5 Best Hotels in Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia, Greece

Enjoy excellent views of the sea or the peaks at the Dion Palace, which also offers great proximity to the beach, Mount Olympus, and the archaeological site at Dion, and let's not forget the luxury spa, as well as many activities for kids. Rooms are modern, combining wood and metalic colors highlighted by splashes of avocado green and with large bathrooms. Water sports are available through a private operator. KTEL buses on the Thessaloniki-bound Katerini–Litochoro route (Camping Mitikas stop; go through the campground) run every hour in summer, from about 6 am to 9:30 pm.

This guesthouse, expanded and with a new swimming pool, is 700 meters (½ mile) up on the slopes of Mount Olympus, 5 km (3 miles) from Litochoro, on the road to the church of St. John (Agios Ioannis), a local landmark. Beyond the impressive location, this place also offers simple and modern rooms done up in brown and cream, with each having its own fireplace and also amazing views of the bay out the windows. There's no air-conditioning in rooms, but the mountainous location renders it unnecessary. Each has its own fireplace, and they all open up to amazing views of the bay below. The property's six acres also contain a small organic farm, which supplies most of what is offered at breakfast, including free-range eggs, milk, and homemade jams. Much of the produce is also used as ingredients served at the restaurant, don't miss out on the outstanding house red wine while enjoying the stunning views.

Pretty and friendly, this spa hotel—built in 2004—is a great value considering the quality of luxury and comfort on offer. Guest rooms on each of its four floors are done in different styles, such as traditional or modern, and the third-floor suite has a great view of the area. Some rooms have a fireplace and/or hot tub; all have balconies. There are beauty treatment rooms and an indoor pool in the basement. To get here, follow signs up and left from the main square; it's not far, but it's hidden beside the To Pazari taverna.

Perched at the top of Litochoro village is Villa Faki, a simple yet stylish small inn with apartment-like accommodations each with its own balcony. Furnished tastefully and done in muted tones of olive and brown, the hotel has a homey feel, and all the studios and suites here have their own kitchens and fireplaces.

You know you're somewhere special when you see this family-run establishment at the trailhead for Mount Olympus; views stretch to the sea and the mountains—not surprisingly, given the location and the relatively low price for what you get here, reservations are a must, especially on weekends and holidays. All the suites are large (with three or four beds) have fireplaces. From the square it's a 10-minute walk up Enipeos past the Aphrodite Hotel. Continue slightly left after the juncture, turn up Ayiou Dimitriou, and keep going over the bridge; the hotel is on the right.