Climbing Mount Olympus - Mytikas Peak

Starting point – Prionia parking area

The hike to Mount Olympus starts at the Prionia parking area (1,100 m), reached by an asphalt road from the town of Litochoro. At the parking area you’ll find a restaurant, toilets, and a spring with drinking water – everything a hiker could want before or after the ascent. Thanks to its location, Prionia is the most common starting point for climbing Olympus.

Ascent to Spilios Agapitos Refuge

From Prionia, follow the well-marked trail leading to Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2,100 m). The path first takes you through dense forest that provides welcome shade on hot days. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually thins out and views begin to open up toward the sharp ridges of Olympus high above. This section usually takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours and is not technically difficult.

Spilios Agapitos Refuge is strategically located about halfway to the summit. It’s an ideal place for a snack break, refilling water, or an overnight stay (during the hiking season, booking well in advance is strongly recommended). Spending the night at the refuge lets you split the demanding ascent into two or even three days and head for the summit early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and the risk of thunderstorms is lower.

From the refuge via Skala to Mytikas

From Spilios Agapitos Refuge, the route continues at first with a moderate climb through pine forest. After a while, the trail turns sharply right, begins climbing a scree-covered ridge, and the forest gradually thins until it disappears completely. At around 2,500 metres, the path bends gently right again and continues on a steep scree trail just below the ridge crest all the way to Skala (2,882 m).

The climb from the refuge to Skala is physically demanding, with significant elevation gain, but it presents no technical difficulties. From the top of Skala, there are magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the sea, and above all the neighboring rocky summit of Mytikas.

The route to Mytikas is the hardest part of the entire ascent. It crosses exposed terrain where you’ll need to use your hands, and because of loose scree you need to watch not only every step, but also hikers above you, as falling rocks are not uncommon here. The route is well marked, but in fog navigation can still be challenging.

For an experienced high-mountain hiker, however, this section should not be especially difficult, and covering the stretch to Mytikas takes about 45 minutes. If you are not comfortable in this kind of terrain, are tired, the weather is poor, or you don’t have enough time, it’s better not to attempt the summit.

On the summit of Mytikas

The summit of Mytikas itself is the reward for all the effort, offering unique 360° panoramic views that include not only the whole Olympus range, but in good weather also the Aegean Sea and the distant surrounding landscape. You are standing not only on the roof of Greece, but also in a place that Greek mythology says was inhabited by the most powerful gods, which gives the climb a special atmosphere.

Descent back to Prionia

The descent follows the same route back, via Skala and Spilios Agapitos Refuge, to the Prionia parking area. For a fit and experienced hiker, the total hiking time is around 10 hours. Less experienced or less fit hikers should split the route over two days.

Practical recommendations

• Start very early to avoid climbing in the heat and to reduce the risk of afternoon thunderstorms.
• A one-day ascent of Mytikas is suitable only for experienced and very fit hikers. Others should split the climb into two days and finish at Skala.
• If the weather forecast is unfavorable, it’s better to postpone the hike.

Climbing Olympus via Mytikas is not only a beautiful experience in the Greek mountains, but also an encounter with a place whose deep mythological past shaped all of Western culture. A hike on Olympus is absolutely worth the effort.

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