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Mount Olympus Weekender: Myths and Legends Trek
Trip Highlights
Reach the summit of Mytikas, the highest point in Greece and mythical throne of the gods.
Trek through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic ridgelines on varied, scenic trails.
Stay in traditional mountain refuges with hearty meals, cosy vibes, and stunning sunrise views.
Start and finish in Litochoro, with time to explore this charming gateway to Mount Olympus.
Enjoy a rewarding multi-day route that builds to a dramatic and unforgettable summit day.
Why choose us for this adventure?
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Expert Local Guides With Legendary Know-How
Our experienced local guides don’t just lead the way, they bring Mount Olympus to life. From hidden trails to legendary tales, their deep knowledge and passion make every step of the journey more meaningful.
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All Technical Gear Included – No Extra Hassle
We provide all the essential climbing equipment you’ll need for the summit push - helmets, ropes, harnesses - so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about what to pack or hire.
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Stress-Free Travel from Start to Finish
From airport pickups to local transfers and comfortable accommodation before and after the trek, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
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Exclusive Perks
Get your hands on our EverTrek Trip Planner app - your go-to tool for preparing before you go and staying on track while on the trail. Plus, unlock exclusive discounts from our expert partners, including The Altitude Centre, Montane and Ellis Brigham.
Download the full Trip Guide
The EverTrek Difference
We go the extra mile – before you even hit the trail!
EverTrek App
Get access to our mobile Trip Planner App with maps, countdown to your trip, tick lists weather updates plus insider knowledge to get the most out of your trip!
PLUS Get a FREE training plan from The Altitude Centre
Book now and you can get a FREE consultation & training plan from The Altitude Centre!
What's Included
- An epic and legendary trekking itinerary
- Airport Pick-up/Drop-off service from Thessaloniki Airport
- All internal transfers during the trip
- All accommodation (Mix of Guest house and mountain huts)
- Breakfast at the guesthouses
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide
- All essential safety equipment(helmet/rope/harness)
- EverTrek pre-trip support
- Mobile Trip App with countdown timers, map & loads more.
- Exclusive equipment discounts from Ellis Brigham, Osprey, The Altitude Center and loads more
Difficulty:
Challenging
How challenging is the trek?
The Mount Olympus Trek is a proper mountain adventure, not just a scenic stroll through Greek mythology. With long trekking days, steep ascents, and a final scramble to the summit of Mytikas (2,918m), the highest point in Greece, this trek is ideal for hikers who want a physically demanding challenge with a real sense of achievement at the top.
While it’s not a high-altitude trek in Himalayan terms, Olympus makes up for it with rocky trails, big climbs, and the need to carry everything you’ll need on your back. Add in some scrambling to reach the summit, and you’ve got yourself a classic “earn-your-views” kind of trek.
The final push to Mytikas, the highest peak in Greece, does involve some scrambling and exposure, which adds to the difficulty. Some practice on some easy grade scrambling while not strictly necessary, will help you enjoy the experience a lot more.
Pre-Trek Fitness Prep
To take on Mount Olympus, you should:
- Be comfortable hiking for 6 to 8 hours per day, including long ascents
- Train with a weighted backpack (around 40L), you’ll carry all your gear for the trek, so it’s important to get used to the load
- Be confident hiking on rocky, uneven terrain, with some steep and sustained climbs
If you’re generally fit and spend time on the trails back home, this trek is within reach – but definitely not one to take lightly. The better your fitness, the more you’ll enjoy the views (and the climb).
What to expect on the trek
Altitude Challenges
At 2,918m, Olympus isn’t high enough to cause serious altitude issues for most trekkers, but you’ll still be gaining a lot of elevation over a relatively short time. You’ll definitely feel it in your legs – and potentially your lungs – on summit day.
You won’t need to acclimatise the way you would on a 5,000m+ trek, but the rapid ascent and steep terrain make this a physical challenge from start to finish.
Duration
The Mount Olympus trek typically takes 2 to 3 days, starting from Litochoro, with a night spent in a mountain refuge before your summit attempt. Some itineraries build in an extra day to explore the lower trails or descend at a more relaxed pace.
Expect to walk 6 to 8 hours per day, with a big push on summit day – especially if heading to Mytikas.
Terrain
The trail includes a mix of:
- Forest paths and alpine switchbacks
- Rocky trails and scree, especially above 2,000m
- Scrambling sections near the summit of Mytikas, requiring use of hands and feet on exposed rock
Your mountain guides will provide ropes, helmets, and harnesses where needed for safety during the scramble. If you’ve done scrambling or light climbing before, you’ll feel right at home. If not, your guides will support you every step of the way.
