Katerini. A great discovery in the heart of Macedonia.

Near Thessaloniki, Katerini welcomes guests with a cheerful atmosphere and unique accommodation options.

Katerini is a small town located near Greece's northern capital, Thessaloniki. Don't miss it! Katerini, a city of four seasons, will surprise you with its diverse entertainment options. From bustling roads to the snow bars of the Elatochori ski resort. From the impressive Dion Archaeological Park with its fascinating artifacts from antiquity to the vast Platamonas and Olympic coastlines. From the Enipeos Gorge to the backstreets of Old Panteleimon and the village of Rapsani with its famous red wine. From the designer hotels of Elatochori to the resort & spa hotels on the shores of Pieria. A world full of surprises and attractions, located in the center of mainland Greece, under the shadow of Mount Olympus itself. Are you ready to discover this world?

Must-sees in Katerini

Nature and History in Dion

Greece's most beautiful archaeological site awaits you near Katerini. In Dion, ancient history and natural beauty merge before you into a single mythical scene: ancient sanctuaries, Greek and Roman theaters, paved streets, hot springs with pools and mosaics, an odeon, Roman-era buildings, palaces, and early Christian basilicas. Archaeological finds sparkle in this heavenly setting, traversed by small rivers. At the Temple of Isis, you will kneel humbly: here, a sculpture is displayed amidst lush vegetation in a flooded area. A short walk away is the Temple of Demeter, one of the oldest temples ever discovered in Macedonia.

A Stroll Through Katerini

Katerini's urban landscape is characterized by cafes and bars filled with visitors from all over the area, inviting you to relax with a drink in the evening. On the other side, the beach and the City Park, and the Macedonian countryside, are all before you. Katerini is both a city and a suburb.

Platamonas Fortress

The fortress dominates the area, watching over every corner of Pieria's endless coastline. This 10th-century fortified town, with its high walls and well-preserved tower, is a significant landmark in the area. Excavations here have uncovered finds from the classical period (4th century BC), but what's most impressive are the Byzantine churches and ruins of the 10th-century town.

An 80-kilometer-long coastline with a huge selection of hotels

Korinos, Katerini, Litochoro, Plaka, Leptokaria, Skotina, Panteleimonos, Platamonas, Nei Pori. A pristine and excellent sandy beach stretching over 80 kilometers! Dozens of good hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and organized campsites are at your disposal.

The Beauty of Litochoro

Before you hike to Mount Olympus or enjoy the sea in Plaka Harbor or nearby Gritsa Beach, stop in this picturesque town. Litochoro is built at the foot of Mount Olympus. Here, everything comes together to create a beautiful backdrop. Stroll its narrow streets and admire the Macedonian architecture surrounding you.

Elatochori: a romantic weekend or an adrenaline rush on the ski slopes

Do you crave snow and cold? Then a weekend in Elatochori (Land of Spruce) is perfect for you. On winter weekends, you'll often see cars on the road to the ski resort.

The slopes, ski lifts, and bars are crowded with young people. A few kilometers from the ski resort, in the mountain village of Elatochori, stone-built guesthouses welcome visitors, offering a wide range of services: indoor pools, a hammam, a jacuzzi, and hydromassage. After a stroll through the spruce forest and the alleys of the old village, you can enjoy traditional Macedonian dishes in the taverns or more refined options in the hotel restaurants. You'll leave Elatochori full of impressions.

Hidden Treasures of Katerini

Hiking the Enipea Gorge

Plan your route: follow the trail that leads through the gorge from Milos to Litochoro and to Prionia, within the Mount Olympus Forest Reserve. The wondrous sights around you are for your eyes only.

Archaeological Museum of Dion

On the first floor of the museum, admire the stunning collection of sculptures: statues, bas-reliefs, tombstones, architectural details, as well as artifacts found by archaeologists in the Temple of Omnipotent Zeus. On the second floor, you can hear the sounds of rare ancient musical instruments. One of them is the hydraulis: a brass percussion instrument with hydraulics.

Paleios Panteleimonas, a monumental village

As you climb the mountain to the village of Paleos Panteleimonas, prepare to be lost in time. The beauty of all of Macedonia will unfold before you in a moment. This historic village is also known as the "Balcony of Olympus." A walk from the old village to St. Panteleimon Square with its centuries-old plane trees will transport you back in time. And the magical view will make you feel as if time has stood still.

Rapsani

The village of Rapsani is known for its delicious red wines. But its history has also seen other milestones. Rapsani is a renowned village in Lower Olympus, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries thanks to sericulture, metallurgy, cotton processing, and textile manufacturing. Today, its history is evident at every step. Two-story stone buildings from those times, as well as from the 19th century, have been preserved in the village—typical examples of Macedonian architecture.