Family Adventure to Mount Olympus: Exploring Myths and Nature

Winding Roads and Coastal Dreams

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of mountain roads and seaside relaxation. Leaving our campsite, we set out to explore more of the Mount Olympus region, and what an adventure it turned out to be! It's amazing how much variety this area offers, from challenging drives to tranquil beachside moments.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Olympus Taverna in Leptokarya. Fueling up with some traditional Greek fare was the perfect way to prepare for the day’s adventures. The taverna had a lovely, welcoming atmosphere, and the food was simple but delicious – exactly what we needed.

After breakfast, we embarked on what I had heard was a thrilling drive along the Leptokarya Serpentine Road. And thrilling it was! The road, also known as the Olympia Pass, wound its way up the eastern foothills of Mount Olympus, boasting around 38 hairpin turns. Eleanor was a little nervous, but Kenji was absolutely loving it, shouting with glee at each turn. I must admit, even I felt a surge of excitement navigating those curves.

The beauty of Mount Olympus isn't just in its peaks, but also in the winding paths and hidden corners that reveal its soul.

We stopped at several viewpoints along the way to soak in the panoramic vistas. The views were simply breathtaking – lush greenery, rugged mountain slopes, and the sparkling Aegean Sea stretching out in the distance. I took dozens of photos, trying to capture the magic of the landscape, but as always, the photos just don't do it justice. You really have to be there to experience it. The highest point of the road is 1,007 meters, offering incredible views.

Next on our itinerary was Toumpa, a summit on the north side of Mount Olympus. The drive there was stunning, with views of the mountain tops. According to local stories, the name Toumba comes from the latin word 'tumba', which is borrowed from the greek word τύμβος = earth mound. We did not hike to the top, but admired the view. Kenji was excited, imagining ancient warriors standing where we were. I tried to explain the history, but he was more interested in making up his own stories.


Explore the breathtaking hiking trails of Toumpa in Olympos, Greece, where nature's beauty and adventure await every traveler.

For lunch, we headed to Stavros Refuge - Shelter D. Nestled in the scenic region of Olimpou, it was the perfect spot for a midday meal. The refuge had a cozy, rustic charm, complete with a fireplace that added to the inviting atmosphere. We enjoyed some traditional Greek dishes, with Eleanor trying the goat soup, while Kenji opted for something a little less adventurous. The views from the refuge were stunning, offering a beautiful backdrop as we ate. It was named after Dimitrios Boundolas, a renowned Greek alpinist who passed away in an avalanche in the Annapurna peaks.

In the late afternoon, we decided to head to the coast for some relaxation at Akrotiri Beach Bar in Limenas Litochorou. After a day of driving and mountain air, the beach was a welcome change of pace. The bar had a spacious outdoor area with comfortable seating and a pool. We ordered some drinks – a local wine for Eleanor and me, and a juice for Kenji – and simply relaxed, soaking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. Kenji spent most of the time playing in the sand, building elaborate castles that were quickly washed away by the waves.


Discover Akrotiri Beach Bar in Limenas Litochorou for a perfect blend of sun, sea, and vibrant beach life with exceptional drinks and views.

As the sun began to set, the atmosphere at Akrotiri Beach Bar transformed. The music picked up, and people started gathering to enjoy the evening. We stayed for a while, enjoying the lively ambiance and the beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea. It was the perfect end to a day of contrasts – from the thrill of the serpentine road to the tranquility of the beach.

For dinner, we chose Psarokokkalo, a restaurant known for its seafood. Located near the sea, the restaurant had a lovely, relaxed vibe. We shared a variety of dishes, from grilled octopus to fresh fish, all cooked to perfection. Kenji, surprisingly, enjoyed the octopus, declaring it tasted like “sea noodles.”


Discover fresh seafood delights at Psarokokkalo in Katerini - a premier oyster bar offering exquisite dishes and local flavors.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to visit Punkt widokowy for more panoramic views and then attempt to ascend Mount Olympus 2917.727 m. I am looking forward to the hike, and hope that the weather holds up. I am also hoping that Kenji will be able to handle the climb, as it will be a challenging one. Eleanor is already a bit nervous, but I assured her that we will take it slow and steady.

Back at our campsite now, as I write this, the sounds of the night are all around us. I am grateful for another day of adventure and exploration. Mount Olympus continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I am looking forward to what tomorrow brings, and to sharing more of our journey with you all. What a day!

I'm also realizing how much I miss my portable camp stove. It would have been great to brew some hot tea at the Stavros Refuge. And extra batteries for my camera would have been useful too, as I nearly ran out of power capturing those serpentine road views. I will definitely remember these for our next adventure!

It's amazing to think that tomorrow is Day 10 already. Time really does fly when you're having fun. I'm trying to soak in every moment, knowing that our time here is limited. But I'm also excited to share our experiences with all of you, and hopefully inspire you to embark on your own adventures. Until tomorrow!

P.S. I tried to practice some Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) tonight, but it's hard to find a steady surface in a tent! I'll have to wait until we get back to Bristol to properly indulge in my hobby.

P.P.S. Eleanor mentioned that she'd love to visit Krypte ArtShop tomorrow. Hopefully we'll have time to check it out!