Three people scrambling to the summit of Mount Olympus in Greece.
4.9

Climb Mount Olympus (2918m)

  • Greece
  • 3 nights

Summit the highest mountain in Greece and stand on top of the 'Mountain of the Gods'

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with an expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide
  • Guesthouse & Mountain hut

    2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a mountain refuge
  • Meals

    2 breakfasts at your guesthouse
  • Transfers

    Airport transfers and everything in between
  • Equipment

    Helmet, harness and rope
  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Highlights

  • Climb to the summit of the legendary Mount Olympus (2918m), one of the world's most famous peaks

  • Hike along forested trails as you explore the beautiful and varied landscape, the mythic home of the Greek gods

  • Ascend and descend along different trails to ensure a unique and unforgettable experience each day

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Head to Litochoro, at the base of Mount Olympus

    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Show Day 1 detail

    Arrive into the coastal city of Thessaloniki – the second largest city in Greece, it's considered to be Greece's cultural capital. It is a fantastic place to explore on foot, so we recommend you fly in early if you have time. Your host will pick you up late afternoon and take you to Litochoro: a small town at the base of Mount Olympus, which is about an hour and a half's drive away. Settle into your guesthouse, then you can head out for dinner with your group.

    Day 2

    To the 'Plateau of Muses'

    Hiking
    8-9hrs · 12km · 1600m up
    Mountain hut
    Mixed dorm
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 2 detail

    It's an early start this morning as you set off on a drive to the trailhead at Prionia (1100m.) The trail meanders through a forest of pine, fir and birch and you'll meet hikers from all over the world, before breaking through the treeline and getting a stunning view of the many summits of Mount Olympus. Push on to the refuge at 2650m where you'll be spending the night – here, you can relax with a hot meal and a view over the 'Plateau of Muses'.

    Day 3

    Summit Mount Olympus

    Hiking
    8-9hrs · 12km · 268m up · 1800m down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Show Day 3 detail

    After an early breakfast, your guide will decide which of the two potential summits to attempt based on weather conditions and the group's fitness. The first option is to ascend Skala Peak (2882m) and cross a narrow ridge to the adjacent Skolio Peak (2911m). The tougher option is to attempt the mountain's highest summit, Mytikas (2918m) – but with a couple of hundred metres of exposed scrambling at the end, this route will be a challenge. Either way, you'll enjoy some incredible views over the surrounding gorges and peaks before descending along a different path to the Gkortsia trailhead, where you’ll return to Litochoro. Celebrate your summit success with a cold afternoon beer.

  1. Day 4

    Time to head home

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Tuck into a last breakfast at the hotel, before hopping into the van for your transfer back to Thessaloniki Airport – or you can get dropped off in the city itself if you want to explore Thessaloniki.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG)
Pick up
Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
17:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
12:00 on Day 4

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your host will pick you up at Thessaloniki Airport at 17:00 on Day 1, and drop you back at 12:00 on Day 4. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Litochoro.

If you want to explore Thessaloniki as part of your trip, you can be collected instead from Aristotelous Square in central Thessaloniki at 17:30 on Day 1, and/or dropped back there at 11:00 on Day 4. Just let your host know in advance.

Travel options

There are direct flights to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) from across Europe, or you can connect in Athens for more flexible options. If you arrive early or are staying on late: it takes around 30 minutes to get to Thessaloniki city centre by taxi.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided hike from Prionia to the Plateau of Muses
  • Guided hike to summit Mount Olympus and descent to Gkortsia

  • Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide

  • 2 nights in a guesthouse
  • 1 night in a mountain refuge

  • 2 breakfasts at your guesthouse

  • Group arrival transfer from Thessaloniki Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Thessaloniki Airport on Day 4
  • Transfers during the trip

  • Helmet, harness and rope

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Hotel Archontiko Afroditi in Litochoro, Greece.

