Ayia Apostoli – Ayia Triada – Krevatia Refuge
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 1,020m
Path signs – yellow square with a red border
A short ramble (1-2hours) on the spine of a ridge overlooking the canyon of Papa. At the height of 750m and beyond one enters a lovely black pine and oak forest, from which one emerges onto the plateau of Krevatia and onto the refuge of the same name, our final destination.
Refuge of Krevatia – Barbalas – Plateau of the Muses – Refuge of Apostolidi
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 1,020m
Path signs – yellow circle with a red border
This is a long and challenging hike (5-8hrs) on the ridge of Barbalas. Going up this steep slope until the peak of Barbalas, then traversing the canyon of Papa which is smoother going until the scree slope at the end before reaching the plateau. At the mercy of the elements, this hike has stunning views of the wild beauty on the northern side of Mt. Olympus.
Krevatia refuge – Rema Canyon
Departure point 1,020m – Finishing point 830m
Path signs – blue circle with a yellow border
A fairly straightforward hike on a narrow, but picturesque path leading deep into the canyon of Papa. This route is characterised by mixed forest with rich flora and leads to the cool waters in the canyon and the start of the path for Papa Aloni and the spring of Mastorouli.
Ayia Apostoli – Papa Canyon – Papa Aloni – Mastorouli
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 980m
Path signs – red circle with a yellow border
This is an easy but long hike (4-5hrs) on the larger bank of the Canyon of Papa. The path steepens dramatically for a short distance at the end of the canyon until it reaches Papa Aloni. From there it leads to the ridge of Tsirknia (1,100m) and then meanders down into the neigbouring canyon, Ayia Koris to the spring of Mastorouli.
Ayios Konstantinos – Koromilia Refuge – Lianoxia – Petrostrougas Refuge
Departure point 280m – Finishing point 1,950m
Path signs –yellow square with a white border
This is the old pathway that the ancient residents of Dion used to climb the mountain. The first leg of the walk (1-2hrs) is on a ridge that leads to the refuge of Koromilia. From there the path climbs past Lianoxia til it reaches the Refuge of Petrostrougas (roughly 3hrs).
Ayios Konstantinos – Orlias – Koromilias Refuge
Departure point 280m – Finishing point 1000m
Path signs –blue triangle with a white border
This is the path that goes through the canyon of Orlias to get to Koromilias Refuge (1-2hrs). There are a good number of impressive waterfalls to be seen on this walk.
Ayia Apostoli – Mastorouli – Diaselo Elatos – Kleftovrisi
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 1,380m
Path signs –red circle with a white border
This is the path that leads to Mastorouli (1-2hrs). From there (2-3hrs) it climbs to Diaselo Elatos (1,550m) and then descends to the old hangout of the bandit Yiankuolas at Kleftovrisi ‘spring of theives’. Just before Mastorouli the path deviates a little to avoid the road.
Ayia Kori – Kopanoula – Diaselo Elatos – Petrostrouga
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 1,980m
Path signs – orange circle with a white border
This path takes one past the waterfalls of Ayia Kori to Kopanoula then onto Robolakia and Diaselo Elatos (4hrs). From there it leads to Paliokoprisia, then turns towards Alataria and concludes at Petrostrouga (another 2hrs).
Ritini – Sarakatsana – Thoma Rachi
Departure point 350m – Finishing point 1,020m
Path signs – red square
A short ramble (1-2hours) on the spine of a ridge overlooking the canyon of Papa. At the height of 750m and beyond one enters a lovely black pine and oak forest, from which one emerges onto the plateau of Krevatia and onto the refuge of the same name, our final destination.
Katerinis Refuge, Ano Milia – Five Towers
Departure point 1022m – Finishing point 1,712m
Path signs – green square
This is an easy trail with a moderate slope, passing through a forest of beech trees and black pine (2-3hrs) and is approximately 4.25 miles long. From the summit of The Five Towers (1712), There are spectacular views towards Mount Olympus, Pindos, Athos and other peaks of northern Greece. The trail is well marked with signs on the length of the route.
Paliopanagia – Arvanitis
Departure point 1022m – Finishing point 1,712m
Path signs – blue square
A trail that requires detailed and complex meandering with numerous uphills and the need for continuous attention to small pathways. It is around 5 hours length.
Litochorο – Prionia
Departure point 400m – Finishing point 1,100m
This is a route of medium difficulty (5hrs) on part of the international hiking path E4. It starts in the area of Myloi (400 m) one of the entrances into the National Park from Litochoro. Passing through the stunning Enipea Canyon crossing the river seven times over lovely wooden bridges. The trail goes past the Holy cave (Agio Spilio) where St. Dionysios lived and the monastery a little further up is well worth a visit. Then onto the spectacular Enipea waterfalls close to the end of the hike.
