Katerini

Katerini (Greek: Κατερίνη, romanized: Kateríni, pronounced [kateˈrini]) is a city and a municipality in northern Greece. It is the capital of the Pieria regional unit in Central Macedonia. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mount Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m. The municipality of Katerini has a population of 82,892 (according to the 2021 census). It is the second most populous urban area in the Greek region of Macedonia after Thessaloniki. The close distance between the two cities (68 km), has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible from the A1/E75 Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (with the Katerini's South, East and North interchanges) and the A2 motorway to the north. It is served by Intercity, Proastiakos (suburban train) and local trains on the main Athens-Thessaloniki railway line and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the city. A popular tourist destination in northern Greece, Katerini is close to the sea (7 km) and to several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion (5th century BC, 17 km away), ancient Leivithra (27 km away), ancient Pydna (16 km away) and the Castle of Platamon. The beaches of Kallithea, Korinos, Olympiaki Akti (or Katerinoskala), Paralia (where the 3rd Port Authority Department of Skala Katerini is located), Peristasi are visited by both Greek and foreign tourists during the summer season. The base of Mount Olympus and the town of Litochoro, are at a distance of around 20 km from the center of Katerini. The ski center of Elatochori in Mount Pieria is at a distance of 33.4 km from the city's center.