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Katerini: Destination for all seasons!

Katerini

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Katerini lies in Macedonia, in Pierikos hill between the Pieria Mountains and Thermaikos Gulf and is the capital of Pieria prefecture.

According to Felix Beaujour, Katerini was named Kateri (KATHERI) and the ancient city Atera or Atera (HATERA). In another version Katerini owes its name to a small chapel of Saint Catherine. Over the years the name “Katerini” prevailed, instead of the scholarly “Aikaterini”.

In recent years, Katerini has a vast tourism and residential development while further boost to growth was given by the operation of Katerini’s New Hospital in 2009 and the reconstruction of the railway station of the city in 2008.

Katerini Map

Ελλάδα

At the center of Katerini there is the municipal park, the jewel of the municipality, where you can relax or enjoy your walk through the green and impressive fountains. In the park take place artistic events, film screenings and festivals. In 1990 was founded the Folklore Museum of the Pontian Union, to preserve and promote the cultural wealth of the Pontic Greeks.

The beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympic Beach (or Katerinoskala) attract many tourists during the summer.

Katerini Attractions & Surrounding Area

At the foot of Olympus, about 10 kilometers south of Katerini, lies the impressive archaeological site of Dion or “City of Zeus” which covers an area of 1,500 acres. Some of the monuments that can be admired are the sunctuaries of Zeus and Demeter, Dionysus’ mansion, the Hellenistic theater of Dion, the Roman theater and Asklipio.

Just 8 km from the town of Katerini will find the village Paralia, known as Paralia of Katerini. Situated near the shores of Thermaikos Gulf, behind a long beach, has become a popular tourist resort with hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers.

The village of Olympiaki Akti (Olympic Beach), just 8 km from the town of Katerini is a cosmopolitan tourist destination every summer thousands of visitors. The organized sandy beach, which stretches for several kilometers, is being awarded every year with the blue flag of Europe. It has all the necessary infrastructure, such as sports facilities, water sports, footpaths, access for disabled, parking, doctor.

In Olympic Beach, you will find hotels and inns, restaurants and taverns and rich nightlife. It is connected to the beach Paralia with seaside avenue, cycle track and sidewalk.

A short distance from Katerini, is located the residence of the gods of mythology, the mythical Mount Olympus. With the highest peak in Greece Mytikas (2.917m.), and the rich flora and fauna that proclaimed it National Park, is ideal for hiking, climbing, hiking with organized routes and shelters. Enjoy the beautiful scenery by walking in the gorge of river Enipeas near Litochoro.

Pieria mountains with paths included in European Mountain Trails are ideal for alternative tourism. Lovers of winter sports can visit Elatochori Ski Centre.

Around Katerini the visitor can encounter impressive plane trees, like those of Neokaisareia, Svorono, New Keramidi and Ganochora.

Cultural Events

– Celebration of the patron St Catherine on 25 November. Procession of the image and relics, cultural events.

– Historical anniversary of the liberation of Katerini on 16 October (1912). Student parade, cultural events.

– Festival of Carnival. Parties, concerts, revival of traditional customs, traditional koulouma on Olympic beach in all districts of the municipality.

– Avgomachies (egg battles) second Easter day in the municipal district of Upper St. John.

– Annual Flower Show, Exhibition and Tourism Development Spring Book Fair at the Municipal Park.

– The Olympus Festival every summer, with performances of ancient drama and music events focusing on the ancient theater of Dion and the International Folklore Festival of Hestia Pierides Muses.

– Annual fairs in Katerini at the neighborhood settlement of Andromache, in early September.

– “Aikaterinia” in November. An institution established by the City of Katerini and includes a rich program of events.

Katerini Video

Katerini Photos

 



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