Alternative Summit Options
If the Mytikas scramble isn’t your thing, you can still summit Skolio Peak (2,911m) – the second-highest point on Mount Olympus. It’s a tough hike with steep sections, but there’s no scrambling or technical gear required, making it a fantastic alternative for trekkers who want the views without the exposure.
Weather
Weather in the Olympus range can shift quickly. Lower down, it’s typically warm in summer, but temperatures drop significantly above 2,000m – especially overnight. Rain, fog, and strong winds are all possible near the summit, so good layering and waterproof gear are essential.
The Mount Olympus Trek is ideal for trekkers looking for a high-effort, high-reward challenge that fits into a shorter timeframe. It’s physically demanding, includes technical sections if you go for the full Mytikas summit, and delivers epic views over the Aegean and across mainland Greece.
Whether you tackle Mytikas or stick to Skolio, this is a trek with real summit vibes, solid challenge, and a proper mountain atmosphere – all without having to travel halfway around the world.
Essential Kit
Take a look at the recommended essential kit below to ensure you're fully equipped and ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest. A full and detailed packing list can be downloaded.
Waterproof jacket
A versatile gore-tex or similar material jacket is ideal for year round walking, hiking and trekking in the roughest weather. Jackets like the Latok Mountain GORE-TEX® Pro Jacket offer great weather protection and breathability when you need it.
Latok Mountain GORE-TEX Pro Jacket
Insulated jacket
A down or synthetic insulated jacket is a must for sub-zero conditions. Jackets like the Montane Anti-Freeze XT Down Hoodie use water-resistant down for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, with features like high collars and storm flaps to trap heat.
Montane Anti-Freeze XT Down Hoodie
Sleeping bag
A warm and reliable down-filled sleeping bag is essential for multi-day trekking or backpacking adventures. The Rab Ascent 700 is a great example, made with recycled materials and designed for both regular camping and mountain use.
Rab Ascent 700
Base layer top
A warm and breathable long-sleeve base layer, combining materials like Merino wool and synthetic fibres, helps regulate body temperature in various outdoor conditions. The Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight is one such example.
Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight
Trekking shorts
Lightweight and durable walking shorts are ideal for fast-paced mountain hikes. Shorts like Montane's Tenacity Lite use stretch fabrics to offer protection from wind and abrasion.
Montane Tenacity Lite Shorts
Trekking trousers
Tough, lightweight and versatile trousers are perfect for a range of outdoor activities. The Montane Terra Pants continue to be a go-to choice for everything from trekking to scrambling.
Montane Terra Pants
Trekking poles
Lightweight yet sturdy walking poles help with balance and reduce strain on steep or uneven terrain. The Leki Khumbu Lite poles are a popular option for hill walking and mountain hiking.
Leki Khumbu Lite
Mountain sunglasses
Protective and high-performance sunglasses are important for alpine environments. Sunglasses like the Julbo Shield Reactiv combine style with serious high-mountain protection.
Julbo Shield Reactiv
Leggings
Lightweight leggings with moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for active use. The North Face Flex High Rise Leggings offer comfort and sweat management during exercise.
The North Face Flex High Rise Leggings
Technical T-shirt
A moisture-wicking technical tee is essential for active days in the hills. The Rab Force T-Shirt is a reliable choice for mountain walkers and runners alike.
Rab Force T-Shirt
Hiking boots
Supportive and grippy walking boots are key for long hikes and rugged trails. The Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are built for demanding conditions and multi-day use.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Hiking socks
A good pair of merino-blend walking socks helps keep feet warm and comfortable on long walks. The Bridgedale Merino Hiker socks are a dependable option for various terrains.
Bridgedale Merino Hiker
Daypack
A 30-35L daypack is a great size for longer hikes or overnight trips. Packs like the Osprey Talon 33 balance load well and offer good back ventilation.
Osprey Talon 33
Fleece mid layer
A soft, insulating fleece is great for layering on cooler days. The North Face Cornice II is a sustainable option made from recycled materials.
The North Face Cornice II
Warm beanie
A warm and comfortable beanie is ideal for cold weather walks or everyday use. The Mountain Equipment Humbolt Beanie fits the bill.
Mountain Equipment Humbolt Beanie
Hydration reservoir
A 2-3L hydration bladder helps you stay hydrated on the move. The Osprey Hydraulics 3L Reservoir is stable, easy to use, and reliable.
Osprey Hydraulics 3L Reservoir
Water bottle
A durable, wide-mouth bottle is handy for refilling on the go. Nalgene's Sustain 1L Water Bottle is a classic, perfect for day hikes or longer trips.
Nalgene Sustain 1L Water Bottle
Waterproof gloves
Warm, waterproof gloves are essential for wet and cold mountain days. Gloves like the Montane Respond Dry Line offer protection and dexterity in tough conditions.
Montane Respond Dry Line
Headtorch
A compact and bright headtorch is important for early starts or late finishes. The Petzl Tikka 350L is simple to use and effective for low-light navigation.
