Pieria, Central Macedonia, Greece at the year...0 A.D.
Shot in late June 2017 with an Olympus E330 + Zuiko f3.5-5.6/14-45mm.
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Pieria is a region within Macedonia, in northwest Greece, with a population of around 130,000. The territory stretches from Methoni in the north, 47km from Thessaloniki, to Platamonas in the south, 104km from Greece’s second city. This is not a well-known area, other than to those intending to climb Mount Olympus (2918m), but there is much to see and do to suit all interests.
The region is characterised by extensive plains, high mountains and Blue Flag sandy beaches. In fact, Pieria boasts a 60km coastline along the Thermaikos Gulf - almost one long beach. Some stretches are sandy, others a mixture of sand and shingle. The waters are crystal clear, and one is never far from the nearest café/bar, fish taverna - there are numerous small fishing harbours dotted along the coast - or restaurant. Local cuisine makes particular use of sea food and, at seaside restaurants, you can choose from a wide range of fish. In the mountainous regions you will find game, roast meat and traditional pies. Olive oil and locally-grown vegetables are, of course widely used, as are herbs such as oregano, mint and basil.
Mount Olympus, the Mountain of the Gods, falls within the Pierian Mountain Range, home to the Greek mythological figures Orpheus and The Muses. For those interested in Greek literature, it was George Zorba - who lived for some time in the village of Kolindros- who inspired the novel Zorba the Greek by the famous Greek author Nikos Kazanzakis.
There are many ancient mountain villages to explore, such as 17th century Palei Pori, picturesque medieval Paleos Panteleimonas - which can be combined with a visit to the Venetian fortress of Platamonas - plus Palea Skotina, Petra, Paleo Elatohori, Kato and Ano Milia and, of course, the town of Litochoro, the gateway to Mount Olympus.
One of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, somehow unknown to the average visitor, is to be found at Dion, the city of Zeus and a centre of Macedonian culture. Other notable sites that can be visited are the prehistoric settlement at Makrigialos, Byzantine Pydna (Kitros), and the fortified post-Byzantine settlement of Louloudies. All these sites are in close proximity to each other, with Dion only 12 km (20 mins drive) from Litochoro.
Pieria, Central Macedonia, Greece at the year...0 A.D.
Shot in late June 2017 with an Olympus E330 + Zuiko f3.5-5.6/14-45mm.
_______________________________________________
Pieria is a region within Macedonia, in northwest Greece, with a population of around 130,000. The territory stretches from Methoni in the north, 47km from Thessaloniki, to Platamonas in the south, 104km from Greece’s second city. This is not a well-known area, other than to those intending to climb Mount Olympus (2918m), but there is much to see and do to suit all interests.
The region is characterised by extensive plains, high mountains and Blue Flag sandy beaches. In fact, Pieria boasts a 60km coastline along the Thermaikos Gulf - almost one long beach. Some stretches are sandy, others a mixture of sand and shingle. The waters are crystal clear, and one is never far from the nearest café/bar, fish taverna - there are numerous small fishing harbours dotted along the coast - or restaurant. Local cuisine makes particular use of sea food and, at seaside restaurants, you can choose from a wide range of fish. In the mountainous regions you will find game, roast meat and traditional pies. Olive oil and locally-grown vegetables are, of course widely used, as are herbs such as oregano, mint and basil.
Mount Olympus, the Mountain of the Gods, falls within the Pierian Mountain Range, home to the Greek mythological figures Orpheus and The Muses. For those interested in Greek literature, it was George Zorba - who lived for some time in the village of Kolindros- who inspired the novel Zorba the Greek by the famous Greek author Nikos Kazanzakis.
There are many ancient mountain villages to explore, such as 17th century Palei Pori, picturesque medieval Paleos Panteleimonas - which can be combined with a visit to the Venetian fortress of Platamonas - plus Palea Skotina, Petra, Paleo Elatohori, Kato and Ano Milia and, of course, the town of Litochoro, the gateway to Mount Olympus.
One of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece, somehow unknown to the average visitor, is to be found at Dion, the city of Zeus and a centre of Macedonian culture. Other notable sites that can be visited are the prehistoric settlement at Makrigialos, Byzantine Pydna (Kitros), and the fortified post-Byzantine settlement of Louloudies. All these sites are in close proximity to each other, with Dion only 12 km (20 mins drive) from Litochoro.