Best Beaches in Pieria — The Ultimate Guide to the Pierian Riviera

Sun, sand, myth & waves — beaches for families, party-goers, and nature lovers alike.

Pieria’s coastline — the Olympic Riviera — is a surprising mix of long golden beaches, sheltered coves and lively seaside towns. Some of its beaches are annually awarded the EU Blue Flag, a reliable signal of clean water and good services, making the region perfect for both calm family holidays and livelier beach breaks.

Quick picks — who each beach is best for

• Paralia Katerinis — families, waterparks, easy access.
• Nei Pori — calm shallow waters, Blue Flag, family-friendly.
• Panteleimon / Platamonas — castle views, lively bars & tavernas.
• Alykes Kitrous Lagoon — birdwatchers, nature lovers, mud-baths & Natura 2000 habitat.
• Olympic Beach (Olympiaki Akti) — Blue Flag long beach, water-sports and beach bars.

1. Paralia Katerinis

Paralia Katerinis is the classic seaside resort of the area: long sandy stretches, family-oriented facilities and a lively promenade with cafés and tavernas. There are water-sport operators and small amusements — ideal for families with kids and travellers who want easy access and organised services.

2. Nei Pori

Nei Pori is a long, shallow-shelf beach awarded the Blue Flag for water quality and services — great for children, safe swimming and beach sports. Its easily walkable shoreline and lifeguard presence make it one of the top family choices on the Olympic Riviera.

3. Panteleimon Beach (Panteleimonas / Platamon area)

A wide sandy beach lying beneath the dramatic silhouette of Platamon Castle — perfect if you want a beach day combined with a cultural stop. Panteleimon is close to Palaios Panteleimonas and Litochoro, which means you can pair sea and mountain activities in one trip. Transport options are more limited than Paralia, so consider renting a car for flexibility.

4. Alykes Kitrous Lagoon

Alykes Kitrous is not a party beach — it’s an ecological lagoon and saltworks protected under Natura 2000. Here you’ll find flamingos and many migrating birds; the shallow lagoons are a magnet for birdwatchers and nature photographers. The area also has traditional salt pans and locally-known wellness mud-baths. If you love wildlife, this is a must-see.

5. Olympic Beach (Olympiaki Akti)

Olympiaki Akti (Olympic Beach) is a long, well-organised beach awarded the Blue Flag — ideal for water-sports, beach bars and an easy base to explore the Katerini coast. It links easily with Paralia via coastal promenades and bike paths, so you can hop between beaches in a single day.

Practical Tips & Essentials

• Blue Flag status: Many of Pieria’s beaches hold Blue Flag awards — a good indicator of water quality & facilities. Check local updates before travel.
• Transport: Paralia and Olympiaki Akti are the most accessible by public transport; Panteleimon/Platamonas and Nei Pori are easy by car or local bus.
• Families vs party-seekers: If you travel with kids choose Nei Pori or Paralia. For nightlife and bars look to Platamonas / Panteleimon and sections of the Olympic Riviera.
• Nature lovers: Alykes Kitrous and quieter coves along the coast offer birdwatching and calm beaches away from the crowds.
• Safety: Lifeguards, marked swimming zones and accessible rescue points are usually in place at Blue Flag beaches during the season.

Want to go beyond beaches? Find local guides, outdoor activities and up-to-date experiences on our explorer page:

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Sources & recent references: VisitPieria (Blue Flags 2025), Blue Flag Greece lists, Axios Delta / Alyki Kitrous (Natura 2000), local guides & Visit pages for Nei Pori, Paralia & Platamonas.