The village is now a tourist destination attracting visitors in every season
Skotina in Pieriacombines winter and summer. Snow and sea. It is located on the southeastern outskirts of Olympus mountain. On the one hand there is the highest mountain in Greece. On the other, the village reaches down to its shores. The village has a strange history. It’s moved three times!
The starting point of events was in Kalampaka. The historical course, followed by the inhabitants of the village, begins with the abandonment of the first village they had in that area. Even today one can find debris in Kalambaka. The new village was created in Verdikousa. The spot where today’s Forest of Skotina is located.
The inhabitants of Skotina were forced to leave their village again. The new settlement was built in today’s Upper Skotina or Old Skotina. The construction was undertaken by craftsmen from Epirus prefecture. The folk tradition says that they built the settlements of Pelion Mountain as well and then left the village again. It is said that, in 1972, the last Skotina resident was relocated to present-day Skotina.
The Greek village where women have the first say
The name of the village, according to the prevailing version of the tradition, is due to the “skoutia”. That is, its woollen fabrics. The “skoutia” were made in the area and from them capes or sails were made for the sailboats of the time.
Tourist destination
The village is now a tourist destination. Hotels and restaurants can be found in the wider area, attracting guests all year round. The area has a strong ecclesiastical tradition and there are many attractions and monuments. Among them, there are ancient settlements. The oldest winery in the world has been discovered on the beach. Nearby, in Ano (Upper) Scottina, several abandoned houses have been restored. As a result, the traditional architecture has been preserved.
Where is it located?
Scottina is located next to the A75 National Road (Athens-Thessaloniki). The settlement is only 1 km from the aforementioned road. It is coverd regularly by the Pieria Bus, thus connecting Skotina with the surrounding areas. Katerini, Litochoro, Leptokya, Neo Panteleimon, Platamonas, Neos Poros. Access to Palea (Old) Skotina is via the paved road from the village of Agios Panteleimonas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Skotina village moved three times throughout its history. It was first located in Kalampaka, then relocated to Verdikousa where the Forest of Skotina is now situated. Finally, in 1972, the last residents were relocated to present-day Skotina. The reasons for these relocations are rooted in the village's complex historical circumstances and the need for better living conditions.
Skotina is located in Pieria, on the southeastern outskirts of Mount Olympus in Greece. The village is situated just 1 km from the A75 National Road (Athens-Thessaloniki) and is easily accessible by the Pieria Bus, which connects it to nearby areas including Katerini, Litochoro, and Platamonas.
According to tradition, the name Skotina derives from 'skoutia,' which refers to woolen fabrics that were manufactured in the area. These fabrics were used to make capes and sails for sailboats during ancient times, giving the village its distinctive name.
Skotina offers several attractions including ancient settlements, the oldest winery in the world discovered on the beach, and restored traditional houses in Ano (Upper) Skotina that showcase preserved traditional architecture. The village also features strong ecclesiastical traditions with numerous churches and monuments, making it a popular year-round tourist destination.
Yes, Skotina is an excellent tourist destination that attracts visitors in every season. The village combines both winter and summer experiences with snow from Mount Olympus and access to the sea. It offers hotels, restaurants, historical monuments, archaeological sites, and well-preserved traditional architecture, making it ideal for year-round tourism.
