Mount Olympus

Area/Site in Central Macedonia

Home of the Greek Gods and numerous endemic species, Olympus is just excellent for trekking. Do not skip a visit to Dion - you will love it.

A rural narrow road among the dense vegetation and the mountain range of Olympus in the background..
photo: afilitos
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Mount Olympus Attractions

Remains of the Isis Temple at the archaeological site of Dion.
photo: Carole Raddato / CC BY-SA 2.0

Archaeological Site of Dion

Wandering through the partly-restored ruins of this ancient Macedonian town is one thing. The views of an imposing Mount Olympus is another.

Facilities of the shelter and three tents in Spilios Agapitos yard.
photo: YouInGreececom
hidden gem

Spilios Agapitos (Zolotas) Refuge

On the road to the peak, this is the first and largest organized shelter. Food here is great and the view already amazes.

A picture of the peak of Mount Olympus, Mytikas, below a cloudy sky.
photo: Stolbovsky / CC BY-SA 3.0
needs caution

Climb to the top of Olympus (Mytikas Peak)

The peak of Olympus is 2918m above sea level. It takes about an hour to get up and it requires preparation and alertness. The views are rewarding.

Mount Olympus Things to Do

The inner yard, the main church, and the surrounding buildings of the old monastery of St. Dionysios.
photo: Mboesch / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem

Old Monastery of St. Dionysios of Olympus

At the foothills of the highest Greek mountain, this monastery stands out for its beauty and relics. There is a small cave-church within walking distance.

A picture of the exterior of the Kanalon monastery surrounded by the dense vegetation of the area.
photo: Hermann Hammer

Kanalon Monastery, Karya

An old and historical monastery hidden in the dense vegetation of the southern part of Mount Olympus. It's worth a visit.

The end of the official road and the parking place at Prionia.
photo: Mboesch / CC BY-SA 4.0

Prionia Place

At the carpark begins a path to the mountain leading also to waterfalls. The highlight, however, is a taverna with delicious traditional food.

The international walking path E4 surrounded by the alpine landscape of Mount Olympus.
photo: Stolbovsky / CC BY-SA 3.0

Hiking Trails of Mount Olympus

Hikers and nature lovers from all over the world come here to trek on the mountain of the Greek Gods. Get here equipped and prepared.

After the end of the Olympus Marathon, the winners on the pedestal receive their medals from the judges.
photo: Juergen Weidner / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mount Olympus Marathon

A marathon only for the best of runners. It is a demanding long-distance race on uneven ground through high-altitude paths on Mount Olympus.

Mount Olympus Beaches

The facilities of a beach bar at the beach of Leptokarya.
photo: Lemur12 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Leptokarya Beach, East Olympos

Sandy and small pebble beach of the settlement located at the foothills of mount Olympus includes excellent infrastructure and facilities.

Mount Olympus Day Trips

A picture of the settlement of Litochoro with the snowy Mount Olympus as a background.
photo: Eugene Zagidullin / CC BY 2.0

Litochoro

In Olympus' shadow, Litochoro stands out for its elegant blending of mountain and sea, jungly green beaches, as well as for its delicious food.

Questions & Answers about Mount Olympus

Why Visit Mount Olympus?
  • The highest peak (2,917 m) in the country and the second highest in the Balkans.
  • The first National Park of Greece, protected area since 1938.
  • One of the last refuges of unspoiled nature in Europe.
Where to stay while visiting mount Olympus?

The village of Litochoro is named the "Gateway of Olympus" and it's the most convenient option with lots of available accommodation options for all budgets.

How is the landscape as you go to a higher elevation on Mount Olympus?

At lower levels of the mountain, there are shrubs, then a little higher thrive tall pine-trees that create dense forests, and even higher there is an alpine environment composed mostly red lilies.

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