Paralia Katerinis, Greece - great beaches and fur coats! All about Greece Rest in Greece Paralia Katerini.
The city is located Katerini, known for its stormy nightlife And wonderful holiday. Here you will have a great opportunity to combine beach resort With mountain tourism, because on the one hand, Katerini is the shores of the bay Thermaikos, and on the other hand, mountain range Olympus!
The most popular local resort - Paralia Katerinis, whose beaches are not inferior to other Greek resorts either in quality or in service. In addition, Katerini Beach has been awarded a blue flag. UNESCO as one of the cleanest in the world! In addition to the golden sand and transparent sea, Paralia is equipped with a water sports center, a water park, many coastal bars and cafes have been built.
Katerini is a city with a vibrant nightlife. Every evening hundreds of tourists and local residents filled with traditional colorful taverns with live music, where you can taste the dishes Greek cuisine and fresh seafood. The city is also home to many high-end restaurants, noisy nightclubs and shopping and entertainment centers.
As for housing, although there are many hotels here, only a few of them can boast of having their own swimming pool or huge terraces. Majority local hotels- three-star, providing visitors with a buffet breakfast only. However, don't worry - the friendly staff will do their best to make your stay comfortable.
While relaxing in Katerini, do not forget to buy memorable souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones - handmade ceramics and jewelry, grape and anise vodka, cheese and, of course, olives, olive oil and natural local olive-based cosmetics. And, most importantly, do not forget about a fur coat - the choice here may not be as large as in Castoria, but the prices are more acceptable and democratic.
In general, Katerini is located in an area rich in archaeological finds and monuments. Excursions to Mount Olympus are regularly organized from the city, where, by the way, you can climb on special tourist routes or on a lift. At the foot of Mount Olympus you can visit the ruins of the ancient Sanctuary cities of Dion, the spiritual center of the ancient Greeks. Here you will see ancient sculptures, ancient mosaics, or you can visit Archaeological Museum. Another place of pilgrimage for hundreds of tourists is the town Vergina, where is burial mound of King Philip II- the father of Alexander the Great, according to numerous tourists - the most beautiful, unusual and interesting museum in District.
Also, next to Katerini are located ruins of Platamon castle erected by the Venetian knights. Well, if you are tired of the bustle of the city and want to "collect your thoughts" in peace and quiet, be sure to visit Holy Meteora- a complex of monasteries, located on high cliffs. A place that has no analogues anywhere else in the world.
Well, since from Katerini to Thessaloniki no more than 70 km, you can always visit this city, famous for its Byzantine churches and rightly considered northern capital Greece.
A few tens of kilometers from Thessaloniki, on the coast of the Aegean Sea, is the picturesque town of Katerini, named after St. Catherine. It was with the construction of the temple in her honor in the 17th century that the history of the city began. And six kilometers from it is perhaps the most popular and democratic Greek resort of Paralia Katerinis, in translation - “Katerini Beaches”.
This rather young resort has already become favorite place recreation for tourists from different countries, of different ages and different levels of income, here everyone will find exactly what he wants. Paralia Katerini justifies even the wildest expectations and is in no way inferior to other resorts in Greece - except perhaps in price.
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How to get there
From Athens and Thessaloniki, several trains depart daily to Paralia Katerinis, and more recently, these cities have also been connected by a high-speed highway.
Search for flights to Thessaloniki (nearest airport to Paralia Katerinis)
The beaches of Paralia Katerinis
The waters of the Aegean Sea in the area of Paralia Katerinis were marked with a special blue flag by UNESCO as one of the cleanest in the world, and the wide coastline of Thermaikos Gulf is generously covered with golden scattering of the finest sand. A beach holiday at this resort will not leave anyone indifferent, and in addition to swimming, you can also practice various water sports sports, scuba diving to see all the wealth underwater world, get a dose of adrenaline and positive emotions in the water park or just bask under the gentle Greek sun.
