Pieria Beaches
― sandy shores at the foot of Mount Olympus ―
Pieria has a geography that sounds almost theatrical: a long sandy coastline directly below Mount Olympus, Greece's highest peak. In practice this means you can spend the morning on a good beach and look up at snow-capped slopes (in spring and early summer) while doing it. The main coastal strip — from Katerini Beach south through Olympiaki Akti and down to Litochoro — is 77 km from central Thessaloniki, about 62 minutes by car.
Pieria's beaches are different from Chalkidiki: longer, sandier, with gentle waves and shallower water that makes them particularly good for children. The coastline is mostly unbroken, with beach towns strung along the national road — Katerini Beach, Olympiaki Akti, Leptokarya, and Plaka Litochoro are the main ones. Each has a slightly different character.
Getting to Pieria from Thessaloniki
Take the E75/A1 motorway south toward Athens. The whole coast is accessed from exits marked Katerini or Litochoro. Drive times from central Thessaloniki:
| Destination | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Katerini Beach | 65 km | 55 min |
| Olympiaki Akti | 77 km | 62 min |
| Leptokarya | 88 km | 72 min |
| Plaka Litochoro | 97 km | 80 min |
Tolls apply on the E75 — approximately €2.40 each way depending on your exit. Parking is generally easier than in Chalkidiki; most beach towns have free street parking or municipal lots.
Best Beaches in Pieria
Olympiaki Akti
The largest resort town on the Pieria coast and the most complete: long sandy beach, organised sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, and watersports. The water is calm and very shallow for a long way out, making it ideal for families with small children. Gets busy in July–August, but the beach is long enough that it never feels intolerable.
Katerini Beach (Paralia Katerinis)
The beach town attached to Katerini city. Long stretch of sand, similar character to Olympiaki Akti but slightly more local, slightly less touristy. The pine-lined promenade is pleasant for an evening walk. If you're combining the beach with a visit to Dion (the archaeological park is 20 minutes inland), Katerini Beach is the logical base.
Plaka Litochoro
At the southernmost end of the coast and the nicest in terms of setting: the beach at Plaka looks directly at the Olympus massif. It's smaller and quieter than the northern beaches, with cleaner water. The town of Litochoro, 3 km inland, is the base for Olympus hiking — combining a swim at Plaka with a walk up the gorge makes for an excellent day.
Leptokarya
Mid-coast, between the two main resorts. Long sandy beach with a mix of organised and free sections. A little quieter than Olympiaki Akti, popular with Greek summer regulars. Good watersports options including windsurfing when conditions cooperate.
Pieria vs Chalkidiki
Pieria is often overlooked in favour of Chalkidiki, which has the marketing advantage. But for a day trip from Thessaloniki, Pieria has real advantages: similar distances, usually less traffic, more consistent sand quality, and the dramatic backdrop of Olympus. The water is slightly cooler and less turquoise than Chalkidiki's best spots, but the overall experience is excellent. And the combination with Dion or Litochoro gives you a proper full-day option that Chalkidiki can't match.
Practical Tips
The sea breeze (meltemi) can be strong in July–August, especially in the afternoon. Morning swims are more reliably calm. Sunbeds and umbrellas cost €8–12 per pair on organised sections; free beach is available everywhere alongside. Avoid the very peak of August weekends when the Thessaloniki traffic heading south can add 30+ minutes to the drive.
