Introduction
Olympus was notable in Ancient Greek Mythology as the home of the Twelve Olympians. It is noted for its very rich flora and fauna, has been announced a National Park since 1938 and a World's Biosphere Reserve.
This hiking package is addressed to the real mountain lovers who will enjoy a daily 7-8 hours trekking on the trails of the mountain and will enjoy the atmosphere of mountain refuges.
Dates 2020
11223
11235
Arrive and meet your guide and rest of the group in Litochoro and transfer to Prionia, the highest point that can be reached by car, at an altitude of 1.100 metres. From there we begin our hike on a well maintained path, through a thick forest of pine, beech and fir trees, to the refuge of Spilios Agapitos at an altitude of 2100m.
Estimated walking time: 3 hours
Overnight in Spilios Agapitos refuge
Starting from the refuge, a Zig Zag path will bring us under the mountain's main summits. From there we have two options according to groups fitness and weather conditions: We either climb Skala at 2.882 meters and then crossing a narrow ridge to climb to the summit of Skolio at 2.911meters. Or if weather permits and there is no snow, we ascent, following a narrow gorge (it involves about 150 m of scrambling) to the main summit - Mytikas (2.917meters), Greece’s highest peak! (4-5 hrs walking on narrow paths – some scrambling involved – altitude gain of 800m). After reaching the summit we descent by the same way to the main path and crossing the spectacular precipice under the summit of Stefani - the throne of Zeus- we emerge to the plateau of the Mouses – an alpine plateau at an altitude of 2700m where we will be accommodated on a mountain refuge (2-3 hrs walking).
Estimated walking time: 6-8 hours
Overnight in Mountain refuge
Before we start our descent, we will climb at the peak of Profitis Ilias close to the refuge to admire superb views of Mt Olympus summits and the plateau of the Muses. From the plateau we will descent to the refuge Petrostrouga where we will stop for lunch and relax before we reach the ending point of our hike at the location Gkortsia from where we will be transferred to Litochoro.
Estimated walking time: 5 - 6 hours
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Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by third party insurance through Ethniki Asfalistiki.
Participants need to be covered by their own personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) for the chosen activities.
Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.
You travel either by taxi or by our own rented air-conditioned mini-bus.
Berths in Mountain refuges with shared facilities
The hikes offer a moderate/hard trek with a maximum of 8 hours walk. We mostly follow good forest paths; above the tree – line, the terrain varies from grassy uplands to rocky ridges, with some scrambling required for the peak ascents. A good level of fitness and experience is required. The guide reserves the right to make the final decision of the peak ascend.
Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well-being of the group. The final hiking selection is left up to Cretan Adventures.