Hike Mt.Olympus highest peak (Mytikas 2918m) in 1 day!

This experience made our article of The Top 15 Greece Tours.

Hike Mt. Olympus Highest Peak (Mytikas 2918m) in 1 Day! – A Complete Guide

Imagine standing atop Mytikas, Greece’s highest point at 2,918 meters (9,570 feet), gazing across the rugged, mythic landscape of Mount Olympus, home of the ancient Greek gods. For travelers craving a mix of adventure, history, and stunning vistas, this small-group guided hike offers a way to reach the summit in just one day. For a cost of around $202 per person, we get a well-organized experience that combines 4WD transport, scenic trails, and the thrill of scrambling to the top.

What we particularly love about this tour is the thoughtful blend of convenience and challenge. The first part of the ascent by 4WD makes the journey more accessible and reduces the time and effort needed to reach the more rugged parts. Then, following the European Trail and tackling the final scramble offers enough adventure for those with a good fitness level. The inclusion of safety gear like helmets and harnesses adds peace of mind, especially if you’re new to mountain hikes.

One possible drawback is that the tour is non-refundable once booked, so if weather turns sour or you have a change of plans, refunds aren’t available. It’s also worth noting that the tour is best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity, as parts of the hike can be demanding. If you’re eager to tick off Greece’s tallest peak with a small, guided group and don’t mind a full-day commitment, this hike is a perfect fit.

This experience suits active travelers who appreciate well-organized outings, have a decent fitness level, and want to avoid the hassle of planning every detail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious adventurer with some endurance, you’ll find this tour rewarding—and the sense of achievement after reaching the summit is hard to beat.

Key Points

• Summit Mytikas: Reach Greece’s highest point from the west side of Mount Olympus in a single day.
• Small-group experience: Max 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from your guide.
• Combination of transport and trekking: Start with a scenic 4WD drive, then walk scenic trails and scramble to the top.
• Expert guides: Guides have a mountain rescue background, emphasizing safety and reassurance.
• Good for fit travelers: Requires a moderate fitness level and comfort with scrambling.
• Weather-dependent: Tours are only confirmed in good weather; poor conditions could lead to cancellations.

An In-Depth Look at the Mt. Olympus Summit Hike

The Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins in Kalivia, a village below Mount Olympus. Meeting your guide early at 8:00 am, you’ll hop into a 4WD vehicle for a scenic drive up the mountain. The first 20 kilometers are along paved roads, giving you a glimpse of local life, before transitioning onto a dirt road for about another 22 kilometers. This part of the journey is part of what makes this experience special—it’s a comfortable way to start the ascent without the fatigue of a long hike. The drive culminates at the Christakis mountain hut, nestled at 2,430 meters, where the real trekking begins.

The Trail to the Peak

Leaving the vehicles behind, you’ll set off on foot, following the European Trail (E4) for roughly 60 to 70 minutes. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, like Skolio at an impressive 2,912 meters. We loved the way the trail winds along narrow ridges, giving glimpses of the deep valleys below, making it clear why Mount Olympus has held such allure for generations.

The Final Challenges: Scrambling to Mytikas

The last stretch is far from a gentle walk. The trail becomes steeper at Kakoskala, and here is where the tour’s “adventure” element really kicks in. Scrambling up rocks and navigating a few technical sections, equipped with helmets and harnesses, guides you to the summit at 2,918 meters. Despite the challenge, this part is manageable for those with good fitness, and your guides—like Thanasis, praised for his mountain rescue skills—are adept at keeping everyone safe. As one reviewer said, “His background of mountain rescue made us feel very at home,” which adds reassurance for less experienced hikers.

The View from the Top

Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas across Greece’s mainland, with a sense of standing on top of the world. It’s a moment filled with awe, knowing you’ve just climbed one of Europe’s highest peaks in a day. We loved how some reviews mentioned the weather, which can be cloudy or even snowy, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for variable conditions.

Descent and Return

After soaking in the views, the descent follows the same trail back to Kakoskala, then retraces the paths to the mountain hut, and finally the drive down to Kalivia. The entire day lasts about 10 hours, making it a full but fulfilling experience. The group size keeps it intimate, and guides are attentive to individual needs, including breaks and pacing.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Your booking includes all necessary safety equipment—helmets and harnesses—so you’re ready for the scramble. It’s also wise to bring sunscreen, layers for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, and plenty of water. We appreciate the value here; considering the transport, guide expertise, and gear, the cost of around $202 seems quite reasonable for such a comprehensive adventure.

Real Traveler Experiences

Reviewers highlight the safety-conscious guides as a big plus, with many feeling reassured by their mountain rescue backgrounds. As one noted, “Thanasis made us feel very safe and in good hands,” and others appreciated the flexibility and helpfulness of the guides, even when booking mishaps occurred, like in Kelly’s review. The views, challenge, and sense of achievement consistently earn high praise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hike is ideal for active travelers with good fitness levels who want a guided route to the summit, without the hassle of organizing transportation and trail logistics. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with scrambling and variable weather. However, if you’re not used to physical activity or have mobility issues, this might be more demanding than you’d like.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those eager to stand atop Greece’s highest point, this tour offers a well-organized, safe, and scenic way to do it in a single day. The combination of 4WD transport, guided trekking, and technical scrambling makes it accessible yet adventurous. The small-group setting ensures personal attention, and the guides’ background in mountain rescue adds an extra layer of reassurance.

If you’re someone who wants to push your limits a bit and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, you’ll find this experience highly rewarding. The value for money, considering gear, transport, guides, and the achievement, makes it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the shared stories at the summit are memories that last a lifetime.

However, be prepared for a long day, potential weather changes, and a focus on physical fitness. For anyone looking for a genuine challenge on Greece’s iconic mountain, this guided hike delivers a memorable summit experience—authentic, exhilarating, and well worth booking in advance.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour requires a moderate level of fitness and comfort with hiking and scrambling. It’s best for those who are used to physical activity and have some hiking experience.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes all necessary safety equipment, such as helmets and harnesses, and transportation parts of the ascent by 4WD. Guides are experienced and safety-conscious.

How long does the entire hike take?
The full experience lasts about 10 hours, including transportation, hiking, and summit time.

Can I do this if I don’t have much hiking experience?
While the tour is accessible for those with good fitness, some parts involve scrambling and technical sections. It’s advisable to be comfortable with moderate hikes and scrambling.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and snacks. The gear provided should suffice for safety.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent and will only be confirmed if conditions permit safe hiking. Poor weather could lead to tour cancellation, with options for rescheduling or full refund.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s recommended for active travelers comfortable with physical exertion. Younger children or those with mobility issues may find it challenging.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
This experience is non-refundable once booked. Be sure of your plans before confirming.