seekers: The highest point, Mytikas at 2,918 meters, is only for experienced hikers. Furthermore, the summit can’t be conquered in a single day—overnight stays in mountain huts are necessary.

It doesn’t matter at all that not everyone reaches the summit, because there’s more than enough to discover in the foothills. One thing you shouldn’t miss is the scenic drive to Prionia at an elevation of 1,100 meters. The route winds through dense coniferous forest, past steep rock faces, always high above the Enipeas Gorge, up to the first mountain hut on Mount Olympus. Several day hikes starting below Mount Olympus begin from here (see #3).

#2 Litochoro: The Gateway to Mount Olympus

The town of Litochoro, at the foot of Mount Olympus, is the main tourist hub in the hinterland of the Olympic Riviera. With over 7,000 residents, Litochoro has long since ceased to be a quaint mountain village, and we, too, were somewhat disillusioned during our first visit. On social media, Litochoro likes to showcase its cobblestone alleys and houses featuring traditional Macedonian architecture, but in many places modern buildings dominate, and the long Agiou Nikolaou Street is a string of bars, gyros taverns, and souvenir shops.

Tourism is firmly established here; every day, bus tours bring in Greek and Balkan visitors, who wind their way through the town in a single file. You have to go out of your way to find the few beautiful spots in this small town. We liked Palaios Panteleimonas far better (see #8). Don’t get us wrong: the town has a certain charm—after all, it’s located right at the exit of the Enipeas Gorge, which looks like a window up to the Mountain of the Gods. But Litochoro didn’t really wow us.

Still, Litochoro is a must-see on the Olympic Riviera. At the plane-tree-lined Platia Eleftherias, Litochoro’s central village square, with the pretty Agios Nikolaos Church, it’s a great spot to linger at the Adonis Cafe & Bistro and watch the hustle and bustle of arriving buses and tour groups while sipping a cool Freddo. Behind the Olympus View Hotel, you’ll also be treated to a magnificent view of the houses built on the hillside, with Mount Olympus in the background.

It’s also worth taking a short stroll through Litochoro Municipal Park, a small town forest shaded by pine trees, where a square-shaped lake with a fountain in the center makes for a great photo opportunity. Right next to the city park, history buffs can make a detour to the Naval Museum. In the evening, once most of the day-trippers have left, don’t miss stopping by one of the excellent mezedopoleia (our favorite: Ta Mezedakia).

#3 Enipeas Gorge and Agios Dionysios Monastery

The Enipeas Gorge is one of the most popular hiking areas on the Olympic Riviera. It takes its name from the Enipeas River, which rises at an altitude of about 2,000 meters, is fed by numerous spring streams, and has carved its way deep into the mountain range over thousands of years.

Today, the gorge is part of the E4 long-distance hiking trail. The complete traverse from Litochoro at 320 meters up to Prionia at 1,100 meters is about 12 kilometers long and takes roughly five hours. The trail winds through wild natural scenery, crossing numerous bridges, always following the stream and passing small waterfalls.

The highlight of the Enipeas Gorge is definitely the ancient monastery of Agios Dionysios, situated at an elevation of just over 850 meters. It was founded in 1542 by Saint Dionysios and, over the centuries, fortified with massive defensive walls. It suffered damage time and again—it was burned down during the Ottoman Empire and destroyed during World War II. Afterward, the monastic community moved down to the metochi near Litochoro, the new monastery.

Recently restored, it now shines once again in all its splendor and, with its natural stone walls, the katholikon with its slate roofs, and a lush courtyard, is a real eye-catcher. You can reach the Dionysios Monastery without a hike—it’s easily accessible by car on the way to Prionia. Please dress appropriately when visiting the monastery; admission is free.

• Opening hours for the old Agios Dionysios Monastery: daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer | Free admission

Hike to the Holy Cave & Enipeas Waterfall

From the monastery, it takes about 35 minutes to reach the Holy Cave of Dionysios to the south and the Enipeas Waterfall to the north. The trails are family-friendly; though narrow, they’re easy to walk on—our daughter, who was five at the time, had no trouble at all. Legend has it that the saint once found refuge in the cave; at one spot, ice-cold spring water flows from the rock, and in front of it stands a gleaming white chapel.