Maps of Paralia Katerinis
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Shopping and souvenirs
Holidays in Paralia Katerinis can be different - rich and active, or calm and measured, but in any case, it will leave only pleasant memories. And to make these memories more tangible, you should buy traditional Greek souvenirs: first of all, handicrafts - ceramics, jewelry, as well as sea sponges, cognac, grape and anise vodka, cheese and, of course, olives, olive oil and natural local cosmetics based on it. And most importantly, don't forget your coat.
Paralia Katerinis Hotels
Considering Paralia Katerinis as a high-class resort is not worth it - all the hotels here are urban with a small number of rooms, only one or two of them have a pool. Most of the hotels are category B ("three stars"), with meals based on breakfast.
Entertainment and attractions of Paralia Katerinis
Deserves special attention natural wealth of this region, because it is not for nothing that it is called Pieria, which means “fertile” in translation. There are a lot of protected areas where unique species of animals and birds live, and the coastal waters of the Aegean Sea are incredibly rich in fish - to such an extent that these places are popularly called the "fish city".
Mount Olympus
Those who associate rest, first of all, with new impressions and informative excursions, Paralia Katerinis can also pleasantly surprise, because here is the legendary Olympus, covered with hundreds of myths. The slopes and foot of the mountain are distinguished by picturesque landscapes, and the top is very often hidden by clouds. You can climb it by numerous winding paths, admiring the majestic landscapes, inhaling the intoxicating mountain air and the aromas of laurel groves.
Resort surroundings
And at the very foot of Mount Olympus are the ruins of the ancient sanctuary city - Dion, which was perhaps the most important spiritual center of the ancient Greeks. Ancient sculptural fragments, and even ancient Greek mosaics, have been preserved here. Most of the valuable exhibits are located in the nearby archaeological museum. The picturesque village of Litochoro is located very close by, where the unique atmosphere of the Greek province reigns. Also near Dion, in the small settlement of Vergina, there is the grave of the father of Alexander the Great - King Philip.
In addition, not far from Katerini there are the ruins of the later, but also beautiful castle of Platamon, built by the Venetian knights. But one of the most unusual and majestic places in Greece is Meteora (“Soaring in the air”). This is a whole complex of monasteries, which is located on high cliffs. The first monastery was erected here in the 10th century, after another six centuries there were already twenty-four of them, but only six have survived to this day. This unique place which has no analogues in the world.
In addition, excursions to Thessaloniki (70 km) and Athens (435 km) are organized. Fans of water activities can go to the water park, open 8 km from Thessaloniki. At the service of lovers active rest- basketball courts, tennis courts, mini-golf courts, volleyball and mini-football competitions on the sand.
There are many places in the world that every traveler should visit. Every year, new resorts appear on the coasts of the seas, attracting the attention of tourists. For many Russians, Greece has become their “summer home”. Paralia-Katerini reviews collected the most positive. This young resort invites thousands of people to the shore. Here, in the eastern part of the prefecture of Pieria, there is a huge number of cozy hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars.
Holidays at this resort are suitable for everyone: honeymooners, large families and the elderly. You can and should come to Paralia Katerinis for shopping, clean beaches and a variety of entertainment.
Paradise place
Reading about the resort Paralia-Katerini (Greece) reviews, I want to quickly run for tickets and go to this city. This is a kind of capital of Pieria, a nice village with good developed infrastructure. Around this resort there are also many other places that are no less picturesque and beautiful. The inhabitants of the town are very hospitable and friendly.
Despite the civilization that has long "reached" the resort of Paralia Katerinis (Greece), the reviews of those who have been here indicate that the spirit Ancient Greece yet remained in this place. By the way, the town itself got a historical name that reminds us of St. Catherine. Here, for four hundred years, a temple in honor of the ruler flaunts.
Path to the sea
Many European countries have become popular holiday destinations. Among them is Greece. Paralia Katerini, reviews of which are only positive, is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Not far from the village there is an equally popular place - Thessaloniki. From here you can get to the resort.
