Paralia Katerinis and its surroundings: the sandy coastline of the Aegean Sea, Olympus and ideal hotels.
- Лилия Денисенко
- Oct 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Travel for those who know how to slow down
I love returning to places where the sea feels like a long silken shawl—slow, smooth, and warm. For me, that place was Paralia Katerinis: not far from bustling Thessaloniki (about an hour's drive), but a completely different world in spirit. There are no noisy promenades or crowds here—just a wide stretch of sand, a gentle breeze, and the horizon of the Aegean Sea. In this post, I share my favorite spots, tips, and a selection of hotels where you can live beautifully and peacefully. And yes, below you'll find direct links for booking.
How to get there and important information
Paralia Katerinis is conveniently located: it's easily accessible from Thessaloniki Airport by car—the journey takes about an hour. It offers the perfect combination of proximity to a major transportation hub and the feeling of a small coastal community. The beach is long and sandy: you can walk for kilometers without encountering any hustle and bustle. Unlike other resorts, there's no pedestrian promenade here—and that's part of its charm.
If you're looking to add mountains and greenery to your itinerary, Litochoro, at the foot of Mount Olympus, is a 20-30-minute drive away. The Dion Archaeological Park is also nearby—a perfect symbiosis of sea, mountains, and history.
My preferences: where to stay
Below is a selection of hotels to suit every taste: from boutique hotels to cozy apartments.
1. Paralia Beach Boutique Hotel — A boutique option by the sea
A small hotel with thoughtful design: bright rooms, a balcony overlooking the sea and the morning sun. Ideal for those who appreciate aesthetics and tranquility.
Why choose: a step to the beach, a home-like atmosphere, morning coffee on the terrace.
2. Panorama Hotel (Paralia Katerinis) —Sea views and comfort
A classic hotel with spacious balconies and friendly service. An excellent choice for a two-week getaway with beach strolls.
3. Cosmopolitan Hotel — 4★, Pool and restaurant
If you're looking for a bit of "hotel" amenities—a pool, restaurant, and proximity to cafes. Great for couples and families.
A warm, small hotel literally on the sand—if you're traveling on a budget but want to be right by the sea.
5. Dion Hotel (Paralia) — A classic coastal option
Comfortable rooms, beach access, and a sense of being right here. Perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and convenience.
6. Litohoro Olympus Resort Villas & Spa —Part of the "sea + mountain" route
If you want to combine the beach and the peaks of Olympus, this hotel in Litochoro is the perfect compromise: a spa, a pool, and a mountain view. I recommend planning at least one or two nights here.
My itinerary (how I like to spend time here)
Day 1 - Paralia and the sand. Wake up early, drink coffee on the balcony, walk along the sand for a kilometer and a half, choose a boat or just a secluded spot. Lunch - fresh fish at a small taverna.
Day 2 - Trip to Dion. Archaeological park, museum, stroll along shady alleys. An audio tour is perfect for this: it gives you depth as you wander among the columns.
Day 3 - Litochoro and the Olympus trails. Short treks, village cafes, and an evening by the fireplace at a spa hotel.
Day 4 - Leptokarya and the silent sea. A day without plans - just reading a book by the water and feeling the changing light.
Tours and audio walks (my format is listening and discovering)
If you want to experience a place more deeply, I recommend taking an audio guide or a tour of Dion and the routes around Olympus. Here are some good places to find tours:
Shaka Guide — For longer routes through mainland Greece and national parks.
Where to eat
A taverna by the sea – simple, fresh tabbouleh, Greek salad, and grilled fish.
A café in Litochoro – the perfect spot for a morning latte before a trek.
Little bakeries along the roads – for a sweet morning and authentic local bread.
Tips – How to make the trip especially smooth
Bring a towel and a wide-brimmed hat – spend plenty of time on the beach.
Plan one or two nights in Litochoro: a change of scenery is the best thing for the soul.
In the evening, look for spots with views of Mount Olympus – the sunsets here are truly special.
Get an audio guide to Thessaloniki
For longer routes through mainland Greece and national parks.
Where to eat
A taverna by the sea – simple, fresh tabbouleh, Greek salad, and grilled fish.
A café in Litochoro – the perfect spot for a morning latte before a trek.
Little bakeries along the roads – for a sweet morning and authentic local bread.
Tips – How to make the trip especially smooth
Bring a towel and a wide-brimmed hat – spend plenty of time on the beach.
Plan one or two nights in Litochoro: a change of scenery is the best thing for the soul.
In the evening, look for spots with views of Mount Olympus – the sunsets here are truly special.
Get an audio guide to Thessaloniki
Boutique Hotel (My Choice) → Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa
Book (my choice)→ Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa
Book a hotel/villa in Litochoro
Audio tour of Thessaloniki →
Dresses for walks on the beach → [Son de Flor]
Comments