Old Panteleimonas

An exceptionally attractive old village with wooden beamed houses whose overhanging upper rooms and balconies mark out its singular character. Situated at a height of 700 m. on the slopes of Lower Olympus it affords unique views towards the Thermaic Gulf and beaches of South Pieria. In the central paved square there is a venerable plane tree, the old church of St. Panteleimonas, the old school house which has been restored and some very good traditional restaurants serving tasty food and refreshing drinks. A short distance from the village there is an environmental school, the only one in the area. The narrow pavements wind round the village, allowing you to see the stone houses and picturesque buildings, where you can find local products and folk art. The road climbing to the village winds its way past rich forests with chestnut, beech and arbutus trees in abundance as well as the rich flora and fauna of Lower Olympus.

Ano Skotina

Ano Skotina (Greek: Άνω Σκοτίνα) is an old settlement of the prefecture of Pieria. It is built on an altitude of 600 m on the southeastern side of Mount Olympus. It has hotels, taverns, restaurants, and offers every form of alternative tourism like mountain riding, climbing, hiking etc. Cultural events of the settlement is the celebration of the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου), every year on August 15.

Petra Olympou

A small village on the slopes of Olympus with fantastic views of the surrounding area. The Church of Agios Georgios in the square and some attractive old stone buildings are of interest. Two traditional taverns serve local food, including the spoils of the hunt such as wild boar and venison. Situated at a distance of 28 km from Katerini it is easily accessible from the Main Road from Katerini to Elassona (turn left at the junction above Foteina).

Old Vrondou

Vrontou is a town of the former Municipality of Dio, which is part of the municipality of Dio-Olympos, in the Pieria regional unit, Central Macedonia, Greece, at an altitude of 120 meters, with 1,902 inhabitants (census 2011).There are several medieval and post-medieval churches in Vrontou.

An impressive and spectacular event is the carnival of Vrontou, that take place every year.

Litochoro

A traditional market town on the slopes of Olympus, 5km. from the sea. It is the starting point for those who wish to climb Mount Olympus and visit the National Park. Worthy of note are the old houses with their vivid colouring, built on the slopes of Olympus, the old fashioned buildings, steep narrow streets and typical traditional houses in the Macedonian architectural style. There are Neoclassical buildings and neighbourhood squares, famous for the annual ceremony of building bonfires, each of which is defended by the local boys from their rivals. The “Katounia” park provides a recreation ground for both inhabitants and visitors. Within the immediate vicinity of the town are the picturesque churches of Agia Paraskevi, Agion Apostolon, and the Prophitis Ilias. If you climb to the top of the town there is an old water mill and a typical open air restaurant where you can refresh yourself with food and drink before or after a walk along the dramatic Enipeas Gorge. It is a popular country summer resort with hotels, rooms to rent, picturesque shops, banks, a health centre, town stadium with a football pitch, running track, indoor gymnasium and climbing facilities as well as a tourist information centre.

Old Leptokaria

A traditional village on the slopes of Lower Olympus where the ruins of the church of Agios Nikolaos (17th c.), a Byzantine Church dedicated to the Holy Trinity and a paved road are to be found. 

A monument unique to this area is Ancient Livithra, homeland of the mythical Orpheus, as well as the plane forest of Livithra on the banks of the Ziliana stream. The forest is a typical monument to the unique charm of this part of the world. If you follow the road to Karya you will come across the historic Monastery of Kanalon (12th c). The village is situated a mere 5 km from the beach of Leptokarya where you will find hotels in all categories, many rooms to rent, restaurants, fish taverns, Ouzeries and all the other entertainment you need.

Skoteina (Morna)

A traditional mountain village, built on the slopes of Pieria, next to the River Mavroneri. At the end of the 1960’s the inhabitants of Morna mostly moved to the newly built village of Fotina. 

There are many old stone houses typical of Macedonian architecture preserved here. You can try your hand at trout fishing at the entrance to the village.

The environment is richly forested and there are examples of beech, oak and coniferous trees. The teeming wildlife of Pieria abounds here in plenty. You can also go hiking, climbing and off road motoring in suitable vehicles in the region. It is worth paying a visit to the recently built dam a short distance above the village.

Elatochori

Elatochori is a modern village which replaced the old village of Palio Elatochori (Skouterna), and is to be found a short distance from the new village. It is worth paying a visit to the association of folk art in the village who have a gallery in the town hall. 

The church of Ag. Nikolaos in the old village is also well worth a visit. It is an attractive building with wall paintings and a wood carved screen dating from the 18th century. 

The old school has been converted into a centre focussing on local culture and traditions. 

The Ski centre of Elatochori attracts many visitors. It is situated at a height of 1800 m, 8 km beyond the village at “Papa Chorafi”. You can continue from here along a footpath to the summit of Pieria. 

The countryside is extremely beautiful, and along your way at “Bara” you will come to a beautiful place for refreshment in the forest. 

The footpath from here leads on to the peak “Sarakatsana”. There are opportunities for climbing, hiking, mountain hiking and off road motoring in the region. Rooms are available to rent and refreshment is available at the traditional centre, as well as traditional hostelries.

Agios Dimitrios

A mountain village situated at a height of 850 m, this, together with the village of Fotina on Mount Titaros are on the line which separates Olympus from Mount Pieria.

Notable for traditional Macedonian Architecture of its houses and its local products such as chestnuts, beech nuts, beans, potatoes, preserved fruit etc. One of the important sights of the area is the forest of chestnut trees as well as a Bronze Age burial ground at “Spathes”.

An unusual agro tourist activity is the unique opportunity to visit a wild boar farm a short distance from the village. The area also offers walks, mountain climbing and 4 wheel drive motoring.

Kato Milia

Visitors to Kato Milia can take in the Folklore Collection of the Cultural Association “The Lazaeans” and the Holy Spring of St. George in Mesi Milia.

Kolindros

Built on the site of a medieval castle with typical Macedonian architecture the village is well known as the home of Alexis Zorbas. In the past it was the see of the Bishop of Kitros and has many old churches.