HISTORICAL
& NATURAL
ATHENS
THESSALONIKI
Very often guest of Olivia Sports and Sea come to Greece via ATHENS of THESSALONIKI, due to the fact, that there are much more international flights, hosted by airports of these cities.
METEORA
A lot of people are coming to Greece just in order to visit Meteora. SERENE, SPIRITUAL, MAGICAL, mystical, extraordinary, breathtaking, immense, inspiring, impressive. These are only some of the words people very often use in an effort to describe THE METEORA PHENOMENON.
Apart from visiting monasteries the area of Meteora offers also very nice opportunity for hiking lovers – unique nature, caves in the rocks and breathtaking views are guaranteed. Kalampaka – small town next to Meteora. Has a lot of restaurants and other places to eat after the visiting of Meteora.
DELPHI
Ancient Delphi is famous as sanctuary, grew rich as THE SEAT OF PYTHIA, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. It is now the as EXTENSIVE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The late lunch or early dinner in the nearest village in one of the restaurant will provide you with the nice break before the way back. Order the meat with lemon sauce, baked in the oven and enjoy the spectacular view on the valley.
DION
Ancient Dion is located at the FOOT OF MOUNT OLYMPUS, 15 km south of Katerini (capital city of Pieria prefecture) in 1.5–1 h 45 min driving distance from Olivia sports and sea. Stretched in a plain area, Ancient Dion is recognized as is one of the largest and best organized archaeological sites in Greece, covering the area of 1,500 acres and it is very well organized.
On the east side the House of Dionysus stands, that took its name from a LARGE MOSAIC COMPOSITION of God Dionysus. On the south side are the impressive public baths named Melages Thermes and a complex of buildings dating back to 200 BC.
The archaeological site spreads outside the city walls, having sanctuaries, theaters and a gymnasium. South, just outside the walls and near the main gate, is the SANCTUARY OF GODDESS DIMITRA.
The site has also two theaters. West of the Sanctuary of Demeter, at the slope of a low hill, is the Hellenistic Theater, built during the rule of King Philip V of Macedonia (221–179 BC). Nearby is the Roman Theater, smaller than the Hellenistic, built in the 2nd century AD. Near this theater, according to two inscriptions that have been discovered, was the SANCTUARY OF ZEUS and the SANCTUARY OF ASCLEPIUS.
Finally, the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is located In the village of Dion, less than 1 km from the archaeological site. Inside the museum are exhibits from Dion and the broader region.
PELION
Ancient Delphi is famous as sanctuary, grew rich as THE SEAT OF PYTHIA, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. It is now the as EXTENSIVE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Villages of Pelion have their OWN UNFORGETTABLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE and CHARMING ATMOSPHERE – it is very recommended to make a long “calderimi” (paved roads) trip and then to finish the day in the restaurant under the huge platen tree on the village main square.
During the summer time (weekends in July-August) SMALL EXCURSION TRAIN makes the regular trips between two mountain villages: Ano-Lekhonia and Millies. Very advisable entertainment for adults and children. Recommended to buy the tickets in advance (the limited number of seats) via st.volos@trainose.gr
PLASTIRAS
The most of the people are not aware that more than 80% OF GREEK TERRITORY IS COVERED BY THE MOUNTAINS. People perceive Greece as only beach and sea destination, but in fact, this is not true. One day trip to Plastira lake will introduce “alternative” vacation experience, available just in 1.5–2 hours driving distance from Olivia.
Lake Plastiras is also known as a “LITTLE SWITZERLAND”. There are several reasons for this comparison: first of all, the grandeur of the lake is crowned with the surrounding alpine peaks, which are snowcapped in winter and green in summer. In spring, the green mountains are covered by rushing streams, that flirt by lacy coves. This place could even be called “SMALL NORWAY”, because narrow inlets of water between cliffs create fiord-like scenes and single luscious green islet in the middle create and mind-blowing landscape, which is mirrored in the emerald waters of the lake. Near the lake you can find plenty of authentic charming villages, situated along the lakeshore or on the mountainous slopes which offer you an idyllic view of the lake.
In the area of Plastira lake people can enjoy a lot of activities at any time of the year: CYCLING, HIKING, CYCLING ON WATER BIKES, SWIMMING and FISHING in the lake, HORSE RIDING and, of cause, eating in plenty of AUTHENTIC LOCAL TAVERNS in the area of Plastira lake.
DISCOVER THE AREA
PTELEOS
Cozy and charming old village with more than 2000 year of history, located just in 7 min driving distance from Olivia sports and sea.
Apart from the nice food places there are different shops in Pteleos – mini-market, butcher shop, bakery, drug-store, sweet shop etc.
PIGADI
Picturesque village with small harbor, a beautiful promenade and lots of places to hang out.
ACHILLEO
The port of Achilleo is located 10 km away from Olivia spots and sea. 10 min driving by car and you are in the big village with small port, hosting mostly sailing boats and fisherman boats.