Petzl Tikka 350L
Sleeping mat
A lightweight and compact sleeping mat adds essential insulation and comfort for overnight stays outdoors. Mats like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT offer excellent warmth-to-weight performance, making them a solid choice for backpacking and wild camping.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Portable power bank
A high-capacity power bank is a great way to keep your devices charged on multi-day trips or when you're off the grid. Options like the Anker PowerCore 20000mAh offer multiple charges for phones and other electronics, making them ideal for camping, backpacking, or travel.
Anker PowerCore 20000mAh
Sustainable Tourism
Because we only use local guiding teams it ensures your trip directly benefits the local mountain communities.
4-Day Mount Olympus Weekender: Myths and Legends Trek Itinerary
Yamas! Welcome to Greece!
It's time for an awesome weekend of trekking in the Olympus mountain range! After pickup at Thessaloniki airport, you'll take the transfer(2 hours or so) to the beautiful village of Litochoro which stretches up the mountainside of Mount Olympus.
Once checked in and having caught up with the rest of your group, you'll have some free time to explore the historic 14th-century town with its narrow street lanes and numerous 'Barias'(town squares) as well as cafes to relax and grab a relax and some food before the trek starts tomorrow.
You'll spend the night in Litochoro at one of the local guest houses.
Once you've had breakfast, it's time to hit the road (usually around 8 am) and head to the trailhead at Prionia (1,100m) for the start of your trekking adventure.
Today's trek will take around 8–9 hours, depending on the group's pace. You'll hike through beautiful pine and fir forests before emerging onto the plateau, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Olympus' many summits. The refuge sits at 2,650m, making for a challenging ascent with over 1,500m of elevation gain, but what an incredible day of trekking!
This is it, the highest mountain in Greece!
After an early breakfast, you'll gather your trekking gear and excitement as you begin your ascent of Mount Olympus. Your guide will decide which of the two summits to attempt based on the weather conditions and how the group is doing.
The first option is to summit Skolio Peak (2,911m) after first ascending Skala Peak (2,882m) and then crossing the ridge to Skolio. Alternatively, depending on the weather, time and group you may take on the more challenging summit of Mytikas (2,918m). The final few hundred metres to Mytikas involve scrambling, so you’ll need a harness, helmet, and rope (all provided, of course) as you make your way to the top.
This is a tough day, so any experience with scrambling is useful, but it’s also hugely rewarding as you stand atop the legendary ‘Mountain of the Gods’.
After summiting, you’ll begin the long descent back towards Prionia, where your trekking adventure began, before returning to the village of Litochoro. It’s time to relax and celebrate a hard-earned summit. Yamas!
It’s time to say farewell to the stunning Greek mountains and make your way back to Thessaloniki Airport for your flight home. If time allows, you’ll have one last chance to explore Litochoro before departing.
What an adventure, one for the history books!
Food & Accommodation
On your Mount Olympus adventure, you’ll experience a great mix of traditional Greek hospitality and mountain refuge living. In Litochoro, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel where you can enjoy hearty local meals. Once on the mountain, you’ll stay in welcoming refuges, sharing simple but cosy dorm-style rooms with fellow trekkers. Freshly prepared meals, energy-packed snacks, and plenty of authentic Greek flavours will fuel your journey to the summit.
Accommodation
Over the course of the trip, you’ll stay in a combination of locally-run guesthouses and high-altitude refuges, simple, comfortable, and full of character.
Litochoro Guesthouse (Nights 1 & 3)
You’ll stay in a traditional guesthouse in the charming village of Litochoro, nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Olympus. Rooms are shared (twin or triple), with en-suite or shared bathroom facilities. These accommodations are cosy and welcoming, often family-run, and ideally located for exploring the cobbled streets and local cafés before and after the mountain section of the trip.
Olympus Mountain Refuge (Night 2)
On summit night, you’ll stay in a mountain refuge perched high on the Musses Plateau at around 2,650m. The refuge is dormitory-style, with bunk beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. It’s basic, but warm, safe, and ideally placed for your early summit attempt the next morning.
Sleeping bags aren’t required, but a lightweight sleeping bag liner is recommended for hygiene and extra warmth. Earplugs don’t go amiss either.
Summary of Accommodation
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Night |
Location |
Accommodation Type |
|
1 |
Litochoro |
Guesthouse (shared rooms) |
|
2 |
Refuge |
Mountain hut (dormitory) |
|
3 |
Litochoro |
Guesthouse (shared rooms) |
Food on the Trek
Meals on this trek follow a simple rule: Breakfasts are included, lunches and dinners are pay-as-you-go. This gives you the flexibility to sample local cuisine in Litochoro, or choose meals that suit your appetite and pace during the trek.
