Hiking near Thessaloniki: from Seich Sou forest to Mount Olympus
The Pezoparea team · Updated · 6 min read
The closest hike to Thessaloniki is Seich Sou forest, right above the city, and a little further out Mount Chortiatis. In one to two hours you reach Cholomontas, Paiko, Vermio and Olympus. EOS and SEO Thessaloniki, other clubs and hiking companies run coach outings almost every weekend.
Thessaloniki has the advantage that the mountains start almost at the last apartment blocks. Seich Sou and Chortiatis are for a quick walk, while one to two hours' drive away are some of the most beautiful forests and mountains of Macedonia. These are the areas that come up most often in the programmes of the city's organizers.
Where can I hike near Thessaloniki?
| Area | Distance from the city | For whom | What you'll see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seich Sou (Kedrinos Lofos) | inside the city | Everyone | Pine forest with many paths and views over the Thermaic Gulf |
| Chortiatis | about 30 minutes | Beginners and intermediates | Forest, the SEO refuge and views as far as Olympus |
| Cholomontas (Halkidiki) | about 1 hour | Everyone | Beech and chestnut forests, villages such as Taxiarchis and Arnaia |
| Paiko | about 1 hour | Intermediates | Forests, streams and mountain villages above Goumenissa |
| Vermio | about 1 hour | Intermediates | Forests, the Arapitsa river in Naoussa and Seli in winter |
| Olympus | about 1 hour to Litochoro | Intermediate to experienced | Greece's highest mountain, refuges and summits over 2,900 m |
Times are approximate and depend on the starting point. Each outing lists its own route, distance and ascent.
Where should I go for my first hike?
Start with Seich Sou: you get there by city bus, the paths are wide and you decide how far to walk. For your first organized outing, a walk on Chortiatis or Cholomontas graded “Easy” is ideal: little climbing, lots of forest and coffee in the village at the end.
Which hikes need more stamina?
Paiko and Vermio have longer distances and more climbing. Olympus is a category of its own: climbing to the summits needs good fitness and usually a night in a refuge, such as Refuge A “Spilios Agapitos” at 2,100 m. In winter the high routes on Olympus are for groups with winter gear and experience.
Refuges on Mount OlympusWhere they are, when they open and how to book a bed.When is the best season?
Autumn and spring are the best seasons for the forests around the city: in autumn Cholomontas and Paiko fill with colour and mushrooms, in spring with water and flowers. In summer organizers head higher, to Olympus and Vermio. In winter Chortiatis and Cholomontas usually stay accessible, while the high mountains have snow.
How do I get there without a car?
Seich Sou by city bus. For the rest, the simplest way is an organized coach outing from the city: the meeting point and time are on each outing's page. On Pezoparea you'll find them all together, filtered by departure from Thessaloniki.
Hikes leaving from ThessalonikiEvery upcoming coach outing from the city.Who runs hikes in Thessaloniki?
The city's big mountaineering clubs, such as EOS Thessaloniki and SEO Thessaloniki, have a weekly programme with outings for every level, and there are smaller clubs and hiking companies too. Many club outings are open to non-members. Each organizer's page shows its programme and how to sign up.
Hikes in MacedoniaConditions and dates change. Check with the organizer before you go.
FAQ
What is the easiest hike near Thessaloniki?
The paths in Seich Sou forest, right above the city, reachable by city bus, where you choose how far to walk.
How far is Olympus from Thessaloniki?
About an hour by car or coach to Litochoro, where most routes start.
Are there winter hikes around Thessaloniki?
Yes. Chortiatis and Cholomontas usually stay accessible, and clubs also run winter outings on the high mountains for people with experience and gear.
Can I join a club outing without being a member?
Often yes, at a slightly higher price. The outing's page says whether it's open to everyone or members only.