• By: admin
• Oct 05, 2026
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The mountain where Zeus was believed to live just got officially protected. And the best part? You can hike it.

On 26 July 2026, the wider area of Mount Olympus became Greece’s 21st UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was approved unanimously, and it’s listed for both its culture and its nature.

Why Mount Olympus is special

The myths

In ancient Greek stories, Olympus was home to the twelve Olympian gods, led by Zeus. Greeks believed the gods lived above the clouds on its peaks, watching the world below.

The nature

Olympus is also a biodiversity hotspot. It has nearly 2,000 types of plants, and dozens of them are found nowhere else on Earth. You walk from forests of beech and pine up to bare, rocky peaks in a single day.

The height

Its highest peak, Mytikas, is 2,918 metres, making it the tallest mountain in Greece.

When to go

The mountain refuges (huts where hikers sleep) are open from about mid-May to late October. September and early October are great: the summer heat is gone and the trails are quieter. Outside that season, the upper mountain is snowy and only for experienced climbers.

The classic route

1. Start at Prionia (about 1,100 m), reached by road from the village of Litochoro.
2. Hike to Refuge A, also called Spilios Agapitos (around 2,100 m). This takes most people 2.5 to 3.5 hours through forest.
3. Sleep at the refuge and start early the next morning.
4. Continue to Skolio, the second-highest peak, or on to Mytikas.

Officials recommend booking a refuge night instead of trying to do it all in one day. The final section to Mytikas is an exposed rocky scramble, so only go if you’re confident and the weather is clear.

How to get there

Fly into Thessaloniki, the closest big airport. From there, drive or take a bus to Litochoro, about 1 to 1.5 hours away. From the Gulf, connect through Athens or another European hub.

Tips

• Start early. Clouds often build in the afternoon.
• Pack layers. It can be warm at the bottom and freezing at the top on the same day.
• Bring good boots. Trails are rocky and loose higher up.
• Not a climber? The lower trails and the Enipeas Gorge near Litochoro are beautiful and easier.

Quick facts

• Mount Olympus became Greece’s first national park back in 1938.
• It’s one of three Greek UNESCO sites listed for both culture and nature, alongside Meteora and Mount Athos.
• The sea is only about 18 km away, so you can hike in the morning and swim in the afternoon.

Not a big hiker? Try this instead

You don’t have to reach the summit to enjoy Olympus.

• Enipeas Gorge: a shaded trail from Litochoro along a river with small waterfalls and pools.
• Prionia waterfall: a short walk from the car park where the main trail begins.
• Ancient Dion: an archaeological site at the foot of the mountain, where ancient Macedonians worshipped Zeus.
• The coast: beaches below the mountain for a swim with a view of the peaks.

Many visitors stay in Litochoro, a friendly mountain town with tavernas, cafés and easy access to all of the above.

Your challenge

How tall is Mount Olympus’s highest peak? 1,918 m, 2,918 m, 3,918 m, or 4,808 m? Answer on my post at @explor_shan.

Then try the AI prompt challenge and create your own Olympus above the clouds.

FAQ

Do I need a guide?
Not for the main trail to Refuge A in season. For the summit scramble, a guide is a good idea if you’re not experienced.

Can beginners hike Olympus?
Beginners with good fitness can reach Refuge A. The summit is better for experienced hikers.

How many days do I need?
Two days for the classic summit trip, with one night at a refuge.

Which Greek god would you be? Save this and tag your hiking partner.

Explore with me every day. Follow @explor_shan on Instagram for the daily challenge, and comment EXPLORE on any post to get the guide in your DMs.