Best Beaches in Pieria, Greece | From Mount Olympus to the Aegean

A practical guide to the coastline, seaside towns, family beaches and quieter places between Mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea.

Pieria is one of those places where the landscape changes within a short drive. In the same day, you can walk beneath the slopes of Mount Olympus, visit an ancient archaeological site, eat in a mountain village and end the afternoon beside the Aegean Sea.

That connection between mountain and sea is one of the defining characteristics of Pieria. The coastline stretches from the northern part of the region near Katerini towards the foothills of Olympus and then further south through Leptokarya, Platamonas and Neoi Poroi.

There is no single “best” beach in Pieria. The right choice depends on what you are looking for: an organised seaside town, a family-friendly beach, water sports, a quieter stretch of coast, easy access from the mountains or a place to combine with sightseeing.

This guide follows the coastline from north to south, while also looking at which beaches and seaside areas may suit different kinds of travellers.

Beaches in Pieria from North to South

Korinos

Just south of Katerini, Korinos offers an accessible stretch of coastline close to the city and the main road network. It is a practical choice if you want to reach the sea without travelling far from Katerini.

Best for: easy access, families, visitors staying around Katerini and travellers looking for a straightforward beach day.

Paralia Katerini

Paralia Katerini is one of the most developed seaside destinations in Pieria. The beach is closely connected with the town, where visitors will find accommodation, restaurants, cafés, shops and services within walking distance.

The area is particularly convenient for travellers who prefer to have everything nearby rather than staying in a more isolated coastal setting.

Best for: lively holidays, families, first-time visitors, restaurants, accommodation and a beach-town atmosphere.

Olympic Beach

Olympic Beach, or Olympiaki Akti, continues the coastal experience south of Paralia. It combines an organised seaside environment with easy access to services and accommodation.

Its proximity to Paralia also means that visitors can easily move between the two areas depending on the atmosphere they want during the day or evening.

Best for: families, organised beach days, accommodation close to the sea and visitors who want convenient access to nearby towns.

Plaka Litochoro

South of the more developed Katerini beach destinations, the coastline begins to feel increasingly connected with the landscape of Mount Olympus.

Plaka Litochoro is particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine the sea with time in Litochoro and the Olympus area. You can spend the morning exploring the mountain or the town and later head towards the Aegean for a swim.

This is one of the experiences that makes Pieria different from a conventional beach destination: Mount Olympus and the sea can belong to the same day.

Best for: travellers combining Mount Olympus and the coast, couples, independent travellers and visitors staying around Litochoro.

For hiking ideas, see our guide to Mount Olympus day hikes.

Leptokarya

Leptokarya is one of the main seaside towns of southern Pieria. It combines a long beach with a full range of accommodation, restaurants, cafés and everyday services.

Its location also makes it a useful base for exploring the wider Olympus region, the traditional villages and the southern coastline.

Best for: families, longer stays, visitors wanting services close by and travellers using the coast as a base for exploring Pieria.

Skotina

The coastal area around Skotina offers another way to experience the southern Pieria coastline. It sits close to the foothills of Olympus and the mountain villages, creating an easy connection between coastal and mountain landscapes.

For travellers who prefer to combine a swim with a visit inland, this part of Pieria can be especially interesting.

Best for: travellers looking for a quieter base, nature, mountain-and-sea combinations and access to traditional villages.

Neos Panteleimonas

Above the coast, the traditional village of Neos Panteleimonas offers a different perspective on the southern coastline. It is not simply about swimming; the area is also about traditional architecture, food, views and the relationship between the mountain and the sea.

A visit here can easily be combined with a beach day further below.

Best for: combining beach and village life, traditional food, views and cultural exploration.

Platamonas

Platamonas is one of the most recognisable coastal destinations in southern Pieria. Its position beneath Platamon Castle gives the area a distinctive landscape that combines the Aegean, the town and the mountains.

It is a good place to build a full day rather than simply visit the beach. You can swim, walk through the town, eat by the sea and explore the castle area.

Best for: families, couples, sightseeing, restaurants, evening walks and travellers who want to combine beach time with history.

Neoi Poroi

Further south, Neoi Poroi offers a broad seaside setting with a long sandy beach and plenty of space. The area is popular with families and visitors looking for a more open coastal environment.

The town provides accommodation, food and everyday services, making it suitable for longer stays as well as day trips.

Best for: families, longer beach days, visitors who prefer a spacious coastline and travellers looking for a relaxed seaside base.

Alykes Kitrous: A Different Kind of Coastal Experience

In the northern part of Pieria, Alykes Kitrous is better understood as a nature and wetland destination than simply another beach stop on the main coastal route.

The area is connected with the wider wetland landscape of northern Pieria and can be interesting for visitors who want to experience a different side of the region beyond the developed seaside resorts.

Best for: nature lovers, birdwatching and travellers interested in wetlands and less conventional coastal landscapes.

Which Beach in Pieria Is Right for You?

Instead of asking which beach is the “best”, it is more useful to ask what kind of day you want.

