Mt Olympus family trekking adventure

"Embark on a trekking adventure at mythical mt. olympus with the whole family!…"

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Itinerary

Day 1. ARRIVAL AT THESSALONIKI & TRANSFER TO LITOCHORO
Meeting and transfer to Litochoro, the “basecamp” town for all expeditions on Mount Olympus. The town is divided in two parts, one lying next to the sea and the other one by the riverbed of Enipeas gorge, at the foothills of Mount Olympus. Litochoro offers a slow paced atmosphere inspiring visitors to stroll down its shady streets and wander around its solitary beaches. After settling yourself in your guesthouse, you can relax by the beach. We’ll discuss the week’s itinerary over a traditional ‘meze’ by the river in the evening.
Day 2. VISIT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF DION & ASCEND THE MOUNTAIN OF GODS
The day will start with a visit to one of the most beautiful and interesting archaeological sites in Greece; Dion, the Macedonian Sanctuary of Zeus. Alexander the Great came to Dion to relax, celebrate his victories and worship Zeus. Olympic games were held here in his honor. As you walk around the green park of Dion, you’ll meet ponds, statues of ancient gods, Greek and Roman baths, sanctuaries, and theaters… having as a backdrop a panoramic view of Olympus’ highest peaks.

After a picnic by Orlias waterfal, you will be transferred to Gortsia point (1,200m), where you’ll start your hike to the mountain refuge of Petrostouga. The path traverses through thick pristine forest, gaining smoothly but steadily altitude, until it reaches the refuge after around three hours. The refuge is situated at an altitude of 1,940m in a beautiful spot among age-old Bosnian pine trees, offering you panoramic views to the valley of Katerini, Mount Pelion and the Aegean Sea. End the day with a delicious warm dinner.

(Distance: 5,5km. Technical difficulty: Moderate. Actual walking time with stops to observe, explore and rest: 3 hours.)
DAY 3: HIKE TO PLATEAU OF THE MUSES AND PROFITIS ILIAS PEAK
After breakfast you’ll start your ascent to the Plateau of the Muses, one of the most breathtaking places of Mt. Olympus. The trail will lead you to the Skourta peak (2,485m) where the alpine landscape dominates, offering outstanding 360-degree views. From this point a narrow ridge called Laimos (neck) begins which will lead you to the plateau. Walking through the ridge is an experience on its own, giving you the opportunity to admire the amazing geology of Mt. Olympus’ rock formations.

As you reach higher altitudes, you will have many opportunities to spot the endemic wild goat of Mt. Olympus, a rare and endangered specie looking more like a deer than a goat, inhabiting mostly Mt. Olympus’ alpine zone. The 4-hour walk will finish at the refuge of Kakalos, located at an elevation of 2,650m. It was named after Christos Kakalos, a local hunter who guided the Swiss climbers Fred Boissonnas and Daniel Baud Bovy to realize the first recorded ascent to Olympus’ highest peak, Mytikas, in 1913.

After a small break and lunch at the refuge, we will wander around the magical alpine landscape of the plateau and reach Agios Profitis peak (2,830m) after an easy 40-min walk. An ascend to Profitis Ilias peak allows breathtaking views to the north slopes of Mt. Olympus and neighboring mountains, intensified by the colours of the sunset. Dinner will be served at the cosy mountain refuge.

(Distance: 8km. Technical difficulty: Easy to moderate. Actual walking time: 5-7 hours.)
DAY 4: HIKE TO SCOLIO PEAK & DESCEND TO SPILIOS AGAPITOS REFUGE
After a warm, filling breakfast at the refuge you will aim at summiting Scolio peak at 2,904m. Scolio is the third highest peak of Mt. Olympus which you will reach through a relatively easy path. Scolio gives superb views to the highest peaks of the mountain, Mytikas (2,918m) and Stefani (2,912m). (It is possible for experienced climbers only to climb up to Mytikas peak at their own risk through Skala or the steep gully of Mytikas. They are considered Class III ascents and there’s moderate exposure. Please contact us for further information.)

After enjoying a snack at the top of Scolio peak, you’ll follow a scenic path through an area called Zonaria where the barren rock landscapes of Mt. Olympus are overwhelmingly stunning. After a 2-hour descent you’ll reach Spilios Agapitos Refuge, a magnificent stone building at a beautiful location forming a natural balcony, at an altitude of 2,100m. This cozy refuge is an ideal spot for relaxing. Dinner will be served later in the evening.

(Distance: 6km. Technical difficulty: Moderate. Actual walking time: 4-5 hours.)
DAY 5: HIKE THE E4 EUROPEAN PATH AND STROLL DOWN ENIPEAS GORGE
Today you’ll start our descend from Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2,100m) to the location of Prionia (1,100m). The long but scenic descent is the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and makes up part of the E4 European path. The path is in very good condition and the combination of thick pine trees with beech and fir trees gives a unique charm to the area. There are several vantage points to stop and observe the surrounding evergreen forest and sceneries. Upon arriving at Prionia you will admire the Enipeas waterfalls and enjoy a light lunch at the only local cafe.

You can either stop your trek here or continue and follow the Enipeas river all the way down to the monastery of Agios Dionysios. It is a 1542 monument of rare architectural and aesthetic beauty, built as a fortress from stone and wood on a natural fortified plateau. On the way you’ll cross the canyon over beautiful wooden bridges and stop at a hidden waterfall for a well-deserved refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters!

Tonight you’ll sleep back at Litochoro at your guesthouse by the sea, completing your descend from an altitude of 2,100m all the way down to sea level. To congratulate yourself for such an achievement you will enjoy dinner at the best fish tavern in the area.

(Distance: 10km. Technical difficulty: Moderate. Actual walking time: 5-6 hours.)
DAY 6: EXPLORE THE COASTLINE WITH A SEA KAYAK & REACH ISOLATED BEACHES
After 4 days of trekking and exploring the mountainous landscapes of Mt. Olympus, time to paddle and explore the magical waters of the Thermaic gulf. Paddle along deserted beaches, into isolated coves and explore the diverse coastline. Backdrop on your sea journey the impressive eastern slopes of Mt. Kissavos which rise high above, green and deeply forested. Enjoy numerous sea dives and snorkeling and a picnic at our favourite solitary beach! Relax the rest of the day by the beach.
DAY 7: EXPERIENCE CANYONING IN THE GORGE OF ORLIAS!
As soon as you approach the Orlias gorge, located in a breathtaking scenery on the east slopes of Mt. Olympus, you’ll discover a natural paradise. Orlias is a beautiful forested canyon with about twenty-five smaller and larger waterfalls and countless natural pools. Under the instructions and supervision of our professional guide, you’ll use rappels to descend which promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Orlias is an “easy” gorge, ideal for beginners and families who wish to get a taste of the excitement of canyoning. Lush green forests, steep slopes and clear waters are pouring and you’ll enjoy many dives and slides on the crystal clear pedestals you’ll find on the way. An alternative activity is river trekking along the gorge of Orlias. This wet and fun day will end with a well-earned picnic.
DAY 8: FAREWELL BREAKFAST AND TRANSFER BACK TO THESSALONIKI

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