    Litochoro

    Stay

    Litochoro

    On the first and last nights of your adventure, you will be staying in a comfortable guesthouse in Litochoro, a small town sitting at the foot of Mount Olympus. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

  • Kakkalos Refuge, Mount Olympus, Greece. 
Nikos Laskaridis - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Olympus17.jpg

    Mount Olympus

    Stay

    Mount Olympus

    You'll stay in a rustic but comfortable mountain refuge above the treeline in a mixed dorm – either the Kakkalos Refuge or Apostolidis Refuge (depending on availability). Mattresses and warm blankets are provided and there is a common room where you can mingle with the other hikers and take meals. Alternatively, you can camp outside. Please note that the refuge does not have a shower and isn't connected to the electricity grid, with power supplied by solar panels and generators that are only available for a few hours each day (usually from dusk until around 22:00 or 23:00).

What You'll Eat

Refuges on Mount Olympus serve simple, hearty meals for around €10-15 per person. Breakfast usually consists of bread, butter, marmalade, honey, cheese, coffee/tea/milk and chocolate spreads. Lunch is often sandwiches, fruits, eggs, energy snacks and…

Food and Dietary info

Refuges on Mount Olympus serve simple, hearty meals for around €10-15 per person. Breakfast usually consists of bread, butter, marmalade, honey, cheese, coffee/tea/milk and chocolate spreads. Lunch is often sandwiches, fruits, eggs, energy snacks and chocolate, while dinners usually offer some combination of soup, pasta with sauce, lentils with rice, beef with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes, and sausage with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Litochoro village extra night (double/twin room)
…/per night
Litochoro village extra night (single room)
…/per night

Upgrades

in Litochoro only (not in the mountain hut)
…/per person

For solo travellers looking for their own space, it is possible to request a private room upgrade on Day 1 and Day 3 of the trip (when you are staying at the guesthouse in Litochoro) – see Optional Extras for pricing. Please request this at the time of booking (subject to availability).


Transfers

Private transfer from Thessaloniki city or airport to Litochoro village (per vehicle per way)

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Trip level explained

Level 6

Challenging-Tough

This is a proper challenge! Both days involve long hikes with a full pack and as much as 1600m of elevation. You should be comfortable with walking 8-9 hours per day on rough terrain for two back to back days. Much of the route is along a hiking path of medium difficulty, with several impressive drops close by that might be scary for those with a fear of heights. At times, you will be moving over steep and uneven rocky terrain with narrow paths and exposed sections. This requires stamina, a head for heights and good balance.

The summit of Mytikas requires some scrambling, so previous experience of this is recommended, but not essential. Ropes will be used for additional safety, but are not technically required to reach the summit. If any member of the group does not want to do this part of the trip, the second-highest peak of Mount Olympus, Skolio, (2,911m) offers an equally amazing view and can be reached by an easy/medium difficulty hiking path, without steep sections.

To enjoy this trip fully, you should be an experienced hiker with a good level of fitness. Challenging trips generally require committing to some training and preparation in the weeks building up to your trip. Accompanying cardio, strength and flexibility training will help you be in the best shape possible to enjoy this trip.

High Altitude Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

Climate Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep as cool as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

Ratings & Reviews

4.947 reviews
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Derek F.

    An amazing trip, couldn't fault the guides whos couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful. In particular making the suggestion to do the summit climb on the evening of rather than the following morning as scheduled. We had the mountain to ourselves on a beautiful late afternoon. The following morning was cloudy and windy and there were many people heading out so it would have been congested. The hotel was lovely and the breakfasts huge! Transfers were well organised and flexible with drop offs. I would recommend the trip with no hesitation.

  • Emma L.

    Very well organised, fantastic guides, small group of likeminded people, amazing views. Couldn’t ask for more

  • Katie H.

    A great trip - really recommend! I was concerned as I have a fear of heights but I felt fully safe the entire time and the view at the top was really worth it. We ended up climbing it all in one day which ensured we had a quieter climbing experience and were fortunate enough to have a great view on top. Thanasis and Alex were exceptional guides and worked really hard to ensure we were safe and had a good time. I’d really recommend this trip!

  • Paul L.