The Enipeas Waterfall is one of the many cascades along the stream of the same name. It’s relatively easy to reach, as a well-maintained hiking trail leads from the monastery’s parking lot to the waterfall. It carries water year-round, and with its lush natural beauty, it’s also a very photogenic spot where dragonflies and frogs thrive. However, swimming is not allowed here, as the Enipeas serves as a source of drinking water.

A Break in Prionia

Prionia lies about 3 kilometers north of the monastery, and if you’re traveling by rental car anyway, it’s a must-see stop. The name translates roughly to “the saws” and is a reminder of the old water-powered sawmills that once stood here. The road ends at an elevation of just over 1,100 meters, and for most mountaineers, this is exactly where the ascent up Mount Olympus begins. The local Prionia tavern is one of those surreal places that bears no resemblance whatsoever to the typical blue-and-white postcard scenes.

With the cool mountain air, there’s a genuine mountain hut atmosphere here, and this family-run establishment has been serving hearty Greek cuisine for generations. You absolutely must try the aigosoupa (traditional goat soup), which tasted surprisingly good to us here. Alternatively, there’s delicious fasolada (bean soup), but of course also classics like Greek salad, tzatziki, and more. At a pleasant 21 degrees, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon here with a panoramic view of the Alps—mind you, it was 30 degrees on the coast at the same time!

When you head back down the winding road toward the coast, be sure to make a quick photo stop at the Ziliana viewpoint. Also well worth seeing is the new Agios Dionysios Monastery, located not far from the Mount Olympus National Park Information Center. The atmosphere here is especially romantic in the late afternoon. Light a candle in the Katholikon (consecrated in 1954) for your loved ones back home, and be sure to check out the monastery shop, which offers religious souvenirs as well as mountain tea from Mount Olympus, wine, and honey.

• Opening hours for the New Monastery of Agios Dionysios: daily in summer from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Katholikon closed during siesta) | Free admission

#4 The Orlias Waterfalls

The Orlias Stream lies on the northeastern flank of the Mount Olympus massif, about 20 minutes from Litochoro, and is now a popular hiking area on the Olympic Riviera. Here, too, you’ll encounter Greek mythology once again, for according to legend, the famous singer Orpheus met his gruesome end here at the hands of frenzied women. When they tried to wash the blood off themselves, the river refused and plunged into the underworld. It didn’t resurface until it reached Dion (see No. 6).

We recommend the short hike to the Orlias Waterfalls. By car, you’ll drive up a narrow road to a parking lot with a canteen. From there, you can reach the Muses’ Waterfall in just a few minutes with little difficulty. From a height of about ten meters, the water plunges into an emerald-green pool that shimmers picturesquely, especially around noon. Dragonflies, bees, and frogs buzz all around—almost like in an enchanted forest. The brave can splash around in the ice-cold pool.

A little further south, you’ll find another cascade, the Aphrodite Waterfall, where the water plunges from an even greater height. The pool is actually a bit wider and equally photogenic. Every now and then, you can spot adventurous vacationers canyoning here. The descent to the Aphrodite Waterfall is a bit more challenging, but even our daughter managed it. If you’re still in the mood for hiking, follow the red trail markers another 2.8 kilometers to Kokkinos Vrachos (Red Rock). Hiking boots are a must here!

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Agia Kori Waterfalls and Chapel

Somewhat less well-known but equally worth seeing are the Agia Kori Waterfalls, along with the chapel of the same name, hidden in the dense forest. You can reach Agia Kori via the paved road from the village of Vrontou. Once you arrive at the large parking lot, it’s about 500 meters along a wide path to the waterfalls, which you can reach via a wooden bridge. On hot days, it’s worth taking a dip in the turquoise-blue pool here to cool off. A little further uphill, you can explore the stream, though the path is quite strenuous.

From the parking lot, head east toward the Agia Kori Chapel, which means “Holy Girl.” Descend 170 steps into the gorge, where you’ll find an enchanted spot overgrown with nature. According to legend, a deeply devout Christian girl from Zagori near Ioannina fled from Ali Pasha, who wanted to force her into his harem, and hid in a cave here in the gorge. Years later, when woodcutters found her intact skeleton clutching an icon, a spring began to flow from the spot where she was buried.

