Mount Olympus National Park, Thessaly Travel Guide

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Hike through mythic landscapes, explore diverse trails, and discover the natural wonders of Mount Olympus National Park, the legendary home of the Greek gods.

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Mount Olympus National Park

Mount Olympus National Park, Greece's first national park, is a realm of myth and natural beauty. It's known as the home of the Greek gods and boasts diverse flora and challenging hiking trails, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Mount Olympus National Park

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mount Olympus National Park.

Wear sturdy hiking boots and layers of clothing, as the weather on Mount Olympus can change rapidly, even in summer.
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during the warmer months, to avoid dehydration.
Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for potential thunderstorms or sudden drops in temperature.
Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem and avoid getting lost.
Book accommodations at the mountain refuges in advance, especially during peak season.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Acropolis of ancient Pharsalus

Enipeas Falls

Byzantine Castle of Trikala

Spring Of Manas

Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara

Explore Mount Olympus National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mount Olympus National Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

To reach Mount Olympus by bus, take the KTEL bus service, Greece's national bus service. Each prefecture has its own KTEL bus station, forming a network connecting almost every city. From Thessaloniki, take a bus from the Thessaloniki KTEL Bus Station; bus lines 1, 12, 45, 80, 80B, 81B, 81K, 82K, 82N, 89A, and 89B will take you to the station from various points in the city. From Athens, take the bus from Liosion Bus Station; take the Green Line towards Kifissia, get off at Kato Patisia Metro Station, and either walk or take a taxi to Liosion Station. Bus tickets from Athens to Litochoro cost approximately €35-€45. From Meteora, take a bus to Kalabaka, then to Trikala, and finally to Larissa. From Larissa, you can find connecting transport to the foothills of Mount Olympus. Bus fares vary depending on the origin and destination, but expect to pay around €5-€15 for shorter intercity routes.
Train

To reach Mount Olympus by train, purchase a ticket from TrainOSE. Trains connect various stations throughout Greece, from the Peloponnese to Western Macedonia. Take the train to Katerini, and then take a taxi to Mount Olympus. Alternatively, take a train from Thessaloniki to Litochoro. A taxi from Katerini to Mount Olympus will cost approximately €20-€30. Train tickets from Athens to Katerini range from €20-€40 depending on the type of train and class.
Car

Mount Olympus is located approximately 400 kilometers from Athens and 80 kilometers from Thessaloniki. From Athens, take the A1 highway north towards Thessaloniki. From Thessaloniki, take the A1 highway south. The most popular entrance point is the village of Litochoro. From Litochoro, follow the road towards Prionia, a common starting point for hikes. Be aware of seasonal road closures and check your route beforehand. Tolls on the A1 highway can range from €2-€4 per segment. Parking at Prionia costs around €3-€5 per day, when available.

Discover more about Mount Olympus National Park

Mount Olympus National Park, established in 1938, is more than just Greece's highest peak; it's a landscape steeped in mythology and biodiversity. Rising to 2,917 meters (9,573 feet) at its highest point, Mytikas, it has 52 peaks and deep gorges. For the ancient Greeks, Mount Olympus was the dwelling of the gods, a place of power and mystery. Today, it's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting a unique ecosystem.The park's dramatic landscape is shaped by limestone, creating steep slopes and deep valleys like the Enipeas Valley. This geology also influences the climate and vegetation, supporting over 1,700 plant species, a quarter of Greece's flora, including many rare and endemic species. The park is also home to diverse fauna, with over 30 mammal species, 100 bird species, and 18 reptile species.Mount Olympus offers a range of activities, from challenging ascents to gentler hikes through forests and along the Enipeas Gorge. Popular trails include the classic route from Litochoro to Prionia and the path to the Spilios Agapitos Refuge. For experienced mountaineers, the climb to Mytikas is a rewarding challenge, requiring sure-footedness and careful planning. The Olympus National Park Information Center near Litochoro provides valuable information about the park's trails, landscape, and history.Whether you're drawn by the mountain's mythical past, its stunning natural beauty, or the thrill of the climb, Mount Olympus National Park offers an unforgettable experience.