Route 1

27 h, 1700 km

National Park of Nestos Delta and lakes

Kavala

Thasos ?

Halkidiki / Mount Athos (maybe, women not allowed)

Olimp

Skiathos
Archaeological site of Delphi

Lefkada

Kefalonia

Meteora
Bucuresti / Veliko Tarnovo

Olympus Hike

And now, for the final challenge, the summit itself! Olympus is covered in
various rocky peaks, but the most famous are Skolio, Mytikas and Stefani. Skolio
is the easiest to ascend, Mytikas is harder and is the highest point, and Stefani is
in between the two in terms of difficulty and elevation. Skolio is the goal for
casual hikers, and Mytikas for more skilled mountaineers.

There are two common routes up Mytikas. The most popular is from the
Prionia/Refuge A side of the massif. First the hiker ascends Skolio, then
descends into a saddle and climbs a well-marked class III route up to Mytikas.
For those familiar with the Colorado 14ers, the climbing is similar to that of
Long’s Peak, a famous class III mountain. Class III means you’ll be using your
hands to help you climb, and there’s moderate exposure. While a fall wouldn’t
necessarily mean death, it would be likely. So, don’t let go.

The other route up Mytikas is steeper and more technical, but also quicker. The
approach is from the Plateau of Muses. A trail from the refuges cuts around the base of
the Stefani/Mytikas massif. About halfway around the massif a climbers trail cuts
straight up to the summit via a steep gully. The route is marked with paint. If you stay
on route the climbing is sustained class III with some class IV moves. The biggest risk on
this route is loose rock–do not climb this route without a helmet. The refuges loan out
helmets for free to hikers attempting this route. And, because there is loose rock on the
route, every climber has a responsibility to not kill climbers below them. In other words,
move carefully and don’t kick down debris.

1. Prionia - Spilios Agapitos

Duration: 3 hours Altitudinal difference: 1000m Route difficulty: Medium Difficult

Length: 6 km

The route from Prionia (1100 m) to Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2100m) is the most
frequented hiking path on Mount Olympus and makes up a part of the E4. It is the
continuation of the Litochoro – Prionia path. Prionia is the highest point which can be
reached by car (it is 18 km from Litochoro) and here there are parking spaces. The
source of the Enipea River is also to be found here and a cafe-restaurant operates in
Prionia all year long. The majority of the walk is through the forest.

It is worth noting at this point that you should take advantage of the facilities. There are
also public toilets, and any water reservoirs, flasks, etc can be filled from the spring. The
cars can be left overnight or for long periods.

The path is in very good condition and the combination of thick pine trees with beech
and fir trees lend a unique charm to the place. There are several vantage points to see
the view, as well as two convenient seating places at roughly 1⁄3 and 2⁄3 distances
(please remember not to leave litter at these spots).

At about 2⁄3 you will enter a open section, which zig-zags to the final refuge location. As
you enter this section you can see the refuge perched high above on the outcrop. This
section can be quite tough as you are already tired from the previous sections, and in
summer is open to the sun. So be cautious of dehydration and sunburn (the sun at
altitude has stronger UV issues).

Spilios Agapitos Refuge is located on a natural flat surrounded by impressive age-old

Bosnian pine trees.
 2. Spilios Agapitos - Skala – Mytikas

Duration: 3 hours Altitudinal difference: 818m Route difficulty: Medium Difficult Length:
3 km

The path from Spilios Agapitos, first thing in the morning, can seem tiring, as it zig-zags
up the main E4 behind the refuge to follow the Chondro Mesorrachi ridge up to Skala.
The first part of the path has some tree cover, and passes through some lovely
landscape with fabulous views. As the altitude increases, and the lack of oxygen
prevents trees from growing, the path opens out. This forms a zig-zagging path that
reaches a benched vantage point, just before the Zonaria fork in the path (on the right at
2480m). Here you can take a well deserved break.

The next section can be gruelling (especially depending on the weather), so be warned to
take plenty of water, and protect yourself against UV affects at altitude. After the
respite, the path turns to loose gravel and climbs steadily for over 1 km to Skala (the first
peak you will reach on this path, at 2866m). This is in fact the most tiring part of the path,
and it is advised to rest at points on the ascent. Also, note that due to the geographic
formation of the gorge inside the summit of the peaks, very cold winds can blow here
and so even on sunny days, it is advised to take smoothing to cover yourself in the
event of changeable weather.

You will finally reach Skala. A convenient small peak, that is a fork in the road to Skolio
(the second highest peak) and Mytikas. Here you can gather with the other climbers, and
enjoy their company, and rest a while before attempting Mytikas. It is advised that you
leave as many of your possession here at Skala, but try to carry valuables with you. this
is where the path becomes a little more difficult. You take a small marked path to
Mytikas. From Skala continue following the red markings on the rocks along the route
called Kakoskala (bad steps), thus named due to the natural steps which lead to Mytikas.
It should be noted that this stretch of the route is quite challenging. However, it seems
to be ill-named as there has not been a recorded accident here during summertime
treks.

Once you have ascended and over Kakoskala, there are two difficult sections where you
have to slide over rocks, to continue the path, but from then on it's the peak. Be careful
as well, as the slope to the peak (on the right) is loose gravel and you can loose your
footing, and that would mean a 1000m drop. At the top of Mytikas (2918m) you will see
one of the most magnificent views of Olympus, Greece and the surrounding territories.
On a clear day, you are able to see as far as Albania and Bulgaria in the North, and
Chalkidiki in the east. There is a visitors book at the peak for you to sign.

There is a slightly easier route to the second peak, if the Kakoskala seems a little too
daunting. From Skala you continue on slightly to the left and rise to Skolio, the second
peak. Again there is another visitors book, and a most amazing view back at Stefani and
Mytikas. It is a worthwhile trip to visit both peaks for a completely different persecutive
from both.
 3. Spilios Agapitos - Louki – Mytikas
Duration: 3 hours Altitudinal difference: 818m Route difficulty: Difficult Length: 2.9 km

The path from Spilios Agapitos, first thing in the morning, can seem tiring, as it zig-zags
up the main E4 behind the refuge to follow the Chondro Mesorrachi ridge up to Skala.
The first part of the path has some tree cover, and passes through some lovely
landscape with fabulous views. As the altitude increases, and the lack of oxygen
prevents trees from growing, the path opens out. This forms a zig-zagging path that
reaches a benched vantage point, just before the Zonaria fork in the path (on the right at
2480m). Here you can take a well deserved break.

This route begins initially as the previous one until reaching 2480m and the path for
Zonaria. At this point follow the path to the right which starts off incredibly steep in the
beginning before following the undulations of the mountain for some time up to Louki
where the characteristic red arrows are painted on the rocks to mark the way to
Mytikas. This route is quite difficult and the last stretch in Louki is somewhat dangerous
due to a risk of landslides and requires a great deal of care.