    I booked this trip with my wife, and whilst it’s tough it is truly a fantastic experience. The guides we had (Thanasis and Alex) were great for the entire adventure. They handled the hike brilliantly, walking at a comfortable pace and ensuring we stopped for breaks. They gave you confidence throughout and ensured that everyone felt comfortable and safe for the scramble to Mytikas. In fact, they made a decision to summit on the first day, which proved an inspired choice as we hit the summit with the sun in a clear sky and no crowds. The following day had clouds at the summit plus a number of other groups attempting it. The guesthouse in Litochoro was fantastic, that breakfast really sets you up for a days hiking. All of the communications with the team over in Greece was spot on. Some of the refuges took card but I would take cash for ease. The refuge we stayed in had blankets on the beds and was pretty warm anyway, so it didn’t matter we hadn’t brought sleeping bags or liners of our own. So we saved some weight there. It’s honestly a magical experience.

  • Sarah J.

    From start to finish this trip was amazing!! I only went for the weekend (trying to squeeze in an adventure on limited leave and funds!) but its only 3. 5 hrs on a plane so less that my usual travel days to the mountains in the UK. Our accommodation was great, well informed all the time with details and the people looking after us from the guest houses to the guides was awesome. Special thanks to our guides Thanasis and Soterios (not sure if I've quite got the spelling right for the second name) were great. I felt like they really cared if we had a good time and I felt safe and looked after for the two days. Thanasis got great shots of us scrambling as we couldn't always get our phones out which he didn't have to do but now I have great images of the final climb! We saw sunset, sunrise and the most beautiful scenery. The group really made the trip we all gelled really quickly and laughed non-stop (except up the steep bits when funny enough no-one spoke 🤣). As a solo traveller I felt safe, looked after and enjoyed every second of it. Definitely recommend if you want a challenge and enjoy beautiful scenery. Cannot fault this trip at all. Extra Info As others have stated you dont need a sleeping bag just a liner will suffice. Bus into Thessaloniki is cheap and takes you right to the statue. You can use card everywhere even in the mountain refuge but I did take cash just incase. Refuge has outdoor toilet block be prepared for squatting!! Even if its hot when you go make sure you have gloves, warm jacket for summit its nippy up there!! Would have added some pics but they won't load.

  • Luke G.

    Amazing time

  • Sophie N.

    An amazing challenge with brilliant guides!

  • John G.

    From start to finish this was so well organised. Particular thanks to our guide Thanasis whose knowledge and calm approach was wonderful. The whole experience was magical. The highlight was the amazing scramble to the top of Mytikas during sunrise. Without a guide and safety precautions I could not have done this scamble. The 2 days are a significant physical challenge but well worth it.

  • Benjamin O.

    This is my 7th trip with MBA and I have to say this was one of the best I have done. It was very well organised, and only needed 2 days of annual leave to do it. The group size was a bit smaller than usual, which was good as it meant we could adapt to the pace, and we had a bit more attention when it came to the scramble for the top. Weather was excellent, travel time from airport was great (only an hour), and we also got to explore the city afterwards which left me feeling like I had achieved a lot in a long weekend. The hike and scramble were fine for beginners, and the mountain hut accommodation was also decent. Would highly recommend.

  • Paddy M.

    N/a

Customer Photos

4.947 reviews
  • 5 stars (43)
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  • 2 stars (0)
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Showing all 47 reviews
  • An amazing trip, couldn't fault

    Derek F. October 2025
    An amazing trip, couldn't fault the guides whos couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful. In particular making the suggestion to do the summit climb on the evening of rather than the following morning as scheduled. We had the mountain to ourselves on a beautiful late afternoon. The following morning was cloudy and windy and there were many people heading out so it would have been congested. The hotel was lovely and the breakfasts huge! Transfers were well organised and flexible with drop offs. I would recommend the trip with no hesitation.
  • Fantastic trip

    Emma L. October 2025
    Very well organised, fantastic guides, small group of likeminded people, amazing views. Couldn’t ask for more
  • Amazing trip - highly recommend

    Katie H. September 2025
    A great trip - really recommend! I was concerned as I have a fear of heights but I felt fully safe the entire time and the view at the top was really worth it. We ended up climbing it all in one day which ensured we had a quieter climbing experience and were fortunate enough to have a great view on top. Thanasis and Alex were exceptional guides and worked really hard to ensure we were safe and had a good time. I’d really recommend this trip!
  • Fantastic Experience

