A busy Macedonian city between Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf.
Katerini is a practical base for Olympus, Dion and the beaches of Pieria, with a pedestrian centre and strong regional food culture.
Katerini sits between Greece's highest mountain and a long stretch of sandy coast. The city is modern rather than monumental, but its pedestrian streets, market and restaurants provide an everyday urban base close to Ancient Dion and the Olympus trailheads.
Paralia and Olympiaki Akti bring organised beach life a short drive away, while Litochoro opens the mountain routes to Prionia and Enipeas Gorge. Katerini suits travellers who value transport links and local services over a resort atmosphere.
Practical information
Mainline trains and buses connect Katerini with Thessaloniki and Athens. Use local buses for the coast; a car is more convenient for combining Dion, villages and Olympus trailheads.
