Guided Hike to the top of Olympus (Mytikas Summit)

Climb to the summit of Mytikas, the top of Mount Olympus, and enjoy a legendary hike in Greece that will connect you with its mountains and mythology!

Group

Olympus

2 Days

May - Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Climb to the highest point in Greece.

* Enjoy an exciting adventure that involves hiking and scrambling.

* Discover one of the most emblematic mountains of Europe.

Description

Climbing to the Olympus summit is an obtainable goal and one that you should definitely aim for if you are in Greece. The highest point of the country is renowned for its mythological and natural value.

On this 2-day hike, we will climb to the top of Mytikas (2918m/9574ft) with an overnight stay at Spilios Agapitos hut. On average, we will hike around 4 hours the first day and 8 hours the second. covering a total distance of 18km and an estimated 1800m altitude gain. It will be an exciting adventure that will allow you to enjoy the full splendor of Olympus under the guidance of a professional that will not only show you the way but also keep you safe.

The program starts and ends in Litochoro, from where we will drive to the trailhead in Prionia. You can find a detailed description of the itinerary below.

Please keep in mind that you will need a good fitness level to join this tour. You should also be comfortable with heights. During the last stretch of our climb, we will use a rope, harness, and helmet (which we will provide) to scramble up to the Mytikas summit.

Join us on this amazing adventure! Send us a request and let's start planning your Olympus climb together! You can join us on one of these 2-day tours or inquire about longer, custom Olympus climbs as well. We look forward to guiding you!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back

- Mountain guide expenses

- Rope

- Harness

- Helmet

- Trekking poles

Price details

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Experienced English speaking guide

• Guide’s expenses

• 1 night accommodation in the mountain hut

• Trekking poles

• Local Transfer Litochoro – Prionia & Prionia – Litochoro.

• Safety Climbing Equipment (helmet, climbing harness, rope)

• Photos and videos during the activity

• VAT

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Personal expenses.

• Breakfast, meals, snacks and beverages on the refuge.

• Optional gratuities to the tour leader/guides

• Anything not mentioned as included

• Transfer to/from Litochoro (contact us if you need assistance on your arrangements)

• Accommodation in Litochoro before/after the hike (contact us if you need assistance on your arrangements)

Itinerary

Day 1: Litochoro-Prionia-Spilios Agapitos hut

Our day will normally begin in the morning at 9.30 in Litochoro’s central square. After a short briefing about our day’s hike, we will drive towards the trailhead (Prionia 1100m) (20-30 minutes).

In Prionia, we will park our car and prepare our gear for the hike. Prionia is the highest point which can be reached by car (it is 18 km from Litochoro).

We will take the route from Prionia (1.100 m) to Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2.1000 m), the most frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and part of the E4 European trail.

The trail is in good condition and mostly through a shady forest. We will constantly move uphill to the Spilios Agapitos hut, at an altitude of 2.100m. This legendary resting spot is surrounded by impressive age-old Bosnian pine trees. We will enjoy a good meal and a good night's rest, and prepare for summit day.

Day 2: Summit Day

We will enjoy an early breakfast with a view at 5.30 am, on the hut balcony.

At 6.30, we will leave the hut following the European E4 trail away from the forest towards and alpine zone. This relatively steep trail is quite popular and offers a magnificent view of the whole eastern region of Olympus.

In approximately 2 or 2.5 hours we will reach Skala peak at 2866m, where we will t stop for rest and prepare our gear (helmet and climbing harness) to summit Mytikas. From Skala (2866m), we can catch sight of Skolio peak (2911m), Agios Antonios peak (2815m) and of course, Mytikas peak (2918m).

Kakoskala is the name of the ridge that we will follow on our way to the summit. In approximately 1 hour of partly technically, easy scrambling will make it to the top of Mytikas at 2.918 m. the highest peak in Greece! During the ascent, you will be attached to the guide’s rope and offered advice and guidance.

Later, we will begin our descent back to the refuge, via the same route, and normally will arrive there by 12.00-12.30 pm. Once at the hut, we will rest and have lunch before hiking for a couple of hours back to Prionia. Then, we will drive back to Litochoro with an amazing memory as a souvenir.

Details

More info

This trip is allowed for adults, and children older than 16 years old accompanied by their parents.

Meeting point

9.30 am, Litochoro central square

Equipment you will need to bring

•Hike or trail running shoes (with a good traction/non-slippery) •Hiking backpack of 40-60lt. with padded straps and a waist belt. You should leave extra space in your backpack to carry a helmet and a climbing harness (which we will provide). •A water bottle (at least 1-1.5 lt) - energy bars/snacks. •Waterproof jacket or a windbreaker with hood (windbreaker pants recommended) •Shorts and long trousers for walking, ideally quick-drying material •2 dri-fit (technical) t-shirts. •One long sleeve t-shirt •Warm clothing for the night, (fleece top, long thermal underwear,2 pair of socks) •Sunglasses, hat, sun-cream •Warm gloves, beanie (recommended) •Sleepimg bag (blankets available in the hut) •Personal toiletries, small towel •Head-lamp (recommended) •Simple first aid kit (plasters/blister kit, painkiller, antiseptic) Try to keep your backpack as light as possible, and carry only the essentials. An additional equipment list depending the period or weather conditions may be communicated beforehand to the participants. If you don't have any of the equipment, please let us know so that we can make arrangements.

