Trip profile:

For a more thorough visit to the mountain, a three day ascend is a fairly good choice, but for someone who runs short of time in the country altogether, then a two-day ascent seems to be the second best. It covers the best possible that the two or three days could cover. It offers a great variety of hike types, very special Mt. Olympus morphology and scenery. The final stretch to the main and highest summit is a demanding scramble, giving a real feeling of achievement even to the experienced mountain walker / scrambler, being a “must” for everyone who loves the mountain great outdoors!

Why May and very beginning of June only?

Because of the extended snow coverage and still harsh weather on the higher parts of the mountain, especially in the first half of May, the highest summit cannot be the main objective, thus we aim for the second highest summit, Skolio at 2911m, as it is a walk and not a sramble. In the second half of May and quite often in the first half of June, the chances to climb the main summit Mytikas via its southern route “Kakoskala” increase significantly as the snow gradualy withdrows. This explains why we follow a “May and the very beginning of June” itinerary.

Trip dossier:

Country: Greece.
Region: Mt. Olympus in the region of northeast Thessaly and southeast Makedonia.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night or 3 days / 2 nights.
Period: Mid May to end of October.
Type: Adult Individuals, groups, walking clubs & corporate, families (min age 13 years).
Level: 60% Moderate / 40% Challenging.

Price for the 2 day ascent (without the climb to the highest summit): For up to 3 persons, the sum of 720.00€ has to be shared between the participants. For 4 persons and above, the price comes to 180.00€ p.p.

Price for the 3 day ascent with the climb to the highest summit without the use of ropes: For up to 3 persons the sum of 800.00€ has to be shared between the participants. For 4 persons and above, the price comes to 200.00€ p.p. 

Price for the 3 day ascent with the climb to the highest summit with the use of ropes and the relevant means of safety equipment: For up to 3 persons the sum of 1000.00€ has to be shared between the participants. For 4 persons and above, the price comes to 250.00€ p.p. 

Find the detailed Itinerary below.

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We meet in Litochoro and transferred by road to the north side of the mountain via Dion and to the starting point of the walk, at the St. Konstantinos chapel, at 300m. Alternatively, we can meet at Dion or the St. Konstantinos chapel itself.

The path unfolds in very dense Mediterranean type forest on the left side of the Orlias canyon, with great view-points of the canyon’s waterfalls. After about 1.15′ hour walk we leave the main path to get into the canyon and visit the magnificent “red waterfall”! Here, in the wormer late spring and summer days you can also enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear pool, before we return back to the main path, to continue our hike. As we move higher and leave the Orlias canyon behind us, the Mediterranean type forest slowly gives way to a pine and beech tree forest.

After 2.30’ to 3.00’ hours of ascent, we reach the mountain refuge “Koromilia” at 1020m, where we have a light meal and a good rest. Our mini bus will take us back down to the starting point and your vehicles.

A shorter alternative is, after enjoying the waterfall and pool, to return by the same way down to the starting point.

Price:

40.00 Euros p.p. for the shorter alternative.

50.00 Euros p.p. for the full route.

Altitude covered, 700m up in the full route and 270m up and 270m down in the shorter alternative.

Approximate net walking time, 2.30’ – 3.00’ hours for the full route and 1.45′ hours for the shorter alternative, moderate.  

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First option, at Tempi valley, Lower Olympus (Best in late spring, June & September).

We meet at the Rapsani railway station. Transfer to the wine growing village of Rapsani on the slopes of Lower Olympus and the starting point of our walk, where a nearby impressive limestone rock face is inviting you to try, probably your first vertical steps. This is a unique spot with great views lower down towards the Pinios river and the western part of the Tempi valley. Climbing here, one experiences a great combination of physical and mental effort. The right body placement and focused concentration on the next move, will give unexpected very pleasant results, under the instruction and supervision of our guides.

After this amazing game in this vertical world ends, we get ready and set off for our hike, following a path, which takes us along and over the cliffs of the Tembi Valley and almost down the Pinios River. This is a high crossing of the valley with stunning views of the river down below and Mt. Kissavos on the opposite side of the valley, all the way along the hike. We will have a lot to talk about, while we hike along this historical valley, as the place holds amazing stories and myths from the very – very old times… The walk will take 2.30’ to 3.00’ hours, easy. 

Price: 90.00€ p.p.

Min age 12 – 13 years.

Total activity’s duration: From the time we meet to the “ready to go home” time, 6.00′ to 7.00′ hours.

