MOUNT MYTIKAS: THE EPIC SUMMIT OF THE GREEK GODS

Mount Mytikas is not just another mountain. It is the highest summit in Greece and the most famous peak of Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods. If you love hiking, mythology, dramatic landscapes and a little bit of adventure, this is one of those places that feels genuinely special.

Standing at around 2,917 metres, Mytikas is the kind of mountain that makes you feel small in the best possible way. You start among forests, rivers and mountain paths, and little by little the landscape becomes wilder, rockier and more dramatic.

WHY MOUNT MYTIKAS IS SO SPECIAL

The big reason people dream about Mount Mytikas is simple: this is the top of Mount Olympus. In Greek mythology, Olympus was the home of Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo and the rest of the Olympian gods.

So yes, when you climb Mytikas, you are not only hiking to the highest point in Greece. You are walking into one of the most powerful legends in European history. That makes the whole experience feel bigger than a normal mountain day.

STORIES, LEGENDS AND MYSTERIES OF MOUNT OLYMPUS

According to ancient Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the place where the gods ruled the world from above the clouds. Zeus had his throne there, and the mountain was seen as a mysterious, sacred place that humans could look at, but never fully understand.

One of the most impressive nearby peaks is Stefani, often called the Throne of Zeus. It has a dark, dramatic shape and really adds to the feeling that this mountain belongs in a legend.

Another curious thing about Olympus is the weather. The mountain is often covered in clouds, mist and sudden changes of light. One moment you can be walking in fog, and the next you are looking over the clouds like you have stepped into another world.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT MYTIKAS FROM LONDON BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The easiest way to get there from London is to fly to Thessaloniki, which is the best major airport for Mount Olympus.

A simple route would be:

London to Thessaloniki by plane
Fly from one of the London airports to Thessaloniki Airport.

Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki city
From the airport, you can take public transport into the city, including buses that connect with the main railway and bus stations.

Thessaloniki to Katerini
From Thessaloniki, travel to Katerini by train or bus.

Katerini to Litochoro
From Katerini, continue to Litochoro, the main village used as a base for Mount Olympus.

Litochoro to Prionia
Prionia is the usual starting point for the classic route to the mountain refuges and Mytikas. Public transport can be limited, so many hikers take a taxi from Litochoro.

WHERE TO SLEEP NEAR MOUNT MYTIKAS

The best place to sleep before and after the hike is Litochoro. It is the main gateway to Mount Olympus and has hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops and taxis.

If you want to climb Mytikas properly, a very good plan is to sleep in a mountain refuge. The most popular option is Refuge A, also known as Spilios Agapitos Refuge, located at around 2,060 metres.

A classic itinerary is:

Day 1: Litochoro or Prionia to Refuge A
Day 2: Refuge A to Skala, then Mytikas, and back down

If you prefer to enjoy it without rushing, make it a 3-day adventure. That gives you more time, more safety and more chances to enjoy the views.

WHAT TO EAT AROUND MOUNT OLYMPUS

Food in this part of Greece is simple, tasty and exactly what you want after a big mountain day.

Some typical things to try are:

Roast lamb or goat – very common in mountain tavernas.

Greek pies – usually made with filo pastry and filled with cheese, spinach, herbs or vegetables.

Local cheese – Greece is amazing for cheese, especially feta and other regional varieties.

Mountain tea – perfect after a hike, especially if the weather has been cold.

Honey, herbs and nuts – very typical mountain products.

And if you go down towards the coast, you can also enjoy fresh fish and seafood from the Aegean side.

WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR FOR MOUNT MYTIKAS

Mount Mytikas is not a casual city walk. The final section can be rocky, exposed and serious, especially if the weather changes.

You should wear or carry:

Good hiking boots or trail shoes with proper grip.

Technical hiking trousers, not jeans.

Breathable layers, including a base layer, fleece or warm mid-layer.

Waterproof jacket, because the weather can change very quickly.

Warm layer, even in summer, especially if starting early.

Sun protection, including sunglasses, cap and sun cream.

Head torch, especially if doing a long day.

Enough water and snacks, because the climb is physically demanding.

For the summit section, a helmet is strongly recommended because of loose rocks and other hikers above you.

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO CLIMB MOUNT MYTIKAS?

In general, you do not need a special permit to climb Mount Mytikas. You can hike in the Mount Olympus area without a standard climbing permit.

However, if you plan to sleep in a refuge, you should book your place in advance, especially in the busy summer season.

Also, remember that no permit does not mean no risk. Mytikas has steep and exposed sections, and the weather can change fast. If you are not confident with scrambling or mountain terrain, it is much safer to go with a guide.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT MYTIKAS

The best time to climb Mount Mytikas is usually from June to September, when the route is more likely to be free of snow and the refuges are operating.

Early summer can still have snow in places, and autumn can bring colder weather and shorter days. In winter, this becomes a serious mountaineering route and should only be attempted with proper winter skills and equipment.

HOW DIFFICULT IS MOUNT MYTIKAS?

The hike to the refuge is demanding but manageable for fit hikers. The final climb to Mytikas is different: it involves rocky scrambling, exposure and concentration.

If the weather is bad, the rock is wet, or visibility is poor, it is better not to force the summit. A good alternative is Skolio, another high summit on Olympus that is usually less technical than Mytikas.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A REAL ADVENTURE WITH A LEGENDARY FEEL

Mount Mytikas is one of those hikes that feels like more than just a hike. It has everything: big mountain views, Greek mythology, dramatic ridges, ancient stories and a proper sense of adventure.

But it deserves respect. Plan properly, check the weather, take the right clothes, book your refuge and do not underestimate the final climb.

If you do it right, standing on Mount Mytikas can be one of the most unforgettable mountain experiences in Europe.