Regions: North Greece – Mt. Olympus 2.917m
Objects: Myticas (2917m)
Activities: Hiking- Mountaineering
Program’s difficulty: 2 (technical 2 + physical 2)
Dates: Days 2/ Nights 1 (or Days 3/ Nights 2)
Group size: from 4 persons or individuals after request
Trip overview
Litochoro – Gortsia – Petrostruga – Muses plateau (OVERNIGHT) – Myticas 2917m or Profitis Ilias – Refuge A – Prionia – Litochoro.
Why we go there?
Very few mountains have kept through history their ancient names: Olympus, Fujiyama, Vesuvius, Demavend, Elbrus and Mt.Khan Tengri. The peak full of history and myths stands at 2917m just only few kilometers from the sea. This is a classic but fantastic route through the east side of the mountain. All the way has a charming touch and the sense of between sea and summit.
Undoubtedly, Mt. Olympus is the highest, most alpine and one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1 We drive from Litochoro to Gortsia and starting our hiking first to Petrostruga refuge and then to muses plateau for overnight at the refuge. 5-7 h.
Day 2 Breakfast early in the morning, and then we climb Myticas or Profitis ilias (highest orthodox church in Balkans) and descent to Gortsia or alternatively to Prionia via Refuge A. Drive back to Litochoro. 6-8 hours
Health and medical
The guide will have a first aid kit. We recommend to bring with your own medicines you might need
Weather
As in mountains of this high, weather is quite unpredictable, but from June to September are the best months for ascent.
Personal gear
Rucksack
Hiking poles
Thermos –water bottle
Head torch
Trekking shoes or boots
Light jacket / raincoat with hood
Warm socks – 2pairs
Sun glasses
Camera
Mt. Olympus is known as for its important ecological characteristics and incomparable natural beauty as well as for its strong relationship with ancient Greek mythology. In 1981 UNESCO declared “Olympus a Biosphere Reserve”. The highest point of Mt. Olympus, Mytikas, is located just 78 km from Thessaloniki as the crow flies and 18 km from the coast of Pieria. Expands over approximately 500 km2 and covers an essentially circular area with a width of approximately 25 km and a circumference of 80 km.
Mt. Olympus is highest mountain in Greece and the second highest mountain in the Balkans. The terrain contains sheer rocky peaks, deep gorges, alpine fields and thick forest all combining to create the rare magic of Mt. Olympus. In total there are 52 peaks ranging from altitudes of 760 m to 2.918 m which create scenes of unique beauty.
The climate of Mt. Olympus is affected by its location, size, strata and the exposure of the mountain slopes. Generally speaking it has a Mediterranean climate, warm and dry in the summer and wet in the winter. For approximately seven months of the year it is covered in snow. Mount Olympus has a high level of precipitation throughout. In fact the level of precipitation on Mt. Olympus is 1100 to 1800 mm per year. Half of the precipitation falls as snow and the other half in the form of rain and hail.
The average temperature in the winter ranges from -20o C to +10o C and in the summer from 0o C to 20o C. Finally strong winds are a common phenomenon on Mount Olympus and sometimes the wind reaches speeds of over 100 km per hour.
The shape of Mt. Olympus, the polymorphous and changeable beauty of its nature, the fog covered peaks and law clouds bringing about frequent the under storms, filled people with awe and admiration from ancient times. There are recent archaeological finds that go back to the Iron Age. Prehistoric man chose to live at the foot of this glorious mountain. Inspired by its mystery he created the legends that gave birth to the Twelve Greek Gods.
The 12 ancient Greek gods live in ravines, “the mysterious folds of Mt. Olympus” according to Homer. They have their palaces there. Pantheon (today’s Mytikas) is their meeting place. Their tempestuous discussions are heard by the god of gods Zeus sitting on his imposing throne (today’s Stefani). From there he unlooses his thunders showing “his godly wrath”. In Iliad Mt. Olympus is described as magnificent, long, glorious and full of trees.
At the foot of the mountain, a sacred Macedonian city is dedicated to Zeus (Dias) and is called Dion. It is estimated that it flourished between the 5th century B.C. and the 5th century A.C.
The excavations that started in 1928, revealed archaeological finds of the Macedonian, Greek and Roman Era. They are exhibited in the museum of Dion. Piblia and Livithra are two more ancient cities near Olympus.
The whole Mt. Olympus has been declared an archaeological and historical place in order to preserve its monumental and historical physiognomy.
How to hike in Mt. Olympus:
The majority of the Mt. Olympus trails can be hiked throughout the year, provided that you are properly equipped and the weather so allows. On that trails refreshment also comes of local tasty food or an overnight stay in mountain huts or at dedicated accommodation for hikers. A number of guesthouses offer hiking packages.
In Mt. Olympus you can hike or trekking:
– Forest interpretive trails
– Thematic tourist trails
– Trails specially designed according your needs- mountain trails (easy, difficult and very difficult).
– Alpine routes
– Longer regional trails
Well-preserved natural greenery can be found in Olympus at every step. It is therefore no surprise that hiking is a popular activity. There is a choice of trails from easier short walks along the valleys and lower altitude foothills, to highly challenging exposed trails in the higher of the mountain, where you can enjoy views of its sharp peaks. There is something for everyone. Simply enjoy!
Leave no trace on the mountain: Be sure that everybody enjoy on the trails as you did. Everything that you take on the trail should be taken with you after completing the trails.
Adults: €250 per adult
Children: €200 per child
Return transfer from to your hotel
Mountain guide from HFMC
Accommodation 1 night at the refuge +13 €
1 breakfast +8€
Briefing on details of the route
Basic security equipment’s
Short distance walkies-talkies contact
Personal climbing equipment
Medical insurance
Additional meals and drinks
Deposit for reservations: 30%
Full payment 5 days before.
The price is fixed at the moment of prepayment
June to October, after request or customize