    Paul L. September 2025
    I booked this trip with my wife, and whilst it’s tough it is truly a fantastic experience. The guides we had (Thanasis and Alex) were great for the entire adventure. They handled the hike brilliantly, walking at a comfortable pace and ensuring we stopped for breaks. They gave you confidence throughout and ensured that everyone felt comfortable and safe for the scramble to Mytikas. In fact, they made a decision to summit on the first day, which proved an inspired choice as we hit the summit with the sun in a clear sky and no crowds. The following day had clouds at the summit plus a number of other groups attempting it. The guesthouse in Litochoro was fantastic, that breakfast really sets you up for a days hiking. All of the communications with the team over in Greece was spot on. Some of the refuges took card but I would take cash for ease. The refuge we stayed in had blankets on the beds and was pretty warm anyway, so it didn’t matter we hadn’t brought sleeping bags or liners of our own. So we saved some weight there. It’s honestly a magical experience.
  • Amazing

    Sarah J. September 2025
    From start to finish this trip was amazing!! I only went for the weekend (trying to squeeze in an adventure on limited leave and funds!) but its only 3. 5 hrs on a plane so less that my usual travel days to the mountains in the UK. Our accommodation was great, well informed all the time with details and the people looking after us from the guest houses to the guides was awesome. Special thanks to our guides Thanasis and Soterios (not sure if I've quite got the spelling right for the second name) were great. I felt like they really cared if we had a good time and I felt safe and looked after for the two days. Thanasis got great shots of us scrambling as we couldn't always get our phones out which he didn't have to do but now I have great images of the final climb! We saw sunset, sunrise and the most beautiful scenery. The group really made the trip we all gelled really quickly and laughed non-stop (except up the steep bits when funny enough no-one spoke 🤣). As a solo traveller I felt safe, looked after and enjoyed every second of it. Definitely recommend if you want a challenge and enjoy beautiful scenery. Cannot fault this trip at all. Extra Info As others have stated you dont need a sleeping bag just a liner will suffice. Bus into Thessaloniki is cheap and takes you right to the statue. You can use card everywhere even in the mountain refuge but I did take cash just incase. Refuge has outdoor toilet block be prepared for squatting!! Even if its hot when you go make sure you have gloves, warm jacket for summit its nippy up there!! Would have added some pics but they won't load.
  • Amazing trip book it

    Luke G. September 2025
    Amazing time
  • Amazing Experience

    Sophie N. September 2025
    An amazing challenge with brilliant guides!
  • From start to finish this

    John G. August 2025
    From start to finish this was so well organised. Particular thanks to our guide Thanasis whose knowledge and calm approach was wonderful. The whole experience was magical. The highlight was the amazing scramble to the top of Mytikas during sunrise. Without a guide and safety precautions I could not have done this scamble. The 2 days are a significant physical challenge but well worth it.
  • Excellent MBA trip

    Benjamin O. August 2025
    This is my 7th trip with MBA and I have to say this was one of the best I have done. It was very well organised, and only needed 2 days of annual leave to do it. The group size was a bit smaller than usual, which was good as it meant we could adapt to the pace, and we had a bit more attention when it came to the scramble for the top. Weather was excellent, travel time from airport was great (only an hour), and we also got to explore the city afterwards which left me feeling like I had achieved a lot in a long weekend. The hike and scramble were fine for beginners, and the mountain hut accommodation was also decent. Would highly recommend.
  • N/a

    Paddy M. August 2025
    N/a
  • Definitely a mixed bag

    Charlie R. August 2025
    The Upside 1. Guide Expertise
 2. Fair Price

 The Down
 1. Guide Involvement
- One of our guides was great and the other was more often texting than guiding. Maybe this is reflective of our world today. But it doesn't mean we have to like it or pay for it. 

