Mount Olympus Hike (2,919m)

You do not require any previous mountaineering experience for this trip. We recommend a good level of fitness. There is also a rocky section where we will be short roping (not rock climb to get to the summit). You need to have a head for heights for this steep section but you will be completely safe and assisted by your expert guide. In general you have to be able going uphill with backpack and cover 300-350 vertical meters per hour. This is the normal and average pace for a hiker. Daily distances, elevation, and hiking time is as follows: Day 1 : 1,000m of vertical ascent, 6.5 km, 3-3.5 hrs Day 2: 1,000m of vertical ascent and 1000m of vertical drop - 15km, 7-8hrs Day 3: 1,000m of vertical drop, 7km, 2-3 hrs N.B. The vertical ascent of each day is usually more challenging than the distances covered. Please pay attention on the elevation and NOT in distances.

- Money for meals and drinks at the refuges - Hiking boots - Backpack 30L or similar - Sun protection - sunhat, suncream and sunglasses - Long trousers - Shorts - Waterproof jacket - T-shirts for trekking - Fleece - Underwear - Hiking socks - Small towel - Toiletries - Headtorch - Water bottle - Hiking sticks (optional) - Shell jacket - Gloves and beanie - Lightweight summer sleeping bag OR sleeping bag liner to use with the refuge blankets

We recommend you fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Litochoro from Thessaloniki Airport. The quickest way is to take a taxi, and this is usually a good option if you are travelling with a few other people (typically costs around 125 EUR). Alternatively, you can take the airport bus to Thessaloniki station (around 45 minutes) and then the train to Litochoro (1 hour and around 5 EUR). From Litochoro station, it is a short taxi ride to the main square (10 EUR).

For trips until June 20th: You can leave your stuff at the Refuge Agapitos, as the second overnight is at the same refuge. For trips after June 20th: You have to carry your equipment from one refuge to the other.

Usually, the the first night is at Agapitos Refuge on the east side of mount Olympus. The second night is at Petrostrouga Refuge on the northeast side of mount Olympus. This may, however, change depending on the season (see 'seasonal variations' FAQ). The refuges are basic, dormitory-style, and have a shared bathroom. Due to this shared sleeping situation, it's a good idea to bring an eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep. Extra blankets are available in the refuge, but you need to bring a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner. A cold-water shower is available at Refuge Agapitos. Unfortunately, there is no shower available at Petrostrouga Refuge. We recommend packing wet wipes to freshen up in the evening. Note that mountain refuges offer only basic accommodation. Electricity is limited and sometimes not available. Likewise, water availability is often influenced by the season, as during dry times, these refuges do not have a water supply.

You will have opportunities to buy food and water in Litochoro town and at the refuges in the mountains. We would recommend having a light lunch before meeting your guide on day 1.

Start: You'll meet your guide at Litochoro Marine Museum Central Entrance (navy Museum), at 2:00 PM on day 1 of your itinerary. End: Your guide will drop you back off at Litochoro square central church between 11:00 AM and 12:00 midday on day 3 of your itinerary.

During this trek, you will be making a steep scramble up Mitikas. This is not technical rock climbing, rather we will be using a short-roping technique which is standard for this route and this type of terrain. You will be provided with helmets and harnesses for this 'climb'. Short-roping is a mountaineering technique that involves a rope team moving together on steep or technical terrain, typically with shorter rope intervals between climbers. The leader anchors the rope to provide a measure of security for the entire team (i.e. the rope is not attached to the rock). The climbers maintain a shorter rope length between them, allowing for swift communication, increased control, and quicker response to potential hazards.

The Refuges are located in remote parts of the Greek mountains. As such, the menu is often limited. As there are no other options, meal prices are also fairly steep. Expect to pay around 6-8 Euros per meal. The food is cooked by the refuge staff and we cannot guarantee that there will be options for specific dietary requirements. Unfortunately, we are also not permitted to bring our own food to eat at these refuges (you may of course bring snacks to eat along the trail).

During parts of the year, certain refuges are closed. In May & June, there can still be snow blocking the passes. This affects our trip and where we overnight in the following ways; May : Agapitos refuge is the only one open on Mt Olympus, we stay at this same refuge both nights during this month. June 1st to June 20th: Due to the snow at the upper part of Mount Olympus and the high peaks, there is no access or connection to the Muses Plateau. The two overnights are at Agapitos Refuge. After June 20th: the connection between the east and the northeast side of Mt. Olympus is free of snow. The 1st overnight is at Agapitos Refuge and the second overnight is at Petrostrouga Refuge.

The minimum age for this trip is 12 years.

The best months to climb Mount Olympus are July and August (summer). During this time of year, the climate is the most stable. Remember, because you'll be high up in the mountains, the temperatures are cool. You will still need gloves and a beanie at the summit.

Yes, if you want to rent hiking poles, these are available from the 55Peaks Mountain store at Litochoro Central Square.

If you want to spend more time in Litochoro on either side of your trip, then the Bayiri Petit pension is an amazing choice for accommodation. A visit to the Dion archeological site. The Medieval monastery of St. Dionysius. A daily trip to Meteora. Relaxing at the nearby beach and enjoy fresh fish or sea food. Book a canyoning trip to the mountain Olympus gorges. Visit the Medieval castle of Platamon. Book a wine tasting tour at the local wineries. Book a rock climbing course to the mountain Olympus or Meteora. Visit the Pozar Hot Springs 1 1/2 hours drive to the north.

There is no storage place for your luggage at Litochoro. You can discuss the possibility of your luggage storage with the hotel or guest house you will stay at Litochoro.