For families with children

Look towards Korinos, Olympic Beach, Leptokarya and Neoi Poroi, where easy access, accommodation, food and other services can make a beach holiday more convenient.

For a lively holiday

Paralia Katerini and Olympic Beach offer a developed seaside environment with plenty of activity, restaurants, cafés, shops and accommodation.

For a quieter experience

The coastline around Skotina and some of the less central stretches of the southern coast can offer a more relaxed atmosphere, depending on the season and exact location.

For Mount Olympus + sea

Plaka Litochoro is a natural choice if you want to combine a visit to Litochoro or Mount Olympus with time beside the Aegean.

You can explore the mountain in the morning, have lunch inland and finish the day at the coast.

For history and scenery

Platamonas is especially interesting because the beach experience can be combined with Platamon Castle and the surrounding landscape.

Blue Flag Beaches in Pieria

Pieria has a number of beaches and coastal areas included in the annual Blue Flag programme. The list can change from year to year, so it is worth checking the current official list when planning your trip.

For the 2026 Blue Flag list, beaches and coastal areas in Pieria include Kallithea, Korinos, Olympiaki Akti, Paralia, Peristasi, Variko, Leptokarya, Litochoro, Plaka, Neos Panteleimonas–Skotina, Platamonas and Neoi Poroi.

See the official 2026 Blue Flag list.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Beaches of Pieria?

The main beach season runs through the warmer months, but the best time depends on the experience you want.

• June: warm weather, longer days and generally a more relaxed atmosphere than the peak season.
• July–August: the busiest period, with the highest levels of activity and more visitors.
• September: often a particularly pleasant period for combining swimming with exploring the villages and mountains.
• Spring and autumn: better suited to walking, sightseeing, photography and enjoying the coastline without making the trip entirely about swimming.

If you are visiting Pieria outside the main summer season, remember that some seasonal businesses and beach services may operate on reduced schedules.

How to Combine the Beaches with Mount Olympus

One of the easiest ways to experience Pieria is not to choose between mountain and sea.

You can spend the morning exploring Mount Olympus, walking through the forests around Litochoro or visiting one of the area’s waterfalls, and then drive towards the coast for an afternoon swim.

Another option is to do the opposite: start with the sea, have lunch near the coast and continue towards the mountain villages in the afternoon.

For a broader overview of the region, read our guide to discovering Pieria.

Getting Around Pieria’s Coast

A car gives you the greatest flexibility if you want to combine several beaches, mountain villages and attractions in the same trip.

Public transport can also be useful between the larger towns, but schedules and seasonal services should be checked before travelling.

For practical information about trains, buses, rental cars and moving around the region, see our Getting Around Pieria guide.

Practical Beach Tips

• Check local weather and sea conditions before heading out.
• Bring water, sunscreen and appropriate sun protection, especially during the hottest hours.
• During July and August, popular seaside towns can become significantly busier.
• If you want a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Do not assume that every beach has the same facilities or services throughout the year.
• If you are combining the coast with Mount Olympus or a mountain village, allow extra travel time rather than trying to fit too much into one day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches in Pieria

What are the best beaches in Pieria, Greece?

There is no single best beach for everyone. Paralia Katerini and Olympic Beach suit travellers looking for developed seaside areas, while Plaka Litochoro is useful for combining Mount Olympus with the sea. Leptokarya, Skotina, Platamonas and Neoi Poroi offer different combinations of beach, accommodation, food, scenery and local experiences.

Which beaches in Pieria are good for families?

Korinos, Olympic Beach, Leptokarya and Neoi Poroi are practical choices for families because they offer easy access and services nearby. Conditions can vary by exact beach section and weather, so local conditions should always be checked.

Can I combine Mount Olympus and the beach in one day?

Yes. This is one of the advantages of visiting Pieria. Areas around Litochoro and Plaka make it possible to combine time around Mount Olympus with a visit to the Aegean coast.

Is Platamonas worth visiting if I am mainly interested in beaches?

Platamonas can offer more than a beach day. Its coastline, town, restaurants and proximity to Platamon Castle make it possible to combine swimming with sightseeing and an evening walk.

Which beaches are quieter in Pieria?

Some areas around Skotina and the less central stretches of the southern coastline can feel more relaxed, particularly outside the peak summer period. The atmosphere varies considerably by season and exact location.

What is the coastline of Pieria like?

The coastline includes developed seaside towns, long sandy beaches, organised beach areas and quieter stretches. Its distinctive feature is its proximity to Mount Olympus, allowing visitors to combine the Aegean coast with mountain landscapes and villages.

Is there more to Pieria than beaches?

Absolutely. Pieria includes Mount Olympus, ancient Dion, traditional mountain villages, waterfalls, forests, local food, wine, cultural events and outdoor experiences. The coast is only one part of the destination.

Continue Exploring Pieria

The beach is only one part of the story.

From here, you can continue inland towards Mount Olympus, discover traditional mountain villages, follow forest trails and waterfalls, visit ancient sites, or simply find another part of the coastline that feels right for your day.

Explore Pieria at your own pace:
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