Platamonas Travel Guide

Explore Platamonas, Greece with this ultimate travel guide featuring things to do, places to eat, where to stay, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Platamonas

Platamonas is a coastal town located in Northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. It sits roughly halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki and offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Greece’s major cities. With stunning beaches, beautiful hikes, and delicious cuisine, Platamonas is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Greece.

List of Places to Visit in Platamonas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castle of Platamonas: This medieval castle stands on a hill over the town of Platamonas and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the castle’s various rooms and towers and learn about its history through informative signage.

  • Archaeological Museum of Dion: Just a short drive from Platamonas, the Archaeological Museum of Dion is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. The museum showcases ancient artifacts and is home to impressive collections of Hellenistic and Roman art.

  • Ancient Platamonas Theatre: This ancient Greek theatre dates back to the Hellenistic period and is one of the town’s most significant cultural landmarks. Visitors can sit in the theatre’s seats and admire its stunning views of the sea.

Natural Attractions of Platamonas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Olympus: Located just a short drive from Platamonas, Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain and home to the mythical 12 Greek gods. The mountain offers incredible hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and rock formations.

  • Platamonas Beach: The town’s namesake beach is a long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, this beach offers various amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, and beach bars.

  • Thermaikos Gulf: A large gulf located between Macedonia and Thessaly, the Thermaikos Gulf offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and is a popular spot for boat cruises and water sports activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Platamonas

  • Mount Olympus Trail: One of the most popular hiking trails near Platamonas, this trail leads to the Mount Olympus peak and passes through various forests and waterfalls. The trail is considered challenging, so visitors should ensure they’re adequately prepared for the journey.

  • Paliouria-Kissavos Trail: This scenic trail leads through the Kissavos mountain range and is a great option for visitors who want to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Platamonas: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Cruise of Thermaikos Gulf: Visitors can book a boat cruise of the Thermaikos Gulf that offers stunning views of the regions’ coastal towns and stunning blue waters.

  • Wine Tasting at Tsantali Winery: Located a short drive from Platamonas, Tsantali Winery offers visitors the chance to taste the region’s famous wines and learn about the winemaking process in Greece.

  • Cooking Class: Join a local cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Greek dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can learn how to make dishes such as moussaka, stuffed peppers, and tzatziki.

Week-Long Itinerary for Platamonas

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and check into hotel
Day 2 Explore Platamonas Beach and the Castle of Platamonas
Day 3 Hike to the peaks of Mount Olympus
Day 4 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Dion
Day 5 Take a boat cruise of Thermaikos Gulf
Day 6 Wine Tasting at Tsantali Winery
Day 7 Cooking Class and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Platamonas

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moussaka: A classic Greek dish made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

  • Tzatziki: A refreshing dip made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.

  • Koulouri: A type of bread coated with sesame seeds and usually enjoyed for breakfast.

Local Beverages

  • Ouzo: A traditional Greek alcoholic drink made from anise and typically served as an aperitif.

  • Wine: Greece has a long and proud history of winemaking, and visitors can enjoy a variety of wines produced using locally grown grapes.

Where to Stay in Platamonas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Kymata: A beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning sea views.

  • Palace Hotel: A family-friendly hotel located in the town center and offering easy access to Platamonas castle.

  • Guesthouse Aktaion: A cozy, family-run guesthouse with a peaceful garden and traditional Greek decor.

What to Buy in Platamonas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive Oil: Greece is famous for its high-quality olive oil, and visitors can find bottles of locally produced varieties to bring home.

  • Handmade Jewelry: Platamonas is home to several artisan jewelry makers, and visitors can find unique pieces made using local materials.

Local Culture and Customs of Platamonas

Greece has a rich and ancient culture, and visitors to Platamonas can experience a glimpse of the country’s cultural heritage through its historical landmarks, cuisine, and traditions. Visitors should dress appropriately when visiting cultural sites or attending religious events and show respect for local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Platamonas

The best time to visit Platamonas is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warmest, and the sea is at its coldest. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during this time, and prices for accommodation and activities will likely be higher.

Do’s and Don’ts of Platamonas

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, particularly seafood dishes and traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and feta cheese

  • Do explore the natural beauty of the region through hiking and outdoor adventures

  • Do take a boat cruise of Thermaikos Gulf for stunning views of the coastline

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to try local wines and ouzo

  • Don’t leave trash on the beaches and in the natural areas

  • Don’t forget to respect local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Platamonas

Platamonas is generally considered a safe place to travel, with low levels of crime. Visitors should take standard precautions for their personal belongings, avoid walking alone at night, and exercise caution when swimming in the sea.

Health in Platamonas

Greece has a good health care system, and visitors can access quality medical care, including private clinics and hospitals. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance with medical coverage. Visitors should stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun’s rays.

Getting to Platamonas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Platamonas

  • Thessaloniki Airport: This is the closest international airport to Platamonas, located around 100 km away. Several airlines offer direct flights to Thessaloniki from major European cities.

  • Athens International Airport: Located approximately 400 km from Platamonas, Athens International Airport is Greece’s largest airport and offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Platamonas

  • KTEL Bus Station in Katerini: This is the closest KTEL Bus Station to Platamonas, located approximately 20 km away. Visitors can take a bus from KTEL to Platamonas town center.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to travel to Platamonas.

How to Get Around in Platamonas

Walking is the easiest way to get around Platamonas town center and beach. Visitors can rent a car or bike to explore the surrounding areas. Public buses and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Platamonas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city, with a vibrant nightlife scene and rich cultural heritage, is just a short drive from Platamonas.

  • Meteora: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its magnificent cliff-top monasteries and breathtaking views and is a great destination for a day trip from Platamonas.

Conclusion

Platamonas is a stunning coastal town located in Northern Greece, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Whether visitors want to explore Mount Olympus, visit ancient Greek ruins, or simply relax on the beach, Platamonas has something for everyone.

Platamon (and Neoi Poroi in the back) Platamon (and Neoi Poroi in the back) The Castle of Platamon - View of the town from the Castle The Castle of Platamon - View of the town from the Castle View of Olympos Riviera View of Olympos Riviera Night view of Platamon Night view of Platamon