Climbing to Olympus

Is it possible to climb to the summit of Olympus and return in a single day? On the Thessalian side of the "Mountain of the Gods", the answer is yes, and it's relatively easy!

In about 4 hours, if you have chosen Elassona as your base, or around 5 hours from Larissa, you can find yourself on the "Roof of Greece", without even needing to be an experienced mountaineer!

A few kilometers past Elassona, the ascent begins from the village of Kalyvia. After approximately 22 kilometers of dirt road (an off-road vehicle is recommended), you’ll reach the emergency mountain refuge Kalyva Christaki, situated at an altitude of 2,450 meters. Since the refuge is for emergency use, if you plan to stay overnight (though it’s not necessary), it’s advisable to bring your own supplies—food, firewood, and other essentials.

From the refuge, you follow a section of the European long-distance trail E4 to the summit of Skolio, at 2,905 meters. The hike is technically easy but physically demanding due to the steep incline. The panoramic view—from all the peaks of Olympus to the Aegean Sea—is absolutely breathtaking.

From Skolio, it’s about one more hour to Mytikas, the highest peak of Olympus and the highest point in Greece. This final stretch includes some technical sections, so for absolute safety, it’s best attempted with an experienced mountain guide.