Leptocaria - Leptokaria

Leptocaria is a city in Pieria.

background

Leptokaria is a seaside resort on the Olympic Riviera. He lies at the foot of the Olympus on the approximately 70 km long beach of the Olympic Riviera. Many Greeks as well as tourists from Europe and Russia spend their holidays here. There is even a separate resort for Greek professional soldiers and their families.

getting there

By plane

The nearest airport is the international one 40.51972222.970917Thessaloniki Airport(IATA: SKG) . From here it takes about an hour by car to Leptokaria; it takes longer by bus.

By train

Leptokaria has a small train station where the S-Bahn from Athens to Thessaloniki stops, but not all trains. Tickets are available at a small counter at the train station. To Katerini it takes 15 minutes after Athens over five hours, to Thessaloniki a good hour.

By bus

Regular buses depart from the bus station. There are still a few bus stops that are difficult to see. There is only a sign and when the bus comes you have to wave that the driver knows that you want to be taken.

In the street

• Leptokaria is on the A1 (Autobahn Athens - Thessaloniki); Exit Leptokaria.

mobility

Leptokaria is not very big, everything can be easily reached on foot. The railway line is located between the center and the beach. There is a pedestrian underpass at the train station and a car underpass further north. There is a pedestrian zone in the center. If you want to explore the area, you should take a rental car.

Tourist Attractions

• Leptokaria lies at the foot of the Olympus. A sunset behind Mount Olympus is a special experience. But you need luck to catch a day when the mountain is not overcast.

• In Leptokaria there is a very nice church near the pedestrian zone and the train station.

• The pedestrian zone is also worth a visit, even if it is very much geared towards tourist needs.
• The ancient Leivithra, located around three km above the village on the road towards Karia (follow the signs).
• The Geological Museum at 32 Georgaki Olympiou Street.
• The Kanalon Monastery. It is 17 km from Leptokarya and is on the road to Karya. (Note signs).

activities

The seaside resort is used for relaxation. Most visitors lay lazily on the beach and let God be a good man. In the main season the usual water sports are offered, in the pre- and post-season the offer flattens out somewhat. One can use Leptokaria very well as a starting point for exploring the area.

shop

Leptokaria offers numerous shopping opportunities for tourists. There are many shops along the beach promenade where you can get everything you need for beach life. In the town center, west of the train, there is a pedestrian zone with supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Here you can buy everyday necessities. There is a well-stocked discount supermarket in the center.

On Tuesday the weekly farmers' market takes place on the street behind the train station. Like most markets in Greece, it consists of two sections: the northern section sells fruit, vegetables and other regional products and fresh food; especially pickled olives and nuts. In the southern part, the well-known plagiarism of clothing, shoes, sunglasses and watches, but also fabrics, toys and various souvenirs are offered.

kitchen

Near the beach you can get pizza and gyros, snacks and drinks. It is quieter and more comfortable in the pedestrian zone than on the beach. There are some Greek restaurants but also hamburgers, pizza, pasta and gyros.

In the villages above Leptokaria you can get lamb and goat on the spit and other typical specialties. There is always fresh fish, fresh salads and lamb and goat dishes from the animals that graze in the Olymp Mountains.

nightlife

In the evening you can sit in one of the many taverns in the pedestrian zone, chat and enjoy Greek wine. But everything is very calm. Folk Greek music is played and with luck you can even get live music. There is a nightclub called "San Lorenzo".

accommodation

There are numerous hotels in Leptokaria. Even if you come by on your own, you get a nice room on site. In the package tour sector there are only a few hotels that can be booked from Germany. The two most important are Poseidon Palace and Olympian Bay, both four-star and all-inclusive. For both hotels you should look at the reviews on the Internet, they fluctuate considerably.

health

There are several established doctors in Leptokaria. You can get medication in the pharmacy in the pedestrian zone. Should you get seriously ill, you should go to a hospital Thessaloniki, but better from Athens, seek out.

Practical advice

Orientation in Leptokaria is easy. You always get to the train station or the beach somehow.

There are no problems with the cell phone network. There are also plenty of payphones and a few internet cafes. Many hotels have a W-LAN hot-spot. Internet prices are moderate. There is also a post office near the train station. Not all souvenir shops sell postage stamps.

trips

Various excursions are offered by travel companies and local providers, but they are very similar. Some of these can be done on your own if you have a car.

• The town Katerini is about 20 minutes away.
• To the Meteora-Monastery takes about 90 minutes.
• To Thessaloniki you drive a good hour.
• The archaeological site of Dion (excavation) is near. You should get information beforehand or take a tour.
• There are a few mountain villages nearby that can be reached either by bus or rental car.
• The excavations of the tomb of Philip II, Alexander's father, are easily accessible by car.
• The Platamon Castle, a fortress from the Frankish times, is still very well preserved. Here you should inform yourself beforehand or let yourself be guided.
• Besides, you can Chalkidiki visit (the three fingers) and look at the monasteries there; i.a. Mount Athos, seat of the highest religious leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church.
• The Olymp Mountains also invite you to some beautiful hikes. If it is too hot in August, temperatures are more comfortable at higher altitudes. From Litochoro there are guided tours on foot or by donkey to the summit of Olympus, the throne of Zeus.

literature

• Free travel guide about the Olymp region. Twenty-three landmarks are featured, including the Castle of Platamonas, the Archaeological Park, and the Archaeological Museum of Dion. Title: Olympus - ancient sites, museums, monasteries and churches.

Web links

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