Second option for the same combined activity, aimed  for comleete first timers in climbing and younger ages, Mt. Kissavos (Ossa).

We meet at Karitsa Village or Arioprino location. Transfer to the Seloma location at about 1000m (about 20′ to 30′ by road from the meeting points), at a very beautiful spot with great views of the highest summit of the mountain and all the way round from the north west, north and north east. Here we do the rock climbing – a very nice site for old and young.

After that and a good break, we move by road to the Kanalos location at 1500m, dominated by the highest summit. From here, we start our hike to the summit via its east ridge, with stunning panoramic views of the region including the Aegean Sea, the Plain of Thessaly, Mount Olympus, Mount Pelion, the Pinios river delta and in clear weather – not very unlikely – the huge pyramid of Mt. Athos emerging out of the sea in the very distance to the east.  Return via the same route back to Kanalos. The route takes approximately 4.30’ to 5.30’ hours of moderate and demanding walk.

Price: 80.00 p.p.

Min age 10 – 11 years.

Total activity’s duration: From the time we meet to the “ready to go home” time, 7.30′ to 8.30′ hours.

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This is a very well balanced combination of hiking in an extremely beautiful terrain and canyoning in the second half of the Enipeas I section , involving the two wonderful abseils, as a very good opportunity for the ones / beginners or not who wish to have a non lengthy but full enough experience of canyoning!  

We meet at Litohoro and transfer by your means of transport to the Prionia location (30’ by asphalt road) and start our hike down the impressive Enipeas gorge. A technically easy but exceptionally beautiful 1.40’ hour hike takes us to the starting point of the canyoning section where we gear up for the canyoning. It is an amazingly beautiful place to hike along, drowned in greenery, with Enipeas stream running along with us. Our guides will introduce you to the very interesting and unique in many cases flora of Mt. Olympus!

We spend 2.00’ tο 3.30 hours in the canyon depending up on the size of the group. After the canyoning, we change back into our dry cloths and shoes (our guides have taken care to have them at the finishing point of the canyoning section). Then a 30’ walk takes us back to the 16^thcentury St. Dyonisious monastery, where we pay a visit and have a well earned picnic lunch. In our means of transport you are taken back (10’) to your vehicles in Prionia for the return.

Note that for the ones who wish, we can do the full crossing of the Enipeas gorge. In this case, after the canyoning we will have the picnic lunch there and continue the hike all the way down to Litohoro for another 3.30’ to 4.00 hours of easy to moderate walk. 

Total activity’s duration: From the time we meet to the “ready to go home” time, 5.30′ to 6.30′ hours and 8.30′ to 9.30′ hours for the full Enipeas gorge crossing.

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We meet at the west end of the Tempi valley or at the Rapsani railway station before transferred to the site.

Here is an other well known  rock climbing area. On the north rocky side of the Tempi valley and its lower rock faces along the river and just above it, there are more than 30 routes on very good limestone, ranging from traditional (up to 250m) to hard rock (up to 80m) and sport climbing (up to 25m).

For the beginner: Here, on the upper parts of the north side of the valley, on an impressive limestone rock face, the Olympos Trek team have organized a top rope climbing playground for youths and adults, about 30m high. This is a unique spot with great views lower down towards the Pinios river and the western part of the Tempi valley. Rock climbing session 3.30″ to 4.30″ hours.

Minimum age 13 years.

Price: 55.00€ p.p.

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We meet in Litochoro or at the Prionia location and parking place at 1100m, where you are introduced to your guides, have the introductory briefing about the hike and the mountain itself, before we start off our walk. A stunningly beautiful place, dominated by impressive rock faces and enormous mountain pine trees. A well paved path will take us up to 2100m and the refuge A’ or Spilios Agapitos, in about 3.00’ το 3.30′ hours, a good time to cover 1000m of altitude. Unique views down to Enipeas gorge and the Aegean Sea, as well as the high summits above, accompany us all the way up to the refuge. The refuge is situated on a natural balcony with amazing views all around! We give time to ourselves to soak the energy and atmosphere of this very special place, while talking about the endless history of this mountain – symbol. The walk is classed as moderate.

From this point onwards the ascent / hike is optional and will depent upon the time and your will. After a good rest, a drink and a light lunch, we continue up to the higher parts of the mountain, closing the high summits. At about 2300m, we leave behind the last trees and move up in alpine terrain, aiming for Skala summit.

Once on Skala (after 2.30’ hours of demanding / challenging walk) we enjoy great views of the dominating rocky tower of Mytikas, the highest summit of the mountain, all the other high summits, and much beyond them…

Return to the refuge and Prionia via the same route (an other 3.30’ to 4.00′ hours). In order to fully complete this walk, there must be an early start and meeting at Prionia.

