About Pieria
Why Pieria (Olympic Riviera)?
Pieria is a region in northern Greece on the Thermaic gulf coast, with Mount Olympus (2,918 m, Greece's highest mountain) as a natural backdrop. The Olympic Riviera - as the region is popularly called for its long sandy coast at the foot of Olympus - has been a favourite of Balkan and central European families for decades. A Pieria holiday in 2026 combines quality sandy beaches with day trips to Greece's largest mountain and UNESCO archaeological sites.
The character of the region is family-oriented and accessible. Pieria is 80 km south of Thessaloniki, with developed tourist infrastructure in the main resorts - Paralia, Leptokarya, Nei Pori - and quieter sub-villages like Plaka Litohoro and Skotina. What sets Pieria apart is the combination of beach and nature: sunbathing in the morning, Olympus hiking trails in the afternoon.
It differs from Halkidiki in access - Pieria is on the direct A1 motorway from Thessaloniki toward Athens, which makes transfers short. It differs from the Peloponnese in the presence of Olympus and proximity to Vergina (UNESCO site with the Macedonian royal tombs).
Beaches and the sea
The Pieria coast stretches about 60 km, almost continuous sandy beach with wooden jetties and developed infrastructure in the main villages.
Top spots along the coast (north to south):
- Paralia (Paralia Katerini) - the most popular resort for Balkan families, with a pedestrian zone, hotels, restaurants with Serbian menus
- Olympic Beach - between Paralia and Leptokarya, quieter
- Leptokarya - family-oriented, with pines behind and 4 km of sandy beach
- Plaka Litohoro - smaller, with car access
- Nei Pori - southernmost, quiet
- Skotina - between Nei Pori and Variko, an authentic fishing atmosphere
The water in the Thermaic gulf is calm with shallow entry, ideal for families with children. Blue Flag on dozens of beaches. Visibility is good but not at Halkidiki levels (proximity to the Thessaloniki industrial port). For "quality" swimming, the middle and southern sections of the riviera are recommended.
Where to stay
Paralia - for travellers who want all amenities on foot and the atmosphere of a "classic Balkan holiday". Hotels and apartments in the pedestrian zone, supermarkets with Serbian brands, nightlife.
Leptokarya - for families who want a balance of beach and quieter evenings. The pedestrian zone is walkable, but less dense than Paralia.
Nei Pori and Skotina - for those who want quiet and authenticity. Smaller hotels and family apartments.
Plaka Litohoro - for travellers who plan Olympus as the primary goal (Litohoro is the launch point for climbing).
Villas in the hills above the riviera - with views of Olympus and the coast, the premium option.
Browse all current Pieria listings.
Getting there
Pieria is 80 km from Thessaloniki:
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Belgrade–Thessaloniki flight (1 hour 15 minutes), then an 80-minute car transfer on the A1 motorway toward Athens, exits for Paralia/Leptokarya/Nei Pori. Several direct seasonal flights operate.
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By car from Belgrade - 670 km, 7 to 9 hours. Standard route through North Macedonia (Đevđelija, Evzoni). After Thessaloniki the A1 motorway runs straight to Pieria.
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Direct bus from Belgrade - the most popular option. Several carriers (Lasta, Niš-Ekspres) have run lines to Paralia and Leptokarya for decades. 10 to 12 hours, return fare 60 to 100 €.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 18–21 °C, land 22–28 °C. Olympus at its prettiest in May (snowy peak + green slopes). Low crowds.
July–August - peak. Sea 23–25 °C, land 29–33 °C. Paralia is full, Leptokarya less dense, Nei Pori and Skotina quiet.
September - excellent month. Sea 23–24 °C, land 26–29 °C, fewer crowds, prices drop 20 to 30 percent.
October - first half still summer mode on the coast. Olympus may see its first snow in the second half.
Things to see and do
Olympus National Park - hiking tours from Litohoro. The highest peak Mytikas (2,918 m) requires 2 days with a mountain hut overnight. Easier hikes to refuges at 1,000 to 2,000 m are possible in a single day.
Ancient Dion - UNESCO archaeological complex at the foot of Olympus. Temples, baths, mosaics, the sacred centre of the Macedonian dynasty.
Vergina - 60 km northwest, the tombs of the Macedonian kings including Philip II (father of Alexander the Great). UNESCO site, one of Greece's most significant archaeological places.
Saint Dionysios Monastery - at the foot of Olympus, Byzantine with a fine 17th-century fresco.
Litohoro town - a traditional mountain town, the launch point for Olympus. Restaurants with local food and raki.
Thessaloniki day trip - 80 km north, the cultural centre of northern Greece (UNESCO White Tower, Byzantine walls, Aristotelous Square).
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 40 to 95 € per night in shoulder, 60 to 140 € at peak. Three or four-star hotels with half-board 65 to 120 € per person. Villas in the hills 100 to 200 € per night.
Weekly cost per person including transfer: 280 to 480 € shoulder, 440 to 680 € peak. Pieria is among the most affordable Greek destinations for Balkan families thanks to the short drive (bus is cheaper than flight for most).
Restaurant prices: main course 7 to 13 €, gyros 4 to 7 €, salad 4 to 6 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €. Paralia has many restaurants with Serbian menus - convenience, but a less "Greek" experience.
Sun beds with parasol: 6 to 12 € for a pair in season. Free sections of beach exist all along the riviera.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Paralia and Leptokarya? Paralia is denser with more developed infrastructure (more restaurants, bars, markets); Leptokarya is slightly quieter with better family apartments. Both have similar beaches and the same Olympus access. Paralia for "classic Balkan holiday", Leptokarya for balance.
Is Olympus accessible for a day trip? Yes, up to refuges at 1,000 to 1,500 m. Climbing to the peak (Mytikas) requires 2 days with an overnight stay.
Suitable for babies and small children? Absolutely. Shallow water entry, sandy beaches, short distances, supermarkets with Serbian brands, Serbian widely heard.
Is renting a car worth it? For Olympus, Dion, Vergina and the Thessaloniki day trip - absolutely. Without a car you stay tied to one place, which is fine for 5 to 7 days but limited for longer stays.
Are there direct flights from Belgrade? No direct flights to a Pieria airport (the nearest is Thessaloniki, 80 km north). Flight + transfer or direct bus from Belgrade.