 2. Time Pressure to Get Us Up and Down
First, this climb is not easy 
-- ascent, day one - 1700 meters ascent over 11km distance, 7 hrs, including breaks; 
--summit and descent, day two - 470m ascent, 2100m descent over 15. 5km distance, 5. 5 hours, including breaks; 
 --each day about 25,000 steps, most of them up or down over very techy rock and rooty trails --

It felt like our guides needed to get us down as quickly as possible 
 -- breaks seemed to come only when one of us- ok, always me! - blacked out or fell -
- weather was not a factor; each day was totally clear 
-- what I write here is subjective and my opinion, but my teammates shared their views with me and they were similar 

 Why does the rush matter? We all got up and down safely, which is of course the reason one hires guides 
-- On summit morning, the guides asked not to attempt the summit. I did resist at first, saying I would at least like to try, and if I found it too hard, I would just wait for everyone else to summit and rejoin on way down, or return to the hut and wait there. 
 -- The guides said no, that would create a safety issue and that me returning to the hut would mean everyone would need to return without summitting. 
 -- Of course then I immediately relented and waited in the hut as everyone else submitted - Yay!!! - and returned. 
 -- Several of my teammates shared with me that they felt I could have summited as well if given a bit more time than anyone else. 
--It does feel to me that it was more important to try guides to get down and done than to get everyone to the summit. 

 --In retrospect, after several days' reflection on this, I do feel my chance to attempt the summit was taken away without good cause. -- Would letting me attempt have slowed things down? Probably, by 10 or 15 minutes, according to my teammates -- Would I have made it? Yes, again according to my teammates 3. Pre Event Kit List
- Our event, a climb of Mount Olympus, takes place throughout most of the year in weather ranging from deep winter to mid summer
 - The mandatory kit list I received for my early August climb included a down sleeping bag, which meant I needed to book on flights and lug around an additional bag on my travels. I was told at thewas told at the meetup first night all I needed was a sheet, which I needed to go out quickly and buy. 
 - Would it be so hard to provide a mandatory kit list that actually is mandatory for that time of year?
  • Great trip to hike Mt

    Natalie R. July 2025
    Great trip to hike Mt Olympus. Transfers were smooth, hotel was lovely, clean and friendly and provided a huge breakfast each morning. The hike itself was very tough, especially in the summer heat. I got a touch of heat stroke and had to stop at the first refuge rather than carrying on to the summit. Although disappointing it was handled very well with the guide sorting me out a bed at the refuge and then escorting me down the mountain the following day. My only feedback would be about the kit list as a few of the items just aren’t needed such as sleeping bag and 40l bag. Blankets are provided by the refuge and I’d say a 25-30l bag would be more appropriate unless winter kit is needed. Overall great trip and would definitely recommend.
  • Another great adventure

    Janet H. July 2025
    This is my second adventure with MBA, and I can’t say enough good things about how well organized their trips are. Safety is always #1 priority. Our local guides, Thanasis and Alex safely guided us up and down mount Olympus. They were always positive, offered kind words while I struggled at times with the high temperatures, and made sure everyone was having a good time. I would highly recommend this trip.
  • Amazing

    Richard N. June 2025
    What an INCREDIBLE experience my group had!!!! The organisation at both the UK and Greek ends was flawless, and our local Mountain Guides (Thanassis, Alex and Costas) were patient, encouraging and experts in their field. I really can't recommend this trip highly enough. Great hiking and spectacular scenery. Do it!!!!
  • Fantastic trip up Mount Olympus

    Andrew W. October 2024
    Great challenge and amazing trek up Mount Olympus. Our guides Thanasis and Yanis were great, experienced, friendly and very knowledgeable. Was tough but thoroughly recommended.
  • Fantastic trip would recommend it

    Liam C. September 2024
    Fantastic trip would recommend it to anyone
  • Amazing trip!

    Billy F. September 2024
    This is an unbelievable trip! Our guides were first-class, knowledgable and great company. The views are immense and the landscape in steeped in greek mythology! The refuge camps were very accommodating and had a great, uplifting atmosphere after a long day of hiking!
  • The whole trip was amazing! Perfectly organised, great guide and great group.