The distance between these two cities is 70 kilometers. Trains and buses depart daily from Thessaloniki towards Katerini. There is also a motorway between them for those who travel by car.
In general, there are many flights from Russia to Greece. If suddenly you did not find tickets to Thessaloniki, you can fly to Athens. From here by train or bus to Paralia Katerinis 350 kilometers. On average, a trip by express train takes 5 hours.
Transport
If you finally got to the resort, you should immediately think about how to move around the city. The fact is that the transport interchange here is “weak”. From public transport there are only buses. Moreover, drivers and conductors practically cannot speak English. It is better to immediately think carefully about the route.
There is an option to take a taxi, but, as in any resort town his services are very expensive. The only thing left is to rent a car. This option is the most comfortable, but the only problem is that this cannot be done in Katerini herself. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, you will have to immediately rent a car and go to the resort.
What to pack in a suitcase?
In this country is always the most comfortable holiday. In Greece (Paralia-Katerinis), the feedback regarding the climate is only positive. Those who are familiar with geography will be able to guess what weather expect. For others, it is worth noting that the Mediterranean climate has always been distinguished by comfortable temperature indicators. In winter, despite the rain, the weather is mild, in summer it is always warm and dry.
In this resort, as well as in nearby ones, the year is divided into two seasons: rainy and dry. The first begins in October and leaves with the beginning of spring. The second pleases from April to the end of September. Despite the fact that winter in many regions of Russia is associated with snow and frost, in Katerini, January and February are considered the coldest months. At this time, the temperature drops to +5 degrees.
But the warm season is the hottest in August. At this time, the temperature rises to +35 degrees. But since we are talking about coastal resorts, thanks to the fresh sea breeze, even on the hottest day, tourists feel comfortable. In addition, the town is surrounded by mountains, which significantly affect the weather.
Go to the beach
The main attraction of all resorts is the beach. UNESCO noted blue flag the waters of the Aegean Sea just in the area of \u200b\u200bthe town (Greece) Paralia Katerinis. Reviews about the beach are still not always positive. If the coast is very clean in the morning, and the sea is clear, then in the afternoon, the water becomes cloudy. Of course, this is due to the number of tourists in a given season.
The shore near the resort is gently sloping, so rest with small children is safe. The sand is fine and pleasant for walking. It is very easy to find entertainment on the beaches of Katerini. For example, you can explore the depths of the Aegean Sea and get diving lessons. As in all resorts, there are classic skydiving, jet skiing, catamaran holidays, etc. There is an option to go to the nearest water park and get a dose of adrenaline and positive emotions.
Where to live?
Of course, independent travelers can also find private accommodation options, but it is best to choose safer accommodation - hotels. Paralia Katerinis (Greece) receives the most flattering reviews of hotels. The fact is that since the resort is young, all the hotels here are new and well maintained. They are represented by a huge selection of categories and are on the first coastline. It is better to book in advance, because despite their sufficient number in the city, there may still not be places, and even more so rooms overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Of course, in a short time, the resort was able to distinguish its leaders in hotel business. The most visited hotels were Villa Sevasti, Dion, Eva Hotel, Hotel Strass and Kymata. You can find information about these hotels on the Internet.
Villa Sevasti - beautiful place for those who appreciate style. The exterior is very elegant and modern. The hotel belongs to the category "Four stars". There is everything you need in the room. The staff is friendly and always ready to help.
Dion is a two-star hotel located right on the Aegean Sea. Everyone who rested in this place is advised to take a room with a view of the coast. The hotel is close to all necessary shops and restaurants. There are also many attractions nearby.
Eva Hotel - excellent a budget option since rooms here start at $55 per night. The price includes breakfast and snacks. Inside the hotel there is an excellent tennis court and a casino. You can go hiking or fishing.
Hotel Strass is a stunning hotel overlooking the sea. Located just 80 meters from the beach. This 3 star hotel is excellent inexpensive option for the whole family. 2 kilometers to the center famous mountain Olympus - 4 km. The hotel has everything you need: restaurant, bar, spa, fitness center, etc.