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We meet at Litochoro, the main little town of the eastern side of Mt. Olympus. From Litochoro, transfer by road in your means of transport to the Prionia location or to the old monastery of Agios Dionysios(asphalt road), both at about 1100m, from where we start our walk. It is an amazingly beautiful place to cross, drowned in greenery, with Enipeas stream running along with us. On the way, we stop by one of the numerous crystal clear pools, where we have our lunch and hot drinks. Our guides will introduce you to the very interesting and unique in many cases flora of Mt. Olympus! We are at the very heart of the lower part of the mountain. We finish at the Mili Litochorou location just outside Litochoro, at 300m.

As a shorter and less demanding alternative, we can do the short version of the full route. We start from Prionia to Agios Dionysios little chapel / cave and back to the homonymus monastery.

For the full route the walk takes about 5.30’ to 6.30′ hours and is classed as moderate and for the short version, 2.30′ to 3.00′ hours.

Price:
60.00€ p.p. for the full, route.
45.00€ for the short version.

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Start 360m – Finish 280m – Drop 80m.

Meet in Dion or in Vrondou at the north feet of Mt. Olympus. A little further to the west from the Orlias canyon, in a parallel line to it, the Agia Kori canyon is another Mt. Olympus typical beauty with exceptionally turquoise colored crystal clear water! This section offers 7 abseils / rappels ranging from 7m to 16m, parts of which you can waterslide or jump. A five minute walk brings us to the starting point of the section.

Another ideal natural waterland and very exciting canyoning for families with younger children, as well as an ideal place for cooling down in the hot summer months and a very good introduction to canyoning for adult individuals and large adult groups of first timers.

We finish at the chapel of Agia Kori for a well earned picnic. 

Duration of descent, 3.30’ to 4.00’ hours. 

Min. age 8 years.

Price:
80.00€ p.p. with hot drink and cookies during the activity and picnic meal after it.
70.00€ p.p. without hot drink and cookies during the activity and picnic meal after it.

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Canyoning on Mt. Olympus in Enipeas canyon, Enipeas II section.

Start 620m – Finish 470m – Drop 150m.

We meet in Litohoro from where we move by road up the mountain to the monastery of Agios Dionysios in our means of transport, while yours waits at Litohoro. At the monastery we gear up.

One hour’s walk on the E4 path takes us to this section’s starting point. From this point downwards, the whole scene changes completely if you compare it with Enipeas I section. The canyon narrows into an impressive high wall canyon with unique rock formations. Here someone feels the heart-beats of Mt. Olympus!…

The long sections of crystal clear pools, the jumps and water slides, the 3 abseils from 5m to 40m!!, together with this magical terrain, place this section of Enipeas to a very high stand of beauty and canyoning interest! 1.30’ hours walk on the welcomed E4 with stunning views of the gorge all the way, brings us back to Litohoro and your cars.

Actual canyoning time, 5.30’ to 6.00’ relaxed hours.

Total activiy’s time from the meeting time to the ‘ready to go home” time, may exeed the 8.00’ hours.

Min. age 16 years

Price:
110.00€ p.p. with hot drink and cookies during the activity and picnic meal after it.
105.00€ p.p. without hot drink and cookies during the activity and picnic meal after it.

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Canyoning on Mt. Olympus in Enipeas canyon, the Enipeas I section.

Start 790m – Finish 670m – Drop 120m.

After meeting in Litohoro, we move by road up the mountain towards Prionia location and the monastery of Ag. Dyonisios in our or your means of transport. 10’ walk down the gorge brings us into Enipeas stream.

This section is a wide and open gorge with very rich vegetation, wonderful water slides and impressive jumps. About halfway down this section, the stream becomes narrow and takes the form of a narrow canyon with two very interesting and demanding abseils and long pools.

Then it widens again before its end at the picturesque wooden bridge of the E4 path, which will take us back up to the monastery, after one hour’s walk. This section offers 2 wonderful abseils from 12 m to 15m. 

Note that we can offer a shorter and cheaper version of the Enipeas I, involving the two wonderful abseils, as a very good alternative for the ones / beginners, who wish to have a non lengthy but full enough experience of canyoning, combined beautifully with the hike to the starting point of the canyoning and back! 

Actual canyoning time, about 4.00’ hours for the full canyon and 2.00′ hours for the short version. 

Min. age 12 – 13 years.

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