Paleos Panteleimon: A unique village
Paleos Panteleimon is south of Pieria, 400 km from Athens, very close to the highway, just 3. 5km and one hour from Thessaloniki. The first images that one sees when coming here impresses and compensates.
Paleos Panteleimon has been classified since 1978 as a traditional settlement with the characteristics of the protection of the cultural heritage of the European Union. The traditional settlement is located on the outskirts of Kato Olympus in its eastern part, at an altitude of 500m and a very short distance from the sea. The village has kept its traditional character and is today a jewel and a reference point of Traditional Architecture in Northern Greece.
The houses are all made of stone from Olympus, which was salvaged by the craftsmen of Makedonia. Everywhere tiled roofs and countless swallows have built their nests. Stone houses perched on steep slopes overlooking the peaks of Mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea. Calderimia cross the village with the characteristic stone decorated on them. The square of the village should be characterized as a large courtyard which houses the church of Agios Panteleimon, the old school, converted into a guesthouse and a traditional café, where you can taste traditional pies and sweets. All this large courtyard is covered by a huge century-old plane tree, two elm trees, ash trees and many dense vines. The hostels are traditional, with lovely gardens and stunning views from the balconies, towards Thermaikos and Mount Olympus.
In the settlement you will find nice guesthouses and other accommodation, taverns and shops selling traditional products, handmade jewellery. In the area of the Centre during the summer months there is a small theatre space where the villagers and the cultural groups of the area organize theatrical and musical performances.
Palios Panteleimon is famous for its delicious chestnuts, which in combination with the tsipouro, a traditonal Greek alcohol drink unique to the region, and the local wines and delicacies take off the flavors and compensate the visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity while you are there to drink a traditional Greek coffee in one of the village’s cafeterias. Most of them are located in the village square near the plane tree. In the summer at the Feast of Agios Panteleimon with the religious events and the second weekend of every October when the famous Kastano-festival of Old Panteleimon is organized.
The beach of Agios Panteleimon is located under the castle of Platamonas. A coast of rare natural beauty, at the foot of Mount Olympus, harmoniously combines pebbles and sand. Coastal resort with crystal clear waters and lush vegetation. Panteleimon Beach is located very close to the restored traditional settlement of Paleos Panteleimon. There you will find excellent taverns and standard guesthouses. The area is very busy during the summer months, while it has an excellent infrastructure of hotels of all categories, small budget guesthouses by the sea, rooms to let, but also many remarkable camping sites for all preferences. Restaurants, fish taverns, ouzerias, snack bars and other eating places offer a variety of flavours for every visitor. Beach bars ensure entertainment and an unforgettable stay in the area. Apart from water sports, you can enjoy paragliding starting from Paleo Panteleimonas and ending at the beach.
