Αξιοθέατα – Hotel Funtukaki

Sightseeings

Olympus Mountain

The highest mountain in Greece, with a height of 2,918 meters and more than 10 peaks exceeding 2,650 meters. One of the highest peaks in Europe is Mytikas (2,918 meters), followed by Skolio (2,911 meters) and Stefani (2,909 meters).

The sacred mountain, a landmark of Greek mythology as the home of the Greek Gods.

According to Homer, the twelve gods lived in the gorges of Olympus where their palaces are located. The Pantheon (the highest peak of Mytika) is the place where they met and had their intense discussions. The Throne of Zeus (the peak of Stefani) is exclusively home to the “Father of gods and men”, Zeus or Zeus. From there he rules the gods of Olympus and unleashes his thunderbolts.

In 1938 it was declared a National Park, the first in Greece & in 1981, under the auspices of the International Commission on Humanity and the Biosphere, it was recognized as an "area of international importance for the environment of humanity".

Every year, Olympus welcomes thousands of visitors due to its biodiversity and rich flora and fauna. Rocky, steep peaks, deep ravines, canyons, ravines, alpine meadows and dense forests, compose this rare mosaic of images of unique beauty.

Ancient Dion

Very close to the city of Litochoro and just 5 km away from the beaches of Pieria, lies the sacred city of Macedonia, dedicated to Zeus and the 12 gods of Olympus. From the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD, the city was a thriving center of culture for over 1,000 years. It was here that Alexander gathered his troops to prepare for his voyages of conquest, worshipping Zeus, the King of the Gods of Olympus. The ancient theater of the Hellenistic period, the Roman theater, the walls, the large baths, the villa of Dionysus, the necropolis, the sanctuaries of Zeus, Demeter and Isis, as well as the Archaeological Museum, which presents finds from the area, are included in the archaeological site of Dion and can be visited.

Platamon Castle

In a landscape of exceptional natural beauty, Platamonas Castle in southern Pieria is located, one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Greece. Its tower is one of the most impressive keep towers we will encounter in a Greek castle. The location where the castle was built was not accidental, as it was of strategic importance, a checkpoint for the passage from Thessaly to Macedonia. It is open for visits and tours all year round.

Ancient Livithra

Ancient Leivithra (or Livithra) was an important city of antiquity, built at the foot of Mount Olympus, near the present-day community of Litochoro, Pieria. The city was dedicated to the god Apollo and is particularly known for its connection with Orpheus, the mythical musician and poet. According to tradition, Orpheus was born or lived in Leivithra and his tomb was located there, which was a place of worship. The city flourished during the Archaic and Classical periods, until its destruction – possibly by an earthquake or landslide – according to ancient sources.

Today, the archaeological site of Levithra is an important destination for visitors who want to learn about the history and mythology of Olympus. Parts of walls, residences, public buildings and sanctuaries are preserved, while the park that has been created also houses an outdoor exhibition space. The connection of the place with Orpheus enhances the mystical element of the visit, making Levithra an ideal combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and mythological aura.

Orlias Stream

Orlia Stream, also known as Orlia Stream, is one of the most impressive natural landscapes of Mount Olympus and is located near the village of Dion in Pieria. It is a small mountain stream that descends from the slopes of the mountain, creating a series of waterfalls, natural platforms and lakes with crystal clear waters. The area is lush, with lush vegetation and towering plane trees, and offers a unique experience to those who love hiking, nature and the coolness of water. Access is relatively easy and the path leading to the waterfalls is popular, especially in the summer months.

The stream has also been linked to mythology, as it is located near the area of ancient Levithra, birthplace of Orpheus, and it is no coincidence that it is called “Orlias”, probably a variation of Orpheus’ name. Today it is a natural treasure, ideal for activities such as canyoning, landscape photography or simply a refreshing dip in one of its pools. Orlias offers the visitor a rare sense of tranquility and connection with nature, in a setting that seems almost magical.

Olympus Festival

The Olympus Festival is one of the most important cultural institutions in Northern Greece, based in Pieria and centered on the ancient theater of Dion. It was founded in 1972 and since then has hosted theatrical performances, concerts, dance events and speech events every summer, combining culture with the history and natural beauty of the region. The festival utilizes historical and archaeological sites, lending a unique atmosphere to the events and creating a special dialogue between the past and the present.

The event has hosted great Greek and international artists over the years, while often the honored country is a foreign country, offering the opportunity for cultural exchange and extroversion. In addition to the artistic events, the Olympus Festival also emphasizes the experiential experience of the visitor, highlighting local history, gastronomy and tradition. With the mythical Olympus as a backdrop, the festival is a reference point for the culture of Pieria and a pole of attraction for thousands of spectators every year.

Olympus Marathon

The Olympus Marathon is an international mountain running race held annually on Mount Olympus, starting at the archaeological site of Dion and finishing in Litochoro. The race was first held in 2004 and is part of the Skyrunner World Series, attracting athletes from all over the world. The 44-kilometer route follows the ancient sacred path of pilgrims who climbed the peaks of Olympus to honor Zeus. Runners start at an altitude of 3 meters and reach 2,780 meters, passing by the “Throne of Zeus” and the Plateau of the Muses, covering a total of 3,350 meters of positive elevation gain.

The event also includes other races, such as the Olympus Ultra (71 km), the Olympus Vertical (4.25 km with 1,024 m of elevation gain), the “Eagles’ View” (12.5 km) and the Melindra Trail (5 km). These races offer a variety of options for athletes of different levels and preferences. The Olympus Marathon experience combines the athletic challenge with the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Mount Olympus, making it one of the most iconic mountain running races in Greece and internationally.