Where the waters of the Aegean Sea bring offerings in turquoise waves at the foot of the house of the gods (Mount Olympus), there are two absolutely splendid places that you should not miss in any way if you reach or pass through the region of Pieria, Greece: Litochoro and Palaios Panteleimonas.
Litochoro
Dating from the 14th century, the small town that stands guard at the entrance to the house of the gods is a spectacular labyrinth of chic streets, with an architecture specific to the historical region of Macedonia, where it is almost impossible to get bored, regardless of your preferences.
Here’s what you can do in Litochoro and its surroundings
1. Hiking on Mount Olympus
Either you are passionate about mountain trails and you want to reach the highest peaks of Mount Olympus: Mytikas (in translation: nose, the highest point in Greece, 2917 m) or Skala (2866 m), or you want a short walk for half an hour through the canyon with waterfalls that leads to the goal called the Bath of Zeus, you will surely enjoy nature and enchanting views in Olympus National Park.
2. Walk the narrow streets
Take a walk through the cobbled streets, guarded by traditional houses or boutiques and taverns. You will discover Katounia Park (right at the entrance to the city), the central square (Platanos) with the roundabout fountain and the church of Agios Nikolaos or Agios Athanasios, one of the most visited and well-preserved cemeteries in Greece.
You can also visit the Nautical Museum, with exhibits of former seafarers.
3. Relax on the beach
Litochoro is the symbol of the eternal connection between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. A short distance from the town, Litochoro Beach is awarded the Blue Flag and offers countless opportunities for relaxation and fun in the coastal areas of Plaka and Gritsa.
4. Ancient city of Dion
Just 8 km north from Litochoro is the ancient city of Dion, with its archeological site, where you can travel back in time among important attractions such as the Temple of the Gods of Olympus, the Greek theater, the shrine of the goddess Demeter and the shrine of the Egyptian goddess Isis.
5. Taverns and cafes
Admire the scenery on the terrace of one of the city’s taverns or cafes, while enjoying traditional Greek cuisine.
Palaios Panteleimonas
Simplicity and superlative beauty. This is how Palaios Panteleimonas can be described in a few words, a village over 5 centuries old, located on the eastern slope of Olympus, at an altitude of 700 m, with a special charm that will make you never forget it and want to come back again and again.
This is where The Dream diary begins its journey
What can you do in this wonderful place?
1. Walk on the cobbled alleys
Every step is a delight on the cobbled paths, with picturesque houses and old trees whose crowns seem to whisper long-forgotten fairy tales. Everything blends perfectly with the traditional architecture, and the view that is sometimes revealed above a roof or under a vault is simply stunning.
2. Central Square
Almost all the streets lead to the small square where the church dedicated to Saint Panteleimon (the patron saint of doctors) is located, guarded by secular plane trees whose shade is healing in the hot days of Greek summers.
Also here are some taverns that compete to play with your taste buds. We bet you can’t pass by without sitting in the shade at one of the tables with rustic look and traditional dishes.
3. Buy Souvenirs
Palaois Panteleimonas is the perfect place where you can buy souvenirs for all tastes and all ages, given the variety of boutiques of this kind.
You will definitely want to take with you, in addition to the beautiful memories and the indispensable pictures, a souvenir from one of the shops with hand-made items and traditional products.
4. Visit Platamon Castle
On the winding road to the Palaois Panteleimonas, a castle at the top of a hill, with the blue of the Aegean Sea in the background, will surely catch your eye.
It is the Byzantine castle Platamon dating from the 10th century, being a strategic fortification on the road between Macedonia and southern Greece.
The tower that can be seen beyond the walls is an imposing medieval fortress, around which archaeological excavations have revealed several monuments, including a Byzantine church, a cemetery, a warehouse, the wall of a fortification.
The castle hosts several festivals every summer and is an important attraction in the region.
5. Take pictures of Thermaikos Gulf
What could be more beautiful in a journey than to discover that people keep the history and traditions of long ago in a fairytale place, where the sea and the mountain hold hands! Litochoro and Palaios Panteleimonas are two such gems.
