Olympos National Park Park
Greek national park encompassing Mount Olympos and coastline
Northern Greece's Olympus massif draws hikers aiming for Mytikas (2,917 m), along steep trails, alpine meadows and pine forests; visitors come for summit routes, mountain refuges and views over the Aegean foothills.
Olympos National Park at a Glance#
About Olympos National Park#
Mount Olympus National Park is the protected area covering the Olympus massif in northern Greece, established as a national park in 1938. It contains Greece’s highest summit, Mytikas, which reaches 2,918 metres above sea level.
The park is known for its high alpine peaks, steep ridges and deep gorges, with many marked trails and several staffed and unstaffed refuges used by hikers and climbers. Routes range from forested lower slopes to exposed summit ridges; popular approaches start from the town of Litochoro and the trailhead at Prionia.
The area supports a diversity of mountain flora and fauna and is a long-established destination for mountaineering and nature study in Greece. Scientific and conservation interest focuses on alpine ecosystems, endemic plant species and historical cultural associations with the mountain.
Geographically the park sits on the Olympus massif at the boundary between the coastal Aegean side and the hinterland of northern Greece, with the town of Litochoro at the foot of the mountain on the eastern side. Access is typically via regional roads from Thessaloniki and Larissa, with Litochoro the main gateway for most hikes.
- Climbing season: Best climbing season is typically late June to September when snow is least likely on the high ridges; mountain huts and marked routes are busiest then.
- Protection status: The park was designated as a national park in 1938 and protects alpine habitats around Greece’s highest peaks.
What to See#
- Mytikas: The highest summit of the massif, reaching 2,918 metres above sea level, and the standard target for climbers aiming for Greece’s highest point.
- Enipeas Gorge: A steep, wooded river gorge on the mountain’s northern slopes that contains marked hiking routes and mountain refuges; many day hikes start from the Prionia and Litochoro side and follow paths through this valley.
How to Get to Olympos National Park#
Most visitors access the park via Litochoro (about 100 km from Thessaloniki). From Litochoro head to the Prionia trailhead by regional road; parking and marked trailheads begin there. Regional buses run to Litochoro from Thessaloniki and Katerini.
Tips for Visiting Olympos National Park#
- Approach early in the morning if hiking on Mount Olympus to avoid the heat and afternoon storms; local guides are useful for lesser‑marked trails.
- If visiting the archaeological sites nearby, allow time for Tembi and Litochoro-the access towns where trailheads and guide services concentrate.
Best Time to Visit Olympos National Park#
Best in spring or autumn for hiking; summers can be hot in the foothills and winter brings snow above tree line.
Weather & Climate near Olympos National Park#
Olympos National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (940 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - -4° | -14° | 93 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - -4° | -15° | 89 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -8° - -2° | -11° | 92 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -4° - 3° | -6° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -1° - 8° | -1° | 86 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 65 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 12° | 4° | 46 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 6° | -2° | 74 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 1° | -8° | 88 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - -2° | -12° | 100 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