To this day, Agia Kori remains a vibrant place of pilgrimage, and many believers make the journey here to drink the holy spring water or wash themselves with it. Parents of sick girls, in particular, seek comfort and healing here. They pray at the chapel and tie their children’s clothes or jewelry to the trees, hoping for a miracle. Those who want to explore further can visit the Byzantine Church of Agia Triada (1597), which sits majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking a gorge, at the turnoff to Agia Kori.

#5 Katerini and Paralia

Katerini is the capital of the Pieria region, located about 8 kilometers from the sea, and, with just under 60,000 residents, is a bustling Greek city. The city hasn’t gone out of its way to cater to tourists. However, those familiar with Greece will find all kinds of shops, authentic taverns without any frills, and a vibrant coffee culture. A freddo cappuccino for 2.50 euros—Katerini makes it possible. Children can run and play to their hearts’ content in the city park, and the cafés nearby invite you to linger (tip: EKABI Lounge Bar).

We’ve been stopping in Katerini for years, partly because of the Jumbo Market located right off the highway, which carries just about everything. Another reason is Max Bakery, one of the best bakeries in the country, run by Greeks who once lived in Stuttgart. And in general, you’ll meet many German-speaking Greeks in and around Katerini. Many moved to Germany as guest workers in the 1960s. Numerous ones later returned to Katerini, bringing the German language—and quite a bit of Swabian baking expertise—with them.

However, Katerini’s tourist life takes place in Paralia (Greek for “beach”), the largest holiday village in the north of the Olympic Riviera. The town, laid out in a grid pattern, doesn’t exactly exude Greek charm, but the long beach with its coarse sand is lined with numerous taverns and bars, and accommodation prices remain below the Greek average even in summer. Consequently, it gets quite crowded here during peak season—every room is booked solid.

Paralia Katerini is popular with tourists from the Balkans, and we, too, grew fond of the town after a day or two. Every evening, the promenade transforms into a huge strolling boulevard, with the photogenic Agia Fotini Church at its center. The southern edge of town is particularly quaint, where colorful kaiki bob in the sea at the fishing harbor, with Mount Olympus rising in the background. In the evening, you can wind down the day comfortably in the taverns. Luckily, our accommodations, ELLE Rooms & Suites, were right here, which turned out to be a real jackpot.

Monastery of Ephraim the Syrian

About 10 kilometers outside of Katerini, the Monastery of Ephraim the Syrian (Moni Agiou Efraim) is well worth a visit. Built in 1983, the monastery is designed in the Macedonian style and sits on a slight hill at the foot of Mount Olympus; the view of the surrounding area alone is magnificent. Today, a community of nuns lives here, devotedly caring for the grounds. Flowers are blooming and greenery abounds everywhere, with cats prowling about. The friendly nuns even serve Greek mocha, tea, and loukoumi as a welcome treat.

At the center of the complex stands the enormous katholikon, which towers like a temple. It is named after Ephraim the Syrian, a 4th-century saint and poet whose hymns and prayers were translated into Greek early on and are still sung in the Orthodox Church today. It is the only monastery in all of Greece dedicated to this saint. We were there on a Sunday and hadn’t expected such a large crowd; several Greek tour buses arrived at the monastery at the same time.

• Ephraim Monastery Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 5–7:30 p.m. | Free admission (donations appreciated)

History buffs should also make a detour to the Church of Panagia Kontariotissa. It dates back to the 11th century and houses impressive Byzantine frescoes inside. Even more remarkable is that some of the church’s structural elements come from the ancient site of Dion. Unfortunately, the church is only open for services (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.) as well as for baptisms and weddings.

For a quick snack, we recommend the Doulas Patisserie in the village of Kontariotissa. Grab a Pagotinia (mini ice cream) to go or a freshly baked Portokalopita (orange cake), along with a good cup of coffee. If you still have time, you can then continue on for about ten minutes through the village of Karitsa to the ancient site of Dion.

#6 Ancient Site of Dion

Dion is located in the foothills of Mount Olympus, about 10 kilometers north of Litochoro and 15 kilometers south of Katerini. We’ve visited numerous ancient sites in Greece by now and expected to find yet another typical field of ruins with column stumps here as well. But the Dion Archaeological Park truly lives up to its name.

