Olympus Mythical Trek – 4 Days

Starting from Lakkos in Litochoro, we follow the path of the “Mythical” race and gain altitude relatively quickly, reaching Zilnia (700m) and Chandolia (960m). In 5 km we reach the first of the many mountain huts of the route, the one in Stavros (950m), to continue to Koromilia (1000m) mountain hut in 14 km. From there we continue uphill through beautiful dense forest to Petrostrouga (1940m), where the homonymous mountain hut is located, in 19km. Further up, we enter the alpine zone of the mountain, where the forest gradually disappears, giving way to alpine bare land. From the ridge of Skourta (2485m) we reach the Musses Plateau at 2700m, where we will make our first overnight stay in either Apostolidis (2700m) or Kakkalos (2650m) mountain hut.

• Total distance: 24 km
• Total ascent: 2900+ meters
• Hiking hours: 10-12
• Difficulty: 4/5

Our second day will be of a very … alpine landscape! After a good breakfast, we start from Musses Plateau in a southerly direction, taking the path to Zonaria and passing under the imposing peaks that dominate the area. After a short descent with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, we ascend again this time steeply, the “Golgotha” path – meaning Ordeal in Greek – to the top of Skolio (2905m) which is the highest point of our trek. From Skolio we continue to the alpine zone of the mountain, to reach Agios Antonios (2817m) peak and with a steep descent we soon arrive at Migotzidis (2350m) emergency shelter. Then follow vast areas of alpine meadows in the location called “Bara”, until the Metamorfosi col (2510m) at the 13thkm of the day (total 37 km). From the col begins the long descent, following the “O2” trail named “Saranda Kagelia”, with southern direction to “Harvalovrisi” (1300m) and from there with eastern direction to the location Seloma (1160m). This is the end of our second day, having done 23km and 47km overall from the beginning! Trekking Hellas cars will take us to the village of Karya or Skamnia, where we will spend the night in a local guesthouse. Here, our “supply” drop bags – with the selected extras eg clothing – that were handed over to the organisers before the start of the trek, will be delivered.

• Total distance: 47 km (Daily 23km)
• Total ascent: 3700+ meters (Daily 800+)
• Hiking hours: 7-8
• Difficulty: 4/5

The third day of our trek is the easiest. We start from Seloma, heading in an easterly direction, and after 3 km we arrive at Bichtesi (1270m) where there is a spring with ice cold water! Large pastures spread over the area, with strong signs of animal and human presence alike. Soon we’ll be… back on track, on an almost flat, well-marked path in dense forest. The trail narrows after 3km from the spring and becomes rougher, as the first ascents to the Great Plai begin. Pine and beech forests dominate this area with an average altitude of 1300 meters. After 12 km of hike, we reach Pigadi mountain hut (1410m). We continue on easy terrain, moving on the almost flat, idyllic landscape of “Malta” beech forest. After 6 km we arrive at Skandaliara (meaning mischievous in Greek) where there is a stream with little springs of drinkable water to cool us a down after the 19 km of the day! The next 2 km are along the forest road, heading east towards Litochoro, where after a while we reach a location …choked with fir trees. This is the forest of Ai Gianni (600m), with the homonymous chapel. Company cars will once again be waiting to take us to Litochoro, just 4km away, for a meal, regrouping and rest before the last and most difficult day of the 4day trek.

• Total distance: 70 km (Daily 23 km)
• Total ascent: 4400+ meters (Daily 700+)
• Hiking hours: 6-7
• Difficulty: 3/5

The 4th day is the most difficult, but the beautiful scenery & nature changes will totally make up for it! From Ai Giannis (600m) starts a 10 km long, uphill path, through dense pine forest of variable slope gradient, offering at times a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea. It is this demanding “climb” that plays a decisive role in the Ultra trail race – that of success or failure to reach the finish line. The ascent is completed 1500m higher, at Livadaki (2100m), where a stone hut is built – a remnant of the livestock seasons in the area. From here starts a flat path with a north direction, that leads to the Mavrologos expanse (meaning black woodland), one of the most characteristic areas of the 4-day trek! Our main descend begins now, from a narrow, old path into an impressive forest of black pine (robola) with panoramic views of the great peaks of Olympus! At 8 km from Livadaki and after descending 1000 meters, we reach Prionia (2100m), the most central and popular destination on the mountain. Here, in the tavern of Prionia, we will have a short break for some food and rest, before continuing.
The second part of the day consists of 14km, with 500+ altitude gain, mostly through the stunning Enipeas gorge. We start by following the E4 trail for 3km, up to the old monastery of Agios Dionysios, and then switch to a secondary trail that runs parallel to the Enipeas gorge but somewhat higher than the riverbed. Eventually we arrive at Golna, having hiked 27km from the start of the day, were we have a panoramic view: Litochoro at our feet with the sea just a breath away. Going downhill, we follow a rough path, through dense vegetation of shrub trees and reach Lakkos where we finish our hike. After 32 kilometers and 2100+ meters of ascent of the 4th day, the “Olympus Mythical Trek” has left us with the imprint of a hard test, yet adorned with unforgettable images that will accompany us for a long time after this unique experience!

• Total distance: 102 km (Daily 32 km)
• Total ascent: 6500+ meters (Daily 2100+)
• Hiking hours: 11-13
• Difficulty: 5/5