Holidays to Litochoro

This is a large village, verging on a town, with a population of 7,000 and a favourite mountain resort for the Greeks. It is the gateway to Mount Olympus and has very much the feel of an alpine settlement, yet it is only a 15 minute drive from the beaches of the Pierian coast. This is an ideal base from which to walk on Mount Olympus as the climbing routes begin from here.

Litochoro is characterised by its red roofed houses, whether these be within the old historic centre or in the newer part. This is a friendly, welcoming place with several squares, many cafes and restaurants, small family run hotels, banks, concert hall, two churches and shopping facilities. The restaurants are good, portions enormous and good value for money. The Gastrodromio Restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Northern Greece and the truffle-laced mushroom risotto exceptional. Andreas Gavris, the owner and chef, is considered to be one of the best in Greece.

Litochoro has a great maritime tradition - its small port can be found  a 15 minute drive away at Gritsa. The very informative maritime museum is staffed by ex mariners who are always keen to guide visitors around the exhibits.

The beaches of Plaka lie below Litochoro with a bus running June to mid September at a cost of euros 2 each way for the 15 minute ride. The beaches are long, part sand part pebble and the water crystal clear. Many fish tavernas can be found on the sea front.

Litochoro is ideally located for those wishing to use it as a base from which to make day excursions. The rock monasteries at Meteora are 154 km away ( 2 hours ); the fabulous and unknown archaeological site of Dion, the city of Zeus is a 20 minute drive (12 km ); Veria with its Byzantine Museum 96 km ( 1 hour ): the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vergina with the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great 95 km (1 hour ); the Venetian castle of  Platamonas 18 km (20 mins) and the traditional village of Old Panteleimon a 40 minute drive.