In early June, everything is green and in bloom; centuries-old plane trees provide shade, bubbling streams flow along the historic paths, and small springs emerge from the ground as if out of nowhere. Butterflies and dragonflies flit through the air, while frogs and turtles frolic among the ancient ruins. The site feels like an enchanted garden, and it was a highlight of the Olympic Riviera—not just for our daughter.

The name Dion is derived from “Dios,” the genitive form of Zeus, as the city was the most important sanctuary of the ancient Macedonians in honor of the father of the gods. Around 400 B.C., King Archelaus declared Dion a sacred city and established annual festivals similar to those held at Olympia. Philip II celebrated his victory over Olynthus here in 348 B.C., and his son Alexander the Great made a sacrifice in Dion before setting out on his Asian campaign. Under the Romans, the city experienced a second golden age.

The site covers about 150 hectares, so you can easily spend half a day here. Among the most important structures are the Hellenistic theater, the Egyptian sanctuary of Isis in the middle of the water, the Roman agora, the magnificent House of Epigenes with its mosaic floors, and the Roman baths, complete with visible ancient underfloor heating. The Dion Museum in the village of the same name also houses the Hydraulis, an ancient water organ and the world’s oldest surviving keyboard instrument.

• Dion Archaeological Park Hours: Summer (April through October) daily approx. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Winter (November through March) reduced hours 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Admission: €10 (free for EU citizens under 25)

#7 Platamonas Castle

About 20 minutes from Litochoro, Platamonas Castle stands impressively on a hill directly above the sea. Thanks to its spectacular location and proximity to the A1 highway, it’s one of the top attractions on the Olympic Riviera. The Frankish fortress, dating from 1205, was built on the foundations of a Byzantine complex, which in turn stood on the site of the ancient city of Herakleion. Through the main gate, you enter a spacious courtyard surrounded by a massive wall approximately 500 meters long.

Unlike other fortresses, the interior is beautifully landscaped, with numerous trees providing shade. You’ll find the foundations of old houses and churches, the remains of a blacksmith’s shop and a pottery workshop, cisterns, and late-medieval cannons. The centerpiece of the complex is the striking, octagonal defensive tower from the 15th century, which rises 20 meters high. Also worth seeing is the small church of Agia Paraskevi, which is not always open.

Kastro Platamonas looks back on an eventful history and has changed hands several times. In 1425, it came under Venetian control, only to be lost to the Ottomans two years later. In April 1941, the old fortress once again became the scene of a battle. New Zealand soldiers had entrenched themselves on the castle hill to halt the German advance southward and held out against superior forces for two days.

• Kastro Platamonas Hours: Wed–Mon, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Admission: €10

But even outside of opening hours, you can take a leisurely walk around the castle on the hiking trail and enjoy great views of the surrounding area. You’ll also get a photogenic view of the fortress from the village of Neos Panteleimonas, right across from the Church of Ag. Eleutherius. After touring the castle, it’s worth visiting the coastal towns of Platamonas or Neoi Poroi. After all that sightseeing, you can unwind at the Pirate Beach Bar on the wide Neoi Poroi Beach.

#8 Palaios Panteleimonas: The Most Beautiful Village on Mount Olympus

Palaios Panteleimonas sits at an elevation of just over 440 meters and is undoubtedly the most beautiful village on the Olympic Riviera. As a popular day-trip destination, the village attracts many bus tours. It’s quietest in the late afternoon, once the buses have left. At the entrance to the village, you can park your rental car for free in the municipal parking lot, as the village is completely traffic-calmed. From there, you’ll walk uphill along old cobblestone alleys into the traditional village.

The settlement was likely founded in the late 14th century by stonemasons from Epirus. In the 1950s, the residents abandoned their mountain village and moved down to the coast, where Neos Panteleimonas was established. For decades, the pretty stone houses fell into disrepair. Around 1980, the locals returned and restored their homes true to the original style. Today’s village of 50 residents is truly enchanting, but it bears no resemblance to the clichéd white-and-blue image of Greece found in travel brochures.

As you wander through the village, you’ll pass many unique shops offering homemade products, including honey from the strawberry tree—which is native to the area—as well as homemade pasta and mountain tea. We recommend Arxontiko (delicatessen and souvenirs), Iris Gift Shop (all kinds of souvenirs), and Kallantin (art and jewelry). The latter is run by the lovely Chrysoula, who used to live in Germany. Be sure to say hello to her for us.

