Paralia Maps

Paralia (full name: Paralia Katerinis) is a seaside resort town on the Aegean coast of the Pieria regional unit in Central Macedonia. Located approximately 6 kilometers east of Katerini, the town has a permanent population of around 4,000 residents, which increases significantly during summer months. The name "Paralia" simply means "beach" or "seaside" in Greek.

The town developed primarily in the late 20th century as a beach resort, with most construction occurring after the 1970s. The waterfront features a long promenade extending several kilometers along the sandy beach, lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. The beach is one of the longest in Greece, stretching continuously for approximately 9 kilometers.

Paralia serves as a popular summer destination for both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Eastern European countries. The town is situated at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and mythological home of the ancient Greek gods, visible from the beach on clear days. The port area accommodates small fishing boats and recreational vessels.

The nearby town of Katerini, the regional capital, offers historical sites and museums, while Paralia focuses primarily on beach tourism. The area provides access to nearby attractions including ancient Dion, an important archaeological site at the base of Mount Olympus that served as a sacred city of the ancient Macedonians. The Olympic Beach area to the north continues the coastal resort development. Local festivals during summer months include music concerts and cultural events along the promenade.