Where to stay in Paralia Katerinis , Paralia, Olympic Beach, Korinos & Nei Pori

If you're wondering where to stay in Paralia Katerinis, the short answer is that it depends on what you're looking for: Paralia Katerinis itself offers vibrancy, shops, and direct access to the sandy beach, Olympic Beach is quieter and more family-oriented, Korinos combines beach and village life with more affordable prices, while Nei Pori, to the south, suits those seeking tranquillity with views of Mount Olympus. In the guide below, we analyse the four areas, their distances from Katerini, and suggest ten tried-and-tested accommodations from Booking.com, to help you choose the stay that best suits your trip.

Geography, distances, and access

Paralia Katerinis is located approximately 5 km east of Katerini, on the Thermaic Gulf, and is the city's most popular seaside district, with regular bus connections from the centre. The area extends along an almost continuous coastline, connecting to the north with Olympic Beach (about 3 km further north) and to the south, via a coastal road with a pedestrian and cycle path, with Korinos (about 8 km south of Paralia) and Nei Pori (about 12 km south, already bordering the municipality of Dio-Olympus). Access from Athens is via the Athens-Thessaloniki National Road to the Katerini exit, a journey of approximately 400 km lasting 3.5 to 4 hours, while from Thessaloniki the distance is only 65 km, about 50 minutes by car. The train connects Katerini with Athens and Thessaloniki, with the railway station just a few minutes from Paralia by taxi or local bus. The nearest airport is "Macedonia" in Thessaloniki, approximately 80 km away.

Historically, Paralia Katerinis developed as a summer resort for city residents from the 1960s onwards and gradually evolved into an autonomous tourist destination, with hotels, rented rooms, and a lively seaside market. Olympic Beach, formerly known as "Katerinoskala", acquired its current name due to its views of Mount Olympus, which dominates the horizon on clear days. Korinos still retains the character of a seaside village with a strong agricultural tradition (famous for its peaches), while Nei Pori, more remote, offers a calmer holiday experience, near the Aliacmon estuary and the region's wetlands, a benchmark for bird watching.

The beaches along this coastline are sandy, with shallow waters, making them ideal for families with young children. Several have received a Blue Flag in recent years, while organised facilities with sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports are denser in Paralia and Olympic Beach, and sparser as you head south towards Korinos and Nei Pori. The Mount Olympus National Park is approximately 20-25 km from the area, allowing for a combination of sea holidays and a day trip to the mountain, while the historic Plaka Litochorou, with its tavernas by the stream, is a popular evening outing for holidaymakers in the area.

Paralia Katerinis: the heart of the action

Paralia Katerinis itself is the busiest accommodation area, with a central pedestrian street full of cafes, restaurants, and shops, open late into the evening throughout the summer. It suits visitors who want everything within arm's reach, without needing a car for their daily commutes. Accommodations here vary from simple rented rooms to four-star hotels with pools, with prices typically ranging from €60 to €150 per night during the summer months, depending on the category and proximity to the sea.

Olympic Beach: family tranquility with Mount Olympus views

Olympic Beach is just a few minutes by car or bicycle from Paralia Katerinis and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with smaller buildings, family hotels, and studios. It is a popular choice for families who want a quiet stay but without being too far from Paralia's amenities, while the view of Mount Olympus at sunset is one of the distinguishing features of the area.

Korinos: beach and village combined

Korinos combines a large, organised beach with a traditional settlement slightly further inland, known for its peach orchards. Accommodation prices here are generally more affordable compared to Paralia Katerinis, and the area offers more space and tranquility, making it popular with families and couples looking for a more authentic, less touristy environment without sacrificing beach quality.

Nei Pori: the quieter end

Nei Pori is located at the southernmost tip of this coastal zone, near the Aliacmon estuary, and is the quietest accommodation option in the area. The beach is extensive and less densely populated, ideal for those who want a holiday away from the evening hustle and bustle, while its proximity to the Aliacmon wetland offers opportunities for nature walks and bird watching.

Best accommodations in Paralia Katerinis

Paralia Katerinis

1. Panorama Inn Hotel
Located at the intersection of Vasileos Konstantinou and Katerinis streets, a few steps from the central pedestrian street and the beach. Suitable for couples and families who want everything close by, with simple but clean rooms.

• Average cost: €60-100 per night

2. Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa
A beachfront resort with sustainability certification, a swimming pool, and spa services. Suitable for couples and families who want upgraded accommodation with spacious comfort.

