Where to stay in Palaios Panteleimonas: The best areas and 15 accommodations

Palaios Panteleimonas is one of the most photographed villages in Pieria, built amphitheatrically on the northeastern foothills of Mount Olympus, a few kilometres above the sea. Its stone houses with slate roofs, narrow cobbled streets, and views stretching to the Thermaic Gulf make it a destination that combines mountain and sea on the same day.

The question "where to stay" here doesn't have a single answer, because the area isn't just the village itself. Surrounding it is the coastal zone of Olympus, with Plaka Litochorou, Skotina, and Platamonas offering sandy beaches, hotels with sea views, and easy access to the national highway.

In this guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the four main accommodation areas, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as specific accommodations with indicative prices, to help you decide based on your plans and budget.

What to see and do in Palaios Panteleimonas

Palaios Panteleimonas is located approximately 100 km south of Thessaloniki and about 6 km from the coast, at an altitude of around 500 metres. It has been designated a traditional settlement since 1978 and is considered one of the best examples of traditional Macedonian architecture in the region, with houses built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries by residents who came from Asia Minor and Pontus. The village was deserted in the 1960s and 1970s as residents moved to Neos Panteleimonas near the sea, but from the 1980s onwards, it was gradually restored and today operates mainly as a tourist destination with guesthouses, tavernas, and cafes housed in stone buildings.

Access is almost exclusively by car. From Athens, the distance is about 400 km via the A1, taking around 4 hours, while from Thessaloniki the journey is shorter, about an hour and fifteen minutes. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki (Macedonia), with car hire considered essential, as public transport inland is limited. The Leptokarya or Palaios Panteleimonas exit on the A1 is just a few minutes from the village.

The beaches in the area, Plaka Litochorou, Skotina, Platamonas, and Nei Poroi, range from sandy to shingle, with shallow waters making them suitable for families with children. Mount Olympus drops almost vertically into the sea at this point, creating a unique landscape: in the morning you can hike on mountain trails and in the afternoon swim. Platamonas Castle, a 13th-century Byzantine fortress on a hill overlooking the sea, is one of Greece's best-preserved castles and hosts summer events.

The food in Palaios Panteleimonas has a strong mountainous character, featuring pies, grilled meats, and local cheeses, while in the coastal areas, fish and seafood dominate. The busiest season is from mid-June to late August, but the village is also particularly popular in spring and autumn for weekend getaways, due to its cool climate and views. In winter, several accommodations remain open thanks to their proximity to the ski trails of Mount Olympus, while the coastal settlements operate mainly seasonally, from May to October.

If you are interested in mountaineering, Palaios Panteleimonas is close to starting points for Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) and the peaks of Mount Olympus, although the most common starting point remains Prionia, near Litochoro. Many visitors combine a stay in the village with day trips to Litochoro, which is about 15 km away, and to Loutra Platanou, with its plane trees and waters.

The view from the village towards the Thermaic Gulf is one of the main highlights for those visiting the area, especially in the early morning hours when the mist gradually clears over the sea. In the centre of Palaios Panteleimonas, the old school and the Church of Agios Panteleimonas still stand, around which small local festivals are organised in summer, with traditional music and food in the village squares. The distance between the village and the new settlement on the coast is only 6 to 7 kilometres, allowing for an easy dual base if you want to experience both.

The best areas to stay in Palaios Panteleimonas

Palaios Panteleimonas (village)

The village itself is the primary choice for those seeking atmosphere and views, without being concerned about direct access to the sea. Most guesthouses are small, renovated stone dwellings with a few rooms, located on cobbled streets that do not allow easy car access to the door.

Advantages:

• Unique architecture and views stretching to the sea
• Quiet environment, ideal for couples
• Many tavernas and cafes within walking distance

Disadvantages:

• The sea is about 6 km away by car
• Difficult access for luggage due to cobbled streets
• Limited number of rooms, fills up quickly in summer

Recommended accommodations:

1. Unedo All Seasons Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel in the village, featuring stone and wood decor and rooms with Aegean views. Open all year round.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

2. Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge
A traditional farmhouse converted into apartments, with a garden and a peaceful environment just outside the settlement.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

3. Hotel Mirto
A small family-run hotel close to the centre, offering comfortable rooms and personalised service.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

4. Olympus View Rooms Sauna & Spa
Rooms with mountain and sea views, featuring a sauna and relaxation areas, suitable for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

Plaka Litochorou

Plaka Litochorou is the natural "sea gateway" to Litochoro and Palaios Panteleimonas. It boasts a large organised beach, a marina with fish tavernas, and several hotels of varying categories, from luxury resorts to simple rented rooms.

