Day Climb to Mytikas from Thessaloniki

Day Hike to Mytikas from a Secret Trail! We climb to the top of the iconic Mount Olympus by following an alternative route unknown to the general public. We enjoy the beauty of the southwestern side of Olympus, which leads us to Mytikas.

For this hike to Mytikas, we start from Thessaloniki, heading toward Kalyvia, Elassona. With four-wheel-drive vehicles, we follow a 20-kilometer dirt road that takes us to the Christakis Refuge at an altitude of 2,400 meters. We pass through stunning alpine slopes, with some sections so steep that it feels like we’re flying! Along the way, we enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and if we're lucky, we might spot the protected Wild Goat of Olympus. At Christakis Refuge, we leave our vehicles behind and continue on foot. We follow the international mountain path E4, which leads us to the Skolio Pass at 2,830 meters and then to Kakoskala at 2,866 meters.

At this point, we take some time to admire the incredible view of the glacial basin Megala Kazania and the other peaks of Olympus. We put on our special gear and begin our ascent to Mytikas, the highest peak in Greece at 2,918 meters.

There is also the option to hike up to Skolio (2,912 meters), the second highest peak in Greece, which has easier access: 3-4 hours of total hiking and no need for safety equipment (helmet, harness, rope).

• Alternative Route on Olympus: Ascend via an unknown-to-the-public trail on the southwestern side of Mount Olympus.

• Alpine Slopes and Stunning Scenery: We cross alpine areas with steep inclines, offering the chance to spot the rare Wild Goat of Olympus.

• Ascent to Mytikas: From Christakis Refuge, we continue hiking along the E4 trail, with the final destination being the peak of Mytikas (2,918m).

• View from Kakoskala: Along the way, we enjoy breathtaking views of the glacial basin Megala Kazania and the other peaks of Olympus.

• Alternative Route to Skolio: Option to ascend Skolio (2,912m), with easier access and no need for safety equipment.