In the village center stands the venerable Church of Agios Panteleimon, surrounded by centuries-old plane trees. Right next to it, you’ll find the old, lovingly restored village school. Around the square, several restaurants invite you to stop in; the atmosphere becomes especially quaint in the evening. For a coffee, we recommend the Old Café—Fofo’s Desserts on the western edge of the village. From there, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of Mount Olympus.

A Journey Back in Time in Palioi Poroi

If you’re looking for a truly traditional taverna serving delicious home-style cooking, check out the neighboring village of Palioi Poroi. From Palaios Panteleimonas, you can reach the village in about 15 minutes via a gravel road, or alternatively from the coast via the paved road from Platamonas.

Only a handful of families still live in Palioi Poroi, and somehow time seems to have stood still here. It’s all the more commendable, then, that there are two taverns here to cater to hungry travelers passing through. We stopped at the tavern To Scholeio (The School), run by Kostas. He also speaks German, and his roast wild boar with plum sauce was one of the most delicious culinary delights we’ve ever had in Greece. Keep an eye on the time in the evening, because it takes at least 50 minutes to drive back to Katerini from here.

#9 The Region Around Stomio

South of Platamonas, the province of Pieria ends—and with it, the Olympic Riviera officially comes to a close. But that doesn’t dampen the spirit of adventure, because there’s still plenty to discover around the coastal town of Stomio, about an hour from Katerini. Stomio itself is a small coastal town that’s especially popular with Greeks and is nicknamed Paralia Larissa. The city of Larissa, with a population of 160,000, which breaks Greek heat records every year, is located just 40 minutes inland, and on weekends it feels like half the city heads here to the beach.

We were particularly taken with the area around Nea Mesangala—it has a very laid-back vibe, the sea was crystal-clear, and the bright, fine sandy beach instantly put us in a vacation mood. Plus, there are great beach bars like the mesAngeles Beach Bar, where we had a wonderful time with the owners, Makis and Elena, while our little one happily played with their daughter. It’s one of those places in Greece where you’d love to have stayed longer. 🙂

As you explore, you’ll pass vast plantation fields where small, fuzzy fruits hang from the vines: kiwis! The province of Pieria is Greece’s oldest and most important kiwi-growing region, and the country is now one of the world’s largest kiwi producers. Greek kiwis aren’t ripe until late October, though—that’s when they’ll be available everywhere here.

Platia Ammos and Kokkino Nero

From Stomio, a scenic coastal road leads further south, deep into the Kissavos region, one of the least-known areas in Greece. From Mount Kissavos—also known as Ossa, which, at 1,978 meters, is considered the legendary brother of Mount Olympus—densely forested slopes drop straight down to the Aegean Sea. Hidden within the dense forests are several treasures, including ancient monasteries and fairy-tale-like stone bridges.

We spent an afternoon exploring this largely unspoiled coastline and were absolutely thrilled, so we definitely want to return in the near future. Platia Ammos Beach alone was a dream—lush mixed forests stretch all the way to the sea here, and small streams flow down to the shore everywhere. You can easily spend the whole day at the Para Thin Alos (ΠΑΡΑ ΘΙΝ ΑΛΟΣ) tavern, run by Evripidis.

Our personal highlight of the region is the iron-rich springs of Kokkino Nero, which translates to “red water.” Under centuries-old plane trees, there are several stone basins where you can cool off. Even in the height of summer, it stays pleasantly cool here and, above all, surprisingly quiet. The spring water is extremely rich in iron. Although it’s clear, as soon as it’s exposed to oxygen, the dissolved iron settles and turns the rocks and basins a rusty red.

While there, we encountered almost exclusively visitors from Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. No wonder—after all, both countries have decades of experience with healing springs. The water was extremely cold during our visit, which is why we only dared to dip our feet in. However, the healing effects are officially documented and signposted, and the water can even be used as a drinking cure.

