10 Places on Olympus – the Mountain of the Gods
Olympus National Park is a natural monument of Greece, closely tied to all the mythological stories you'll hear and read about. It's no wonder it's considered the home of the gods—go and see for yourself.
The region of Pieria has been our sweet destination for years, and the Mitikas camp is our base and starting point for all the small excursions we take around the area. For some, it may seem like a boring place, but for us, it's an inspiration and an opportunity to enjoy both the sea and the mountains in the same panorama. Isn't that reason enough for an adventure?
Here, we've highlighted the places we've visited, and this list will be updated every time we have something new to add. Until then, use your free days to explore and visit at least one of these locations:
Litochoro
There are places that have captured our hearts—not very well-known, not the most beautiful, but the presence of a certain energy makes you want to return. Litochoro is one of those. A small town, atypical for Greece, with narrow streets and lively houses, delicious traditional food, and charming local spots tucked under the thick shadows of old trees. Its beauty becomes even more significant when you stand on the main street, where one end fades into the canyon, and the other merges with the horizon of the sea.
Enipeas Gorge
Mount Olympus is divided by two large canyons, which are its signature and the reason for its dramatic appearance every time you look up. Enipeas is the name of the first canyon, located near the mountain town of Litochoro. In its depths, it hides dozens of pools filled with crystal-clear, chillingly cold spring water, flowing from the river of the same name. Reach the center (near the roundabout) and follow the signs—they will lead you to the entrance of the national park. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone; you might discover a hidden treasure.
*The entrance is free.
Bath of Zeus
It is believed that the god Zeus used to come here to cool off, accompanied by different girls, but never his wife, the goddess Hera. Don’t follow his example; instead, bring your partner and take a walk through this beautiful nature. The trail is short, offering unforgettable views of the canyon, and you can easily hike it with kids and pets. It’s well-marked, secured, and neatly maintained. If you're visiting during the summer, we suggest coming in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds.
Prionia & Enipeas Waterfall
Mount Olympus is nearly unattainable, much like the gods who reign here. However, if you want to catch a glimpse of its heights, head towards Prionia. Located just 20 km from Litochoro, it is the highest accessible point at an altitude of 1,100 meters. Here, you'll find a mountain restaurant serving homemade and delicious food at affordable prices. This is also the starting point for trails leading to the highest peak, Mytikas, so expect to encounter many hikers ascending and descending, unless you're one of them. You can reach Prionia by car (20 km) or on foot (5 hours) from Litochoro.
Nearby, you'll find the Enipeas waterfall, which forms a glacial blue pool at its base. Don't miss the chance to see it, as you'll get a brief experience of the beauty of the mountain trail that continues its ascent upward.
Old Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus
Just 3 kilometers from Prionia, driving back along the same road, you'll come across signs directing you to the old Monastery of Dionysius. We highly recommend not passing it by. Skillfully hidden in the dense forests of the national park, it might seem like you've reached a dead-end leading to some ruins. That was our first impression too, but we gave it a chance, and we ended up discovering what lies behind them. It's an Orthodox monastery dating back to the 16th century, partially reconstructed to meet basic needs today, while other parts remain authentic, telling its long history.
Inside, peace and harmony prevail, and the views of Olympus will lead you to believe that the mountain truly watches over this monastery.
Stavros Refuge Shelter
Another place on the way to Prionia, but this one has a special charm, as it offers views from Olympus to the first peninsula and the entire Aegean Sea at your fingertips. Save some space for coffee or lunch; I promise you’ll enjoy it.
Dion
Nestled on the northern slopes of Mount Olympus, the village of Dion will teleport you to the ancient era, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the gods and ancient peoples, see how they lived, and stand in the very place from where Philip II and Alexander the Great set out on their campaigns. Being present at a location mentioned in all the mythological stories and legends—one that connects with Zeus, his relatives, and other gods, as well as the Spartans and a host of surreal beings—is truly fascinating.
In addition to strolling through the village, we recommend visiting the ancient theater, the archaeological site, the sacred temple of Zeus, and the hypocaust from the ancient baths.
Orlias Stream & Kokkinos Vrahos Waterfalls
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls on Olympus are located near the village of Dion. As you walk along the narrow path, it may seem like you're in the wrong place, but be patient because true treasures are often shy and mysterious in the wilderness. The reward will be a refreshing dip in the cool pools, offering an unexpected respite for both body and mind.
You can access the waterfalls through the village of Dion; just follow the directions from Google Maps. The Orlias waterfall is just a few minutes’ walk away, while Kokkinos Vrahos is less than an hour’s hike.
Agia Kori Waterfall and pools
A magical and picturesque place you must not miss if you’re exploring Olympus! It’s easy to reach, but hard to leave! Like the previous two waterfalls, it’s located near Dion, but this time you should first head towards the village of Karitsa, then to Vrontou. Follow the signs to the Ekklisia Agia Kori monastery, where there is ample parking. From there, look for the wooden sign and continue following the markers that will lead you along the forest path to the waterfall, then immerse yourself in the magic of this oasis!
Magnetic Fields of Olympus
Did you know that there is a place on Olympus where a magnetic field exists? At least, that’s what they say. We’ll reveal the exact location to you, and you can check for yourself whether it’s true or just an optical illusion!
On the road from Leptokarya to Olympus, in the section with serpentine curves (sharp turns), you can see how the car stops on an incline, water flows uphill, and if you throw a ball, it rolls from a lower point to a higher one. Strange?
Follow the signs for “Magnetic Field,” and when you reach the section marked with black lines, you’ll know you’re in the right place. We look forward to your impressions! We’ve been there many times, and it’s always a fun experience for us!
We wish you an unforgettable adventure on Olympus, and don’t forget to tell us which of these places left the biggest impression on you!
See you in the mountains,
Ana and Mane