Discover Pieria: Archaeology, Coast and Mountains

An archaeological route measuring 670 metres, a Neolithic settlement estimated to cover 50 hectares, and a hiking trail that climbs to over 1,000 metres: Pieria can be explored on very different scales. There is also a medieval castle, religious buildings, a wetland for birdwatching and a beach where you can swim. The following highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Archaeological sites in Pieria

Near Makrygialos, the Neolithic settlement is estimated to cover 50 hectares. It includes two settlement phases dating to the Late Neolithic, adding a glimpse of prehistoric settlement to the region’s archaeological record.

At the Archaeological Park of Dion, visitors can follow a 670-metre paved main path to explore fortifications, houses and public buildings, as well as thermal facilities and baths. A Hellenistic and a Roman theatre, along with a stadium, are among the sites along the route. The Villa of Dionysus in the park dates to the 2nd century AD and features impressive mosaic floors. The Archaeological Museum of Dion is near the park.

Castles, monasteries and churches

The well-preserved medieval Castle of Platamon offers views of the Aegean Sea and the Thermaic Gulf. At Louloudies, between the Kitros and Korinos salt flats, lies a fortified Early Byzantine settlement. It includes an Early Christian basilica dating to the 6th century, a bishop’s palace, tombs and workshops.

The religious buildings also reflect different historical periods. The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Kontariotissa was founded before the end of the first millennium. The 17th-century Church of Saint Athanasios in Ano Skotina is decorated with frescoes. Near Rytini stands the Old Monastery of Saint George, a post-Byzantine building dating to the late 15th century. Its wall paintings date from 1494 and 1619. The New Monastery of Saint Dionysios is located in the former “Skala” metochion near Litochoro. Palaios Agios Panteleimonas is also a good place to visit for a meal.

Hiking, altitude and nature

The hiking trail through the Enipeas Gorge starts at Myloi in Litochoro and leads to Prionia, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. The route is part of the international long-distance E4 trail. The starting point, destination and elevation provide useful planning reference points; trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

At a different altitude, the Elatochori Ski Centre in the Pieria Mountains sits at 1,450 metres and reaches up to 1,974 metres. Enipeas can be understood through its trail waypoints, while Elatochori can be described by the ski centre’s elevation.

The Nea Agathoupoli wetland is a birdwatching site with 170 bird species. Bird enthusiasts will find a different focus there than at Pydna Beach, which stretches south of Makrygialos in Pieria and offers opportunities for swimming. The two places offer different nature experiences: birdwatching in the wetland and time by the water.

Nearby, Pydna Beach has organised areas with sun loungers and umbrellas; there are tavernas and cafés in the surrounding area. These facilities may vary seasonally, so check what is currently available before your visit. When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide which of the activities described here you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Raralia Panteleimonos, Nei Pori, Neos Panteleimon, Katachas, Koukos, Plaka, Panteleimonas, Elatochori, Karitsa, Dion, Paralia Skotinas, Andromachi, Litochoro, Kateríni, Platamonas, Methoni, Pydna, Sevastí, Petra, Leptokaria, Makrygialos, Korinós, Paralia, Poroi Anatolikos Olympos, Skotina Anatolikos Olympos

For the broader travel overview: Central Macedonia.