Leptokaria holidays

Holidays to Leptokaria deliver big on historic daytrips, without straying too far from sandy shores.

On the Olympus Riviera

Leptokaria’s name might tell you where it is on the world map. But did you know this town sits right at the foot of Mount Olympus – Greece’s tallest mountain, and the home of twelve Olympian gods? The national park’s myth-laden peaks are just a 45-minute drive away, so staying here puts you in prime position for treks to the summit. Plus, Dion Archaeological Park is only 20 minutes away by car, which puts you within easy reach of temples, villas and theatres from the Ancient Greek and Roman times. And it’s half that to Platamon Castle, a Byzantine fortress with mountain views.

Fossils and flip-flops

On days when you’re planning to stay put, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied. Start the morning with a freddo espresso – that’s the local version of an iced latte, not a shot of coffee poured over the famous frog-shaped chocolate bar – then visit the Olympus Geological History Museum. It’s home to bits and bobs from the ‘Mountain of the Gods’, like fossils and crystals, and is right by a traditional Greek Orthodox church. Or, skip the caffeine and spend the day snoozing on the beach. There are loads of Blue Flag numbers nearby, from quiet pebble-and-sand stretches to family-friendly spots where you can try your hand at watersports.

The seafood diet

If you’re having visions of tucking into pillowy gyros full to the brim with wafer-thin slices of marinated meat, fresh onion salad and cooling dollops of tzatziki, you’ll be glad to know that Leptokaria has lots of authentic Greek tavernas. However, you might want to push the boat out a bit. This place is known for grilling everything from sea bass to squid – in fact, locals love seafood so much they snack on fried anchovies, rather than crisps. There are a couple of food markets a week, too, so you can bring some local produce home with you. We’re thinking honey and olive oil…