Family Adventure to Mount Olympus: Exploring Myths and Nature

Seeking Sanctuary on Mount Olympus

Today, the third day of our family's Mount Olympus adventure, was a journey of reflection and culinary exploration. We set out to explore the spiritual side of this majestic mountain, visiting ancient monasteries and caves, and then indulging in the local flavors that this region has to offer. It was a day that nourished both our souls and our appetites, creating memories that we'll cherish for years to come.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nero Restaurant - Cavo Olympo. The restaurant offered a delightful array of Mediterranean cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern creativity. I opted for a classic Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts, while Eleanor chose a selection of fresh pastries. Kenji, of course, went straight for the chocolate croissant. Fueled up and ready for the day, we set off toward our first destination: the New Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus.


Experience the spiritual serenity and stunning architecture of the New Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios, a must-visit attraction near Mount Olympus.
The drive to the monastery was scenic, winding through lush greenery and offering glimpses of the towering peaks of Mount Olympus. As we approached the monastery, the air grew noticeably still, and a sense of serenity washed over us. The New Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios, nestled in a picturesque gorge near the Enipeas River, exuded a sense of peace and history. Built in the 15th century by Saint Dionysios, the monastery has a rich history, closely tied to the Old Monastery of the same name. The original monastery was destroyed in 1943 during World War II, prompting the monks to establish this new sanctuary.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the monastery grounds. The architecture was beautiful, with intricate details and stunning frescoes. The peaceful atmosphere was conducive to contemplation, and I found myself reflecting on the journey that had brought us here. Eleanor was particularly moved by the museum, which housed a collection of religious artifacts and historical iconography. Kenji, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the stories of Saint Dionysios, a man who had wandered the world before finding his final refuge on Mount Olympus.

To walk in the footsteps of saints and heroes is to connect with the enduring spirit of humanity, a spirit that finds solace and inspiration in the embrace of nature's grandeur.

Leaving the monastery, we continued our spiritual journey to the Sacred Cave of Saint Dionysios of Olympus.


Discover the Sacred Cave of Saint Dionysios: a spiritual retreat nestled in the heart of Mount Olympus, near Litochoro. A serene and scenic escape.
The cave is a short drive from the monastery, followed by a scenic 30-minute walk through a landscape of lush greenery and dramatic rock formations. The path was manageable, even for Kenji, and the views along the way were breathtaking. As we approached the cave, we could hear the gentle sound of running water, a soothing melody that added to the mystical atmosphere.

The Sacred Cave of Saint Dionysios is a place of profound spiritual significance. It was here that Saint Dionysios lived as a hermit, seeking solace and enlightenment in the embrace of nature. The chapel, carved into the rock, is dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos and houses a spring of holy water. We lit candles in homage to the saint, feeling a deep connection to the spiritual heritage of this place. The cave itself exuded an aura of resilience and faith, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

After our time at the cave, we were ready for lunch. We drove to Ellinikon Fish Tavern.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at Ellinikon Fish Tavern in Kalyvia Varikou – where fresh seafood meets warm hospitality.
Enticed by the promise of fresh seafood and traditional Greek flavors. The tavern was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to savor the culinary delights of the region. We ordered a selection of mezes to share, including grilled octopus, fried calamari, and a traditional Greek salad. The flavors were vibrant and fresh, a true taste of Greece. Kenji, surprisingly, devoured the calamari, declaring it his favorite food of the trip so far.

With our bellies full, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. We stopped by Olympus Sport.


Explore Olympus Sport in Katerini for top-quality sporting goods tailored for every athlete's needs.
A local shop specializing in fitness equipment and sportswear. I was hoping to find a portable camp stove, as I realized we had forgotten ours, but unfortunately, they didn’t have any suitable for camping. Eleanor picked up a new pair of hiking socks, while Kenji was thrilled with a Mount Olympus-themed t-shirt. Though I didn't find a camp stove, the shop had a wide variety of cardio and strength equipment. It was interesting to see how passionate the locals were about fitness and outdoor activities, a reflection of the active lifestyle that Mount Olympus inspires.

As evening approached, we made our way to Parthenon Restaurant- Bar.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Parthenon Restaurant in Olympos – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and breathtaking views.
For dinner. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with soft lighting and rustic decor. We started with a round of Ouzo, a traditional Greek aperitif, before ordering our main courses. I opted for the Arni Kapama, baked lamb in tomato sauce, while Eleanor chose the Kotopoulo Tis Skaras, Greek roasted chicken. Kenji, predictably, went for the Nutella donuts. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. We savored every bite, feeling grateful for the experiences of the day.

After dinner, as we walked back to our campsite, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. We had explored the spiritual side of Mount Olympus, visiting ancient monasteries and caves, and we had indulged in the local flavors, savoring the culinary delights of the region. It was a day that had nourished both our souls and our appetites, creating memories that we would cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we plan to venture into Mount Olympus National Park and hike to the Muses Plateau, hoping for more breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

I am also reminded that I need to buy extra batteries for the camera, since I forgot them at home. Hopefully, I will find some at the Greek Unique Concept Gift Store, that we will visit tomorrow.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post in our tent, with Eleanor and Kenji fast asleep beside me, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Mount Olympus has exceeded all of my expectations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and culinary delights. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.