Excursion description

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest mountain in the Balkans, as well as the second highest mountain in the area between the Alps and Caucasus. Its highest summit, Mytikas (or Pantheon as it is also known) that stands tall at 2, 918m, was the home of the twelve gods of Olympus, according to Greek mythology. Mount Olympus, a mountain of worldwide acclaim, boasts rich and interesting biodiversity and the surrounding area is protected as a National Park.

The first time that one visits Olympus is never to be forgotten. The unsurpassed beauty of Greek nature, beautiful scents of the forest, the enchanting humming of birds, the breathtaking steep slopes and the fresh air, all combined create a magical world that carries any hiker to a wonderful dance of emotions. It’s not easy for one to get enough of Olympus because each time it has something new to offer. Our excursion will last 3 days or 4 days with the Canyoning. We hope that you’ll join us to share beautiful lifetime memories.

Adventure excursion schedule

Day 1: Meeting at Litohoro village and ascent to the first refuge

From Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki we will take public transport to beautiful Litohoro village that is situated at the foot of Olympus. Our hike will begin at Prionia and heading upwards through oak and pine forests, we will reach “Spilios Agapitos” refuge, where we will spend the night. The refuge is situated at an altitude of 2,100m. Our hike is uphill around 3-4 hours based on the pace of an average hiker. Once we reach our destination, we will enjoy our dinner and relax at the refuge.

Day 2: Ascent to Muses plateau and the peaks

We follow the central path to Zonaria that leads to the Muses Plateau. The walk, although short, is uphill and tiring, about three hours and with an altitude difference of 500m from the first refuge. If the weather is good, we can attempt the climb to the Scolio peak (2905m) or *Mytikas peak (2917m) depending on the level of the group.

If the weather does not allow to these peaks, for the rest of the day we will move to the Muses plateau at an altitude of around 2550m and we will attempt the nearby peaks of Toumba and Prophet Ilias. We will spend the night in one of the two shelters located on the plateau.

If the sky is clear at night you won’t be able to count the stars until morning, even though they look so close!

*The ascent and/or descent to Mytikas is made from the Mytikas gully and/or from Skala. Both routes are technical and involve risks. Only experienced hikers, adequately trained and properly equipped, can attempt the specific routes after accepting the risk and at their own risk. The terrain is alpine and the chute exposed so a lot of care is needed. Possibly we will encounter snowstorms in Zonaria. The duration of the walk from the plateau is around two hours and the height difference is 270m from the plateau. By the time we figure it out and if everything goes well, we will have already reached one of the two peaks. The view from both peaks is magnificent, provided the visibility is good. We will then descend towards the plateau discussing our feelings and enjoying the joy of success. Our destination is the shelter where we will spend the night.

Day 3: Descent

In the event that the second day has not left us room to climb to the highest peaks, early in the morning we will have another opportunity, provided the weather permits.

Then we will descend towards Laimos and Petrostruga. Depending on the program and if the group wishes to participate in the Canyoning activity, the next day we proceed to the Koromilia refuge where we will spend the night for our third and last night. The descent is magnificent, of great aesthetic value and the view is panoramic.

Alternatively, those who will not participate in Canyoning can continue their descent towards the Crossing, thus completing their expedition in three days.

Day 4: Canyoning in Orlias Gorge

The gorge of Orlia, well hidden in the lush vegetation, is beautiful and full of life. Running water falls from above forming waterfalls and water slides ready for play!

Canyoning is the descent of canyons using abseiling ropes. It is a fun activity that requires attention and responsibility. The leader of One Step Further and the professional Canyoning instructors will be by your side to spend a beautiful and unforgettable day together.

From the shelter, taking all our things with us, we will walk about 45′ to the point where we will enter the canyon. There we will meet the Canyoning instructors and charge for the special uniforms and equipment. After the group receives the corresponding training on the spot, the descent will begin, which will last about five hours full of action and adventure. Get ready for lots of fun!

Recommended gear:

Participants must have their own personal gear, apparel and winter mountaineering stiff boots.

Ice axe, crampons, helmet, skis & ski boots can be rented.

A complete and analytical equipment list stating all the details, as well as a discount voucher from Get Out Outdoor Store will be sent right after the participation confirmation.

How to reserve

If you wish to join the team, book your trip today or contact us for more details.

Next scheduled excursion:

Available upon request

Excursion Duration:

3 days without Canyoning or 4 days with Canyoning

Price includes:

  • Recommendation for a preparation/fitness program for those who wish it
  • Pre-departure educational hike (optional)
  • Pre-departure abseiling for Canyoning participants (optional)
  • One Step Further leader
  • All leader expenses (airfare, transportation, accommodation, food)
  • Canyoning including equipment

Price does not include:

  • Air tickets and domestic transfers
  • Food/accommodation expenses
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance (optional)