Journey to the Mythical Mount Olympus

A Coastal Journey Through History and Heights

Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of maritime history and thrilling mountain roads. Sophie and I delved into Litochoro's past and experienced the stunning landscapes surrounding Mount Olympus. It was a day that reminded me of the diverse beauty and rich stories that Greece holds, a bit like my own journey from the Andes to Montreal, discovering new facets of life at every turn.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Aiolos Fish Tavern. Though the name suggests seafood, we opted for a traditional Greek breakfast. I enjoyed a strong coffee, reminiscent of those I used to have in Huancavelica, while Sophie savored some local pastries. The cozy atmosphere of the tavern set a perfect tone for the day ahead. Aiolos is in Plaka Litohoro, in front of the sea and in the trees.


Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Aiolos Fish Tavern in Plaka, where fresh seafood meets traditional Greek hospitality.

After breakfast, we headed to the Litochoro Maritime Museum. As a restoration technician, I'm always drawn to places that preserve history, and this museum was a treasure trove of seafaring tales. It turns out that Litochoro has a rich maritime history, which was the main occupation of the inhabitants from the 17th to the 19th century. The museum was established in 2004 and registered by the Greek Ministry of Culture as an institution of Cultural Maritime Heritage.
The museum houses an excellent collection of over 1000 items from different chronological periods, including models of boats and original replicas of ships. I was particularly fascinated by the old photos, some almost a century old, showing proud families in the shipyard supervising the construction of their ships. Sophie, with her librarian's eye, was captivated by the ship logs and marine contracts on display. There were also nautical devices such as compasses, chronometers, and sextants.
I learned that Litochoro became a shelter to sailors chased away from all over the Aegean and Ionian islands during the Turkish occupation. By the beginning of the 19th century, Litochoro had a fleet of locally-built sailing ships, counting 150 to 200 small and large ships. It's amazing to think that this mountain village was once a bustling maritime center! I was really impressed by the anchors, buoys, ship propellers, and even a torpedo placed in front of the museum.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Explore Greece's maritime history at the Litochoro Maritime Museum, showcasing artifacts that reveal the nation's deep connection to the sea.

Leaving the museum, we decided to embrace the adventurous side of our trip and drove along the Leptokarya Serpentine Road. This road, also known as the Olympia Pass, is a marvel with approximately 38 hairpin turns as it ascends into the mountains. The road is well-maintained and offers panoramic vistas of lush greenery, rugged mountain slopes, and the sparkling Aegean Sea in the distance. The road's highest point reaches 1,007 meters. The drive was exhilarating, to say the least. I felt like I was back in the Andes, navigating those winding mountain roads, except this time, I had the beautiful Aegean Sea as my backdrop. Sophie, ever the calm one, enjoyed the views and took some amazing photos. The curves were tight, and the drops were significant, demanding full attention, but the views were simply breathtaking. We stopped at several viewpoints to soak in the scenery and capture the moment. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city. I could see why this road is popular with tourists seeking adventure and natural beauty.
We learned that the name of Leptokarya comes from the hazelnut trees that are abundant in the area; in Greek, *leptokarya* means hazelnut village. We also heard a hypothesis that the ancient city of Livithra, where the tomb of Orpheus was located, was between Leptokarya and Skotina.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Leptokarya Serpentine Road in East Olympos, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

For lunch and dinner, we chose Olympus Taverna. The food was simple, hearty, and delicious. I had a traditional moussaka, while Sophie enjoyed some grilled fish. We shared a bottle of local wine and toasted to our adventures. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of exploration. I was surprised by the restaurant's diverse menu, which features fresh fish, pasta, and a selection of over 200 wines. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we felt like we were part of the local community.

Experience authentic Greek flavors at Olympus Taverna in Leptokarya, where every meal is enhanced by stunning views of Mount Olympus.

Before heading back, we stopped at a souvenir shop to pick up a few mementos. I found a beautiful handcrafted wooden ship, a reminder of Litochoro's maritime past, while Sophie chose a book about Greek mythology. I was hoping to find a quena, the Andean flute, but I had no luck. Maybe tomorrow! The shopkeepers were friendly and helpful, sharing stories about the region and offering recommendations for our trip.

Explore Votsi's souvenir shop for unique local crafts and essential travel tips while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Mount Olympus.

The weather in Litochoro in December is cool, with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C and nights around 4°C. There's a good chance of rain, so it's important to be prepared. Today was moderately humid.
As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's experiences. From the maritime history of Litochoro to the thrilling curves of the Leptokarya Serpentine Road, it was a day of discovery and adventure. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with Sophie and to learn more about this beautiful country. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Pigadouli Water Spring and Hades Pass. I'm looking forward to more breathtaking views and perhaps a bit of hiking. We also plan to have breakfast at Nerómylos, lunch at Milos Taverna, and dinner at Medusa Seafood Restaurant. And if we have time, we might stop by LEMON BEACH BAR for a drink.
It’s funny, isn’t it? How a simple trip can unearth so much about a place, its people, and even yourself. As I learn more about the history of Greece, I feel more connected to my own roots and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Good night from Mount Olympus!