Advantages:

• Direct access to an organised beach
• Good culinary offerings with fish tavernas
• Easy travel to Litochoro and Palaios Panteleimonas

Disadvantages:

• Quite busy in August
• Less "authentic" atmosphere compared to the mountain village

Recommended accommodations:

5. Litohoro Olympus Resort Villas & Spa
A luxurious beachfront resort with a private beach, swimming pools, and spa, ideal for families.

• Average cost: approximately 210€ per night

6. Olympus Pantheon Luxury Rooms
Modern apartments near the beach, with fully equipped kitchens and balconies offering views.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

Skotina

Skotina is a quieter option compared to Platamonas, with a long sandy beach stretching for kilometres, sparser development, and less nightlife. It suits those looking for a family holiday with views of Mount Olympus from the beach.

Advantages:

• Large, less crowded beach
• Views of Mount Olympus from the sea
• Quiet environment, good for children

Disadvantages:

• Fewer evening entertainment options
• Car needed for travel to the village

Recommended accommodations:

7. Olympus Thea Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel with two outdoor swimming pools, a garden, and a restaurant, built on the national road with views of Mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

8. Panorama Apartments
Family-friendly apartments near the beach, with a kitchen and balcony, a good choice for longer stays.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Platamonas and Leptokarya

Platamonas and neighbouring Leptokarya form the most organised part of the Olympian Riviera, with a wide variety of accommodations, bars, restaurants, and the famous Byzantine castle on the hill. This is the best base for those seeking vibrant nightlife and numerous dining options.

Advantages:

• Wide variety of accommodation and prices
• Lively tourist scene and nightlife
• Accessible castle and well-organised beaches

Disadvantages:

• Very busy and noisy during peak season
• Less authentic experience compared to the mountain village

Recommended accommodations:

9. Cronwell Platamon Resort All-Inclusive
A large all-inclusive beachfront resort, with many swimming pools and activities for the whole family.

• Average cost: approximately 180€ per night

10. Platamon Centrale
A hotel in the centre of Platamonas, close to shops and the beach, with simple but clean rooms.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

11. Hotel Kronos
A family-friendly hotel near the beach offering good value for money.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

12. Zeus Hotel
A simple hotel in Platamonas, a good choice for a short, low-cost stay.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

13. Alexandros Hotel
A hotel in Leptokarya with spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi, close to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

14. Atrium Hotel
A comfortable hotel in Leptokarya, close to tavernas and shops, with good reviews for its location.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

15. Basilio's Studios
Studios right on Leptokarya beach, ideal for those wanting direct access to the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Hire a car. Public transport between the village and the beaches is limited, so a car gives you the freedom to combine mountain and sea.
• Book early for August. The best stone guesthouses in the village have few rooms and sell out months in advance.
• Park at the village entrance. The cobbled streets are not accessible by car, so many accommodations suggest a parking spot and help you with luggage.
• Combine hiking and swimming. If you stay in the village, you can walk on Mount Olympus trails in the morning and head down to Plaka or Skotina for a swim in the afternoon.
• Visit Platamonas Castle in the late afternoon. The sunset light from there offers some of the best views along the entire coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Palaios Panteleimonas from the sea?

Approximately 6 km by car, via a winding road that descends towards Plaka Litochorou and Skotina.

Do I need a car to stay in Palaios Panteleimonas?

Yes, it's almost essential, as there is no regular public transport to the beaches and surrounding villages.

What is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn for the village and hiking, while June to September is best for the beaches.

Are there accommodations open in winter?

Yes, several hotels in the village operate all year round, while coastal ones are mostly seasonal.

What is the nearest airport?

Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes by car.

Can I stay in the village and do day trips to Mount Olympus?

Yes, Palaios Panteleimonas is close to starting points for hiking trails, although the most common point remains Prionia near Litochoro.

The Conclusion

The choice between the mountain village and the coastal areas primarily depends on what you wish to do for most of your day. If you are interested in atmosphere, architecture, and peace, Palaios Panteleimonas is a unique choice. If the sea and organised beaches are a priority, then Plaka, Skotina, or Platamonas suit you better.

In any case, the distance between the areas is short, so you can easily stay in one and visit the others on the same day.

See also our guides on where to stay in Lipsi and where to stay in Paxos.