"Paralia Katerinis - A Relaxing Getaway" Katerini by mtcowgirl

I normally stay in Paralia Katerinis, or beach of Katerini, which is a couple kilometers from the town center or Katerini. The hotels on the beachside are located right on the beach, all you have to do is come downstairs from your room and walk out the back door, viola, you are on the beach!

The people are incredibly friendly, the food is fantastic, and the shopping is fun. There isn't a much better place to kick up your feet and relax with a tall cool drink than Paralia!

If you are into the night scene, head over to Gold Club, deLuxe, or Habana discos for a good time. There is a cover-charge of 9 Euros at the door but you will get a coupon for a drink. Friday is Ladies Night at Gold Club and Sunday at Habana.

Hotel Panorama is the hotel that I try to stay in EVERY single time I visit Paralia. The staff and manager, Thomas, are top-notch and once you visit you become part of the family.

The bar is fully stocked with every kind of alcohol imaginable and the girls (Dina, Vicki, and Maria) know how to make great cocktails. If you like coffee, I'd recommend a cool blended frappe during the day.

The rooms are clean and comfortable. If you reserve far enough in advance, go for a seaside room. The sounds of the waves at night will lull you into a peaceful sleep (if the drinks haven't already helped!)

When you wake up, brush your teeth and head downstairs for a yummy buffet breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, breads, cakes, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruits, and other goodies.

Then step outside onto the back terrace and beach. Lay down in a sunbed and enjoy the beach bar service and sandy beach.

You can bet I'll be writing a tip about staying at the Panorama :)

If you want to do more than relax in Paralia, you can head to one of the beach huts and rent a paddle boat to cruise around in.

Or if you are into more exciting watersports, go for a banana boat ride or try Waterskiing with Extreme Watersports (+30 694 707 3020) near Omilos Club.

Better yet, why not try a Discover Scuba dive or regular dive with my friends at the Enalios Scuba Club (+30 6944 140 883) in Leptokarya. They will come pick you up at the hotel and deliver you back after the dive.

• Pros:Friendly service, nice beach, time to relax or have fun!
• Cons:Rooms Fill Up Fast in the Summer - Book Early!
• In a nutshell:A great place to kick back and relax!