Litochoro between Mount Olympus and the coast

At the foot of Mount Olympus and near the coast

Litochoro lies at the foot of Mount Olympus and near the coast of Pieria. Greece’s highest mountain and the area’s award-winning beaches cater to different interests for day trips, with the town serving as a starting point. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering whether you would like to focus on the mountains, local culture or the coast.

Hiking route and outdoor activities

The hiking route through the Enipeas Gorge begins at Myloi, at an altitude of 400 metres. The section from Myloi to the springs at Prionia is about 9 kilometres long and forms part of the E4 international long-distance trail. The path is wide, varied and well maintained; check its condition before your hike. The gorge is therefore a specific option for anyone who would like to spend time on a longer route. Litochoro also has artificial climbing walls.

Nature information and orientation

The information centre of the Olympus National Park Authority is located in Litochoro. Its exhibitions cover geology, flora, fauna and regional culture; interactive displays and information materials complement these topics. The centre also provides practical information about hiking paths and routes on Mount Olympus. Educational programmes are aimed at schools and visitor groups. The centre thus brings together nature-related topics and practical guidance on hiking. This may be of interest when planning your holiday if you would like to learn about Mount Olympus not only as a destination for day trips, but also through its landscape and natural features.

Architecture, art and seafaring

Litochoro preserves traditional buildings in Macedonian architecture. Its lanes and “bairia” invite visitors to stroll and give the townscape a distinctive focus alongside the mountain landscape. The municipal art gallery “Vasileios Ithakissios” displays works by Ithakissios and other artists inspired by Mount Olympus. The Maritime Museum of Litochoro presents the maritime tradition of residents who went to sea from the 18th century onwards. Its collection comprises about 1,000 objects. Architecture, art and maritime history thus offer different ways to explore local culture.

Coast, archaeology and wine

Gritsa beach, near Litochoro, consists mainly of pebbles and sand. Its clear, relatively shallow water is suitable for families with children. Another nearby discovery is the archaeological site of Spathes, in the area around Litochoro. It contains the ruins of an ancient city that was considered an important commercial and religious centre of the region in antiquity. Wine is also part of the town’s character: a winery in Litochoro produces wine from Greek and international grape varieties. Alongside hiking and mountain-related activities, the coast, archaeological heritage and local production therefore offer different interests to consider when planning a holiday.

Discover more destinations: Sevastí, Paralia, Raralia Panteleimonos, Andromachi, Plaka, Korinós, Neos Panteleimon, Leptokaria.

See the overview of the wider destination: Pieria.