Where to Stay in Litochoro , Litochoro, Plaka Litochorou, Leptokarya & Palios Panteleimonas

If you're looking for where to stay in Litochoro, the short answer is: in Litochoro itself if you want a mountain atmosphere and direct access to the trails of Mount Olympus, in Plaka Litochorou if you prefer the beach and marina, in Leptokarya if you're travelling with children and want an organised sandy beach, or in Palios Panteleimonas if you're seeking a traditional, quiet village with stone houses and panoramic views. Litochoro is the gateway to Mount Olympus, Greece's highest mountain, and at the same time, it's just a few kilometres from the beaches of Pieria, making it an ideal destination for both mountaineers and families who want a mountain-sea combination.

Litochoro and Olympus: geography, access, history

Litochoro is located on the eastern foothills of Mount Olympus, in the Pieria regional unit, at an altitude of approximately 300 metres. It is about 5 kilometres from the sea and Plaka Litochorou, 90 kilometres from Thessaloniki, and about 5 kilometres from the KTEL bus station and the 'Litochoro' train station on the Athens-Thessaloniki line. Access by car is via the Athens-Thessaloniki National Road, taking the 'Litochoro' exit, while there are also regular KTEL bus services from Thessaloniki (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) and Katerini (approximately 20 minutes). The nearest airport is 'Macedonia' in Thessaloniki, approximately 100 kilometres away.

The town is internationally known as the 'gateway of the gods', as the main climbing trails to the peaks of Mount Olympus start from here, with Mytikas, the highest peak at 2,918 metres, being the most famous. The Olympus National Park was established in 1938, the first in Greece, and the mountain has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981. The Enipeas Gorge, which runs through the town, leads to waterfalls and the Monastery of Agios Dionysios, one of the most important historical monuments of the region, built in the 16th century and reconstructed after its destruction during World War II.

The history of Litochoro is closely linked to ancient Dion, the sacred city of the Macedonians at the foot of Mount Olympus, where religious ceremonies honouring Zeus took place. The archaeological site of Dion, with its museum, is about 15 kilometres from Litochoro and is a must-see for those interested in the history of the region. In Litochoro itself, it's worth seeing the old town with its stone houses, the Olympus Natural History Museum, and the National Park Information Centre, where you can get information about the trails before embarking on any hike.

The best time to visit depends on the purpose of your trip: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for hiking on Mount Olympus, while summer (June-August) is the season for the beaches of Plaka Litochorou and Leptokarya. Winter offers a different experience, with snow-capped peaks, quiet cafes in the square, and the possibility of day trips to mountain trails without the crowds.

Where to stay in Litochoro (town centre)

Litochoro itself is the best base for those who want to combine hiking on Mount Olympus with strolls through traditional alleys, tavernas, and cafes. It's also the easiest option if you're travelling by train or KTEL, as it's close to the stations.

1. Robolo Boutique Hotel by H&T
A small boutique hotel in the heart of Litochoro, with modern aesthetics and meticulous details. Suitable for couples who want comfort and a quiet stay close to the trails.

• Average cost: 90-140€ per night

2. Hotel Mirto
A central hotel with a very high rating, known for its cleanliness and service. A good choice for couples and families who want to be a stone's throw from the main square.

• Average cost: 70-100€ per night

3. Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge
Traditional accommodation in a stone building, with apartments combining rustic style and modern amenities. Ideal for those seeking an authentic mountain village atmosphere.

• Average cost: 80-120€ per night

4. Lithochoro Guesthouse
A welcoming guesthouse with very high reviews, in a central location in Litochoro. Suitable for travellers who want personal service and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

• Average cost: 75-110€ per night

5. Nemesis Apartment
A comfortable apartment with a kitchen, suitable for families or small groups who want independence and flexibility in their schedule before or after a hike on Mount Olympus.

• Average cost: 65-95€ per night

6. Veranda 2-Guest Apartment
A small, affordable apartment for two people, with a veranda and views of the surrounding mountains. A good solution for couples with a more limited budget.

• Average cost: 55-80€ per night

Where to stay in Plaka Litochorou

Plaka Litochorou is the coastal settlement of Litochoro, with a marina, an organised beach, and several dining options. It is the best base for those who want to combine swimming with short mountain excursions, as the centre of Litochoro is just 5 kilometres away.

7. Litohoro Olympus Resort Villas & Spa
A luxurious resort right on the beachfront, with a private beach, spa, and airport transfer. Ideal for couples and families looking for full amenities.

• Average cost: 150-260€ per night

8. Olympus Pantheon Luxury Rooms
A condo hotel with luxurious rooms near the beach, with very high reviews for its location. Suitable for travellers who want premium accommodation without the scale of a large resort.

• Average cost: 110-170€ per night

9. Olympios Zeus
A hotel right on Plaka beach, with a large number of reviews and consistently high ratings. A good choice for families who want direct access to the sea.

