The town, which is one of the newest in Greece, has a population of
83,764 (according to the 2001 census). It is near the city of
Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial
for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible
from the main Thessaloniki–Athens highway GR-1/E75 (with two
interchanges near the town) and the Egnatia Odos to the north. It is
served by both Intercity and local trains on the main railway line from
Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and
national bus service with its hub in the town.
A popular tourist
destination, Katerini is close to the sea (6 km) and to several
archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion
(5th century BC, 17 km away) and the Venetian Castle of Platamon. The
beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympiaki Akti (or Katerinoskala) are
visited by both Greek and international tourists during the summer. The
base of Mount Olympus and the town of Litochoro, are at a distance of
around 20 kilometres from the centre of Katerini
