
Climb Mount Olympus (2918m)
Summit the highest mountain in Greece and stand on top of the 'Mountain of the Gods'
Why you'll love it
Climb to the summit of the legendary Mount Olympus (2918m), one of the world's most famous peaks
Hike along forested trails as you explore the beautiful and varied landscape, the mythic home of the Greek gods
Ascend and descend along different trails to ensure a unique and unforgettable experience each day
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified Guides
- Guesthouse & Mountain hut
- Meals2 breakfasts at your guesthouse
- TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
- EquipmentHelmet, harness and rope
- Maximum group size: 8
Itinerary
Day 1
Head to Litochoro, at the base of Mount Olympus
GuesthouseTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Arrive into the coastal city of Thessaloniki – the second largest city in Greece, it's considered to be Greece's cultural capital. It is a fantastic place to explore on foot, so we recommend you fly in early if you have time. Your host will pick you up late afternoon and take you to Litochoro: a small town at the base of Mount Olympus (opens in new tab), which is about an hour and a half's drive away. Settle into your guesthouse, then you can head out for dinner with your group.
Day 2
To the 'Plateau of Muses'
Hiking7-8hrs · 12km · 1600m upMountain hutMixed dormBreakfast includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
It's an early start this morning as you set off on a drive to the trailhead at Prionia (1100m.) The trail meanders through a forest of pine, fir and birch and you'll meet hikers from all over the world, before breaking through the treeline and getting a stunning view of the many summits of Mount Olympus. Push on to the refuge at 2650m where you'll be spending the night – here, you can relax with a hot meal and a view over the 'Plateau of Muses'.
Day 3
Summit Mount Olympus
Hiking7-8hrs · 12km · 218m up · 1800m downGuesthouseTwin shareShow Day 3 detailHide detail
After an early breakfast, your guide will decide which of the two potential summits to attempt based on weather conditions and the group's fitness. The first option is to ascend Skala Peak (2882m) and cross a narrow ridge to the adjacent Skolio Peak (2911m). The tougher option is to attempt the mountain's highest summit, Mytikas (2918m) – but with a couple of hundred metres of exposed scrambling at the end, this route will be a challenge. Either way, you'll enjoy some incredible views over the surrounding gorges and peaks before descending along a different path to the Gkortsia trailhead, where you’ll return to Litochoro. Celebrate your summit success with a cold afternoon beer.
Day 4
Time to head home
Breakfast includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Tuck into a last breakfast at the hotel, before hopping into the van for your transfer back to Thessaloniki Airport – or you can get dropped off in the city itself if you want to explore Thessaloniki.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

Litochoro
On the first and last nights of your adventure, you will be staying in a comfortable guesthouse in Litochoro, a small town sitting at the foot of Mount Olympus. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Mount Olympus
You'll stay in a rustic but comfortable mountain refuge above the treeline in a mixed dorm – either the Kakkalos Refuge or Apostolidis Refuge (depending on availability). Mattresses and warm blankets are provided and there is a common room where you can mingle with the other hikers and take meals. Alternatively, you can camp outside. Please note that the refuge does not have a shower and isn't connected to the electricity grid, with power supplied by solar panels and generators that are only available for a few hours each day (usually from dusk until around 22:00 or 23:00).
What You'll Eat
Refuges on Mount Olympus serve simple, hearty meals for around €10-15 per person. Breakfast usually consists of bread, butter, marmalade, honey, cheese, coffee/tea/milk and chocolate spreads. Lunch is often sandwiches, fruits, eggs, energy snacks and chocolate, while dinners usually offer some combination of soup, pasta with sauce, lentils with rice, beef with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes, and sausage with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.
Dates & prices
Secure your spot
10% deposit to bookLimited exceptions
Pay in instalmentsNo interest or fees
Free cancellationOn most trips, up to 65 days before departure
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Subscribe to alertsWhat is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike from Prionia to the Plateau of Muses
- Guided hike to summit Mount Olympus and descent to Gkortsia
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide
- 2 nights in a guesthouse
- 1 night in a mountain refuge
- 2 breakfasts at your guesthouse
- Group arrival transfer from Thessaloniki Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Thessaloniki Airport on Day 4
- Transfers during the trip
- Helmet, harness and rope
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your host can help with advice; however, we would suggest €50 per day from the group as a guideline.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Optional Extras
For solo travellers looking for their own space, it is possible to request a private room upgrade on Day 1 and Day 3 of the trip (when you are staying at the guesthouse in Litochoro) – see Optional Extras for pricing. Please request this at the time of booking (subject to availability).