• Average cost: 90-140€ per night

Where to stay in Leptokarya

Leptokarya is located approximately 12 kilometres south of Litochoro, on the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, and is one of Pieria's most popular seaside resorts. It boasts a large sandy beach, extensive tourist infrastructure, and bustling activity in summer, with many bars, restaurants, and shops.

10. Olympian Bay Grand Resort
A large beachfront resort with full amenities and airport transfer. Suitable for families with children who want an all-in-one holiday.

• Average cost: 130-220€ per night

11. Hotel Dionisos
A small, welcoming bed and breakfast right on the beach, with excellent reviews for its service. Suitable for couples who prefer a more personal, family atmosphere.

• Average cost: 70-100€ per night

12. Pidna
Modern apartments near the beach, with very good ratings and spacious rooms. A good choice for families who want a kitchen and more space.

• Average cost: 85-130€ per night

13. Fanis Apartments
Affordable apartments in a three-storey building, suitable for families who want independence and close proximity to the beach.

• Average cost: 55-85€ per night

14. Basilio's Studios
Studios right on the beach, with very high ratings for their location. Suitable for couples and small groups who want to be right by the sea.

• Average cost: 60-95€ per night

Where to stay in Palios Panteleimonas

Palios Panteleimonas is one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Pieria, built on a hillside overlooking the Thermaic Gulf, approximately 18 kilometres north of Litochoro. Its stone houses, cobbled streets, and traditional tavernas have established it as a destination for romantic getaways and weekends away from the beach crowds.

15. Unedo All Seasons Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel within the village, with refined aesthetics and comfortable rooms. Ideal for couples seeking a quiet, romantic stay with nature views.

• Average cost: 100-150€ per night

16. Enastron Guesthouse
A welcoming bed and breakfast with excellent reviews, in a traditional stone building in the centre of the village. Suitable for those who want an authentic mountain village experience with personal hospitality.

• Average cost: 75-115€ per night

What to do in Litochoro and surrounding areas

Hiking on Mount Olympus is, of course, the top activity in the area, with routes of varying difficulty starting from Prionia (refuge A, Spilios Agapitos) and reaching the peaks. For those who don't want to climb the mountain, the Enipeas Gorge offers a milder hike through the town, with wooden bridges and waterfalls. A visit to the Monastery of Agios Dionysios can easily be combined with a walk in the gorge.

• Archaeological site and Museum of Dion, approximately 15 km from Litochoro
• Beaches of Plaka Litochorou and Leptokarya for swimming and water sports
• Orlias Waterfalls in the Enipeas Gorge
• Traditional villages of Palios Panteleimonas and Skotina for a stroll and local cuisine
• Olympus National Park Information Centre, before any hike

If you're planning a trip that combines mountain and sea in other parts of Greece, you can also check out our guide on where to stay in Pelion, where you'll find a similar combination of mountain villages and beaches, or the guide on where to stay in Kalambaka, if you're interested in a mountain destination with significant natural and historical appeal. For additional options in Northern Greece, also see our guides on where to stay in Thessaloniki, where to stay in Kastoria and where to stay in Volos.

Practical tips before booking accommodation

If you plan to climb Mount Olympus, it's advisable to book accommodation in Litochoro or, even better, to check availability at the mountain refuges well in advance, as spots sell out quickly during the summer months. In summer, prices in coastal resorts (Plaka Litochorou, Leptokarya) increase significantly in July and August, so booking several months in advance is recommended. Conversely, in spring and autumn, when demand is lower, you can find better prices in both Litochoro and Palios Panteleimonas.

For getting around the area, a car is very helpful, as the distances between Litochoro, Plaka, Leptokarya, and Palios Panteleimonas are short, but public transport is limited outside of summer. During the summer, there are frequent bus services between Litochoro and Plaka.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Litochoro from Thessaloniki?

Litochoro is approximately 90 kilometres from Thessaloniki, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the National Road, or by regular KTEL bus and train services.

Where should I stay if I want to climb Mount Olympus?

The best base is Litochoro itself, as it is closer to the starting point of the trails to the peaks and has the National Park Information Centre for guidance before the ascent.

What is the best area for families with children?

Leptokarya and Plaka Litochorou are the most suitable options for families, thanks to their organised sandy beaches, shallow waters, and extensive tourist infrastructure.

Is it worth staying in Palios Panteleimonas?

Yes, if you are looking for quiet, traditional accommodation with sea views and don't mind the distance of approximately 18 kilometres from Litochoro and the main trails of Mount Olympus.

What is the best time of year to visit Litochoro?

For hiking on Mount Olympus, spring and autumn offer the best conditions. For beach holidays, the period from June to September is ideal for the beaches of Plaka and Leptokarya.

Do I need a car in Litochoro?

It is not essential if you stay in the centre of Litochoro and only plan to hike, but it is very helpful if you want to visit Plaka, Leptokarya, Palios Panteleimonas, or the archaeological site of Dion.