Where to stay in Olympic Beach: The best areas and 15 accommodations

Olympic Beach is the largest and most organised seaside settlement in Katerini, boasting a long sandy beach and a dense network of hotels, rented rooms, and restaurants. It is located approximately 5 km from the city of Katerini and is a primary destination for family holidays in Pieria.

The settlement stretches linearly along the coast, with the seafront road attracting most of the activity, while the inner neighbourhoods offer quieter accommodation a short distance from the sea. The view of Mount Olympus, which dominates the background, is a characteristic feature from almost all points in the area.

In this article, you will find the main areas of Olympic Beach, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you choose the stay that suits your needs.

What to see and do in Olympic Beach

Olympic Beach is approximately 5 km from the centre of Katerini and about 30 km from Thessaloniki, a distance covered in 25 to 30 minutes via the Egnatia Motorway and the Katerini junction. The nearest airport is Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, about 55 km away, while Katerini railway station serves the Athens-Thessaloniki line with connections to the coast by local bus or taxi.

The area developed as a holiday resort from the 1970s and took its name from its proximity to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, which is clearly visible from the beach on days with good visibility. Before its tourist development, the area was mainly agricultural land and sand dunes, whereas today it is densely built with hotels, rented rooms, and holiday homes.

Olympic Beach's sandy beach extends for several kilometres and is organised with sun loungers, umbrellas, and lifeguard coverage during the summer months. The shallow waters for most of the season make it a safe choice for families with young children, while further north towards Paralia Plakas, options diminish, and the atmosphere becomes calmer.

Regarding food, the seafront road has a high concentration of tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood, patisseries, and cafes, with prices generally lower than comparable island destinations. The local cuisine of Pieria includes meat dishes from the mountainous areas, as well as fruits such as peaches and cherries cultivated in the Katerini plain.

Seasonality is pronounced, with the peak period extending from mid-June to late August, when accommodation prices rise significantly and many establishments fill up quickly, especially on weekends. In May, September, and October, the area is quieter, with lower prices and better availability, while several accommodations operate only from April to October.

Getting around Olympic Beach is easy on foot or by bicycle, as the settlement is relatively flat and the seafront road connects all points of interest. If you want to visit the archaeological site of Dion or head to the mountain villages of Mount Olympus, such as Litochoro, you will need a car, as the distances are 15 to 20 km.

Litochoro, known as the gateway to Mount Olympus, is about 18 km away and is a popular excursion for those staying in Olympic Beach, offering hiking opportunities on trails in the national park. The archaeological site of Dion, with the ruins of an ancient city dedicated to Zeus, is about 15 km away and easily accessible by car.

Parking in the area is generally easy except during peak summer days when the seafront road fills with visitors from Katerini and the surrounding villages. Most accommodations have their own parking, which is worth confirming before booking if you are travelling by car.

Summer temperatures usually hover around 30 to 33 degrees Celsius, with the sea breeze providing a cooling effect that makes the area more bearable compared to more inland parts of the Pieria plain. The sea remains relatively warm from mid-May to late September, allowing for an extended swimming season without needing to restrict yourself strictly to the peak months.

For families with children, several hotels in the area have playgrounds, swimming pools with shallow sections, and organised animation programmes in summer. This is a feature worth checking before booking if you are travelling with young children. On the beach, there are also water sports facilities, such as pedal boats and small inflatables, mainly in the central part, while further north the coast is calmer and suitable for relaxed swimming.

The best areas to stay in Olympic Beach

Central beachfront zone

The central beachfront zone concentrates most of Olympic Beach's hotels and restaurants, with direct access to the sandy beach. It is the easiest option for those who want everything within walking distance.

Traffic in summer is high, especially in the evenings when the seafront road fills with pedestrians and shops open late.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the beach and seafront road
• High concentration of restaurants and shops
• Many accommodation options for every budget

Disadvantages:

• Increased traffic and noise in summer
• Higher prices for beachfront accommodations

Recommended accommodations:

1. Villa Niki
An apartment hotel with good ratings, close to the beach and a short distance from the shops.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

2. Oxygen
Modern apartments at a good price for the location, suitable for families and couples.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

3. Royal Palace
A hotel with a pool and organised common areas, popular with families with children.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

4. Danai Hotel & Spa
A hotel with a spa and higher level of services, suitable for a more comfortable stay.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

5. Ammos Beach Seaside Luxury Suites Hotel
Beachfront suites with very high ratings for location and comfort.

• Average cost: approximately 135€ per night

Poseidonos Street and southern section

The southern section of Olympic Beach, around Poseidonos Street, has a more relaxed character than the central zone, with smaller accommodations and less traffic. The beach remains a short distance away, usually 2 to 5 minutes on foot.

A good choice for families who want a balance between tranquility and proximity to the sea, without needing a car for daily commutes.

