Mytikas - the mount of gods
Mount Olympus (Greek: Όλυμπος) is the highest mountain in Greece at 2917 meters high (9570 feet). Sins its base is located at sea level, it is one of the highest mountains in Europe in absolute altitude from base to the top. In Greek mythology Mount Olympus is the home of the Twelve Olympians, the principal gods in the Greek pantheon.The Greeks thought of it as built with crystal mansions wherein the gods, such as Zeus, dwelt. It is also known in Greek mythology that when Gaia gave birth to the Titans they used the mountains in Greece as their thrones since they were so huge, and Cronus sat on Mount Olympus itself. The etymology and meaning of Olympus is unknown, and it may be of Pre-Indo-European origin.

Weather in Greece

Accomodation under Mt Olympus

The origin of the trip is a coast under Mont Olympus.There on the coast are many camps , villas or hotels in Plaka Leptokarya or Paralia where you can stay.
We stayed in camp near Plaka. Almost all camps are named Olympus. If you're going in springtime or autumn, it's also choise to find free hotel in Plaka or Paralia.

Litochoro, is the last village encountered before the ride to Prionia. The road from Litochoro to Prionia was well signed, as was the steep switchback style of mountain roads affording tantalising views into the inner cirque of Mitikas. The only turning off was to the new Dhionisos Monastery. On entering the valley (formed by the river Enipeas) steep escarpments are seen, reminiscent of Cheddar George but on a far greater scale and many more times complex.


The road becomes unmetalled for 1700mtrs. The distance from Litochoro to Prionia was 17.3km.

Related information


Prionina (1020 m) - Refuge A Spilios Agapitos (2060 m)
On the parking place in Prionia you can live the car and because there is only wooden caffe you must continue with ascend. The path to the refuge is well maintained, and the first kilometre was obviously used by casual walkers. It initially follows the valley of the upper river Enipeas , which of course was completely dry, but there was evidence that the river was active at other times of the year. The forest comprised of deciduous Beech, and created a nice shade from the heat. The downside was the flies/midges that frequented the woods. In the main the path was upwards, but occasionally crossed the riverbed.







From Prionia to the Refuge "A" under Mount Olympus 2:30 - 3:30 and do not forget geting enough of wather. The refuge is situated on an impressive Buff , it is a very clean presentable refuge providing food if required for both residential or visitors alike. It is open Sunday to Friday, closed on Saturday.

If you stay overnight you will be treated in a friendly cottage with three blankets..

Refuge "A" Spilios Agapitos (2060 m) - Skolio (2904) - Mytikas (2918)
Dont forget fill up wather (again) and before continue trip check the weather report. The path from the refuge follows a steep ridge (Chondromesorachi), by zigzagging upwards through scrubby trees. At 2500 m the metal yellow flag indicating the path to Refuge C, and


onwards to Skala/Skolio. The path now cut westwards to the summit of Skolio. Once on the ridge the full extent of the west face of Skala, Mitikas, and Stefani was visible with the valley of Xerolaki far below to the northwest.

Skala (2880 m) - Mitikas (2918 m)
The trip From Prionia to Skolio and Skala is suitable for all hikers with physically
condition. The initial gully descent looked a little improbable from the summit of Skala, but as per usual the actual difficulty was negligible, probably being moderate scrambling at times. The last part begins in couloir with stepped slabs. There is no special difficulty, but in the climb requires attention because of the risk of rocks falling. The Summit of Mitikas Top of the mountain we have achieved in a few mintes. From refuge "A" to summit of Mitikas: 2:30 - 3:00 houres

Mitikas - Louki Couloir - Refuge A.

The terrain on the East side reminiscent of the Dolomites consisting of tall yellow conical towers. Descent thrue Louki Couloir is not difficulty. The path after 30 minutes reach main path wich crossing Mytikas from Refuge C to the Muses plateau. This path is avalanche prone in the winter and early spring.







Difficulty:

The routh to the Scolio or Skala is appropriate for all hikers. Ascent to the Mytikas require mountainers with experience. The trip last out one long day.

Gear:
A pair of good shues, trekking poles, water, a hat and sunscreen (maybe helmet if there in last part are many climbers).