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.