Dion, Greece

Dion highlights

Known for archaeological park

The Archaeological Park of Dion, the most important archaeological site at Mount Olympus in Greece, features several notable sanctuaries, including those dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis. The Sanctuary of Demeter is the oldest, dating back to the Archaic period, while the Sanctuary of Zeus was built during the Hellenistic period. The site also includes a theater, which, although rebuilt in wood, was once a venue for concerts and shows.

Other places in Greece that we are familiar with

Acrocorinth - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint

Aigai (Aegae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Amphipolis - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological park, monument, museum

Ancient Corinth - Known for archaeological site, museum

Andromonastero - Known for orthodox monastery

Antirrio - Known for bridge, fortress, viewpoint

Arachova - Known for free time, mountain town

Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bassae - Known for archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chalkida - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint

Corfu - Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint

Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint

Corinth canal - Known for landmark, viewpoint

Delphi - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Diakopto - Known for coastal town, railroad, scenic road

Dimitsana - Known for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Diros - Known for cave, coastal town

Dodoni - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Elonas - Known for scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Epidaurus - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galaxidi - Known for coastal town, marina, promenade

Hosios Loukas - Known for orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Igoumenitsa - Known for beach, coastal town, seaport

Ioannina - Known for ancient settlement, fortress, lake, museum, park, venetian empire, orthodox monastery

Kalamata - Known for beach, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Kalampaka - Known for museum, natural phenomenon, viewpoint

Koroni - Known for beach, coastal town, fortress, promenade, viewpoint, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Koronisia - Known for beach, island, lagoon, marina, nature, wildlife

Lamia - Known for castle

Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall

Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife

Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Methoni - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery

Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church

Monodendri - Known for hiking pass, mountain town, museum, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint

Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Oiniadai (Oeniadae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark

Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade

Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral

Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint

Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport

Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife

Rio - Known for beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint

Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site

Thermopylae - Known for landmark, monument

Trikala - Known for castle, park

Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, seaport

Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river

Last reviewed: 13 January 2025

Dion description

The Archaeological Park of Dion is situated at the northeastern foot of Mount Olympus in Northern Greece, approximately 17 kilometers from Katerini and 5 kilometers from the sea. This strategic location allowed Dion to control the narrow defile leading from Macedonia to Thessaly.

Dion was originally a small harbor on the Vaphyras river but was transformed into a sacred city by King Archaelos I at the end of the 5th century BC. Archaelos built a sanctuary to Zeus, and the city became known as Dion, meaning ＂of Zeus＂ in Greek. Over time, additional sanctuaries dedicated to Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis were constructed, making Dion a significant religious and cultural site for the Macedonians.

The archaeological park spans 150 hectares, with nearly 50 hectares dedicated to the urban area and another 50 hectares to the sanctuaries. The site includes residential buildings, a market square, public buildings, churches, bathhouses, and various workshops. The sanctuaries, theaters, and cemetery are located outside the city area.

The park is characterized by its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies, lizards, and frogs. This natural beauty, combined with the ancient ruins, creates a unique and captivating environment for visitors.

Dion is interesting for tourists due to its rich history and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of historical figures like Alexander the Great, who made sacrifices to Zeus here before his conquests. The site offers a glimpse into ancient Macedonian culture and the blend of Hellenistic and Roman influences. The nearby archaeological museum, which houses many of the artifacts found at the site, adds to the visitor experience.

Despite being rediscovered in 1806 and excavated since the 1920s, the site has been left largely unrestored to reflect the passage of time. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the fragility and authenticity of the ancient structures. The best times to visit are June and September, when the landscape is either lush and green or drier, offering different but equally fascinating experiences.

Dion related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Dion during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Dion.

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Dion. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Exploring Montenegro Albania Greece in 17 days tour from Tivat. All seasons tour across Southern Balkans: UNESCO sites, fortresses, monasteries. all seasons tour 17 days Price from € 4,459 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Tivat, Montenegro tour finishes in: Thessaloniki, Greece tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Albania, Greece, Montenegro tour destinations: Aigai, Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Budva, Dajbabe, Dion, Dodoni, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Ioannina, Kotor, Krujë, Larissa, Litochoro, Meteora, Pella, Trikala, Veria We welcome you to the 17 days all seasons tour across Southern Balkans. We will explore 3 countries: Montenegro, Albania, Greece. In Montenegro, we will visit town Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. In coastal town Budva we will walk its narrow streets of historical center and surrounding walls. We also will visit Old Bar, the settlement known from Byzantine Empire ages. On the way to Albania we will visit cave monastery Dajbabe with unique frescoes. In Albania, we need to see historical center of town Krije and its museum, admire ancient theater in Durres, wonder on beautiful sea on Divjaka beach, and come to sleep in town Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows. After Berat, we will visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), and come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum. In Greece, we will stay in mainland, and see fortress of Ioannina, together with historical town and Silversmithing museum. We will admire huge amphitheater at Dodoni archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site), and arrive at evening to town Kalampaka to see famous complex of monasteries Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, we will see a fortress in Trikala, archaeological site with amphitheater in Larissa, and will come to Litochoro in the area of Olympus mountain. Here we need to see Olympus Park museum, St. Dionysios monastery, reach Zilnia viewpoint, and walk in Dion archaeological site. Next important place to see is archaeological site Aegae, and historic center of Veria. On the way to Thessaloniki in town Edessa we will see waterfall and local ancient bridge, and visit archaeological site Pella with its museum.

