When it comes to legends, Mt. Olympus is legendary. It is the highest point in Greece, a country chock-full of cultural significance and unimaginable history. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the Gods and the peak of Stefani was considered “Zeus’s Throne.” The name has appeared again and again across the world and over time, yet nothing can compare to this larger-than-life mountain.
Located in the Olympus Range between Thessaly and Macedonia, Mt. Olympus features 46 peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. The apex lies at Mytikas (2,917m), while “Zeus’s Throne,” or Stefani (2,909m), is a notable summit for its role as the Greek God’s personal – you guessed it – throne. The second-highest peak, Skolio (2,911m), is a great place for rock climbing along its north face.
From 1938, it has been a national park with an amazing array of fascinating wildlife and plant life. And to top it all off, it possesses deep gorges, high couloirs, and daunting summits that beckon adventurers from far and wide to hike its trails and conquer its rock.
DAY 1
Thessaloniki airport – Litochoro
Transfer from the airport to Litochoro village. Spend the night in Litochoro.
DAY 2
Litochoro to the Refuge Christos Kakkalos alt. 2700 m
Transfer to Gorgia (1114m) hike begins towards Petrostrougra Refuge. After a short break, we continue to the “Plato of the Mouses” – an alpine Plato at an altitude of 2700m. Overnight at the refuge in Mouses.
DAY 3
Peak ascents – Refuge Sphlios Agaphtos (2100 m)
Breakfast and backpacking our equipment. From here we have two options depending on the group’s fitness and on the weather’s conditions:
We either cross the Zonaria area and climb first Skala, at 2.882 meters, then cross a narrow ridge and finally climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters, or, we ascend to the main summit – Mytikas (2.917meters). After going down to the Refuge Sphlios Agaphios(2100m). Overnight at the refuge.
DAY 4
Refuge A- Sphlios Agapitos (2100m) - Prionia (1100m) - Enipeas Gorge - Litochoro
Hike down to Prionia (1100m). The route Spilios Agapitos Refuge to Prionia is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and is a part of the E4. We then enter the Enippeas Gorge, passing a cave-chapel and the monastery of St. Dionysus, as well as taking advantage of the several swimming opportunities in river pools and end our hike in Litochoro. Overnight at Litochoro village.
DAY 5 AND 6
Litochoro – Thessaloniki
Transfer to Thessaloniki. We have two options:
transfer to the airport or we can stay one more day and enjoy the sightseeing’s of the second biggest city in Greece, Thessaloniki. Overnight in a hostel at Thessaloniki.