Climbing Mount Olympus, 1 day ascent to the summit for advanced climbers
Join Akis, an HMGA-certified mountain guide, for this fun, scenic and informative 1-day experience climbing Mount Olympus. Enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea along the way and learn a bit about the home of Zeus and the other 11 gods in the Greek pantheon!
Group
Olympus
1 Day
Jun - Nov
Low
Beginner
Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of Mount Olympus.
- Climb to the summit of the highest peak in all of Greece.
- Learn a bit about the ecology, history and mythology of the mountain en route.
Description
For those lucky enough to come and visit Greece, climbing Mount Olympus should be on the top of your to-do list.
Sitting 262 kilometers (163 miles) north of Athens, the mythical home of Zeus makes for a challenging but rewarding day-long hike.
Rising to 2,917 meters (9,570 feet) in elevation, Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Greece and offers sublime views out over the Aegean Sea from its main summit.
Our adventure to the summit of this mythical and majestic mountain begins after we meet in either Katerini or Agios Dimitrios. From here, we will transfer to the national park and begin our hike from about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet).
From here, we will ascend via a trail on the western side of the mountain up to the main summit, Mitikas. Our first great views of the sea will come after about two hours as we cross over the Skolio saddle.
After three more hours of steadily ascending the peak, we will arrive at the top. We'll spend a little while here resting and enjoying the view before hiking back down to the cars and saying goodbye.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for the unforgettable experience of climbing Mount Olympus, in eastern Greece!
If you like the look of this trip, but wanted to spend a bit more time exploring the mountain, then I think you may also enjoy my 2-day hiking trip to the top of Mount Olympus!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Light gloves, warm hat
FAQs
What level of experience and fitness is required?
Participants should have the ability to hike for 5–6 hours and tackle vertical ascents of 300–350 meters per hour.
What is the meeting location and endpoint for the climb? How can we get there?
The meeting point for the climb is Agios Dimitrios Village, situated on the northwest side of Mount Olympus. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for a meeting in Katerini town. It's important to note that the meeting point is NOT in Litochoro.
You can reach Katerini by bus, train or car. You can reach Agios Dimitrios by car or taxi.
What is included in the price?
The price you are paying includes the guiding fee, the pick and drop off (at Katerini or Agios Dimitrios), as well as the provision of a harness and helmet.
What items should I bring or wear for this one-day climb? Is it necessary for me to bring any personal technical equipment?
Here are the items you need to bring with you:
- Backpack 20-25 lit
- Hiking shoes
- Shell jacket
- Long trousers
- Gloves and beanie
- Sun hat and sun block
- Fleece jacket
- Water and snack of your preference
I will supply you with the necessary technical equipment, including a harness and helmet, which you will be responsible for carrying during the climb.
What is the ratio of guides to clients for climbing Mt Olympus in one day?
I will personally guide a maximum of four individuals. If you are part of a larger group, additional colleagues will accompany us to ensure a suitable guide-to-client ratio.
Can we buy food and/drinks during the ascent?
Please ensure you bring at least 1.5 liters of water and snacks/food of your choice with you. It's important to note that there are no places to purchase food or drinks on the mountain, so it's essential to come prepared.
At what time does the climb start? At what time does it finish?
The day will start at 7am if you are based in Katerini or 8am if you are in Agios Dimitrios. I'll pick you up there. I'll drop you off at the end of the day, around 17.00 at Agios Dimitrios and 18.00 at Katerini.
Are you offering the ascent in 2 or 3 days as well?
I offer the option to climb Mt Olympus in both 2 days and 3 days. For the 2-day climb, you can find all the details here https://www.explore-share.com/trip/mount-olympus-hike-greece-2-days/. If you want to do the full loop, I have a 3-day climb option available. You can find the details for the 3-day climb here https://www.explore-share.com/trip/mount-olympus-3-day-hiking-ascent/
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Akis
4.8
(66)
Mountain Guide
I come from Greece and always remember myself as a kid in the mountains…
Now, I am a Certified Mountain Guide HMGA, member of the Hellenic Mountain Guides Association (License number A.N 867/37, Nr 19 FEK (A)621-999/28-11-07) also a Mountaineering – Ski Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, member of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (H.F.M.C).
My passion for the mountains led me on numerous hikes, ski tours, and rock and ice climbs in Greece, the Alps, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Bulgaria, with many new routes under my signature.
The beautiful valleys at the foot of Mount Olympus – Greece are my home, and the flanks above are the playground to follow my mountain love, may it be ice-climbing, ski touring, hiking, or alpine climbing. For me, it is the perfect terrain to train, play and guide.
I teach mountaineering, rock climbing, and ski mountaineering in various Climbing Schools & Mountaineering Associations, and I spend a lot of wintertime as a ski instructor. I love to share my passion with guests and guide hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and ski tourers all year round.
I am married to Mariza and we have a daughter and two sons together.
I speak Greek, English, and French.
Languages
Greek | French | English
Certificates
HMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Wendy
Akis was an absolutely exceptional guide for our Mount Olympus ascent, which was one of my favourite memories from our Greece trip. I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is a local to the area, a certified guide, and his knowledge of the terrain is unparalleled which made all of us feel safe and capable of completing the whole journey right to the summit and back. This is a hike we would not have been able to do without the assistance from Akis, especially the last scramble up to the summit. I would would urge anyone considering this hike to book him as your guide. Thank you Akis!
Da
We had a wonderful time with our guide Dimitris. He is a very experienced mountain climber. Although we were unexperienced, he led us through the breathtaking Olympus without any problems. During the climb he told us many stories. It was an unforgettable experience and we couldn't wish for a better guide!
Rene
Spectacular experience in just one day
Ida
demetra
Wonderful!!
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