Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is in the Mount Olympus National Park in Macedonia, with Litohoro being the best base.
Mount Olympus in Macedonia is the highest mountain in Greece and is made all the more dramatic because the mountain range of which it is a part rises sharply from a flat plain and juts straight up into the sky. It is less than 20km (12.5 miles) from the top of Mount Olympus to the shore of the Aegean Sea.
Mount Olympus National Park
Through the plain that stands between Mount Olympus and the sea runs the main Athens-Thessaloníki highway, giving any motorist the chance to stop off and admire the mountains even if they have no wish to set foot on them. It’s about a 6-hour drive from Athens, and about a 90-minute drive from Thessaloniki.
As you gaze at the peaks you are looking across the Mount Olympus National Park, home to deer, boar, badgers and the European wild cat, as well as birds of prey and some 1700 different plant species. There are oak and beech forests, and stretches of Macedonian fir, as well as a centuries-old rare yew tree wood near the Monastery of Dionysius.
The Olympus Mountain Range
The entire mountain range is only 20km (12.5 miles) from end to end and is known as the Olympus range, with the highest point being referred to as either Mount Olympus or Mount Mýtikas. This rises to a height of 2917m (9570ft) and was not scaled by man until 1913. The Greek Gods, of course, got there first.
It was here that the Battle of the Titans took place, when the twelve Greek Gods led by Zeus defeated the Titans who represented the wild natural forces, tamed by Zeus and the Gods who introduced some kind of civilisation to the world.
Mount Olympus Flora and Fauna
The wildlife on Mount Olympus, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Greece’s first National Park, is incredibly diverse due to the mountain’s varied elevation and microclimates. It supports a wide array of species, from large mammals in the lower forests to specialized birds in the alpine zone.
Here are the highlights of the Mount Olympus wildlife:
Mammals
The park is home to around 30 species of mammals. You’re most likely to see:
Balkan Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica): This is a subspecies of the chamois, a goat-antelope, frequently spotted by climbers in the high-altitude, rocky areas.
Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus): Often found in the wooded areas.
Predators: The park provides habitat for several carnivores, including wolves, jackals, foxes, and wildcats.
Birds of Prey
Mount Olympus is a crucial location for birdwatching, with over 100 species recorded, many of which are spectacular raptors that soar above the peaks and gorges:
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): A permanent and majestic inhabitant of the eastern and southern slopes.
Other Eagles and Falcons: Sightings are common for the Short-toed snake eagle, Booted eagle, Peregrine falcon, and Sparrowhawk.
High-Altitude Birds: Look for the Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), often seen in flocks near the mountain refuges and high cliffs.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Approximately 30 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded, particularly in the lower elevations and near the streams and gorges.
Flora and Endemism
The mountain’s plant life is truly exceptional and supports the entire ecosystem:
Mount Olympus is a botanical wonderland, hosting around 1,700 species, representing about 25% of Greece’s flora. A significant number of these species are endemic, meaning they are found only in this region. There are 23 local endemic plant species that thrive on the mountain. A famous example is the Ice Age relict plant, Jankaea heldreichii, often found clinging to moist, shady rock faces.
The transition from Mediterranean scrub to dense forests of Black Pine and Bosnian Pine, and finally to the treeless, alpine meadows creates diverse habitats for this rich community of wildlife.
Climbing Mount Olympus
Anyone who is reasonably fit and does some advance planning can get to the home of the Gods, though the 6-hour trek means that at least one night must be spent on the mountain, either camping out or by booking into one of the two mountain refuges. On no account should the trek be attempted by anyone inexperienced, unless you take a local guide with you.
Litohoro
Litohoro is a picturesque town dating back to the 14th century and is the primary gateway for climbers aiming to conquer Mytikas, Olympus’s highest peak. Most hiking trails, including the popular E4 long-distance path through the beautiful Enipeas Gorge, begin near the town’s outskirts.
Beyond its mountaineering significance, Litohoro offers traditional Macedonian architecture, featuring well-preserved stone houses with wooden balconies lining narrow, cobblestone streets. The town serves as a harmonious blend of mountain and sea, being only a few kilometers from the Thermaic Gulf and the coastal area known as Plaka, which offers sandy beaches and resorts.
You can visit the Maritime Museum, reflecting its historical connection to the sea, or the Olympus National Park Information Center. With its stunning natural surroundings, traditional tavernas, and dual access to both the legendary mountain and the coast, Litohoro offers a unique and unforgettable Greek experience.
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