Ascending Mount Olympus

From Doliche to the Summit

Our journey begins at the historic village of Doliche. Following the route through the village of Lofos, we head towards Kalyvia, covering a distance of 12 kilometers.

From Kalyvia, the road leads us deeper into the slopes of Olympus. The provincial road soon gives way to a demanding dirt track, which ends at the Christaki location, where the emergency shelter of the same name is situated. For this specific section of the journey, which takes approximately one hour, the use of a 4×4 vehicle is often deemed essential.

Leaving the shelter behind, the ascent begins via a trail leading towards the Skoleio location. The hike lasts about 45 minutes and is considered one of the fastest and smoothest routes to reach Kakoskala, the gateway to the high peaks.

However, the scenery changes dramatically at Kakoskala. The final ascent to Mytikas, Greece’s highest peak, is particularly demanding and technical. It requires approximately 45 minutes of careful scrambling/climbing, while the presence of an experienced mountain guide and the use of specialized equipment are essential for the safety of climbers.