Mount Olympus National Park
A legendary mountain and Biosphere Reserve, offering stunning hikes through gorges, past waterfalls, and to breathtaking summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mount Olympus National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary mountain and Biosphere Reserve, offering stunning hikes through gorges, past waterfalls, and to breathtaking summit views.
"The view is worth it though! Push through!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hikes are long and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack Layers
The summit can get chilly, even on a warm day. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enipeas Gorge
Base of Mount Olympus
Explore stunning waterfalls and lush greenery on this scenic hiking trail. A truly beautiful natural escape.
Refugee House
Mid-way up Mount Olympus
A welcome stop for weary hikers, offering simple yet tasty food and a place to rest.
Summit Views
Mount Olympus Summit
Persistent climbing rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Hike
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hikes are long and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack Layers
The summit can get chilly, even on a warm day. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable. :cloud:
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Plenty of bugs on the trails, so come prepared to protect yourself. :bug:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Long hikes require plenty of water. Carry enough for your journey. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hikes are long and can be challenging. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack Layers
The summit can get chilly, even on a warm day. Bring a jacket to stay comfortable. :cloud:
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Plenty of bugs on the trails, so come prepared to protect yourself. :bug:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Long hikes require plenty of water. Carry enough for your journey. :droplet:
🚗 Easy Access from Prionia
The park is accessible by car up to Prionia, making it easier to start your hike. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful landscapes and the rewarding views from Mount Olympus, especially along the Enipeas Gorge. While the hikes can be long and challenging, the natural beauty and the chance to visit the Refugee House are highlights. Some find it a bit boring if they don't enjoy long hikes, and the number of tourists increases significantly after noon.
"It's a bit boring, but if you climb up for a long time and persistently, you can see a good view. I saw two small waterfalls and a five-minute rain)) In the morning there is almost no one there, but starting from 12:00 the number of tourists increases significantly. It's fun to see the faces of people who are tired of climbing after 10-15 minutes, but find out that there are still several hours ahead 🤪😆"
Nataliia Tkachenko
"Beautiful landscape. Long tour more than 5 hours. We were going to Refugee house. There was simple, but tasty food."
Sandor Kovacs
"Beautiful national park, amazing views and very accessible by car from Prionia. We parked at the side of the road and did a day trip up to Skala. The weather was perfect though it gets a bit chilly at the summit so back a jacket. There is a nice refuge halfway up where you can buy drinks and snacks."
Krista V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car, with roads leading up to Prionia, a common starting point for hikes. From Prionia, you can begin your ascent. Many visitors also take day trips from nearby cities like Thessaloniki, often using organized tours.
No, you cannot drive to the summit. The road access typically ends at Prionia. From there, hiking is the only way to reach higher elevations and the summit.
The Enipeas Gorge is accessible from Litochoro, a charming town at the foot of Mount Olympus. There are marked trails leading into the gorge from the town or nearby parking areas.
While direct public transport to the park's trailheads can be limited, you can reach Litochoro by bus from larger cities like Thessaloniki. From Litochoro, you might need to arrange local transport or start your hike.
Mount Olympus National Park is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Thessaloniki, making it a popular day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Olympus National Park is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for accessing the hiking trails and natural areas.
The park is open 24/7, as it is a natural reserve. However, specific facilities like the Refugee House may have operating hours. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Parking is generally free at designated areas, such as near Prionia or trailheads accessible by car. However, always check local signage for any specific parking regulations.
Yes, many tour operators offer guided hikes and excursions to Mount Olympus, especially from nearby towns and cities. These can be a great option for first-time visitors.
Absolutely! The Enipeas Gorge and its waterfalls are accessible via marked trails, and you can explore them independently.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Enipeas Gorge trail is highly recommended for its beautiful scenery and waterfalls. For more challenging hikes, trails leading to the summit, like the E4 European Long Distance Path, are popular.
Hiking to the summit can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and the chosen route. Many hikers opt for an overnight stay at one of the mountain refuges.
Yes, the Enipeas Gorge is known for its beautiful waterfalls, which are a highlight for many visitors.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species, small mammals, and potentially chamois. Keep a respectful distance and do not feed the animals.
While the summit requires serious hiking experience, there are easier trails like parts of the Enipeas Gorge that are suitable for casual walkers. Always choose a trail that matches your fitness level.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant near the entrance of the Enipeas Gorge trail and a Refugee House higher up on the mountain that offers simple, tasty food.
Yes, the Refugee House halfway up the mountain offers drinks and snacks. It's advisable to carry some of your own as well, especially for longer hikes.
Litochoro, a town at the base of Mount Olympus, has several nice restaurants and tavernas offering traditional Greek cuisine.
It's always a good idea to pack some snacks and water, even if you plan to stop at the Refugee House, to ensure you have sustenance throughout your hike.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots along the trails to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The Enipeas Gorge with its waterfalls and lush vegetation offers stunning photo opportunities. The panoramic views from higher elevations, especially near the summit, are also spectacular.
Early morning light provides soft, beautiful illumination for the landscapes and waterfalls. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer dramatic lighting for summit views.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of Mount Olympus. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots, and a tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, avoid disturbing wildlife or sensitive areas. Always respect signage and local guidelines.
Iconic subjects include the Enipeas waterfalls, the dramatic mountain peaks, the ancient ruins of Dion (nearby), and the vast landscapes from higher altitudes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the nearby town of Litochoro, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere with cafes and shops. While the summit hikes are not suitable for young children, the lower-altitude areas provide a good introduction to the park's beauty. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and has appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Alternatively, explore the charming town of Litochoro at the base of the mountain. If you're looking for a shorter, less strenuous experience, focus on the lower sections of the gorge or enjoy the views from accessible viewpoints. Remember to start early to maximize your time and avoid the afternoon crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Mount Olympus: Trails and Tips
For more ambitious hikers, the trails leading towards the summit are a significant undertaking. The E4 European Long Distance Path is one such route, requiring good physical condition and preparation. Visitors often aim for the Refugee House as a resting point or overnight stop before continuing their ascent. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, pack layers of clothing as temperatures can change rapidly, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Key hiking tips include starting early to avoid the midday heat and crowds, checking the weather forecast before you go, and informing someone of your hiking plans. Be aware of the terrain, which can be rocky and uneven in places. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from higher elevations, making the challenging climb worthwhile for many.
The Legend and Reality of Mount Olympus
In reality, Mount Olympus is a Biosphere Reserve and a stunning natural landscape. Its highest peak, Mytikas, stands at 2,917 meters (9,570 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Greece. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems, from Mediterranean scrubland at lower altitudes to alpine zones at higher elevations. The Enipeas Gorge is a prime example of the park's natural splendor, carved by the Enipeas River over millennia.
Visitors can explore ancient sites like Dion, an important religious center in antiquity, located near the foothills. The combination of legendary lore and tangible natural wonders makes Mount Olympus National Park a unique destination, offering a journey through both history and breathtaking scenery.
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