Central Greece off-season 17 days tour from Athens. Visit UNESCO sites and non-touristy historical places of Greece mainland. off-season only tour 17 days Price from € 5,866 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Athens, Greece tour finishes in: Athens, Greece tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Arachova, Corinth, Delphi, Dion, Eretria, Galaxidi, Hosios Loukas, Lamia, Larissa, Litochoro, Livadeia, Meteora, Mycenae, Nafpaktos, Pella, Servia, Thermopylae, Trikala, Veria, Volos This off-season 17 days tour is interesting for people who would like understand the history of Greece through visit both kind of sites, a well known as UNESCO Word Heritage sites and UNESCO tentative list sites, as well as some non-touristy places, all located on the territory of Central Greece. With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to give you ability to visit the most interesting Central Greece UNESCO places in one tour.

Central Greece off-season 18 days tour from Athens. Visit non-touristy and UNESCO and tentative list sites of Greece mainland. off-season only tour 18 days Price from € 6,279 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Athens, Greece tour finishes in: Athens, Greece tour duration: 18 days (17 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Ancient Corinth, Antirrio, Arachova, Corinth canal, Delphi, Dion, Galaxidi, Hosios Loukas, Lamia, Larissa, Litochoro, Livadeia, Loutraki, Mesolongi, Meteora, Mycenae, Nafpaktos, Oiniadai, Patras, Rio, Sikyon, Thermopylae, Trikala, Veria, Volos This off-season 18 days tour is good for people who would like to touch the history of Greece through visit UNESCO Word Heritage sites, UNESCO tentative list sites, and some of Greece non-touristy places all around of Central Greece. With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. You will visit old fortresses, ancient theaters, sites of few Greece oracles, and of course famous Greece archaeological museums in differ areas. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO sites in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most important Central Greece UNESCO sites in one tour.

Discover Croatia Bosnia Montenegro Albania Greece in 20 days tour. Balkans roadtrip from Zagreb to Thessaloniki via UNESCO sites, old towns, monasteries and fortresses. off-season only tour 20 days Price from € 6,108 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Zagreb, Croatia tour finishes in: Thessaloniki, Greece tour duration: 20 days (19 nights) tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro tour destinations: Aigai, Apollonia, Bar, Blagaj, Budva, Dajbabe, Dion, Dodoni, Dubovac, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Ioannina, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Larissa, Lezhë, Litochoro, Meteora, Mostar, Nehaj, Omiš, Ostrog, Podgorica, Počitelj, Preza, Radimlja, Split, Trebinje, Trogir, Tvrdoš, Zadar, Zavala, Šibenik This 20 days Balkans discovery tour will open for you 5 countries: Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. With this tour we will pass over Adriatic coast and Dalmatian Riviera of Croatia, wonderful hilly nature of Bosnia-Herzegovina, coastal venetian towns of Montenegro, unexpected panoramas and old castles of Albania, and visit famous UNESCO places in Greece. In all 5 countries we will visit most of must-see places. We will walk in medieval and venetian towns in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; will see famous Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Greece; fortified towns in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; archaeological places in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Greece; medieval fortresses of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro; UNESCO sites in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Central Greece off-season 24 days tour from Athens. Visit non-touristy and UNESCO and tentative list sites of Greece mainland. off-season only tour 24 days Price from € 8,069 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Athens, Greece tour finishes in: Athens, Greece tour duration: 24 days (23 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Antirrio, Arachova, Corinth, Delphi, Diakopto, Dion, Eretria, Galaxidi, Hosios Loukas, Kalavryta, Lamia, Larissa, Litochoro, Livadeia, Loutraki, Mesolongi, Meteora, Mycenae, Nafpaktos, Oiniadai, Patras, Pella, Rio, Servia, Thermopylae, Trikala, Veria, Volos This off-season 24 days tour is interesting for people who would like to touch the history of Greece through visit few UNESCO Word Heritage sites, few UNESCO tentative list sites, and some of non-touristy places, all located in Central Greece. With this tour you will walk ancient historical places where are roots of the culture of our civilization. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of Central Greece UNESCO places in one tour.

Greece off-season UNESCO places tour 27 days from Athens. Visit most Greece mainland UNESCO and tentative list places. off-season only tour 27 days Price from € 9,319 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Athens, Greece tour finishes in: Athens, Greece tour duration: 27 days (26 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Arachova, Argos, Bassae, Corinth, Delphi, Dion, Dodoni, Epidaurus, Hosios Loukas, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kardamyli, Litochoro, Livadeia, Loutraki, Messene, Meteora, Methoni, Monemvasia, Mycenae, Mystras, Nafpaktos, Nafplio, Olympia, Patras, Pylos, Rio, Sparta, Thermopylae, Thessaloniki, Tiryns, Trikala This off-season tour is focused on people who would like to get to know deeply the history of Greece and walk that ancient historical places where are roots of culture of our civilization. Around the world such places are on the list of UNESCO. And many other places now expecting to be on UNESCO list; such places are prepared, available for public for fraction of cost, and are on so called UNESCO tentative list. During this tour we going to visit most of UNESCO places and UNESCO tentative list places, located in Greece mainland. Greece is so rich with history that visit all UNESCO places in one tour will take very long time. Because of that we, Monterrasol Travel, created this tour to be able to visit the most of UNESCO places in one tour.