July 2015 we decided to go somewhere on vacation and we needed to go right away. Looked for some last minute offers and one of them was Platamon in Greece. It had sandy beaches and salty water so the criteria was satisfied :)
Platamon (Greek: Πλαταμώνας Platamonas) is a town and sea-side resort in south Pieria, Central Macedonia, Greece. It is part of the Municipal unit of East Olympos of the Dio-Olympos municipality.
It is located on the Aegean Sea coast, near Mount Olympus.
After long night drive and some 10 hours of driving we were almost there.
First great view and a sign that we are close was Mount Olympus, highest mountain in Greece. It is also famous because in Greek mythology it was a home of the king of the gods Zeus god of sky and thunder.
Mount Olympus from the road
We found the place where we are staying and beach was 50m from it so we wanted to go for a swim right away. Fortunately owner of the vila stopped us and worn us that this beach if full of sea urchins and he was not kidding, it was like heaven for them, all urchins in the world when they die go here :) If you don't know what sea urchin is CLICK HERE
terrace in our accommodation
Mount Olympus from our terrace
Beach some 15min from our accommodation, urchin free :)
The Platamon Castle is a Crusader castle built between 1204 and 1222, it was an important strategic position along the main road from Thessaly to Macedonia. These days it is used as one of the Olympus Festival venues, also theatrical performances and concerts take place here.
Contrary all my life habits, for some reason, i was waking up early. Usually letting everybody to sleep and going for the morning swim. That day woke up really early and went for a morning photo walk.
Detail from a coffee shop where i was getting my morning dose of caffeine
Don't know what is the name of the game, but everybody was playing it and it is fun :)
we also visited Waterland in Thessaloniki
I am more of a sunset guy (it is easier then waking up early :) ), but in Platamon you get sunrise on the sea, so you have to wake up to see it, and it was worth it.
Overall Platamon is really nice place, especially for nice, quiet vacation. It has many nice restaurants, beaches are beautiful, it is not overcrowded, and people are pleasant. It is not for the party people as everything goes quiet around midnight.
Beautiful sandy beaches and salty water sometimes is all i want from a summer vacation :D