Near Makrygialos lies a Neolithic settlement estimated to cover 50 hectares. Its two settlement phases date from the Late Neolithic period. This site alone shows how far back Pieria’s historical traces reach—and how many layers the region offers to discover.

Archaeological Sites and Medieval Views

In the Archaeological Park of Dion, a 670-metre-long paved main path passes fortifications, houses and public buildings. Other points of interest include baths, a Hellenistic and a Roman theatre, and a stadium. The park is also home to the Villa of Dionysus, dating from the 2nd century AD and known for its impressive mosaic floors. The Archaeological Museum of Dion is located near the park.

Platamon Castle offers a different historical perspective: the well-preserved medieval castle affords views of the Aegean Sea and the Thermaic Gulf. Near Louloudies, a fortified early Byzantine settlement lies between the Kitros and Korinos salt flats. Its features include an early Christian basilica dating from the 6th century, a bishop’s palace, tombs and workshops. The sites each offer a distinct experience: Dion brings an archaeological park with several types of buildings to life, while Platamon stands out as a medieval castle and viewpoint.

Churches, a Monastery and a Local Place to Eat

The religious buildings also provide clear historical reference points. The Old Monastery of Saint George near Rytini is a post-Byzantine building dating from the late 15th century; its wall paintings date from 1494 and 1619. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kontariotissa was founded before the end of the first millennium. The Church of Saint Athanasios in Ano Skotina was built in the 17th century and is decorated with frescoes. The New Monastery of Saint Dionysios is located at the former metochion “Skala” near Litochoro. Palaios Agios Panteleimonas is a good place to visit for a meal.

Birdwatching, a Beach and a Hiking Trail

For nature observation, the Nea Agathoupoli wetland offers a different focus: it is a birdwatching site and is home to 170 bird species. In the Pieria Mountains, the Elatochori Ski Centre is situated at an altitude of 1,450 metres and reaches up to 1,974 metres.

Swimming is possible at Pydna Beach, south of Makrygialos. Conditions may vary seasonally. Areas with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as tavernas and cafés, are located around the beach; these facilities may also change seasonally.

Another way to experience nature is to hike along the trail through the Enipeas Gorge. It starts at Myloi in Litochoro and leads to Prionia at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. The route is part of the international long-distance E4 trail. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check for current information before setting out. The beach and the gorge offer different ways to experience Pieria’s landscape: swimming by the sea or a high-altitude hike with clearly specified start and end points.

Part of Central Macedonia

Within the wider destination of Central Macedonia, Aigai offers its own historical point of reference: the city was the royal capital of the Macedonians and the centre of their ancient kingdom. The Archaeological Park of the Necropolis and Royal Burial Enclosure extends over 540 acres and includes 530 visible burial mounds. The Polycentric Museum of Aigai connects its central museum building with the archaeological site as a whole. The site includes the palace, the ancient theatre, the cemetery of Aigai with the royal burial enclosure of the Temenids, the royal tombs with their treasure display, and the post-Byzantine Church of Saint Demetrios in Palatitsia.

Pieria offers a range of interests, from prehistoric settlement phases and ancient and Byzantine remains to the coast, birdwatching and hiking. When planning your trip, consider which of these discoveries interests you most; this can also help you focus your search for a hotel in Pieria.

Discover more destinations: Litochoro, Kateríni, Platamonas, Methoni, Pydna, Sevastí, Petra, Leptokaria, Makrygialos, Korinós, Paralia, Poroi Anatolikos Olympos, Skotina Anatolikos Olympos, Raralia Panteleimonos, Nei Pori, Neos Panteleimon, Katachas, Koukos, Plaka, Panteleimonas, Elatochori, Karitsa, Dion, Paralia Skotinas, Andromachi.

For the broader travel overview: Central Macedonia.