Litochoro: 2-Day Guided Hiking Trip To Olympus Summit

If climbing Mount Olympus’s Mytikas Summit has been on your bucket list, this 2-day guided hiking tour from Litochoro offers an exciting and well-organized way to reach Greece’s highest point. Priced competitively and led by experienced guides, the trip includes local transportation, safety equipment, and professional support throughout the ascent. The tour balances moderate hiking, scrambling, and technical elements, making it suitable for those comfortable with outdoor adventures but not necessarily expert climbers.

One of the tour’s strengths is the detailed itinerary that covers everything from the lush lower slopes to the dramatic summit. While the mountain hut overnight stay does require an additional fee, the experience of standing atop Mytikas at 2918 meters makes this trip a memorable challenge. The tour’s small group size (max 5 clients per guide) ensures personalized attention, making it both safe and enriching.

Key Points

• Two days of guided hiking to Greece’s highest point, Mytikas (2918m)
• Includes transportation, safety gear, and photos of your climb
• Suitable for hikers comfortable with steady ascents and scrambling
• Small group size (up to 5 clients) for personalized guidance
• Starts in Litochoro with flexible timing and optional overnight stay at the mountain refuge

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Starting Point and Transportation from Litochoro

The adventure begins in the central square of Litochoro at 09:30, where an experienced guide meets your group for a quick overview. Afterward, a 20-30 minute drive takes you to Prionia (1100m), the highest point accessible by vehicle on Mount Olympus.

This transport is included in the tour, simplifying logistics and allowing you to focus entirely on the hike ahead. The central meeting spot is easy to find, just a short walk from the town’s main square, making it convenient for travelers arriving locally or via nearby cities.

The Trail from Prionia to Spilios Agapitos Refuge

The initial hike from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge (2100m) follows the well-maintained E4 European trail. It is a gentle ascent through a beautiful forest of pine, beech, and fir trees, providing ample shade and shelter from the sun.

This part of the climb offers enough time to acclimate and enjoy views of the lush landscape. The refuge is a popular stop for hikers, offering a good place to rest and prepare for the next day’s more demanding ascent. The refuge stay is not included in the base price but can be added for €18 per person, providing a chance for an early rest before the summit push.

Early Morning Rise for Summit Day

On day two, the adventure kicks off at 05:30 am with breakfast on the refuge’s balcony, where panoramic views of Mytikas and the surrounding peaks make for a memorable start. By 6:30 am, the group begins the climb towards the summit along the famous European E4 trail.

The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as it ascends into the alpine zone, with zigzagging paths across a landscape that feels surprisingly remote and untouched. Hikers get a clear view of the eastern Olympus peaks, making the effort rewarding from the very first step.

Reaching Skala Peak (2866m)

Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours into the ascent, the group arrives at Skala Peak (2866m), a key milestone before the final scramble. Here, there’s a brief rest to gear up with helmets and harnesses in anticipation of the technical section that leads to Mytikas.

From Skala, the terrain becomes more exposed, with steep zigzags and a partly technical scramble along the Kakoskala ridge. The climb over this +700m elevation gain requires secure footing and trust in the guide’s instructions, but the spectacular views of Skolio (2911m), Agios Antonios (2815m), and the summit make the effort worthwhile.

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Reaching the Top of Greece – Mytikas (2918m)

The final push involves easy yet partly technical scrambling over the Kakoskala ridge. The group is secured with ropes at every step, and guides provide constant support and guidance. Reaching Mytikas Peak at 2918 meters, the highest point in Greece, offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains and the mythological significance of the site.

Standing on the summit, you have a brief moment to soak in the breathtaking scenery, take photos, and enjoy the sense of achieving a true mountaineering feat. The descent follows the same route back to the refuge, where the group arrives around noon after a roughly 5.5 to 6-hour ascent and descent.

Returning to Prionia and Litochoro

Post-summit, the group departs the refuge around 13:00, walking back to Prionia in about 2-3 hours. The walk down is less strenuous but equally scenic, with opportunities to appreciate the mountain’s rugged beauty and varied flora. Once at Prionia, the van transports everyone back to Litochoro, ending the trip where it started.

Inclusions and Optional Extras

The tour package includes an English-speaking guide, guide expenses, trekking poles, local transport from Litochoro to Prionia and back, and safety climbing equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and ropes. Throughout the climb, photos and videos are captured to preserve the memories.

An optional mountain hut overnight stay is available for €18 per person, giving hikers an early start and a more relaxed summit experience. The guided support ensures safety even on the more technical sections, making this trip accessible to those with good fitness levels and some hiking experience.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour begins in Litochoro’s central parking lot, a location easily accessible just minutes from the town’s main square. The small group size (maximum 5 clients per guide) guarantees personalized attention, safety, and a relaxed atmosphere. The rescheduling flexibility allows for booking without upfront payment, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Physical Demands and Preparation

This tour involves moderate hiking on well-maintained trails but also includes scrambling sections that require good balance and comfort with heights. The +700m climb to the summit is physically demanding and best suited for hikers comfortable with steady ascents. Proper footwear, a good level of fitness, and a willingness to tackle technical terrain are recommended.

The Unique Appeal of This Mount Olympus Trek

What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic beauty, technical challenge, and expert guidance in a small-group setting. The focus on safety and personal support makes it suitable for those who want a guided experience without the crowds. The inclusion of equipment and photos adds value, ensuring travelers can focus on the climb rather than logistics.

While the mountain hut is an extra cost, staying overnight offers extra flexibility and a more relaxed approach to reaching the summit, especially for those who want to avoid early starts.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for active travelers with a good fitness level who are comfortable with moderate scrambling and steep ascents. It appeals to those eager to stand atop Greece’s highest peak and enjoy spectacular mountain views with the assurance of expert guidance. The tour also suits small groups seeking a personalized and safe adventure in the mountains of Olympus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike from Prionia to the refuge?
The hike from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge covers about 1,000 meters of elevation gain along a well-maintained trail, typically taking around 2 hours.

Is an overnight stay in the mountain hut necessary?
No, the overnight stay at the mountain hut is optional and costs €18 per person. You can choose to hike up and down in a single day or stay overnight for a more relaxed experience.

What gear is included in the tour?
The tour provides trekking poles and safety climbing equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and ropes.

What time does the summit attempt start?
The group departs the refuge at 6:30 am, with breakfast at 5:30 am, to maximize the chances of reaching the summit in good weather conditions.

How physically demanding is this tour?
The ascent involves moderate hiking with a +700m climb to the summit, plus scrambling sections. It’s suited for hikers comfortable with steady climbs and some technical terrain.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak English and Greek, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for adults or older teens with good fitness levels and comfort with heights and scrambling.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring comfortable hiking footwear, warm layered clothing for early mornings, and personal snacks and water, as food at the refuge is not included in the base price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How accessible is the starting point?
The meeting point in Litochoro is easy to reach, located just minutes from the town’s central square with parking available nearby.

This 2-day guided hike to Mount Olympus’s Mytikas Summit offers a well-rounded adventure with professional support, stunning vistas, and the pride of standing atop Greece’s highest mountain. It’s a rewarding challenge for those ready to push their limits in the heart of Greek mythology.

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