    Dolly G. September 2024
    I loved this trip from the beginning to the end. Communication pre-trip was great. I had asked multiple questions, including logistics arrangement and always got detailed replies in timely fashion. Organisation within WhatsApp group for trip logistics closer to departure time worked really well. Once I got to Greece, everything was smoothly organised. The guest house in Litochoro was lovely, and people were friendly and wonderful. Due to potential thunderstorms, our guides suggested we do summit push on our first day, just in case we were unable to do it the next morning - we did that, and our entire group managed to summit. The main guide, Thanasis, is just incredible. He has been doing this for 25 years so he is immensely knowledgeable and has plenty of awesome achievements under his belt. But for me, he shone exceptionally as a guide because he was patient and basically able to deal with the group of different abilities and backgrounds with ease. This made the experience better for everyone. We gelled well as a group and supported each other. Thanasis was always happy to give more information and support us. On day 2 since we had already done the Olympus summit, he took us down through a more interested route giving us a bonus summit. The scramble part, which I was a bit nervous about, went really well due to his patience. This was my first trip with MBA but it won't be the last. Highly recommend this trip, and especially Thanasis as the guide.
  • This trip exceeded my already

    Verna W. July 2024
    This trip exceeded my already high expectations. MBA made everything from airport pick up to airport drop off super straightforward. Our guide, Thanasis was absolutely incredible. He was super knowledgeable, encouraging & supportive and really made this a 5 star experience. The hike itself was spectacular - the views were unlike anything I had seen before and the strong connection to Greek mythology made it all the more magical. I would encourage anyone considering this trip to just book it! You won't regret it.
  • Mt Olympus

    Richard O. July 2024
    Excellent trip. Strongly recommend. Our guide, Thanasis, was superb. Greek people are very friendly and welcoming.
  • Another excellent MBA trip: Stunning and special

    Carlos M. July 2024
    MBA are racking up the great trips. I've had numerous with them now, and this was another special one. First off, a special call out must go to Thanasis, our guide. Kind, professional, interesting and super knowledgeable - he was the perfect guide. Secondly, it was a great group whom I hope to stay in touch with. Finally, the mountain itself and the scenery completely exceeded expectations. Not only is it utterly gorgeous, but you can see the role the geography played in the formation of Greek mythology. There is something very magical and eerie about the setting - some tranquil beauty mixed with almost harsh and daunting features. It's a combination that leaves you feeling very small and very large at the same time. The scenery changes from sharp peaks with some scrambling to rolling hills and gorgeous pine forests (a highlight for me). In terms of exertion, I would say that the trip is accessible to anyone with a moderate amount of fitness - irrespective of experience - but yet will also leave anyone with a sense of accomplishment and feeling like they have gotten a proper workout. In terms of tips; pack as lightly as possible. You can refill water every few hours at the refuges, which also stock plenty of food and snacks. A sleeping bag and towel aren't really needed, and you can rent anything at the great store in Litochoro. Everyone we dealt with was amazing, and grabbing drinks in the town were another highlight to round the trip off with. I would highly, highly recommend this - particularly for mountain lovers or geeks of Greek mythology.
  • Mount Olympus...

    Tanveer August 2023
    Mount Olympus
  • A great blend of physical endeavour, thrill...

    Francis August 2023
    A great blend of physical endeavour, thrill and beauty in one. A majestic place that felt spiritual in all its glory.
  • The climb is a proper challenge but totally...

    Ruby October 2022
    The climb is a proper challenge but totally worth it! The local guide is patient and clear, and we had loads of fun and laugh along the way!
  • Fantastic experience would definitely recom...

    Patrick October 2022
    Fantastic experience would definitely recommend
  • We had an amazing trip up Mt Olympus, very...

    Nick October 2022
    We had an amazing trip up Mt Olympus, very well organised from start to finish. Our guides (Alex and Ioannis) were professional and we felt safe throughout. Hotel on the 1st and last night was very nice, and the mountain refuge accommodation during the hike was clean and comfortable. The ascent up on the 1st day was tough, as it was a long and continuous ascent with very little flat parts of the hike, but there was plenty of time for breaks to take on water and food. The scramble to the summit was quite exposed, but I would describe it as a grade 1 scramble, which was relatively easy with good feet and handholds and it felt safe with ropes, helmets and harnesses used for the ascent and descent.
  • Go for it you won’t be disappointed....

