Pieria is remarkably densely dotted with significant archaeological sites. Most of these have been excavated in recent years while at some that are well known antiquities continue to be found.
Pieria has a rich collection of monuments, the most important of which belong to the Byzantine or post-Byzantine period and are mainly churches or monasteries. Most of them are to be found in southern Pieria in mountainous locations because it was safer in times of pirate raids and invasions.
Pieria’s most known monument is the Castle of Platamon on the southeastern slopes of Olympus. The castle was originally built by the Byzantines and was reworked by the Franks at the beginning of the 13th century. Today it has been restored and hosts concerts and other cultural events.
On the northern foothills of Olympus Mount, in an area that provides the complete control of the narrow passage from Macedonia to Thessaly, Dion is dominating. To the south of the city of Dion, outside its borders and on the west of the sanctuary of Demeter is the ancient theater. Its construction took place in the Hellenistic period (221-179 BC). Its name is attributed to Zeus, the patron god of Dion.
The edge of the ancient city of Dion begins in the 5th century B.C. when king of Macedonia was Archelaus, who had considered Dion as a sacred city, associated with the mythology of Olympus, and he had chosen it as the spiritual and cultural center of Macedonia, similar to Delphi and Olympia.
A tour has been scheduled at the Ancient Theater and the Archaeological Museum of Dion by Mrs. E. Benaki, and then you will have the opportunity to attend to “A tribute to Greek poetry” from the Youth Orchestra of Dion.
It is perhaps the most important monastery in the prefecture of Pieria and belongs to the Holy Metropolis of Kitrous, Katerini and Platamonas. It is located on Olympus Mount, at an altitude of 900m, in a natural place, fortified, between two streams and is 18 km away from Litochoro. The Old Monastery was founded in the 16th century by Saint Dionysius and during the Turkish rule enjoyed economic and spiritual prosperity. After 1821, it was occupied by the Turkish army and it was burned and looted. Today it develops spiritual and charitable activities. Celebrated on January 23, which is the day of commemoration of St. Dionysius.
The divine mountain, the home of the twelve Greek gods, the highest in Greece with Mytikas peak to reach the 2917 meters. A travelogue next to forests from where the sunlight passes, beautiful villages, remarkable hostels, amazing food, lakes, rivers, waterfalls...
Follow the specialist team, created but few dedicated and passionate locals that will lead you through the unknown – secret paths of Olympus, away from the noise of the mass and into the sacred grounds of the Mountain of Gods. You will be transferred to the starting point next to Ancient Dion and walk the paths and wooden bridges to get to the heart of Olympus.
No previous experience or specialized equipment is needed, while comfortable shoes would be a must.
We offer a variety of dive packages and a full range of diving instructions. We are able to cater to every level of diving experience. There are “Discover Scuba” courses, which are an insight to diving. However, if you wish to obtain a certificate in diving, you may do so by continuing to the next level, where your discover scuba course experience will contribute towards obtaining the First Lever Diver Certificate. Based at Leptokaria on the south of Pieria, we welcome everyone who is keen on living new experiences and embarking on exciting ventures. Commitment to quality, excellence and safety is reflected in our service.
Pieria is different in many ways from the other wine regions of Greece. Despite its proximity to the northern Aegean, a distinct set of microclimates and geological environments give the land – and its wines – an unparalleled continental flavor. Even along the coast, the sandy softness of the land is in contrast to the rugged coastlines of southern Greece and most of the islands. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the “Ktima Kourti” vineyards in a small village on the Pieria Mountain and taste the biological local wine varieties accredited with the “Green Control” and awarded with the “Silver Metal”. Wines are accompanied with local delicacies. Private transfer is also included.
Embark in the morning at this graphic boat in Paralia’s port. Sail through the northern Thermaikos waters until the bottom of Mount Olympus making several stops on the way for diving into the deep blue waters. Take a break for sun bathing and some light lunch (included) at a seaside Greek tavern and return in Paralia at around 15:30.