FAQs

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

Accommodation is organized by the guide and you should not worry about the booking arrangements. Meals/breakfast are not included in the price. The refuge has an excellent kitchen with a variety of food and drinks offered. Average price for a meal and breakfast range from 20-25 euros.

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

May to October

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Day 1 is relatively easy, approximately +1000m / 5.5km from Prionia (start) to the refuge. Day 2 is a longer one with approximately +900m / 3km to the summit and -1900m / 8.5km from the summit to Prionia (end) with an intermediate rest stop at the refuge.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

No permits required for this trip. Personal accident insurance is advised.

Can I join a group?

Yes, you can join a group for a 2-day hike of Olympus!

Group size:

Minimum climbers: 2 (to have a guaranteed departure)

Maximum climbers: 4

*Please note, the group tour will be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached seven days prior to the tour. If this happens, you will have the option to convert your booking to a private session.

Price: €295

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

You don't have to be experienced, but you surely need to have a relatively good fitness level in order for you to enjoy this trip and not struggle. On average, you should be able to easily hike uphills for 3 to 5 hours.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Your guide will arrange your transportation to the trailhead (included in the price). This is a 20-30 mins drive.

What health related issues do I need to consider?

Please if you suffer any injuries on your musculoskeletal system (knees, joints etc) or have any related chronic health problems (heart etc), avoid this trip or discuss it with your doctor before booking. Also, bare in mind that during the last part of our climb to the summit, we will be scrambling on a relatively easy, but steep terrain (helmet, rope and harness will be used for safety), so you should not suffer from acrophobia/fear of heights, as this last part to the summit would worsen your condition.

What is included in the price?

Guiding service, one night accommodation in the refuge, transportation to Prionia (trailhead) from Litochoro and back, safety equipment required for the summit part (helmet-harness-rope), trekking poles (upon your request)

What should I bring with me?

Please remember to try and be as light as possible! Prior to your trip's date, your guide sometimes depending on weather conditions might add certain equipment.

30/40lt backpack

trail running shoes or hiking boots with good traction soles, 2 pairs of hiking socks

light waterproof jacket,

a packable lightweight puffer jacket

a fleece jacket,

hat, sunglasses, sunscreen,

beanie, buff, light pair of gloves

long summer pants

technical t-shirt(s)

a water bottle(s) or bladder (total 1.5lt)

toiletries

sleeping bag or a silk liner (blankets are available in the refuge)

any type of energy snacks. Do not bring food, you can buy at the refuge.

How do I get to Litochoro?

Please contact us for detailed information on how to get to Litochoro. We will be happy to assist your arrangements (transportation or accommodation)

Where do we sleep in the refuge?

Spilios Agapitos refuge is a very well organized and clean mountain refuge. We sleep in bunk-beds in common rooms of 8 or more persons. Blankets are available, but you can bring your own sleeping bag (however, a silk liner is advised in order to save some weight). Bathrooms/restrooms are also common. Showers are available (no hot water).

About the guide

Stavros

4.90

(32)

Mountain Leader

A certified Mountain Leader and a member of the Greek Mountain Leader Association (HMLA). An experienced mountaineer, having attained several courses by the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing and also an active trail runner, having participated and finished some well established endurance/ultra races (UTMB, TDS, CCC). Speaks fluent English, has a BLS/AED first aid certification, and also holds a Master’s and Bachelor degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

Languages

English | Greek

Certificates

HMLA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Elijah

5.00

Our guide was amazing and super informative, he helped us with any issues that came up. Additionally he taught us the history of the mountain and the surrounding areas. Would highly recommended booking with Stavros!

James

5.00

Mount Olympus Climb, Experience of a Lifetime! My daughter and I planned a vacation to Greece with the typical stops like Athens, Mykonos, etc. We also wanted to do something challenging and special, so we decided to climb Mount Olympus. However, we had no idea how to go about it. We booked Stavros through Explore-Share (payment was smooth and online) and it turned out to be the best and most memorable part of an amazing vacation. This two-day adventure is a must-do. Before the trip, Stavros was very responsive, answering all my questions about where to stay, what dates to choose, necessary equipment, and an overview of what to expect. On the first day, we met him in the charming town at the foot of the mountain, and he drove us to the start of the climb. We ascended 3,000 feet to an overnight refuge, which he had pre-booked for us. The next day began an early start to hike another 3,000 feet to the near-summit. Stavros timed the hike perfectly to avoid the fog. At the near-summit, we donned harnesses, helmets, and ropes (all supplied by him) to tackle the challenging rock formation leading to the summit. We are experienced hikers but novice climbers, and Stavros's calm demeanor and step-by-step instructions gave us the confidence to safely reach the top. Throughout the climb, we observed many other inexperienced groups struggling or turning back due to wrong supplies, bad timing, or taking unnecessary risks. Our little group of three succeeded, thanks to Stavros's expertise. We reached the summit, had a great time, and had everything we needed. Stavros was fantastic company throughout the journey - professional, courteous, knowledgeable, kind, and fun. We are still thinking and talking about this experience every day. It was truly a beautiful and unforgettable adventure. This trip was the highlight of our visit to Greece! Highly recommended!

Darya

5.00

We absolutely loved it. Stavros is a great guide. All went very well. He even managed to get for us an extra night in the refuge. So in total we could enjoy 2 nights on Olympus (mountain refuge at 2100 m). It was absolutely fantastic.

Elena

5.00

The greatest experience in my life!

Daniel

5.00

We all REALLY REALLY enjoyed our time. It was truly a life-long memory. But, pack light!! It's a long way up!