Mount Olympus hike for beginners: Prionia and the refuges

The Pezoparea team · Updated 4 November 2026 · 7 min read

For a first time on Mount Olympus, the safest choice is the climb from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos refuge (2,100 m), about 6 km and 3 hours. The Enipeas gorge has serious bridge damage and isn't recommended without recent information. Mytikas needs experience.

Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain, with Mytikas at 2,918 m, and the country's first national park. Many people assume it's only for climbers. It has routes for every level, as long as the summit isn't your goal the first time.

Which Olympus hikes suit beginners?

How do I hike to the Spilios Agapitos refuge?

The busiest trail on the mountain starts at Prionia (1,100 m), also on the E4. It's about 6 km with 1,000 m of ascent, and most people take 3 hours. Most of it is in forest, and the last stretch is more open and sunny.

The refuge sits at 2,100 m and runs from early summer to October. In 2026 it opened on 8 May. It has beds and a restaurant, and you book directly with the keepers. As a day hike, you climb, eat and walk back down to Prionia.

Is the Enipeas gorge open?

It isn't recommended right now. Since the floods of storm Daniel in September 2023, many wooden bridges have fallen and parts of the path have collapsed. In June 2026 EOS Thessaloniki described it as a path in critical condition that cannot be used safely. We found no official closure notice, but ask the organizer before you book.

If you're still curious, the route is about 11 km from Prionia to Litochoro, mostly downhill with several short climbs, and it crosses the river six times. It takes 4–4.5 hours without stops. It isn't a beginner route while the crossings go through the riverbed.

When is the best time to hike Mount Olympus?

For the refuge, June to October. Earlier in the year there may be snow higher up. Mountain weather changes quickly and summer afternoons often bring storms, so start early.

How do I get there and what should I bring?

Litochoro is about 90 minutes from Thessaloniki and has a railway station. From Litochoro a road of about 18 km climbs to Prionia, which has parking and a café.

• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Trekking poles for the descent
• Rain jacket and a warm layer, since it's cold at 2,000 m even in August
• 2 litres of water for the refuge climb
• A headlamp in case you finish late
• Don't expect phone signal everywhere

How do I join a group hike on Olympus?

EOS Thessaloniki and the Litochoro hiking club «Olympos» organize outings on Olympus. From Athens, companies and clubs run two- and three-day trips, usually with one day at the refuge. On Pezoparea you can see each group's difficulty and who else is going.

Trail conditions, dates and refuge opening periods change. Check with the organizer or the refuge.