Mount Olympus (Ólympos) is the highest mountain in Greece and, far more significantly, the mythological home of the twelve Olympian gods — the sacred peak where Zeus ruled, Athena was born from his head, and the ancient Greeks believed the boundary between the mortal and divine worlds was at its thinnest. Rising to 2,918 metres above the Aegean coast of northern Greece, Olympus is both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of exceptional biodiversity (over 1,700 plant species, 25 of which are found nowhere else on Earth) and one of Europe’s most rewarding hiking destinations — a challenging but non-technical two-day ascent to Mytikas, the highest summit, through a landscape of deep gorges, alpine meadows, and clouds that swirl around the Throne of Zeus.

Quick Facts: Mount Olympus, Greece

• Best time to climb Mount Olympus: June–September for the best weather and snow-free summit approaches; July–August is the busiest; June and September offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer climbers
• Height: Mytikas summit at 2,918 metres — the highest point in Greece
• How to get there: ~1.5 hours from Thessaloniki by car to Litóchoro (the gateway town at the foot of Olympus); ~5 hours from Athens; regular trains and buses from Thessaloniki to Litóchoro
• The standard route: Start from Prionia (1,100m, the highest trailhead in Greece accessible by road), hike to Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2,100m, ~3 hours), overnight, then summit Mytikas and return (~5–6 hours round trip from the refuge). The final section from Skala to Mytikas involves Class III scrambling on loose rock — a good head for heights and proper footwear are essential
• Refuges: Several mountain refuges operate along the main routes — advance booking is essential in peak season
• Best for: Experienced hikers, mythology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the ultimate Greek mountain adventure

Hiking the Home of the Gods

The most popular route follows the E4 European long-distance path from Prionia through the dramatic Enipeas Gorge. The first day to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge is a steady but well-maintained climb through pine and beech forest that opens into alpine terrain as you approach 2,000 metres. The refuge offers simple accommodation, hot meals, and — most importantly — one of the best sunset views in Greece, watching the light fade over the Aegean Sea far below.

The summit push begins before dawn to reach Mytikas by mid-morning before cloud builds on the peak. The final section from the Skala saddle requires hands-on scrambling over loose limestone — it’s not technical climbing but it is exposed and demands concentration. The reward is the summit of one of the most mythologically charged mountains on Earth, with views stretching from the Aegean islands to the peaks of Albania on clear days.

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Its highest peak is Mytikas (2917 m). Olympus was mythological home to twelve most important Greek gods, specifically of the Pantheon. Mount Olympus is World’s Biosphere Reserve and also Olympus National Park. It is a popular tourist destination.

The starting point for visiting the highest peaks is the town of Litochoro, from which you can go by car to the mountain village Priónia and then continue on foot. In the Mount Olympus you can visit Agios Dionysios Monastery (Metochio), which was built in the 15th century and was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is located 3 km from the town of Litochoro.

In later years it was renamed after its founder monk Dionysus, who came to this area from the Meteora monasteries. During Turkish rule the robbers hid in the monastery who heavily damaged it together with many other sights. Only the perimeter walls with original paintings remained. The monastery is now being renovated – central chapel and the outdoor area were already opened.

It is really amazing to swim in the sea and watching this high mountain.

View Mount Olympus – the highest mountain in Greece in a larger map

Have you climbed Mount Olympus or hiked in the footsteps of the ancient gods? Share your Greek mountain adventures and summit stories in the comments! 🏔️

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