The mountainous village of Palaios Panteleimonas on the slopes of Mount Olympus serves as proof that Greece is much more than popular islands and stunning beaches and has much to offer the lovers of nature and mountain explorers.

Built four centuries ago at an altitude of 500 meters, the village took its name from the church of Saint Panteleimon which still stands in the central square of the village among ancient plane trees.

Next to the church are many traditional tavernas that serve local delicacies accompanied by traditional tsipouro made from cranberries gathered on the slopes of Mt. Olympus. After your meal you can try Greek coffee baked on embers, the same way it was prepared centuries ago.

A number of shops offer hand-made traditional delicacies and natural products such as spoon sweets, home-made jams, flower honey, herbs and spices that you can sample and buy. Throughout the year, this area hosts many interesting social and cultural events like the Chestnut Festival.

For the lovers of nature and action, there are plenty of activities offered in the area such as hiking, mountain biking, or paragliding. It can be combined with a visit to nearby Meteora or just a day visit if you are staying in the nearby beach towns. In the winter, the atmosphere of the old traditional buildings, woodfires and stone pathways make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Eating in one of the tavernas should be compulsory regardless of when you visit!