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Guiding: Professional, experienced local guides throughout the trip.
Airfare: Flights to and from Thessaloniki.
Trip Dates:
- Start Date: June 23, 2025
- End Date: June 30, 2025
- Start Location: Thessaloniki
- End Location: Thessaloniki
Hiking Equipment Needed:
To ensure you’re well-prepared for this adventure, here’s a list of recommended hiking gear:
- Footwear:
- Sturdy, high-quality hiking boots with ankle support (necessary for rocky and uneven terrain).
- A pair of comfortable sandals or camp shoes for after hikes.
- Clothing:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing (shirts, pants, and shorts).
- Waterproof jacket and pants (weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains).
- Warm layers (especially for cooler mornings and evenings on Mount Olympus).
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A comfortable pair of hiking socks (bring extra pairs).
- Backpack:
- A 40–60 liter hiking backpack is recommended for carrying your essentials during the hike. For the journey, you may also bring a suitcase, which you can leave at the hotel while hiking, ensuring you only carry the necessary gear on the trails.
- Accessories:
- Trekking poles (optional, but helpful for navigating steep or uneven trails).
- Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries).
- A water bottle or hydration system (at least 2 liters).
- Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, blister treatment, any personal medications).
- Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Camera or smartphone for photos (extra power bank).
- Personal identification (passport or ID).
- Travel insurance documents.
- Small personal items (snacks, hand sanitizer, etc.).
Weather Conditions:
Late June in Greece is typically warm, but conditions can vary depending on the location and altitude. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thessaloniki (Sea Level):
- Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day, with possible higher peaks reaching 35°C (95°F).
- Warm and sunny with occasional breezes. Evenings are pleasant, around 18°C (64°F).
- Mount Olympus (High Altitude):
- The temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes, especially in the morning and evening.
- Daytime temperatures on the mountain may range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), but it can be colder at the summit.
- Expect cool mornings, chilly evenings, and potential weather changes with clouds, rain, or even light snow at the summit.
- It is essential to be prepared for varying temperatures, especially when hiking at higher altitudes.
- Vikos Gorge & Meteora:
- Expect similar temperatures to Thessaloniki with warm days (25°C/77°F) and cooler nights (18°C/64°F).
- The weather in the gorge can be slightly cooler due to the shade from the cliffs, but you’ll still need sun protection during the day.
Visa Requirements:
- EU Citizens: If you’re from the European Union, you do not need a visa to visit Greece.
- Non-EU Citizens:
- Schengen Area: Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so if you are from a country that requires a Schengen visa, you will need to obtain one before your trip.
- Visa-Free Travel: Citizens from some countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Australia) can travel to Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Visa Application: If a visa is required, we recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for processing.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Greece.
Health and Safety:
- Travel Insurance: It is mandatory for all participants to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers hiking, medical emergencies, and any unforeseen circumstances.
- Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Greece, but it’s always a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccinations.
- Hydration & Health: During the hike, make sure to stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Carry a sufficient amount of water and drink regularly.
Hiking Route Characteristics: Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Greek gods, offers a range of trails that lead hikers through varied terrain, dramatic landscapes, and stunning views. Here are the key characteristics of the most popular hiking route to the summit and surrounding areas:
Distance:
- Total Length: The hike from Prionia to the summit and back typically covers about 16 kilometers (10 miles). We cover this in three days. Two for ascend and one for descend.
- Duration: Around 8–10 hours for the full summit hike, depending on pace, weather, and stops. The descent usually takes about 4–5 hours.
Day 1: Ascent to Refuge A!
This is typically a 3-hour hike, but we take our time for more frequent stops to rest and enjoy the nature and stunning views. We reach Refuge A at noon where we enjoy our dinner and relax with a glass of wine. There is a wi-fi connection available here so you share your first pictures and talk to your beloved ones.
