Nestled beneath the rugged peak of Mount Olympos, Leptokarya is a coastal town south of Thessaloniki. It’s a popular summertime destination due to its family-friendly beach and is on the doorstep of Leivithra, which is the believed birthplace of the legendary musician and prophet, Orpheus.
Things to do in Leptokaryá
Rocks, minerals and fossils collected from across the region are exhibited at the Olympus Geological History Museum, which was established in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Learn about the formation of Mount Olympus and how it is still being pushed up by the continental plates before getting up close to petrified plants and animals. Examples of the rock types found in the Olympus region are also on display.
Stretching the length of Leptokarya is a pebbly beach with umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. You can refresh with a swim in the Aegean Sea before feasting on locally caught seafood at the waterfront tavernas. Early risers will be treated to magnificent sunrises over the water while night owls can party at one of the beachside bars.
Leptokarya makes an ideal base for visiting the Leivithra Magnetic Field, where water and even cars are said to move uphill. Follow the spectacular, winding road that leads to this surreal spot, which is, in fact, just an optical illusion. If you continue driving east, you’ll reach the Leptokarya Serpentine Road with its dramatic switchback turns.
Getting around Leptokaryá
Leptokarya is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular trains connect from Thessaloniki to the Leptokarya railway station while the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.