Atrion Highland Hotel

Atrion Highland Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel, is built at an altitude of 850m in the old village of Elatochori in Pieria.

Ideally located in one of the most famous mountainous destinations of Northern Greece, it is considered as a sophisticated luxury boutique hotel for travelers wishing to escape from the day routine and experience the ultimate Swiss landscape, in less than 2 hours from Thesaloniki.

The impressive décor of Atrion Highland Hotel welcomes the guests and the surprises go on. Sit by the fireplace in your room, enjoy the vast green views from the private balconies reaching until Thermaikos Gulf, The ultimate winter fun called 'ATRION', can satisfy even the most demanding travelers.

THE HOTEL

Atrion Highland is located in the central square of the picturesque village of Elatochori, Pieria. The 16 high quality rooms and suites of Atrion Highland Hotel are individually decorated with elegant furniture, stylish fabrics, antiques and chic upholstery.

The guests are welcomed to the café bar to enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine and snacks during the day and night. The impressive décor with rock and wood, the music melodies and the light of the candles constitute a cozy atmosphere. 

The day in Atrion Highland hotel starts with a rich traditional breakfast which includes homemade marmalades, local recipes with the most fresh ingredients. The hotel has a meeting room with all the necessary audiovisual equipment which can host max 60 people.

After a tiring day at the mountain visitors are invited to relax at the indoor pool-hydro massage and enjoy moments of rejuvenation at the 2 saunas of ATRION  SPA. Massage services are provided upon request.

 The ski center is 8km away, the city of Katerini is 36 km and Macedonia airport of Thessaloniki is 112km away. Transfer to and from the airport can be arranged upon request.

LOCATION

Elatohori is one of the most beautiful winter destinations not only in Northern Greece, but in the whole country. The breathtaking views of Mount Olympus combined with the blue waters of Thermaikos Gulf stimulate all the 5 senses of the visitors. The wild beauty of the mountainous nature with its dense forests,  the picturesque houses of the village and the ski resort, make the area very attractive for winter breaks lovers.

It is worth visiting the Mountaineering refuge Sarakatsana in altitude 1850 m, the retreat of Milia Mountain at an altitude of 1150 m and the mountaineering shelter Flampouro at an altitude of 1900 m.

ACTIVITIES

Archeological sites

The Prefecture of Pieria is an attraction for every visitor due to its great historical and archaeological interest, as it brings together a wealth of findings, ranging from the Neolithic village of Makrigialos, Ancient Pydna, Dion and the Castle of Platamonas. A number of monasteries and churches witness the long history of the area.

Ancient Dion

In the foothills of Mount Olympus and just 5 km from the Pierian coast lies the ancient Dion, the sacred city of Macedonians in an beautiful green area that is submerged by waters. The ancient Dion was named after Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods.

Castle of Platamonas

At the foothills of Mount Olympus, on a hill beside the sea, stands the castle of Platamonas built between 6th-10th century, one of the most impressive and important medieval castles in the Greek area.

Religious tourism

The Holy Monastery of St. Dionysios of Olympus is perhaps the most important monastery in the prefecture of Pieria. Located on Mount Olympus, at an altitude of 900m. is in a naturally fortified position in between two streams and is 18 km away from Litochoro.

The Old Monastery was founded in the 16th century and during the Turkish Domination enjoyed economic and spiritual prosperity. After 1821 it was occupied by the Turkish army and was burned and looted. In 1943 it was blown up by the Nazis because the Greek rebels were hiding inside the Monastery. Today develops spiritual and philanthropic activity, daylong confessions and spiritual teachings every Sunday morning.

The church of Panagia KONTARIOTISSA is the oldest Byzantine monument of Pieria. The rare architectural form and its limited decoration is dated from the early 11th century. The particular temple is built with materials from the archaeological site of Dion.

The monastery of the Holy Trinity is 4 km from Vrondou at an altitude of 500m. Built on a rock on a steep slope, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity was built in the 14th century. Today is a chapel, which attracts many visitors who are impressed by the view of the steep mountain peaks of Olympus.

Saint Nicholas, declared a cultural monument, is located in the ruined village of Old Vrontous. It is a stone built church with steeple and wooden temple. It was built in 1700 and renovated in 1879.

