Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Although famous for Mount Olympus and the myths that surround it, Pieria has a long history of attracting visitors for its seaside beauties. Olympus Riviera, Greece’s longest beach front is endowed with clear water, abundant golden sand and cosmopolitan nightlife. Ranging from Katerini’s vibrant urban beach to Nei Pori’s peaceful sandy beach, the Olympus Riviera boasts a 70 km-long coastal front and a total of 16 beaches, all awarded a Blue Flag in 2012.
Its star destinations include Litochoro, traditionally a starting point for climbing Olympus, and Leptokarya, a village built at the foot of Olympus and a popular spot for family vacations. Platamon, Pieria’s most popular destination features pebbly beaches under its landmark Venetian castle.
The Olympus Riviera is also home to three of the country’s most important wetlands, all located within short distance of tourist spots. The Aliakmonas river delta, one of the most important of its kind in Europe, lies in the northernmost part of Pieria and is home to 33 river-life species, toads, water turtles and water snakes, as well as to more than 500 plant species.
Kitros salt ponds cover more than 370 acres and host a large population of Mediterranean turtles. The Nei Pori wetland is part of the Pineios river delta and shelters rare bird species.
Greek News Agenda: Herbs and Plants-Balm for the soul