Katerini (Greek: Κατερίνη) is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of Pieria prefecture. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mt. Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m. The town, which is one of the newest in Greece, has a population of 56,576 (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 Thessaloniki - Athens highway GR-1/E75 (two interchanges) and the Via Egnatia 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.