Solo Upgrade
- Solo room upgrade
- Covers the nights in Litochoro only, Day 1 & 3, not at the mountain hut on Day 2
- £100 pp
- 24 Jun 2027 – 10 Oct 2027
Additional Services
- Pre/post trip accommodation (Double/Twin Room)
- Bed & Breakfast - per night rate
- £123 pp
- 1 Jun 2027 – 31 Oct 2027
- Pre/post trip accommodation (Single Room)
- Bed & Breakfast - per night rate
- £95 pp
- 1 Jun 2027 – 31 Oct 2027
- Private transfer from Thessaloniki city or airport to Litochoro village
- Per vehicle each way
- £180 pp
- 1 Jun 2027 – 31 Oct 2027
We've Got Your Back
Book with confidence and peace of mind.
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 5.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Sam K.
This is a spectacular but physically challenging trek. You need to be physically fit to do it and also have a head for heights! The final climb of 200m to the summit is demanding but very rewarding when you get to the top. We were a group of eight men, 60 years old and we had two superb guides from Tekking Hellas, Thanos and Romanos. They were with us for the whole two days of the trip and we enjoyed a celebratory beer with them at the finish!
Jason R.
A group of us ‘Old’ school mates decided on an adventure to celebrate entering our 60’s and what an adventure it was! The organisation was perfect from start to finish and our two guides (Thanasis and Romanos) were the best we could have asked for, being calm, knowledgable, encouraging and understanding the pace we needed to achieve to cope with our various fitness abilities. It was more challenging than we thought, but we reassured all the way and it was their professionalism that guided us all to the summit, and that was quite an achievement ! I cannot thank you and all the team enough for everything, whilst sore now that will eased of, but the memories and sense of achievement will stay with me for a very long time. A wonderful trip.
Ryan
The trip was great fun and well organised. The local guides adjusted our tour to suit weather conditions so we could still summit. The trip on the whole was an enjoyable hike with a challenging technical scramble at the top. Great for anyone looking to take the next step in their mountaineering experience!
Customer Photos
Need to Know
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG)
- Pick up
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
17:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
12:00 on Day 4
Trip level: 6 of 7 • Challenging-Tough
Consistently demanding days, of seven to nine hours or more
This is a proper challenge! Both days involve long hikes with a full pack and as much as 1600m of elevation. You should be comfortable with walking 8-9 hours per day on rough terrain for two back to back days. Much of the route is along a hiking path of medium difficulty, with several impressive drops close by that might be scary for those with a fear of heights. At times, you will be moving over steep and uneven rocky terrain with narrow paths and exposed sections. This requires stamina, a head for heights and good balance.
The summit of Mytikas requires some scrambling, so previous experience of this is recommended, but not essential. Ropes will be used for additional safety, but are not technically required to reach the summit. If any member of the group does not want to do this part of the trip, the second-highest peak of Mount Olympus, Skolio, (2,911m) offers an equally amazing view and can be reached by an easy/medium difficulty hiking path, without steep sections.
To enjoy this trip fully, you should be an experienced hiker with a good level of fitness. Challenging trips generally require committing to some training and preparation in the weeks building up to your trip. Accompanying cardio, strength and flexibility training will help you be in the best shape possible to enjoy this trip.
High altitude (over 2500m): factors to consider
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness (opens in new tab), also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
Hot climate: factors to consider
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Remote environment: factors to consider
Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.
If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.
Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.
Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.
All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What do I do about drinking water?
There is a mountain spring in Prionia and another around 45 minutes further on where you can refuel your bottle. There are no other springs close to the hiking routes so bringing enough water with you is essential. Alternatively you can buy a bottle of water at the refuge for €1 - €2, however, please remember to take this with you when you leave the mountain to keep this beautiful landscape as clean and perfect as possible.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Any excess luggage can be safely left at your local host's trekking office in Litochoro.
What is Plan B in case of adverse weather?
In adverse weather conditions, it may not be safe to ascend the exposed peaks. Your local host will monitor weather conditions and act accordingly. In the event of high amounts of snow in spring, it may be necessary to modify the itinerary of earlier departures in the year, in order to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the trip.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with (opens in new tab). You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website (opens in new tab), where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information (opens in new tab) and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values (opens in new tab) – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here (opens in new tab) for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Mount Olympus has a large elevation range, which makes the weather highly variable. Summer temperatures generally range between 0 and 20 °C, with cooler temperatures occurring near the top, especially at night. Strong winds are typical above the treeline, while most days are sunny or partly sunny, with thunderstorms occurring roughly a third of the days during summer. Before you travel, your host will be happy to assist with any queries on the mountain conditions and the best clothing and equipment for your trip; some items will be available for hire on arrival, see the Kit List section above for more details.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
What's the number?
It works out on average at 188kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here (opens in new tab).
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