Let’s commence at the end of our journey. During our drive back to Athens, we found ourselves reflecting on how akk-encompassing a destination Pieria is; it really does have it all.Beaches tailored to every taste, an abundance – almost an overabundance – of greenery, some of Greece’s most genuinely picturesque traditional villages, a significant archaeological site, walking routes for both the novice and seasoned explorer, and mouth-watering cuisine at very reasonable prices.
We experienced all this without any need to step onto a ferry or be dictated by timetables. Much of our ease was owed to renting a vehicle from Avis. When we scoured the avis.gr website for a car that married speed with sturdiness, and also offered low fuel consumption – an especially vital aspect given the anticipated hundreds of kilometres we’d be covering, and the soaring fuel prices – we found just what we were after. The only “challenge” lay in sifting through the myriad options available to us.
We collected our car right on schedule at the Avis station. Once the courteous staff described the functions and comforts of the car, off we went. After just over four hours, on a journey that presented a dynamic tableau of scenes, we reached our accommodation in Platamon. It’s worth noting that on avis.gr, you can also rent electric cars to sample the experience of e-mobility. They also boast a broad range of premium vehicles for those seeking a more indulgent driving experience.
Platamon and its Beaches
The coastal town of Pieria, crowned by its splendid castle, has managed to attract a diverse range of visitors. Beyond local tourists, families and travellers from Balkan countries also favour it. Most of our mornings were marked by that pleasant “monotony” that typifies a holiday: wake up, drink coffee, swim, eat. The only “variation” came from our choice of beach. Apart from Platamon’s beach, we visited Pantaleimon’s, Plaka Litochorou’s, and Leptokarya’s shores.
The “award” for the lengthiest stretch of sand arguably goes to Neoi Poroi. Shallow, pristine waters, beach bars, but also a vast unoccupied stretch. We were particularly smitten by this beach, but we encourage you to choose which one suits you best. Yet, the most memorable swim we had wasn’t in the sea.
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Going with the Flow in Orliá
Contrary to most gullies that reveal cascading waterfalls and plunge pools, the gully of Orliá is refreshingly accessible. Our journey began in Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians, heading towards Olympus. We followed the sign leading to the Koromilia refuge and subsequently, the signs pointing towards Olympus. After a 4-kilometre drive, we parked close to the first quaint waterfall, its splendid pool cradling crystal-clear icy waters. After an initial plunge, our quest led us to a second, even more mesmerising waterfall. The late afternoon dives from adjacent rocks proved the ultimate epilogue to a day that primarily boasted an archaeological delight.
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A Remarkable Archaeological Park
In Pieria lies one of Greece’s most significant, undeniably striking, archaeological sites. Our Pierian adventure would have been incomplete without a visit to the grand archaeological park in Dion, a testament largely to the excavation works of Dimitris Pantermalis and his team. Before stepping onto this archaeological marvel, we delved into ancient Greek mythology and history. We’d advocate for you to do the same, enriching your experience here. To touch briefly upon the lore: according to Hesiod, Thyia, daughter of Deucalion, was impregnated by Zeus and bore him Magnes and Macedon, who then inhabited Pieria.
Dion saw its pinnacle during the reign of King Archelaus of Macedonia. It was then that notable monuments and temples were erected in the city, and the celebration of contests in honour of Zeus and the Muses was instituted. Dion’s significance persisted into the Roman era when it became one of the Romans’ initial colonies, housing many of their war veterans. We devoted an entire morning to traversing this vast archaeological expanse and explore its museum, and it was an utterly fascinating experience. Here’s why: beyond the intrinsic value of the monuments themselves, the organisation of the site stands out remarkably. It’s exemplary, with stunning views towards Mount Olympus and informative signage detailing the pathways and the roughly 30 visitable sites.
The “New” Old Panteleimonas
In 1980, Theodoros Angelopoulos chose an abandoned village on the eastern slopes of Mount Olympus as the filming location for his movie, “Alexander the Great”. The Old Panteleimonas was deserted in the 1950s when its inhabitants sought a milder climate and easier access, subsequently establishing the New Panteleimonas by the sea. Following the shots of the revered Greek director, increasingly more people (and filmmakers) rediscovered the village and took on the challenging 4-kilometre uphill trek from the new settlement to the old.
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By 1986, the settlement was designated as traditional, and its stone buildings restored under specific guidelines. Vehicles aren’t allowed in the village, prompting us to park in a spacious, organised car park. The village is home to guesthouses, tavernas, and cafes. The “new” Old Panteleimonas strikes a balance – it is both traditional and touristy, and both aspects are genuinely embraced. Along the central cobbled path leading to the square, we shopped in stores offering traditional products. A gastronomic highlight of our stay was the local honey and a spirit distilled from wild hawthorn – exquisitely fragrant and smooth, as my fellow travellers noted while I contented myself with refreshing water. We could write so much more about Pieria: about Skotina, another village blending genuine tradition with beautiful landscapes; about enchanting Litochoro; the hiking trails we took at the foot of Mount Olympus; and the verdant, oh-so-lush greenery.
But let’s circle back to our initial sentiment. Pieria stands as a genuinely holistic destination waiting to be explored. We are certain that we’ll return at the earliest opportunity this winter to see this land in that season’s light. Thanks to Avis, making that journey is remarkably simple.
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Some tips for excursions in the area
Even if hiking isn’t your forte, do bring along some sturdy trainers. The landscape practically invites you to traverse it. Mornings at Platamonas harbour offer an opportunity to buy fish directly from local fishermen or simply observe the boats returning from their fishing ventures. September stands out as the optimal time to visit Pieria. The sea remains invitingly warm, whilst the moderate temperatures make exploring this magnificent natural landscape pleasant. If you’re venturing from Athens and wish to truly immerse in what Pieria offers, consider staying at least three nights, but certainly no less than two.
