The Mountain of the Gods
Olympus, the highest mountain of Greece and a paradise for nature lovers!
Mountain Olympus is a mythical mountain (the home of the 12 gods of Greek mythology) with a variety of microclimates which are considered responsible for the reversion of the vegetation zones. Mt. Olympus’ wonderful nature of rich flora (over 1700 species, more than 20 of which endemic) and fauna (more than 30 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 18 species of reptiles) left the modern Greeks with no choice but to proclaim it the first National Forest in 1938. The Pinus leucodermis in this area forms the highest forest levels in Europe (2,500 m). The greatest concentration of rare plants and animals establishes the area as a true paradise for the conservation of rare flora and fauna of Greece and Europe. The area makes up the core of the National Park which was founded in 1938. At 263 km from Athens and 78 from Thessaloniki (Greece’s second biggest city) the area is ideal for the lovers of alternative activities, ranging from trekking to paragliding, canyoning, rafting, climbing, mountain-biking and jeep safari. But you don’t have to go extreme to have your personal Olympian moments. Mountaineering on Olympus is not only a divine experience but also an option covering all levels of difficulty and stamina. 'Mythology and Mount Olympus are one and the same. When you start hiking up you feel all of this - the 12 Gods, the Enipeas River, the peaks'.
When is best to climb mountain Olympus?
The tourism season on Mount Olympus is relatively short compared to
other mountains. The trekking season runs from June to the end of
October. Mount Olympus has a Mediterranean climate, meaning it’s hot and
dry in the summer and humid and cold in the winter. The winters can be
severe. Speaking generally, the temperatures range from -10°C to 10°C,
while in the summer temperatures go from 0°C to 20°C. It often snows
throughout the winter, though rain and snow is also not unheard of in
the summer. Over the 2000m mark, the mountain is actually snow-capped
for around nine months of the year, from September to May. The north
slopes receive more rainfall than the northwest slopes and so the
scenery can be quite different between the two.
This page was built by
Ioanna Kokkinopliti