Agia Kori is a pilgrimagee dedicated to an unknown daughter who found a shelter in this church to escape from the Turks. Located 5 km from the village. A path with 173 steps descends into one of the most spectacular gorges of Olympus. Religious ceremonies often take place to the chapel next to a water source that according to the tradition, has miraculous holy water.

Ski center

The Ski center of Elatochori is located in the northeastern part of Pieria Mountains, at an altitude of 1450m, enjoying a prime location with stunning views of Mount Olympus and Aliakmonas. It is only 8 km from the picturesque village of Elatochori, 36 km from Katerini, 474 km from Athens and 105km from Thessaloniki.

Although it is a relatively new ski center, it has become popular among winter sports enthusiasts due to its the excellent infrastructure and the beautiful surrounding nature.

Its facilities include 10 slopes offering a variety of degrees of difficulty for all ski levels from beginners to experienced skiers. There is a separate slope for snowboard and one for sledges. The total length of the slopes exceeds the 12 km.

Visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate, coffess and snacks at the new two-storey chalet, which stands out for its modern aesthetic, Also, there are shops selling and renting ski equipment and ski schools for beginners.

Activities

The exciting natural environment, combining mountain and sea, offers a range of sports activities in the nature, such as mountaineering, hiking, climbing, paragliding, 4x4 vehicle trails, mountain biking, water sports and other activities

In the area of Elatochori there are many hiking trails through dense forests and waterfalls, with beautiful colors and spectacular views, offering a unique experience to the nature lovers.

Trekking routes

Elatochori, Ritini, Vria, Moschohori, Lofos, Saint Spyridonas, Vrontou, Dion, Litochoro.

Elatochori, Ritini, Vria, K. Milia, Fotina, Morna Bridgw, Skotina, Saint Dimitrios, Livadi.

Only four-wheel drive: Elatochori, ski center,Katafigi, Fteri, Skotina, Fotina, Milia, Vria, Ritini, Elatochori.

Elatochori, Rizomata, Sfikia, Monastery of Timios Prodromos, Vergina, Veria, Vima Apostle Paul, Panagia Soumela, Kastania. If you love hiking, then it is good to know that the European tarail E4 passes from Pieria that leads to Mount Olympus. The E4 passes from the peak Flambouro almost parallel to the ski slopes and through the settlements of Ano and Mesi Milia  descends to Kato Milia, reaching Litochoro.

If you choose to walk to the Sarakatsana do not miss to visit the waterfall "Kremasto" with the unique views across Pieria. From here we go to the alpine zone and the glades of real freedom. 

With a Jeep, after the snow has melted, you can reach the peaks of Pieria and in one of them, in "Kourema" you can admire the west side of Pieria, the city of Kozani and Aliakmonas lake.

The coasts of Pieria

The coasts of Pieria are unique both for their great extent, and for the diversity of holidays they offer. Their length is more than 70 km, starting from the village of Nei Pori and the foothills of the mythical Mount Olympus and ending to Methoni and the wetland of Aliakmonas River.

Wide beaches of unspoilt natural beauty and rich golden sand, interrupted by pebbles and pine trees, end to the smooth and warm blue sea. Most beaches have organized settlements with all the necessary tourist infrastructure, cosmopolitan atmosphere and vivid nightlife.

Culture

The cultural identity of the region emerges through a series of cultural and religious events, throughout the year where visitors are invited to participate.

Many cultural events are organized in Elatochori throughout the year.

Kyrialesa, the Day of the Epiphany (January, 6^th ).

Celebration Church of Ritini, (February, 2^nd). Feast with traditional music and dance in the courtyard of the church.

In Elatochori, in the church of St. Nicholas, the Folklore Association of Elatochori organizes during the day of Shrove Monday feast offering meatless dishes.

Day of St. George, held a feast at the monastery of St. George in Ritini.

Feast of St. Constantine and Helen on May 21^st .

“Diplotos” dance, on the third day of Easter.

In celebration of the Holy Spirit, a 3 day festival is held in Ritini.

“Briaziotiko” Fair during the end of academic year.

The reunion of ex-habitants of Elatochori during the last weekend of July, with dances, songs and plays.

The Olympus Festival

The annual Olympus Festival combines music, dance, and theater presentations in the beautiful countryside in August. The evening performances at all of these sites allow visitors to enjoy these unique historic locations at night, when the lighting is magical.

The Olympus Festival contributes to the development of the cultural and economic life of Pieria. Many internationally renowned artists have participated to the festival all the previous years.