Paralia Katerini is a popular summer destination, with a lot to offer. The most famous beaches in and near Katerini are Paralia, Korinos and Olympic Beach (Olympiaki Akti).
Besides these, there are many smaller, restrained beaches, where you can spend a quiet afternoon away from the hustle of the resort. Katerini is a small town, close to many important historical sights.
These include the mythological Mount Olympus, the biblical city of Thessaloniki (the second largest city in Greece) and other important archaeological sites, such as the city of Zeus, the Museum of Artheology, the Paralia beach, the Orthodox church Agia Fotini, the fortress of Platamonas built in the tenth century) and the beaches of Korinos and Olympiaki Akti.
Dion city
Dion, or „the city of Zeus”, is at the foot of Mount Olympus, about 17 kilometers from Katerini, and is the oldest city in Greece. It dates from the 5th century BC, it was built in honor of the great god and has temples dedicated to Zeus, Isis and Demeter.
Dion was also the starting point of Alexander the Great in conquering the world, but also the place where Apostle Paul began to propel Christianity into the world. Today, in the town of Dion you can visit the ruins of the temples and the Archeology Museum, where there are many ancient objects found in the archaeological site.
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is mentioned as the place of the gods, especially the place of the King of the gods: Zeus. Litohoro village is a small community, but with strong meanings that refer to the mythology of Greece.
It is 20 kilometers from Katerini and is famous for the warmth of the locals and the suitable areas for climbing. The trip to Mount Olympus is not just mythological. The mountain has about 52 peaks and hosts a large number of plant and animal species.
That’s why hiking and climbing trips are organized. Mountain trails are not very difficult, and climbing is done according to experience, some of the mountain peaks need some degree of preparation.
Paralia Beach
The biggest attractions in Katerini are the beaches, and the most famous and appreciated is Paralia Katerini (“Katerini Beach” in Greek). Thousands of tourists choose Paralia due to landscapes, the beach being bordered by the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus.
Also, here you have the most water attractions, there are many scuba diving centers, among which the offer is a shooting … underwater. In the waters that surround Paralia live octopuses, Near the shore you can see sea horses and in the sand you can meet crabs.
Castle of Platamonas
Located at the foot of Mount Olympus, the Byzantine castle of Platamonas (long beach in Greek) is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Paralia Katerini.
It was built in 1205 by the Francophone King of Thessaloniki, Bonifacius de Monferrat, which offers an amazing view of the area between Macedonia, Thessaly and South Greece. Until now, excavations have revealed the existence of several Byzantine churches and ruins of Hellenistic fortifications.
In addition to these attractions, the Venetian castle of Platamonas hosts the Agia Paraskevi religious festival (July 26), the Change to the Face (on August 6) and the Olympus Festival. During the summer season, the Byzantine castle at Platamonas is open to tourists every day, between 8.00 a.m and 8.00 p.m.