Attractions in Elatochori and Pieria
Elatochori lies in the Pierian Mountains, about 28 km from Katerini and 100 km from Thessaloniki. Surrounded by dense forests of fir, plane and chestnut trees, it offers hiking trails, waterfalls, historic sites and, in winter, a ski resort. From here you can also easily explore Mount Olympus, the archaeological site of Dion and the Pierian coast.
In the village
Church of Agios Nikolaos (1776)
About 2 km (5 minutes) from the guesthouse, in Old Elatochori. In the old village stands the post-Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas), built in 1776, with a rare carved wooden iconostasis and old icons.
The old watermill
About 2 km (5 minutes) from the guesthouse, in Old Elatochori. A traditional watermill recalls the days when villagers came here to grind their maize and wheat.
Folklore Museum
About a 5-minute walk from the guesthouse, on the village square. In new Elatochori, the Folklore Museum houses household utensils and objects that tell the story of the village.
Nature and hiking
Erato Botanical Trail and Sotiris Waterfall
About 4 km (7 minutes) from the guesthouse to the start of the trail, on the road to the ski resort. An easy, family-friendly route of about 1.7 km with little change in elevation, ending at Sotiris Waterfall (Sotiris Rema), one of the most popular in the area.
Keramida, Loura and Ai Neris
From the old village, routes lead to Keramida spring, Loura waterfall and the little chapel and cave of Ai Neris. There are also waymarked trails such as Erato, Apollo and Muses, as well as mountain-bike routes.
Elatochori Ski Resort
About 8 km (11 minutes) from the guesthouse. About 8 km from the village, the ski resort has its base at 1,400–1,450 metres (at “Papa Chorafi”), with slopes reaching up to 1,974 metres. It offers slopes for all levels, a snowboard run and a sledging track. From the top, the view stretches to Mount Olympus, the Aliakmonas valley, the Thermaic Gulf and, on clear days, Halkidiki. Our guesthouse is just an 11-minute drive away.
In the wider area
Archaeological Park of Dion
About 40 km (45 minutes) from the guesthouse. One of the most sacred cities of ancient Macedonia, with sanctuaries, theatres, baths with mosaics and early Christian basilicas, set in lush green surroundings.
Litochoro and Mount Olympus
About 45 km (50 minutes) from the guesthouse to Litochoro. Litochoro is the gateway to Mount Olympus (2,918 m), the highest mountain in Greece and home of the twelve gods. A popular route is the Enipeas Gorge, about 11 km of waterfalls, crystal-clear water and wooden bridges.
Platamonas Castle and Old Panteleimonas
About 60–65 km (1 hour) from the guesthouse. The medieval castle of Platamonas guards the pass between Macedonia and Thessaly. Nearby, Old Panteleimonas, the “balcony of Olympus”, impresses with its traditional Macedonian architecture and its views.
Beaches of Pieria
About 35 km (40 minutes) from the guesthouse to Paralia Katerinis. Pieria has around 80 km of coastline, with both organised and quiet beaches, so you can combine mountain and sea in a single stay.
Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios, Ritini
About 15 km (20 minutes) from the guesthouse. Just outside the village of Ritini, set on a rock with views of Mount Olympus, stands the Monastery of Agios Georgios (St George). Its main church is a single-nave, timber-roofed basilica from the 15th century and preserves notable frescoes, including one dated 1494, among the oldest in Pieria. A peaceful, spiritual spot for a short excursion.
Read more about the Monastery →
Royal Tombs of Aigai – Tomb of Philip II (Vergina)
About 65 km (1 hour) from the guesthouse. At Vergina, ancient Aigai and the first capital of the Macedonians, archaeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered the unlooted tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, in 1977. The underground museum houses the golden larnax with the Vergina Sun, the golden oak-leaf wreath and the king’s armour. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meteora (Kalambaka)
About 195 km (2 hours 30 minutes) from the guesthouse. Rising above the town of Kalambaka, the giant sandstone pillars of Meteora are one of Greece’s most breathtaking sights. From the 14th century, monks built monasteries on top of the rocks, seemingly suspended in mid-air; at their peak there were 24. Today six monasteries remain, including the Great Meteoron, Varlaam and Holy Trinity, with remarkable frescoes and panoramic views. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is perfect for a full-day excursion.
Thessaloniki
About 100 km (1 hour 15 minutes) from the guesthouse. Greece’s second-largest city combines over 2,300 years of history with a lively modern atmosphere. Stroll along the seafront promenade to the iconic White Tower, explore the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius and the city’s Early Christian and Byzantine churches, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Aristotelous Square, the Ano Poli (Upper Town) with its castle walls and the busy markets and tavernas make it ideal for a day trip.
The view from the guesthouse
📚 See also our Area guide, with detailed articles about Sotiris Waterfall and walks with your dog.
Book your stay
Book online, or contact us by phone or email and we will be happy to help.