More travel tips for the Olympic Riviera

Hotel Tips for the Olympic Riviera

The Olympic Riviera offers something for every budget, and prices are really fair—even for high-quality accommodations. While you’d easily pay 200 euros per night for a top-tier hotel on the islands in August, you can find comparable accommodations here for as little as 140 euros. There are wonderfully peaceful spots in the mountains and lively coastal towns with nightlife. Accommodations in the hinterland are significantly cheaper than those right by the sea. So the question is: relaxation or hustle and bustle?

Which resort on the Olympic Riviera is right for me?

• Paralia and Olympiaki Akti → Beachfront living, from budget hostels to boutique hotels
• Litochoro → Hikers and Mount Olympus enthusiasts, quaint guesthouses and apartments
• Plaka → Those seeking peace and quiet and families, villas with pools and apartments
• Palaios Panteleimonas → Romance and tranquility, traditional accommodations
• Leptokarya, Platamonas, and Neoi Poroi → A laid-back mix, small hotels and studios

→ On Booking.com*, you can find all accommodations in the region and compare them directly on the map.

Our personal hotel recommendation

ELLE Rooms & Suites, Paralia Katerini

ELLE Rooms & Suites, located in a quiet part of Paralia, is our top recommendation if you’re looking for something stylish yet personal. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that the staff puts their heart into everything they do. Hostess Eleni is incredibly friendly and immediately makes you feel like part of the family. It’s precisely this warm, personal atmosphere that permeates your entire stay.

The rooms are truly stylish, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed down to the last detail. They also feature a lovely balcony, some of which even offer views of Mount Olympus. Breakfast is a real highlight. After more than 15 years of traveling in Greece, we can say this is definitely one of the best we’ve ever had. Fresh every day, varied, and prepared with great care. Hats off!

We’d also like to give a special shout-out to Jenny, the Guest Relations Manager. Always in a good mood, always smiling, and immediately on hand to help with any request. That’s the kind of warm service you’d hope to find at every hotel. We can also wholeheartedly recommend the hotel’s dinner: traditional Greek dishes prepared by Eleni’s mom using time-honored recipes. The moussaka and pastitsio were simply to die for.

You can view ELLE Rooms & Suites on Booking.com* and book if you’d like:

➲ Book ELLE Rooms & Suites*

Restaurant Recommendations for the Olympic Riviera

To be honest, we were surprised at how well—and, above all, how affordably you can eat on the Olympic Riviera. Away from the coast, we enjoyed very traditional and delicious meals, and we were often treated to a complimentary dessert. In the coastal towns, however, there are also plenty of fast-food restaurants, gyro stands, and trendy bars that don’t offer much. So it wasn’t that easy to find a decent place to eat. Our tip: Be sure to stop by one of the mezedopolia in Litochoro—there, you’ll dine like a local.

Our personal restaurant recommendations on the Olympic Riviera:

• Cavo Dimo in Plaka: a hidden all-day bar right by the sea, serving everything from coffee and cocktails to pancakes and salads
• Efessou 1968 in Litochoro: a bakery-café with its own ice cream, great coffee, and sweet and savory snacks
• Nautilos Mediterranean Cuisine in Paralia: located at the fishing harbor, excellent cuisine, fair prices, and very friendly service
• Ta Mezedakia in Litochoro: a simple taverna with delicious mezedes and a friendly staff
• To Scholeio in Palioi Poroi: rustic atmosphere, authentic food, and a warm host, Kostas

All Olympic Riviera tips at a glance

Over 105 curated spots like beaches, restaurants, photo spots and insider tips directly on your smartphone.

To Olympic Riviera Map →

Guided Tours of the Olympic Riviera

If you’d rather not drive a rental car yourself, you can let a local guide take you through the hinterland. The classic option is an organized tour to Litochoro and Dion with a stop at Platamonas Castle. Adventure seekers can book a jeep safari, a canyoning tour to the waterfalls, or even a two-day summit climb of Mount Olympus with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Click on the links to GetYourGuide* to find out details such as availability and prices for the tours:

➲ Guided hike on Mount Olympus*

➲ Minibus tour to Litochoro and Dion*

➲ Canyoning tour on Mount Olympus*

Who will enjoy the region around Mount Olympus?

The Olympic Riviera isn’t for everyone. To make sure you don’t arrive with the wrong expectations, we’ve summarized the key points for you:

→ More travel reports and tips for Northern Greece and other regions can be found here: Mainland Greece

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