Prionia – Spilios Agapitos Refuge
Departure point 1,100m – Finishing point 2,100m
The route from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Refuge is the most popular hiking path on Mount Olympus (3hrs) and makes up a part of the E4. It is the continuation of the Litochoro – Prionia trail and is of medium difficulty (Prionia is the highest point reachable by car – 18 km from Litochoro. Most of the hike is through thick forest (the combination of pine trees with beech and fir trees lend a unique charm) and the path is in very good condition. Spilios Agapitos Refuge is located on a plateau surrounded by distinctive, aged Bosnian pine trees.
Spilios Agapitos Refuge – Skala – Mytikas
Departure point 2,100m – Finishing point 2,918m
The route is of medium difficulty (3hrs), becoming more challenging from Skala to Mytikas. From Spilios Agapitos Refuge the path becomes quite steep and after about 20 minutes follows Hondro Mesorachi ridge until it reaches the track for Zonaria on the right at 2480 m.. Continuing on the main E4 path through a bare alpine landscape to Skala peak (2866 m) the climb is quite steep. From here follow the red markings on the rocks along the route called Kakoskala (bad steps), thus named due to the natural, and rather challenging, steps which lead to Mytikas the peak of Olympus.
Spilios Agapitos Refuge – Louki – Mytikas
Departure point 2,100m – Finishing point 2,918m
This difficult route (3hrs) has some dangerous sections. It begins as the previous hike until reaching the path for Zonaria (2480m). At this point following the path to the right (which is very steep at the beginning) before following the undulations of the mountain for some time up to Louki. From Louki there is a risk of landslides so this final stretch to Mytikas requires a great deal of care. There are red arrows painted on the rocks marking the way to Mytikas.
Spilios Agapitos Refuge – Mouson Plateau
Departure point 2,100m – Finishing point 2,650m
This difficult hike (1.5hrs) ascends from Spilios Agapitos Refuge towards the peaks, where the path branches off to the right towards Mouson Plateau (Plateau of the Muses where Giosos Apostolidis & Christos Kakkalos Refuges are located).
This path nicknamed Kofto (sharp) is a short cut to Mouson Plateau. It is quite steep and the snow rarely melts on some sections so great caution is advised.
Gortsia – Petrostrouga – Mouson Plateau
Departure point 1,000m – Finishing point 2,650m
This hike is a long (6hrs 13.4km) and of medium difficulty. It stretches along the Litochoro – Prionia track a narrow road leads off to the right which ends at a parking area. This location is called Gortsia and from here a wide path starts which leads to Mouson Plateau and the refuges Christos Kakkalos and Giosos Apostolidis. !0km of the trail mazes through stunning forest and the top 5 km is characterized by an alpine landscape with low vegetation. Makes sure to pack lots of water for the trip as no is drinkable spring water on this trail. N.B. There is a quirky point of interest a short distance into the walk, to the left at a large cement water tank for ten minutes to the cave that Vasilis Ithakisios, the great artist of Olympus, lived in for many years.
Mouson Plateau – Koryfes (Peaks)
ROUTE A (1hr)
Departure point 2,650m – Finishing point 2,918m
MOUSON PLATEAU (Giosos Apostolidis & C. Kakkalos Refuges) – LOUKI – MYTIKAS
Starting out from the refuges of Giosos Apostolidis (2700 m) and Christos Kakkalos on Mouson Plateau continue the route towards the high peaks on the path that starts at both refuges. Passing the area known as Portes on the right, continue along the path passing beneath Stefani and arriving at the saddle between the two peaks, at this point to the left and in front, is Mytikas and to the right is Stefani. Follow the red arrows painted on the rocks which lead to Mytikas after an approximate 30-40-minute hike. This part of the route through Louki is difficult and dangerous due to the risk of landslides.
ROUTE B (35mins)
Departure point 2,650m – Finishing point 2,803m
MOUSON PLATEAU (Giosos Apostolidis & C. Kakkalos Refuges) – PROFITIS ILIAS – TOUMBA
The routes from Giosos Apostolidis Refuge to the peaks of Profitis Ilias (2803 m) and Toumba (2801 m) are extremely easy. It takes only 10-15 minutes to arrive at the peaks and enjoy the unique view over Pieria Plain and Kazania respectively. It is well worth paying a visit to Profitis Ilias chapel that is located on the peak of the same name and was built in the 16th century by Saint Dionysios. It is the highest built chapel in the Balkans.