• Average cost: €110-180 per night

3. Lucia Hotel Paralia
Located on Agias Paraskevis Street, near the beach, and offers airport transfer. Suitable for travellers arriving by air via Thessaloniki who want a comfortable transfer.

• Average cost: €65-110 per night

4. Villa Savvidis
An apartment hotel on Vasileos Pavlou Street, with fully equipped studios. Ideal for families or groups who want self-catering autonomy and a longer stay.

• Average cost: €70-120 per night

5. Oscar
Located on Agiou Nikolaou Street, with excellent reviews for its location (9.4/10). Suitable for those who want to stay close to the beach at an affordable price.

• Average cost: €55-90 per night

Olympic Beach

6. Villa Niki
An apartment hotel on Poseidonos Street, right on the beach, with excellent location reviews. Suitable for families who want direct access to the sea and comfortable rooms with a kitchen.

• Average cost: €75-125 per night

7. Olympic Beach Rooms
An apartment on Afroditis Street, with an excellent location rating (9.6/10) and beachfront position. Suitable for couples who want a quiet stay with walking access to the sea.

• Average cost: €60-100 per night

Korinos

8. Anais Hotel
Located on the coastal road of Korinos, with beach access and a good location. Suitable for those who want a quiet stay at affordable prices, away from the evening hustle and bustle of Paralia Katerinis.

• Average cost: €55-95 per night

Nei Pori

9. Manolas
An apartment hotel in Nei Pori, ideal for families who want self-contained rooms with a kitchen in one of the quieter areas of the coast. A good choice for longer stays.

• Average cost: €55-90 per night

10. Hotel Alexandros
Located on K. Liotopoulou Street in Nei Pori, near the beach. Suitable for couples and families seeking a quiet base, close to the Aliacmon estuary, with simple but well-maintained accommodation.

• Average cost: €50-85 per night

When to visit Paralia Katerinis

The peak season is July-August, when demand for accommodation is high and prices are at the upper end of the ranges mentioned above. June and September offer warm waters, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, making them ideal for combining a seaside holiday with a trip to Mount Olympus or Plaka Litochorou. In spring and autumn, many accommodations remain closed, so it's worth checking availability before planning.

Practical accommodation tips

• If you don't have a car, choose accommodation in Paralia Katerinis or Olympic Beach, where everything is within walking distance.
• For greater tranquility and better value for money, Korinos and Nei Pori are more advantageous options.
• In July and August, book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance, as the best places sell out quickly.
• If you're planning a trip to Mount Olympus, opt for accommodation with early check-out availability, so you can start early.

If you're looking for ideas for other Greek destinations, also see our guide on where to stay in Thessaloniki, which is just an hour from Katerini, as well as guides on where to stay in Skiathos and where to stay in Skopelos, two Sporades islands easily accessible from Northern Greece. For a different type of holiday, take a look at our guide on where to stay in Lefkada, with 14 tried-and-tested accommodations, or the guide where to stay in Mani for a different, wilder coastal landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Paralia Katerinis?

It depends on your profile: Paralia Katerinis itself suits those who want vibrancy and life without a car, Olympic Beach is for families seeking tranquility close to amenities, while Korinos and Nei Pori are for those who prefer a more relaxed, less touristy holiday.

How far is Paralia Katerinis from Athens and Thessaloniki?

From Athens, the distance is approximately 400 km (3.5-4 hours by car via the National Road), while from Thessaloniki it is just 65 km, about a 50-minute drive.

Do I need a car for my holiday there?

If you stay in Paralia Katerinis or Olympic Beach, not necessarily, as everything is within walking distance. For travel to Korinos, Nei Pori, or for an excursion to Mount Olympus and Litochoro, a car makes things significantly easier.

What is the best time for a holiday in Paralia Katerinis?

June and September offer warm waters with fewer crowds and lower prices, while July-August is the peak season, with crowded beaches and higher accommodation demand.

Can I combine a beach holiday with a trip to Mount Olympus?

Yes, the Mount Olympus National Park is approximately 20-25 km from the area, so it's easy to organise a day trip for hiking or visiting Litochoro and Plaka.

Which areas have the most affordable accommodation prices?

Korinos and Nei Pori generally offer more accessible prices compared to Paralia Katerinis and Olympic Beach, without compromising on beach quality.