Palaios Panteleimonas – A Traditional Mountain Village

📍 Distance: 11.7 km (19 minutes by car) & GPS Directions

Step back in time as you explore Palaios Panteleimonas, a beautifully preserved 14th-century village renowned for its stone-built houses, cobbled alleys and breathtaking views. Recognized as a traditional settlement, it showcases the best of Macedonian architecture in northern Greece.

Enjoy a morning coffee with panoramic sea views, shop for local handmade products, or indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna. With Mount Olympus on one side and the Aegean Sea on the other, this village is the perfect blend of mountain charm and coastal beauty. It is also known as the window of the Prefecture of Pieria, as it offers an unobstructed, stunning view of the coasts of Pieria and the Thermaic Gulf.

You can browse the cobbled narrow streets of the enchanting Old Panteleimon and you will definitely feel the atmoshere of another era!

Litochoro & Mount Olympus – Where Myth Meets Nature

📍 Distance: 24 km (24 minutes by car) & GPS Directions

Nestled at the base of Mount Olympus, the town of Litochoro is a gateway to Greece’s most mythical and majestic landscapes.

• Hiking & Nature: Explore the Enipeus Gorge, leading to the stunning Baths of Zeus and the waterfalls of Orlias Stream, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, enjoying an oasis of coolness away from the heat of the summer months.

• Mount Olympus Exploration: Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, scaling Mytikas—the highest peak in Greece—is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

• Beach Getaway: If you prefer a relaxing seaside escape, head to Plaka Beach, lined with beach bars, seafood restaurants and cafés.

↪ Tip: If you're planning to take a swim in natural water spots or the sea in Plaka beach, consider bringing water shoes, as some areas may have sea urchins!  

Meteora - A UNESCO Wonder Suspended in Air

📍 Distance: 137 km (1 hour and 45 minutes by car) & GPS Directions

Rising from the plains of Thessaly, the Meteora Monasteries are an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched atop towering sandstone cliffs, these Orthodox monasteries date back to the 11th century and have long been a center of spiritual devotion.

The name Meterora is attributed to Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, the founder of the Big Meteoro monastery. When he climbed for the first time the wide stone in 1344, he named it Meteora. The name means "elevated" and is etymologically related to meteor. 

The Meteora, are hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Specifically, in a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these columns of the sky from the 11th century onwards. Despite the incredible difficulties, twenty four of these monasteries were built at the period of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th centrury. These monasteries contain 16th century frescoes, that mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. 

Though thirty monasteries once stood here, only six remain active, each offering breathtaking views, exquisite frescoes and a journey through time. Don’t miss:

• Great Meteor Monastery (the highest and largest)

• Varlaam Monastery

• Monastery of Rousanou

• Monastery of the Holy Trinity (famously featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only)

↪ Tip: When visiting the Meteora monasteries, make sure to dress appropriately, as a modest dress code is required. Women should wear long skirts and tops that cover their shoulders, while men must wear long pants. If needed, some monasteries provide wraps at the entrance. Dressing respectfully ensures you can fully enjoy this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site without any restrictions. 

Thessaloniki – Greece’s Vibrant Cultural Capital

📍 Distance: 107 km (1 hour and 10 minutes by car) & GPS Directions

Greece’s second-largest city and the capital of Macedonia Prefecture, Thessaloniki, is a vibrant mix of ancient history, diverse culture and modern charm. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, shopping, gastronomy, or nightlife, Thessaloniki has something for you!

Things to Do in Thessaloniki:

• Stroll along the seaside promenade, from the Concert Hall to the famous White Tower.

• Explore Ladadika, a lively district filled with taverns, bars and music venues.

• Visit the Roman Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, and Byzantine Walls.

• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Ano Poli (Old Town).

• Take a sunset boat ride for a unique perspective of the city skyline.

Sightseeing in Thessaloniki is easily done on foot, as most sights are located in a walking distance from each other. Furthermore, Thessaloniki is the city, which for many people is an open museum, as there are everywhere foundations and preserved buildings, even from the Ottoman period. Wander through the narrow cobbled alleys in Ladadika, visit the temples and museums of the city, admire the findings from the excavations, that cover almost the entire center of the city, visit the markets and shops with local products. No matter when you visit, Thessaloniki is enchanting all year round and offers a perfect blend of history, tradition and modern energy!

↪ Tip: For the best sunset views in Thessaloniki, head to Ano Poli (Old Town), where you can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf bathed in golden hues. Alternatively, hop on a tourist boat for a unique experience—sailing across the gulf while sipping a refreshing drink in summer or a warm hot chocolate in winter. It's the perfect way to capture the magic of Thessaloniki at golden hour! 

Thessaloniki is a city which definitely worth a visit!