Kymata is a comfortable three-star hotel. Located on the beach, close to shops and restaurants. Hotel "Kumata" (Greece, Paralia Katerinis) received positive reviews. Vacationers liked the kitchen, breakfasts are varied and fresh. The hotel service is excellent, the rooms are cleaned daily. There is free internet. By the way, most tourists were pleasantly surprised that the staff communicates in Russian.
Entertainment
Holidays in Paralia Katerinis, reviews of tourists and stories about which are the most vivid, are primarily based on beach activities. Not all travelers run to buy excursions and go hiking. Most go straight to the beach to swim in the Aegean Sea and bask in the Greek sun.
It is easy to find the most famous beaches in the resort, including Korina, Paralias, Olympiakis, etc. The beautiful turquoise sea is especially charming in the mornings, until a crowd of tourists comes running. Therefore, for those who like to sleep, it is better to go to bed earlier in order to see the beauty of Thermaikos Gulf at an early time.
Well, for those who came to Greece not to lie in the sun, the city has many places and opportunities to delve into the history of the country and the culture of the population.
Ghost town
Quite often they give advice on what places to visit in a town like Paralia Katerinis (Greece), reviews. What to see? The first thing to see is the city of Dion. This ancient village attracts many tourists from all over Greece every day. The unique archaeological site is located 20 km from Katerini, so it won't take long to get here.
When they passed in Dion archaeological excavations, many things were found that scientists date back to 1100 BC. This complex contains not just the ruins of ancient buildings, here you can visit sanctuaries, tombs, theaters and basilicas.
Exhibits
A museum was built not far from Dion, which collected all the found things of the "ghost town". Everyone who decides to relax in the resort (Greece) Paralia Katerinis comes here. Reviews of the unprecedented beauty of this archaeological miracle further fuel interest. In the museum you can find ancient vases, urns, statues and other unexplored things.
Up to the gods
It is known what kind of recreational features a resort like Paralia Katerinis (Greece) has. Thanks to the rich culture and history of the country, the tourist will not be bored even on the most cloudy day. From the town you can go to the village of Litochoro. After driving only 25 kilometers, you will be closer to the famous landmark - Olympus. It is from this settlement that the excursion to the summit departs.
Probably, the traveler will not be so amazed by what he saw at the peak. The main thing in this excursion is the way there. Around the incredible landscapes, laurel groves and extraordinary mountain air. And having risen to the top, the earth will be hidden under the clouds, and it will seem that you are soaring in the sky.
Gourmets
Many are wondering where the best restaurant in Paralia Katerinis is located. Reviews say a lot about it. But you should be prepared for the fact that for all tourists the best restaurant is not the same institution. For example, for seafood lovers, Nautilos Taverna is suitable. The restaurant is located at 56 Olympou Street. Everyone who was in it was very pleased. First of all, it is very tasty here, reasonable prices and friendly service, by the way, "as a gift" - Russian-speaking staff.
Another place is Poseidonio Tavern. Located at 41. Despite the fact that seafood is also served here, nevertheless main feature is that you can dine right on the beach, at the edge of the sea.
But you can try the national cuisine in Babis and Babis. The restaurant received the highest ratings for food quality, freshness, preparation and reasonable price. By the way, this place is very popular among tourists, and everyone who has been here at least once will definitely come back.
Peculiarities
Paralia Katerini is great resort, which will please not only the beach, entertainment and attractions, but also shopping. It turns out that many people come here for shopping. The fact is that prices here are much lower than in the CIS countries. The main thing travelers go for in autumn is fur coats. Of course, there is not such a huge selection as in Kastoria, but the "fur business" is flourishing here and will soon become even bigger.
By the way, the most best time for shopping in August and February. It is in these months that sales begin in Greece and discounts reach up to 50%. There are a lot of shops that sell fur coats. Moreover, most of the sellers here are Russian, and therefore it is easy to bargain with them.