Litochoro – Golna – Kastanas Spring – Litochoro
Departure point 400m – Finishing point 400m
This is an easy trail (3-4hrs) starting on the road from Litochoro to Agios Ioannis. At the crossroads leading to Agios Ioannis on the left and Profitis Ilias on the right an uphill path begins which leads to the area of Golna. There is an impressive view of the highest mountain peaks of Olympus and also the amazing Enipea Canyon. The path continues descending in a northwest direction and after some time intersects with the E4 path between Litochoro and Prionia. Take this path east heading towards Litochoro. A great walk to introduce yourself to the area.
Prionia – Agio Spilaio – Agios Dionysios Monastery
Departure point 1,100m – Finishing point 760m
This easy route makes up the final section of route No 1 (2hrs, 6km) and essentially circles around the old monastery (Palaia Moni). After arriving at Prionia by car/taxi head down the E4 path towards Litochoro. There is a small hut in a clearing before you arrive at Agios Dionysios Monastery. Here make a left and follow the path which leads to Enipea waterfall. Crossing the Enipea River over a wooden bridge takes you back onto the E4 on which you continue on for another 20 minutes towards Agio Spilaio where tradition has it Saint Dionysios lived as an ascetic. From here head back to Agios Dionysios Monastery. The outdoor areas of the monastery is a top spot to picnic. You can either go back to Prionia the same way and from there head to Litochoro or go directly by car/taxi to Litochoro.
Krevatia vrontous – Papa Aloni – Agia Triada
Departure point 950m – Finishing point 400m
This easy hike (4hrs, 10km) has plenty of ascents and descents and due to the low altitude is highly suitable for the winter season. The trail starts at Krevatia Vrontous Refuge on an old path that descends towards Agia Triada. It is a wonderful hike with view of magnificent Olympian peaks. After the stream, the path climbs to the right and reaches the river then continues on the opposite side and after five minutes reaches a fork. The path to the left leads down to Agia Triada and to the right leads up to Papa Aloni (1100 m) after about a 40-minute hike. On the way back down take the left path at this fork.
Agia Triada Vrontous – Krevatia – Barbalas
Departure point 400m – Finishing point 1,841m
This hike is of medium difficulty (4hrs, 6km) and there is no drinkable water so bring plenty. Starting at the church of Agia Triada church and on to the large plateau of Krevatia (c.1hr) through a sparse forest. At 950 m there is a refuge and the path to this point is uphill, but relatively easy. After the refuge take the path along the ridge through the stunning pine forest keeping the stream of Agia Triada. Following the red arrows this path leads to Barbalas peak. The path climbs quite steeply and is not very clearly defined but the vistas are amazing.
Agia Kori – Mastopouli – Kleftovrysi
Departure point 400m – Finishing point 1,380m
Τake a forested road on the right, four km along the road from Vrontou to Agia Kori which leads to Arapi Stream. Beginning here this medium difficulty hike, stay on the to the road for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with Agia Kori Stream on the right until the point where the road descends prior to crossing the stream. Take the right the old road ascending sharply with an arrow on the left pointing towards “nero” (water) and then a path leading to Mastorouli spring (in the summer months this spring is dry). Continue up the road to the end of the stream which then to the large but sparse Bosnian pines through a clearing and then onto the peak of Skourta (2485 m) from here the path descends finally arriving at Kleftovrysi (4-5hrs, 8km).
Xerolakki – Naoum Steam – Mouson Plateau
Departure point 1,350m – Finishing point 2,700m
Five km along the forested road between Petra and Kokkinopilos there is a road on the left, which is closed off with a bar. This hike (4-5hrs) begins in the area of Bara at Naoum Stream. Take the path which follows the stream. It is an awesome trek through wild natural beauty, affording unique views of the high Olympian peaks. After crossing the stream the trail reaches Kazania where there is an old path which passes beneath the high peaks and a newer path marked in yellow paint on the rocks which leads directly to Portes (2700 m). Take either of these paths, both of which require a good deal of care and skill but are similar in difficulty to the ascent through Louki to Mytikas. Be warned this is considered a dangerous trail and is only for experienced hikers travelling in groups.
Xerolakki – Vrysi Karaiskini – Papa Rachi – Mouson Plateau
Departure point 1,350m – Finishing point 2,650m
This is a difficult route with many sections unmarked and some difficult scree slopes to navigate. This hike (4-5hrs) begins in the area is of Bara at Naoum Stream. Take the path following the stream. After a few minutes the path opens onto a large clearing known as Patralexi. Cross the clearing heading in the direction of Papa Rachi keeping Karaiskini Stream to your right. On re-entering the forest take the marked path ending at Karaiskini spring. Follow this path to a rocky edge on the left hand side and here turn left onto a narrow very steep and almost unnoticeable path, which follows the base of this edge on the right hand side. Keeping the rocky edge to the left and Karaiskini Stream to the right for one hour until it reaches Papa Rachi. From there follow the path with red markings which will lead you to Mouson Plateau.
