Known as the "Balcony of Mount Olympus," this is one of the most beautiful villages in Greece!
Nestled between the lush slopes of Mount Olympus and overlooking the Thermaic Gulf, Old Panteleimon in Pieria stands out as one of the most picturesque and charming settlements in the country. This small village, home to just 40 permanent residents, has managed to preserve its beauty and authenticity, despite the challenges it has faced over the years.
A Scenic Blend of Nature and Tradition
Old Panteleimon is located at an altitude of 440 meters and is built with stone houses, narrow alleys, and shaded cobbled streets, creating the feel of a living museum of traditional life. Its architecture blends Macedonian style with the traditions of the Epirus region, as it was constructed by craftsmen from Epirus over four centuries ago.
Here, the beauty of nature harmoniously combines with the architectural charm of the past, giving the impression that time has stopped. With its red-tiled roofs and quaint streets, the village is classified as a traditional settlement and is widely known as the "Balcony of Mount Olympus"!
A History of Resilience
The history of Old Panteleimon is full of contradictions. Once a thriving center, the village experienced significant depopulation starting in the 1950s when its residents, due to difficult living conditions, moved en masse to the larger settlement of New Panteleimon. This internal migration gave the village an abandoned feel, as most of the houses remained closed and uninhabited for decades.
However, the situation began to change in the mid-1980s, when efforts to restore the village began to pay off, and the area started to see tourist development.
Revitalization and Modern Touches
What’s remarkable about the fairy-tale village of Old Panteleimon is that it only got electricity in 2001! After a request from the residents to the municipal authorities—and only under the condition that the village’s traditional appearance be preserved—underground electrification was carried out!
Today, the village, with its authentic charm and restored appearance, attracts visitors from all over Greece. The revival of Old Panteleimon and the conservation of its traditional architecture have made it an important tourist destination, where visitors can experience a village that maintains its authenticity and vitality, blending tradition with modern life.
A Filming Location
The beauty of Old Panteleimon has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers. Its idyllic landscape served as the backdrop for several movies and television productions. In the early 1980s, director Theo Angelopoulos filmed scenes for his movie Megalexandros in Old Panteleimon. In 2008, the village was also featured as the setting for the television adaptation of the novel Blood-soaked Lands by Dido Sotiriou, directed by Kostas Koutsomytis.
Ideal for Hiking and Exploration
The village offers countless opportunities for hiking, as it is strategically located for exploring the natural beauty of Pieria, Mount Olympus, and the Aliakmonas area.
Old Panteleimon is the perfect destination for those who wish to enjoy the serenity of the mountains, explore the trails of Mount Olympus, or simply relax while savoring a traditional Greek coffee brewed over hot coals, or a warm glass of kumaroca at one of the village’s picturesque cafés.
A Peaceful Escape
For those looking for a peaceful escape, Old Panteleimon offers an unparalleled experience of nature, tradition, and tranquility, making it one of the most beautiful villages in Greece.
Watch the video to confirm its beauty…
