Holidays in Pieria (Greece): tours from Almaty from 996,000 ₸

Holidays in Pieria are northern Greece, the Olympic Riviera with a mild sea and mountains nearby. The best months are May, June, September and October: warm, but without peak heat. There are no direct flights from Almaty; they fly with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Athens to Thessaloniki, then about an hour to the coast. The beach season lasts from late May to early October.

How to prepare for a trip to Pieria from Kazakhstan?

A trip to Pieria begins long before departure. A tourist from Almaty gathers documents, insurance and money, and peace of mind on the road depends on how far in advance everything is ready.

What you need to know before departure

A trip to Pieria from Kazakhstan requires a Schengen visa, and it is arranged in advance. The processing time can take up to fifteen calendar days, so you should not delay submitting. For tours to Pieria, the package of documents is prepared through a tour operator or submitted independently. Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros is a mandatory condition, and it is arranged together with the other documents. The Greek side usually requests confirmation of accommodation booking and return tickets. Holidays are planned so that a margin of a couple of weeks remains between submission and departure. Tours to Pieria are more convenient to take with an already assembled package, then there are fewer reasons to rush.

Insurance and money

Greece is part of the eurozone, so tenge is exchanged for euros in advance or withdrawn from ATMs on site. A trip costs less if part of the sum is kept in cash. Cards are not accepted everywhere: small taverns and shops may not have a terminal. Insurance should be chosen with a coverage margin and with included activities if hikes to Mount Olympus are planned. Tours often include basic insurance, but its terms are better checked before departure. Small expenses for transfer, cafes and souvenirs are more convenient to cover with cash euros. The cost of the tour usually includes the flight, accommodation and transfer, while meals, excursions and personal expenses are paid separately.

How to get to the Greek coast?

There are no direct flights Almaty — Thessaloniki, so the route is built with a connection. Then they get to the coast by ground transport, and the journey takes about an hour.

Routes with a transfer from Almaty

From Almaty to Thessaloniki they fly with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Athens. A trip to Pieria begins with choosing a convenient transfer point. Istanbul gives a short flight to Thessaloniki, but requires time for the transfer. Through Athens the route is longer, but there are more flights. Tours to Pieria usually include a flight with one connection. Pieria Greece is a region in the north of the country, and the nearest major airport is precisely in Thessaloniki. The total travel time with a connection is noticeably longer than the flight itself, so a margin is allowed. In case of a late arrival, an overnight stay in Thessaloniki is planned in advance.

Transfer from Thessaloniki and car rental

From Thessaloniki airport to Pieria they travel by KTEL bus or a rented car, the journey takes about an hour. With a car, holidays here are more convenient: public transport between villages runs rarely. An international driving licence and car insurance are mandatory if rental is planned. It is better to order a transfer to the hotel in advance, especially in case of a late arrival. Tours to Pieria often include a group transfer, then they meet you in the arrivals hall. Renting gives the freedom to reach Dion, Pydna and Platamonas Castle without being tied to a schedule. Pieria Greece is a compact region, and a car pays off already on the second trip to the sights.

Where to stay on the Olympic Riviera

The Olympic Riviera is the second name of the coast of Pieria, and accommodation here is sought by the sea. Hotels, apartments and guest houses differ in price and convenience for a family.

Hotels and apartments by the sea

Accommodation is booked in advance: in high season, hotels by the sea in Katerini and Paralia are taken months ahead. A trip to Pieria in May or October costs less than at the height of summer. Apartments and guest houses are often cheaper than hotels and provide a kitchen. Pieria Greece offers options both in noisy towns and in quiet villages by the water. Tours to Pieria usually place tourists in beachfront hotels. When choosing, it is worth looking at the distance to the beach and the availability of air conditioning. The closer to the sea, the higher the price, but the shorter the walk with a towel.

Accommodation for holidays with children

For a trip with children, hotels with a pool and a gentle entry into the sea are chosen. Family holidays here are more convenient in apartments with a kitchen and a washing machine. Pieria Greece is known for calm beaches where the entry into the water is smooth. Tours to Pieria for families often include half board meals. Children's clubs and animation are not available everywhere, this is clarified before booking. A room on the ground floor with access to the pool saves the parents' energy. Quiet villages like Paralia suit those who want less noise in the evenings.

What to see in the surroundings

The coast of Pieria stands between the sea and the mountains, and there are plenty of historical spots nearby. From the coastal towns it is easy to reach Olympus, Dion and Pydna.

Mount Olympus and Platamonas Castle

Mount Olympus is nearby, trips to it are organised from the coastal towns. A trip to Pieria often includes a day on the slopes and at the viewpoints. Platamonas Castle is a popular stop on the way between the coast and the mountain. Pieria Greece keeps a Byzantine fortress on a rock with a view of the bay. Tours to Pieria sometimes add such outings to the programme. The road to the castle takes little time, but requires comfortable shoes. It is better to go up in the morning, while it is not hot and there are fewer people.

Dion and ancient Pydna

Dion Archaeological Park and the ancient city of Pydna are the main historical points of the region. A holiday here looks incomplete without them: both places are connected with ancient history. Dion lies at the foot of Olympus, among the ruins of temples and mosaics. Pieria Greece is proud of Pydna, where mosaic floors and remains of buildings have been preserved. Tours to Pieria often bring tourists here specifically. About a couple of hours are allotted for visiting each place. In summer it is better to go in the morning and take water, there is little shade at the excavations.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

Gastronomic impressions and souvenirs

Greek cuisine in Pieria is based on olive oil, vegetables and fish. Local wines and oil are taken away as souvenirs, and taverns serve simple and filling food.

Local wines and olive oil

Local wines and olive oil are worth trying and taking away as a souvenir. A trip to Pieria looks incomplete without tasting: the region's wines are made from autochthonous varieties. Pieria Greece is famous for first-press oil, it is bought directly from producers. A bottle of wine is convenient to carry in luggage, and oil — in sturdy packaging. Tours to Pieria sometimes include a visit to a winery. Prices in roadside shops are lower than at the airport. It is better to buy in the last days so as not to carry extra weight.

Taverns and payment specifics

In the taverns of Pieria they serve home-style food, and the bill is often brought with a small complimentary treat. A holiday here is cheaper if you eat in places farther from the promenade. Pieria Greece accepts cards in large establishments, but in small taverns cash is more reliable. Tours to Pieria usually do not include lunches, they are paid on the spot. Tips are left optionally, usually rounding up the amount. Dinner starts late, after sunset, and lasts unhurriedly.

Briefly

• There are no direct flights from Almaty, they fly with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Athens.
• From Thessaloniki to the coast it is about an hour by bus, transfer or rented car.
• Accommodation by the sea is booked in advance, in high season the choice quickly melts away.
• For a family, apartments with a kitchen and hotels with a pool are more convenient.
• Nearby are Olympus, Platamonas Castle, Dion and ancient Pydna.