    Victoria September 2022
    Go for it you won’t be disappointed.
  • Where do I start !! This experience has bee...

    Nina August 2022
    Where do I start !! This experience has been phenomenal and I will be forever grateful for the memories that I made on Mount Olympus, I was a female solo traveller so didn’t really know what to expect and was a little nervous as this was my first time using Much Better Adventures but I needn’t have worried, from the pick up at the airport on Day 1 to the transfer back to the airport on Day 3 everything worked like clockwork!! Yanis and Saki ( our guides) we’re incredible and couldn’t have done enough for us up on the mountain, the experience on Olympus was AMAZING and we were spoilt with the views and being told the history of the gods on Olympus .. the hike itself is quite challenging especially in the heat but Yanis made sure we took plenty of breaks and kept hydrated. The Refuge on the mountain that we stayed at was clean and offered great food, there is no shower available but the toilet facilities were super clean!! We were blessed with the most beautiful Sunset and Sunrise on the top of mountain that was breath taking and something I will always remember.
  • Fantastic trip and worth every penny. The g...

    Daniel July 2022
    Fantastic trip and worth every penny. The guides and accommodation were great! First of many with much better adventures.
  • Once again a great trip! Hot and hard work...

    Rachel July 2022
    Once again a great trip! Hot and hard work but the views were worth it. Great guides and new friends made, even had a bonus summit after dinner on the first night.

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Departure dates

  • Thursday 18th June 2026

    to Sunday 21st June 2026

  • Thursday 25th June 2026

    to Sunday 28th June 2026

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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?

  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope

What's available to hire?

  • Trekking poles, trekking boots, flashlights, ice axe, crampons, gaiters, goggles, jackets, pants, sleeping bag, and sleeping bag liner are all items that can be hired and paid for locally. Please contact your host for any questions regarding hiring equipment.

What do I need to bring?

  • Large, comfortable backpack (40L) with padded straps and waist belt (internal frame preferred)
  • Waterproof liner for keeping clothing dry
  • Sturdy, worn in hiking boots/shoes
  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Warm clothes for windy/cool conditions during the day and cooler evenings (fleece top, insulated jacket etc)
  • Shorts/long trousers for walking (preferably quick-drying material)
  • Long sleeved tops/t-shirts for walking (preferably quick-drying material)
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Sleeping bag (blankets will also be available at the refuges if you would prefer)
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, neck buff, sun cream)
  • Quick dry towel (optional)
  • Torch (head torch if you have one)
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • 1L-2L reusable water bottle or bladder
  • First aid kit (plasters or blister kit, aspirin or similar, antiseptic)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Earplugs (optional)
  • Energy snacks (optional, as you can buy these at the refuges)

FAQs

There is a mountain spring in Prionia and another around 45 minutes further on where you can refuel your bottle. There are no other springs close to the hiking routes so bringing enough water with you is essential. Alternatively you can buy a bottle of water at the refuge for €1 - €2, however, please remember to take this with you when you leave the mountain to keep this beautiful landscape as clean and perfect as possible.

Any excess luggage can be safely left at your local host's trekking office in Litochoro.

In adverse weather conditions, it may not be safe to ascend the exposed peaks. Your local host will monitor weather conditions and act accordingly. In the event of high amounts of snow in spring, it may be necessary to modify the itinerary of earlier departures in the year, in order to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the trip.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Mount Olympus has a large elevation range, which makes the weather highly variable. Summer temperatures generally range between 0 and 20 °C, with cooler temperatures occurring near the top, especially at night. Strong winds are typical above the treeline, while most days are sunny or partly sunny, with thunderstorms occurring roughly a third of the days during summer. Before you travel, your host will be happy to assist with any queries on the mountain conditions and the best clothing and equipment for your trip; some items will be available for hire on arrival, see the Kit List section above for more details.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 188kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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