Petra brings together forest trails, a striking mountain setting and a rich religious heritage. If you want to include nature and local history in your travel plans, the village and its surroundings offer a range of points of interest.
Forests and Views of Mount Olympus
Petra lies at an altitude of about 400 metres at the foot of the Pieria Mountains. From here, views stretch across Mount Olympus and the Pieria Mountains. Trails around Petra pass through oak and chestnut forests. Trails also lead from Petra up the slopes of Mount Olympus and onwards to the other peaks of the mountain range. Forest paths around the village and climbs towards the peaks of Mount Olympus offer different ways to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The area around Petra is considered peaceful. If you plan a climb, it is advisable to check current trail conditions beforehand. This can help you choose between forest paths and trails leading up to the peaks according to your plans for the day, without assuming a particular walking time or level of difficulty.
Monastery History and Historic Buildings
The Monastery of Panagia Petra is considered the village’s highlight and an important landmark of its religious tradition and history. The old Petra Monastery dates back to the 11th century. Within this old monastery, the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple (Eisodion Theotokou) is an important village monument. There is also an 11th-century chapel of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary on the grounds of the old sanatorium. The Church of Agios Georgios stands in Petra’s square. The village also has several noteworthy old stone buildings.
A bridge with an arch and a church are the only surviving remains that bear witness to the long history of the ancient village of Petra. According to tradition, the small kingdom of Petra, also known as Karakoli, was located in the area. The village’s residents still use Karakoli as the name for the area. If you plan to visit the interiors of the churches or the monastery, it is advisable to check access in advance.
Petra Pass and Activities in the Surrounding Area
The historic Petra Pass, with its gorge, lies five kilometres above the village. West of the entrance to the pass, a Byzantine castle complex stands on a prominent rock. The pass is associated with the passage of the Roman general Emilio Pavlos in 168 BC during his campaign against Perseus, king of Macedonia. The gorge, castle complex and this historical context give the pass a distinct appeal alongside the buildings in the village.
Activities available in the area around Petra include climbing, mountain biking and off-road driving in four-wheel-drive vehicles. If one of these activities is essential to your trip, check specific offers and conditions in advance.
Local Cuisine and Finding a Holiday Apartment
Petra’s culinary scene includes two traditional tavernas serving local dishes, including wild boar and venison. If you plan to eat there, it is a good idea to check opening hours in advance.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: trails and mountain scenery, monastery history and old buildings, or the landscape around Petra Pass. Then compare the specific details of each listing so that your choice of accommodation suits your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Platamonas, Andromachi, Paralia, Panteleimonas, Sevastí, Katachas, Leptokaria, Raralia Panteleimonos
For the full travel overview: Pieria.