In addition to fur coats, delight tourists and low prices for souvenirs. Unlike Spain, France, Italy, in the resorts of Greece you can buy inexpensive magnets for relatives, beautiful sets, amphorae vases, shells or olive oil. The local Metaxa alcohol is also inexpensive.
It is here that the Olympus mountain range is located. Also, Pieria borders on Thessaly, in which the famous monasteries of Meteora are located. From here it is convenient, if desired, to get to the Greek capital - Athens.
Mount Olympus photo
What to choose: Halkidiki or Pieria?
If you answer this question briefly, then for an exclusively beach holiday it is better to go to Kassandra or Sithonia (the “fingers” of the Chalkidiki peninsula). And the resorts of Pieria, as well as the villages of Halkidiki closest to the airport, are best suited for combining beach and sightseeing holidays, and will also in many ways become a more practical solution for organizing an independent holiday in Greece without a car.
How to get to Pieria?
Transfer from Thessaloniki airport by car/taxi
The road to the resorts of Pieria from the airport will take about an hour or a little more, depending on the place you need. The road is good (national highway Thessaloniki-Athens), there are no traffic jams. There are several toll points (toll for a passenger car from 1.2 to 2.4 euros). Of course, if you ordered a taxi transfer, this issue does not concern you. (Pros: large reliable company, international taxi service local prices; confirmation of the order is sent to your e-mail, and the driver is waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it; the fare is known in advance (no unpleasant surprises!); payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place)
By public transport
There are two ways to get to Pieria: from the main bus station of Thessaloniki to intercity bus KTEL or on suburban train(quite comfortable train) with railway station Thessaloniki. All actual prices can be found on websites using links and even in some cases buy a ticket online.
City buses run to the train stations from Thessaloniki Airport.
Car rental at Thessaloniki airport
You can choose in advance and book a car for traveling around Greece here (instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world's leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible conditions, discounts, super offers)
Which resort to choose?
If you are not planning to rent a car, then perhaps the best choice is a large urban-type settlement Leptokaria in Pieria. The railway station is located here right inside the town and it is divided into two parts by railroad tracks. Lower, closer to the sea - exclusively touristic, typical resort village with a minimum of local residents. There you can find both economy-class studios and more expensive hotels. The entire infrastructure is “sharpened” for tourists.
Above the railway tracks in Leptokaria is a large settlement, with large shops, a weekly market, playgrounds. If you want to save on housing, then it makes sense to rent an apartment in this part, however, the road to the sea on foot will take from 15 minutes or more. You can come to Leptokaria throughout the year, because even outside the high tourist season in the upper part of the village everything works.
Private apartments in Leptokaria
The beaches in Leptokaria are mostly pebbly and sandy. In the direction of the four-star hotel "Olympian Bay" - when entering the sea, sand. This hotel can be reached both on foot and by taxi for a few euros, and in the evenings - for 2 euros per person, take a ride on a tourist train. In the direction of the five-star hotel "Poseidon Palace" - entry into the sea is gradually deteriorating, more and more stones are found in the sea, the entrance to the sea in those places is along specially organized paths.
The beaches of Pieria
Other major resorts of Pieria - Paralia Katerinis, Olympiaki Akti, Nei Pori- with their wide sandy beaches and a very shallow entry into the water are perfect for families with children. The infrastructure necessary for life is also well developed during the season. For children there are inflatable trampolines, rides and other entertainment.
Paralia Katerinis and Olympiaki Akti can be reached by taxi from railway station in the city of Katerini, or use the KTEL buses. Nei Pori can be reached both by bus and by train, the railway station is located within walking distance from the village itself.
Paralia Katerinis photo
Village Platamonas- Another one major resort in Pieria. It is located between Leptokaria and Nei Pori. The beaches there are generally worse than in neighboring villages, but there is also everything you need, including shops and entertainment. This village may be more suitable for vacationers without children, since there are fewer noisy families and, in general, the situation is calmer.
