Elatochori, an ideal destination for all seasons

Elatohori, a mountainous village in Pieria, is built at the foot of the Pieria Mountains at an altitude of about eight hundred meters, with a population of about 500 inhabitants. Situated in a special position overlooking Mount Olympus and the plain of Katerini (28 km away), as well as the Thermaikos Gulf and Thessaloniki, it is an easily accessible destination for relaxation. Elatochori is basically divided into the Old Elatochori (the old settlement), and the newest settlement, which is a bit lower in altitude. Palaio Elatochori was originally called Skouterna, since the occupation of the inhabitants during the Ottoman age with the processing of the woolen weaver, and was given its present name in 1929. It is worth mentioning that the Pieria Mountains have a peak reaching an altitude of 2,194 meters with the name “Flambouro”.

The area of ​​Elatohori has grown in recent years with the creation of the Ski Center in 2001. Especially the old Elatohori, which was destroyed in 1944 by the Germans, was actually reborn, with new houses being built and new businesses opened (restaurants, cafes, hostels) , respecting the nature and architecture of the past, thus preserving the picturesque nature of the old village. In recent years, the old Elatochori village is a favorite destination both for the inhabitants of Pieria and for visitors from all over Greece where they come to enjoy nature and local recipes.

The Elatohori area offers the visitor a wide range of activities, making it ideal for the four seasons of the year. Climbing, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, horseback riding, 4×4 routes, a simple walk through the lush mountain are just some of the choices the visitor has. It is worth visiting the “Sotiri Rema” waterfall, which is about four kilometers from the village on the way to the ski resort. Also try to find the Ai Neri, where there is a small chapel where St. Anthony was practiced according to the tradition and the water falling from the roof of the small cave is said to have healing properties. At an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters, with a breathtaking view of Olympus and Thessaloniki, you will find the plateau of Sarakatsana. On the way to the plateau do not forget to find the waterfall “Kremasto”, which is not visible from the street. You can also see the ancient quarry (Sedoukia), Agios Georgios Monastery, Paliopanagia and Agios Nikolaos Temple. Finally, we must say that Elatohori is a favorite destination for the mushroom lovers.

The ski center of Elatohori (http://www.elatohori-ski.gr) is 8 km from the village and 36 km from the city of Katerini. At the base of the ski resort, at the “Papa Chorafi” place at an altitude of 1,450 meters, there is a modern chalet with a restaurant and café-bar. At the same location you can find equipment rental for ski, snowboard, snowmobile, children’s sleds, etc. as well as a ski school. The ski center also has a full-service first-aid clinic with a permanent doctor daily.