Advantages:

• Quieter environment than the central beachfront zone
• Short walking distance from the beach
• Good value for money in many accommodations

Disadvantages:

• Fewer shops and restaurants in the immediate neighbourhood
• Requires a short trip for nightlife

Recommended accommodations:

6. Olympic Beach Rooms
Simple and clean rooms at a good price, suitable for short, budget-friendly stays.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

7. Ioli
Apartments with full kitchen facilities, suitable for families who want independence.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

8. Akti Luxury Rooms & Apartments
Rooms and apartments with good cleanliness ratings, in a quiet location near the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

9. Asteri's Summer
A holiday villa with a few rooms, ideal for larger groups or families.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Athinas Street and inner section

The inner section of Olympic Beach, around Athinas Street, is a few minutes' walk from the beach and offers accommodation at lower prices due to its slightly further distance from the sea. It is a practical base for those who don't want to pay the cost of a beachfront location.

The neighbourhood has a more local character, with small grocery shops and everyday amenities, suitable for those who prefer a more authentic experience.

Advantages:

• Lower prices compared to beachfront properties
• Quiet neighbourhood with a local character
• Short walking distance from the beach

Disadvantages:

• No direct sea view
• Fewer entertainment options in the evening

Recommended accommodations:

10. Catalina Studios
Studios with good location ratings, a short distance from the beach and shops.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

11. Olympus Diamond Studios
Studios with basic facilities, suitable for budget accommodation without unnecessary expenses.

• Average cost: approximately 48€ per night

12. Olympic Studios Aslanidis
A family-run business with simple studios and personal service from the owners.

• Average cost: approximately 52€ per night

13. Parthenon Art Hotel
A small hotel with distinctive decor and good value for money.

• Average cost: approximately 68€ per night

Northern section towards Paralia Plakas

The northern section of Olympic Beach, towards Paralia Plakas, has sparser development and fewer accommodations, with a calmer atmosphere than the centre. The beach remains sandy and organised, albeit with fewer services.

Suitable for those who want to avoid the heavy traffic of the centre and don't mind a short trip for food or shopping.

Advantages:

• Calmer atmosphere, fewer people on the beach
• Good choice for quiet family holidays
• Lower accommodation prices

Disadvantages:

• Further distance from the centre with shops
• Fewer restaurant options in the area

Recommended accommodations:

14. Riviera Olympus Gods
A hotel with a good location rating, in a quieter spot towards the north of the coast.

• Average cost: approximately 78€ per night

15. Olympus Thalassea Hotel
A hotel with comfortable rooms and very good guest ratings for its quiet location.

• Average cost: approximately 82€ per night

16. Hotel Dioni
An apartment hotel with good prices and fully equipped kitchens.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

17. Oscar
A small hotel with very high location ratings and personal service.

• Average cost: approximately 74€ per night

18. Olympic Coast
Apartments near the sea, suitable for families who want independence for cooking.

• Average cost: approximately 66€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for summer weekends. Olympic Beach receives many visitors from Thessaloniki and Katerini on weekends, so the best accommodations fill up quickly in July and August.
• Choose an area based on how much you want to walk. If you want everything close by, stay in the central beachfront zone, while if you prefer peace and quiet, the northern or southern sections are better options.
• Check if the accommodation has its own parking. Parking on the main seafront road becomes difficult during peak hours in summer, so accommodation with its own parking space saves time.
• Consider a trip to Litochoro or Dion. Both destinations are 15 to 18 km away and offer a different experience from the beach, with hiking or archaeological interest.
• Prefer spring or autumn for lower prices. May, September, and October offer good weather and significantly more affordable accommodation prices compared to the main summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Olympic Beach from Katerini?

Approximately 5 km, a journey that takes 10 to 15 minutes by car or local bus.

What is the nearest airport?

Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, approximately 55 km away, with a journey time of around 45 minutes by car.

Do you need a car in Olympic Beach?

Within the settlement, no, as everything is accessible on foot, but for excursions to Litochoro or Dion, a car or an organised tour is required.

Which period offers the best prices?

May, September, and October offer good weather with significantly lower prices compared to July and August.

Is the area suitable for families with children?

Yes, the sandy beach with shallow waters and organised infrastructure make it one of the most popular family destinations in Pieria.

Do all accommodations operate in winter?

No, several accommodations operate seasonally from April to October, so it's worth confirming availability if you are travelling outside of summer.

Conclusion

Olympic Beach offers an easy and affordable way for seaside holidays near Katerini, with an organised beach and a wide variety of accommodations for every budget. The choice of area mainly depends on how close to the sea and the hustle and bustle you want to be.

If you are travelling with family, the central beachfront zone or the southern section cover most needs, while those seeking peace and quiet can turn to the northern section near Paralia Plakas. In any case, it is advisable to book early, especially for the summer.

See also our guides on where to stay in Benitses and where to stay in Kalyves.