Orlias Waterfalls

The picturesque waterfalls are located on Mount Olympus, not far from the ancient Dion and are considered one of the most beautiful parts of Pieria. They are some of the most famous waterfalls of the region, which gives this place an even greater attraction for those wishing to explore not only its natural beauty, but also the historical sites of the region. The creek creates magnificent waterfalls with crystal clear water, where daredevils dive into the icy water. In ancient times, the Orlias River was named Helicon and later became associated with the representative of the musical art, Orpheus. According to legend, the Muses from Pieria, who lived on Mount Helikon, killed Orpheus at the very spot where the river disappears into the bowels of the earth, killing him for his mad love for Eurydice. According to Pausanias, the Muses repented of their heinous crime and immediately threw themselves into the waters of Helicon to purify themselves. However, the god of the river refused to cleanse them and the waters of the river went underground to reappear a little farther away under the name Vafiras or Orlias, in the place where waterfalls are formed. The river was named Vafiras, meaning “stained with blood” or Orlias from the cry of the unfortunate Orpheus.