4-day round trip to Mt Olympus, 6 peaks

I pick you up in the morning from your location in Athens or whereabouts and drive for 4,5 hours on the highway to Litochoro, a small town at the foot of the eastern slope of Mt. Olympus and only 3 km away from the Aegean Sea.

Leaving Litochoro, still with the vehicle, we enter the National Park of Olympus. The asphalt road climbs through thick forest and after 18 km, it ends at Prionia at 1.100m. Drowned in vegetation and cooled by the waterfalls of the Enipeas stream, Prionia’s fresh mountain breeze gives its warm welcome immediately. Blending into the forest landscape, there stands a small wooden restaurant where we have lunch.

Having filled our flasks with water, we then head up through the forest on a well maintained path to the refuge Spilios Agapitos at 2.100 m. The mountain hut is located at a cozy terrace with an eagle’s eye view down to Mavrolongos gorge and up to the summit region. There we have dinner and rest for an early start the following morning.

Overnight in Mt. Olympus, Refuge Spilios Agapitos (L,D)
Hiking distance:  4,5km / Hiking duration: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 1.000m
Driving distance:
Athens to Litochoro 420km / 4h 30min
Litochoro to Prionia 18km / 30min

Today you explore the summit region and ascent to Skala, Skolio and Agios Antonios summits.

First, the hike leads through a rich pine tree forest which becomes smaller and scarcer as you gain altitude, until there is none left and you find yourself in the bare alpine zone. On a wide shoulder, we follow a zigzagging path with a magnificent view of the whole east region until we reach Skala summit at 2866m.

You can see the main summit Mytikas at a close distance but for today we follow the south ridge towards Skolio, with the dizzy vertical rocky walls of the impressive old glacier basin Kazania, opening under your feet.

From Skolio at 2904m and after a slight descent, you climb your second Olympic summit Agios Antonios at 2816m.

Then we turn North and traverse the whole summit region following one of the most popular high trails on the mountain named Zonaria, which leads us to the mythical plateau, Oropedio ton Mouson.

Just to name three highlights, here you will almost certainly meet a heard of wild goats, be stunned by the view of the unique summit formation of the “Throne of Zeus” peak, which overlooks the plateau and enjoy the peace and quiet of the evening on the terrace of one of the two highest huts of Mt. Olympus.

Overnight in Mt. Olympus, Refuge Christos Kakalos or Giosos Apostolidis (B,L,D)
Hiking distance:  9km / Hiking duration: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1.000m

Today is the summit day and as for anyone, climbing Mytikas at 2918m, the highest point of Mt. Olympus, it is a romantic, historical, and maybe even a kind of metaphysical experience.

After a 20’ minute hike on a comfortable path, we reach the base of “Louki”, a steep gully of 200 vertical meters which leads straight to the summit. Just relax and concentrate on the climb. Entering Louki, one feels like a true alpinist who has to carefully choose his steps and partly hold hands to move forward. Not technically demanding, but certainly a serious venture.

You will be provided with gear and guidance in order to maintain safety at any stage. Upon return to the hut you can relax in the afternoon or wander around.

There is also the alternative of an easier ascent (40min from the hut) to Profitis Ilias at 2803m, the mountain’s 6th highest summit.

On the top you can visit the historical underground chapel built in the 16th century and enjoy yet another view from a different perspective.

Overnight in Mt. Olympus, Refuge Christos Kakalos or Giosos Apostolidis (B,L,D)
Hiking distance:  4km / Hiking duration: 3,5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m

Although there is no need to wake up early in the morning, if you are willing to do so, you can watch the sun rise straight from the Aegean Sea far in the horizon.

After leaving the plateau heading North, we start descending on a wide shoulder ending at the narrow horizontal neck “Laimos” with deep impressive drops on both sides. From here, after a short ascent we reach the Skourta peak at 2476m and soon after, again descending, we enter the shaded pine forest.

Following an easy path and listening to the sounds of the forest, we get to Petrostrouga hut, where you can have a short rest.

Lastly, we traverse Mavrolongos gorge and in the early afternoon we arrive at the parking place at Prionia. We have lunch and return to your place of arrangement.

(B,L)
Hiking distance:  9km Hiking duration: 4,5 hours
Elevation Gain: 100m
Driving distance:
Prionia to Litochoro 18km / 30min
Litochoro to Athens 420km / 4h 30min