Day 2: Peak or Summit day and Muses Plateau
The wake up call is at 8am. We take our time and enjoy our breakfast at the hut. The schedule today is to reach the rooftop of Greece, summit Mytikas at 2918m. The view from the top is just stunning.The ascent will require scrambling up the gully for a distance of 300m and elevation of 200m. You will use climbing safety equipment: helmet, harness and rope under the instructions of our experienced guides. Taking your safety as our priority, snow covered and wet slippery sections towards Mytikas or just too much visitor traffic that could increase chance of injury will prevent us from summiting. After reaching one of the peaks we head through Zonaria traverse to the Muses Plateau, where we stay overnight at a mountain hut. At this point you have already started feeling the unique energy of this mountain. Enjoying your dinner with the imposing view of Throne of Zeus under the starry nightsky is a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 3: Descend to Gortsia
Today we start our descend back to the base but we choose an alternative route so you can experience the most of Olympus. The Laimos ridgeline is the highlight with breathtaking views in all directions. We make a stop at Petrostrouga refuge for a light lunch. Leaving the alpine zone we enter th dense forest of beech and fir that leads us to the end of the route at Gortsia area. From there we transfer you down to Litochoro.
Difficulty Level:
- Challenging to Very Challenging: The hike to the summit of Mytikas is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, stability, and experience in mountain hiking. The trail involves steep ascents, rocky terrain, and some sections with exposed cliffs, making it a challenging but rewarding experience.
Elevation:
- Start Elevation: Around 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) at Prionia, the most common starting point.
- Summit Elevation: 2,918 meters (9,573 feet) at Mytikas, the highest peak of Mount Olympus.
- Total Ascent: Approximately 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) from Prionia to the summit.
Terrain:
- Rocky and Rugged: The trail is rocky and includes loose stones, boulders, and scree, especially as you approach the summit. The route to the summit also has sections that require some basic scrambling and climbing.
- Alpine Meadows and Forest: The lower section of the trail is shaded by dense forests, while the upper sections open up to alpine meadows and rocky ridges. You’ll experience a mix of wildflowers, mountain grasslands, and breathtaking panoramas.
- Steep Ascent: The climb to the summit is a strenuous ascent with significant elevation gain, particularly in the final stages before the summit.
Hiking Route Characteristics: Vikos Gorge
The Vikos Gorge is one of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes in Greece, offering a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. Here are the key characteristics of the route:
Distance:
- Total Length: Approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Monodendri to Vikos village, depending on the chosen route.
- Duration: Around 6–8 hours for the full hike, depending on pace and stops.
Difficulty Level:
- Moderate to Challenging: The trail features some steep descents and uneven terrain, particularly in the early sections. While the hike is not overly technical, it requires a good level of fitness and stability, especially on the rocky paths.
Elevation:
- Start Elevation: Around 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) at Monodendri.
- End Elevation: Around 500 meters (1,640 feet) at Vikos village.
- Total Descent: Approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Terrain:
- Rocky and Uneven: The path through the gorge is primarily rocky, with sections of loose stones, boulders, and natural steps. There are some narrow sections where you need to be careful, especially along cliff edges.
- Forest and River: The hike alternates between shaded forested areas and open sections with views of the river below. The Voidomatis River runs through the gorge, and in some places, you’ll get the chance to view its crystal-clear waters.
- Wet and Slippery Sections: In some areas, especially after rainfall, parts of the trail can be slippery. Caution is advised on wet rocks and uneven surfaces.
Scenery and Points of Interest:
- Breathtaking Views: The gorge offers spectacular views of towering cliffs, dense forests, and the flowing Voidomatis River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as birds of prey and rare plants.
- Monasteries and Ancient Ruins: Along the route, you’ll pass by a few ancient ruins and monasteries, offering glimpses into the region’s rich history.
- The Stone Bridges: One of the iconic landmarks of the Vikos Gorge is the old stone bridges that span the Voidomatis River, perfect for photo opportunities.
Trail Markings:
- The trail is well-marked with red and white paint, as well as occasional signposts, but some sections can be more challenging to follow without a guide.
Water Availability:
- There are no official water sources along the route, so it’s important to carry enough water with you. The river is nearby, but drinking directly from it is not recommended unless purified.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with preparation, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to joining you on this unforgettable adventure in Northern Greece!
