In short: the Olympic Riviera (the Greek Pieria) stretches at the foot of Olympus, with about 70 km of sandy beaches and the resorts of Paralia, Leptokaria, Platamon and Litohoro — a blend of sea and mountain.
The Olympic Riviera (the Greek Pieria) stretches at the foot of mythical Olympus and is the closest Greek coast to Belgrade — just about 665 kilometres to Paralia. A belt of long sandy beaches runs from Korinos in the north to the mouth of the river Pinios in the south, and behind the beaches rises the highest Greek mountain with a peak at about 2,918 metres. That combination of sea and mountain, along with the short distance, makes this region ideal for everyone — from families with small children, through lovers of nature and hiking, to those who want a long weekend at the sea without a full day’s drive. For Olympic Riviera holidays 2026 the simplest solution is the door-to-door Belgrade to Paralia minibus transfer, with no changeovers and no carrying cases — with Belgrade as the starting point for travellers from across Serbia.
Resorts of the Olympic Riviera
The riviera offers nine places of different character — from the liveliest tourist centres to calm mountain villages:
- Paralia (Belgrade to Paralia transfer) — the liveliest place on the riviera, with a promenade full of shops, cafés and restaurants, and a sandy beach by the very centre.
- Korinos (Belgrade to Korinos transfer) — a quieter resort north of Paralia, ideal for families seeking peace and affordable accommodation.
- Leptokaria (Belgrade to Leptokaria transfer) — a green place at the foot of Olympus, with a pebble-and-sand beach and streams, a favourite starting point for the mountain.
- Platamon (Belgrade to Platamon transfer) — a medieval castle (kastro) rises above a sandy cove with a gradual entry into the sea.
- Nei Pori (Belgrade to Nei Pori transfer) — the last resort to the south, with a long sandy beach and affordable prices.
- Litohoro (Belgrade to Litohoro transfer) — the “town of the gods” at the foot of Olympus and the main starting point for the ascent to the peak.
- Panteleimon (Belgrade to Panteleimon transfer) — a picturesque traditional village (Palios Panteleimonas) above Platamon, with a panoramic view of the whole riviera.
- Skotina (Belgrade to Skotina transfer) — a calm resort with pines by a long sandy beach, popular with campers.
- Stomio (Belgrade to Stomio transfer) — at the mouth of the river Pinios, with a long beach and lush greenery, on the border of Pieria and Larissa.
All destinations and prices in one place are on the hub page Belgrade to the Olympic Riviera minibus transfer.
Beaches and nature
The main asset of the riviera is its long sandy beaches with a gentle, gradual entry into the sea. Paralia has an organised beach by the very promenade, while Skotina, Nei Pori and Stomio offer more spacious and calmer sandy stretches with pines that give shade. Several beaches on the riviera also fly a Blue Flag for the quality and cleanliness of the sea. Above Platamon rises the medieval crusader castle from the 13th century (built between 1204 and 1222) — from its walls a view opens over the whole coast, and the cove below is one of the most suitable for families.
The hinterland is equally attractive. From Litohoro hiking trails set off towards the peaks of Olympus, and up to them also leads the beautiful Enipeas gorge with a path through the canyon, waterfalls and natural pools. For lovers of history we recommend the archaeological site of Dion — the sacred city and religious centre of ancient Macedonia at the foot of Olympus, just 9 km from Litohoro, with temples, a theatre and a museum. Traditional mountain villages such as Panteleimon (Palios Panteleimonas) round off the offer with stone architecture and taverns with a view.
For families and short breaks
The Olympic Riviera is one of the best Greek choices for families with children. On most beaches the sea is shallow and calm, with a sandy bottom and a gradual entry — in Platamon and Paralia children can paddle metres from the shore. Accommodation is affordable, and the promenades are flat and suitable for prams.
Precisely because of its closeness — the closest Greek coast to Belgrade — the riviera is also excellent for long weekends and short breaks. Instead of spending half your holiday on the road, you are on the coast in the morning hours and have the whole day for the sea. This makes it ideal for the May Day holidays, weekend escapes during the season and shorter summer breaks.
How to get to the Olympic Riviera — minibus transfer from Belgrade
The route runs via North Macedonia and the Bogorodica – Evzoni border crossing. The distance to Paralia is about 665 km, which makes it the closest Greek coast to Belgrade, and the journey takes about 8–9 hours. Departure is at night, at 21:00h, so you sleep through most of the journey and reach the coast rested, ready for your first day on the beach.
We drive door to door — we pick you up at your address in Belgrade and drop you off right in front of your accommodation, with no changeovers and no carrying cases to bus stations. Because of the shorter distance, this is the fastest link to the Greek sea — prices start from €80 per person one way. See all the details about the route on the Belgrade to the Olympic Riviera minibus transfer page, and the full prices per destination in the price list — for example, the price for Platamon or the price for Paralia. If you are looking for a minibus transfer from Belgrade to Pieria, this region is the fastest link to the Greek sea.
Food and tips
Greek cuisine on the riviera is generous and affordable — from fresh seafood in the coastal taverns, through classics such as moussaka, souvlaki and Greek salad, to local wines and ouzo. For a different experience, climb up to the mountain villages: in Litohoro and Palios Panteleimonas the taverns offer grilled meat, mountain teas and views to remember.
A few practical tips: book your accommodation and transfer in good time, as the season is short and in demand; for the ascent of Olympus bring trainers and water and set off early in the morning; and if you travel with children, places such as Korinos, Skotina and Platamon offer the calmest beaches. Dion and the Enipeas gorge are best visited before noon, while it is not hottest.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the minibus journey from Belgrade to the Olympic Riviera?
The journey takes about 8–9 hours. The Olympic Riviera is the closest Greek coast to Belgrade, with about 665 km to Paralia. Departure is at night, at 21:00h, so you reach the coast early in the morning.
Which is the closest sea to Belgrade by minibus in Greece?
The Olympic Riviera (Pieria) is the closest Greek sea to Belgrade — Paralia is about 665 km away. That is why it is also the fastest link to the Greek sea by minibus.
How much is the minibus to Paralia?
The price starts from €80 per person one way. The exact prices per place are in the price list.
Is the Olympic Riviera good for families with children?
Yes. The beaches are sandy with a shallow and gradual entry into the sea, especially in Platamon, Paralia and Korinos, which is ideal for families with small children.
What can be visited besides the beach on the Olympic Riviera?
The most visited are archaeological Dion (about 9 km from Litohoro), the Enipeas gorge with a path through the canyon and Olympus itself with the highest peak Mytikas at about 2,918 m. Litohoro is the main starting point for the ascent of the mountain.