If you are traveling by car, then your choice is not limited to the above resorts, so you can safely choose others - for example, Plaka to Litochoru, Paralia Panteleimon, Paralia Skotinas. There are no large shops and markets at all, mostly only small tourist shops and a completely different atmosphere. Many areas are occupied by campsites, stand-alone taverns or beach bars.
Mountains of Pieria
In Pieria, you can live not only by the sea, but also in mountain villages or, for example, in the foothills of the divine Mount Olympus - in the town of Litochoro. From it to the beaches you can go down by car in a few minutes.
Olympus is a large mountain range. For lovers of mountaineering or trekking in the mountains of Olympus, routes of varying difficulty are available, there are also several organized shelters. Those who do not like to walk can take a car to the very high point, to which the highway leads - Prionia (about 1100 meters above sea level). The climb can be difficult for those who get sick on the road - stock up on the appropriate means in advance.
Not less than interesting trips the mountains can be made and climbing through old settlement Leptokarya. The road does not end there and you can take a long and exciting walk through various mountain villages, returning to the sea by another road and driving, for example, closer to Paralia Katerinis.
If you are only interested small walks to the mountains, it is worth visiting the mountain village Palos Panteleimonas. This picturesque place is located 15 minutes from Platamonas along a simple serpentine. There are small and cozy guest houses, the taverns have a pleasant family atmosphere, beautiful views, delicious food and reasonable prices.
Panteleimonas village
Excursions
Pieria, as already mentioned - perfect place to combine beach and sightseeing holiday. In addition to the mountains, here you can see, for example, a beautiful old Fortress of Platamonas. It is located on a hill between the village of Platamonas and Paralia Panteleimon, from these villages you can get here by car or just walk. The fortress is open to the public for a small fee.
It is easy to get from Katerini or Leptokarya to the ruins of ancient Dion.
There are also organized bus excursions to all the places listed, which are offered by guides both at hotels and in independent travel agencies in large towns.
In addition to excursions around Pieria itself, it is easy to get to famous monasteries on the rocks in Meteora, get to Thessaloniki and even to the Greek capital Athens. You need to get to Meteora on your own by car or with organized tour, but you can also get to Athens and Thessaloniki by train.
Cost of holidays in Pieria
If you wish, you can organize an independent vacation of a completely different level. In Pieria, there are campsites and modest budget studios with a kitchenette and shower, as well as chic five-star hotels with an all-inclusive system.
If you are planning budget holiday, then, as usual, we advise you to pay attention not only to the price of housing, but also to the walking distance of shops, markets, and pharmacies.
The cheapest accommodation is studios above the railway tracks in the village of Leptokarya, 15-20 minutes walk from the sea. During the season (but not at its peak), you can find accommodation here from 20 euros per day for 3-4 people, in high season prices start from 25-30 euros and it is better to book in advance.
On the first lines by the sea in Pieria, prices for even modest housing are higher and start from 30 euros in June/September and from 40-45 euros in July-August.
In the beach cafes of Pieria, umbrellas and sunbeds are usually provided to all visitors, subject to the order of any drink.
If you don’t want to cook on your own, then you can eat both in Greek fast food (numerous pizzerias and gyros cafes are at your service), in cheap taverns, and in expensive restaurants, which are also not lacking here. An approximate budget for a meal per person per day starts from 15-20 euros with partial self-cooking and from 30-40 euros per day if you plan to eat fully in public places. If you save and live on fast food and vegetables / fruits, then you can get by with much more modest amounts, it all depends on your desires and capabilities.
Best time for vacation in Pieria
A comfortable season for swimming in the sea for everyone is from the second decade of June to mid-September. At the same time, many swim in May and October. Ideal time to combine sightseeing and beach holiday May-June or September. If you plan to conquer Olympus, then the best time is the end of August - the beginning of September. In the mountains, you can relax in the coolness even at the height of summer.
But you can safely come on excursions to Pieria almost at any time of the year: it is pleasant to ride in the mountains, admire the sea, walk along deserted beaches both in spring and autumn, and even on some fine winter days.
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