Included:
- Breakfasts at the guesthouses in Litochoro (Day 2 & Day 4)
- Breakfast at the mountain refuge before summit day (Day 3)
Expect hearty continental breakfasts with bread, jam, butter, cheese, yoghurt, eggs, and strong Greek coffee or tea.
Not Included:
- Lunch & Dinner during the trip. These can be purchased from local tavernas in Litochoro and from the mountain refuge, which offers a selection of hot dishes, soups, pasta, and drinks. The food is rustic but filling, ideal after a long ascent.
We recommend bringing some high-energy snacks (trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit) for the summit day, especially if you’re heading for Mytikas.
Water:
Tap water in Litochoro is drinkable, but in the mountains, bottled water and drinks can be purchased at the refuge. There are limited water refill points on the trail, so bring at least 2L carrying capacity, and consider using purification tablets or a filtered bottle for flexibility.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian options are usually available at the guesthouses and the refuge, but choices can be limited at altitude. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance and bring any essentials with you to be safe.
FAQs
The Mount Olympus – Myths and Legends Weekender with EverTrek is priced at £950 per person. This 4-day adventure includes: Accommodation in hotel in Litochoro and mountain refuges during the trek, breakfasts during the trek, experienced local mountain guides, all internal transfers within Greece and full support from the EverTrek team.
EverTrek's itinerary begins in the town of Litochoro, ascending through the Enipeas Gorge and staying overnight in a mountain refuge. The summit attempt targets Mytikas Peak (2,917m), the highest point in Greece. Depending on weather and group conditions, the alternative Skolio Peak (2,911m) may be chosen. The descent follows a different path, offering varied landscapes and views.
This trek is rated challenging. Participants should be prepared for:
- Daily hiking: 6–8 hours over steep and rugged terrain.
- Elevation gain: Significant ascents and descents.
- Altitude: Reaching up to 2,917 meters.
Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not essential. A good level of fitness, strong legs, and determination are key.
Training recommendations:
- Cardiovascular fitness: Engage in activities like hiking, running, or cycling.
- Strength training: Focus on leg and core exercises.
- Endurance: Practice back-to-back long hikes with a loaded backpack.
Aim to train 3–5 times a week for at least 2 months prior to the trek. Participating in an EverTrek UK training weekend can also be beneficial.
Technical climbing gear is only needed for the final summit push to Mytikas Peak.
The ascent involves some scrambling and the use of hands for balance on exposed rocky sections. Your EverTrek guide will provide helmets and any necessary safety equipment for the summit attempt. No advanced climbing skills are required, just good balance, sure-footedness, and the ability to move confidently on steep ground.
No, there are no porters provided on the Mount Olympus trek. All trekkers are expected to carry their own bags. We recommend bringing a 40-litre backpack and only carrying essentials needed for the climb, such as water, snacks, waterproofs, an extra warm layer, and personal items. Anything not needed for the trek can be stored securely at your hotel in Litochoro. As such there is no weight limit on your day packs.
Only breakfasts are included during the trek at the mountain refuges and hotels. Lunches and dinners are not included, so you will need to purchase these yourself at the refuges, shops, or restaurants along the way. It’s advisable to bring cash (Euros) to cover these meals.
We recommend bringing cash for:
- Lunches and dinners during the trek
- Meals in Litochoro
- Snacks, drinks, and any personal expenses
- Tips for guides and support staff
ATMs are available in Litochoro, but cash is essential for mountain refuges and remote areas.
During the trek:
- Mountain refuges: Basic facilities; showers may not be available or may be very limited.
Before and after the trek:
- Hotels in Litochoro: Full bathroom facilities, including hot showers.
We recommend bringing biodegradable wipes and a lightweight towel for personal hygiene during the trekking days.
The best seasons for trekking are:
- Late May to early October – Offering milder temperatures, clearer skies, and safer summit conditions.
- Outside these months, Mount Olympus can experience snow, colder temperatures, and more technical conditions on the summit.
Tipping is customary and very much appreciated. We recommend budgeting around 10% of the trip cost, approximately £95 per person. Your lead guide will advise on how to coordinate tips among the team.
Although Mount Olympus's elevation is below 3,000m, mild symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness can still occur. To minimise risk:
- Stay well hydrated
- Ascend steadily and avoid rushing
- Eat regular snacks and rest when needed
Serious altitude sickness is extremely rare on Mount Olympus.
Yes, this trip requires a minimum of 4 EverTrekkers for it to be confirmed and guaranteed to go ahead. We’ll let you know at the time your final balance is due (which is 6 months before the trip) whether the trip is going ahead or if the minimum group size hasn’t been met.
We strongly recommend avoiding any non-refundable costs (such as flights or accommodation) until you’ve received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed.
Please read out minimum number terms and conditions for more info around refund & payment terms.
