Walking In Greece: What Makes Mount Olympus Remarkable

Walking In Greece: What Makes Mount Olympus Remarkable
Walking In Greece: What Makes Mount Olympus Remarkable

Video: Walking In Greece: What Makes Mount Olympus Remarkable

Video: Walking In Greece: What Makes Mount Olympus Remarkable
Video: Did the Ancient Greeks climb Mount Olympus? 2024, March
Anonim

In the north of Greece, near the city of Thessaloniki and the Haldiki peninsula, there is the mythical Mount Olympus. According to legends, it became a haven for the ancient Greek gods, who used the earth as a playground for magical games. Whether the representatives of the Heavens continue to rest in golden chambers today is a moot point, but the fact that the mountain exists and every year attracts more and more tourists is an absolutely proven fact.

Mount Olympus photo
Mount Olympus photo

On Mount Olympus there are 4 peaks: Mitikas, Skoglio, Skala, Stephanie. All of them reach about 3,000 meters in height. There are many who want to reach the highest points of Olympus. Mick Staffani is called the throne of Zeus, it was there, apparently, that God once arranged his study. In the local forests, you can count on meeting with ruminants, mouflons, which are under protection, hunting for them is prohibited.

At the foot of the mountain is the city of Litohoro, where food and water are replenished, and before the ascent you can have a cup of hot coffee. This is where the start of the walking marathon begins. At an elevation of 1100 meters, you will meet the village of Prionia. There are always visitors in the local café who are vigorously discussing climbing the mountain and sharing an unforgettable experience. If the path turns out to be difficult, here you can rest and recuperate for further travel. From here a wonderful view opens up to an unforgettable sight - the sunrise over Mount Olympus.

In the gorges of the mountain at an altitude of 2,000 meters, shelters have been built for comfortable rest of travelers. From here, 3-4 hours remain until the very peak. It is impossible to get lost while climbing, as there are signs everywhere on the Olympic paths. It will also be interesting and absolutely safe to use the lifts.

After passing the first part of the path, you will meet a fork in which you need to decide where to go next. Up to this place, the road passes through a wild forest, surrounded by colossal trees on all sides, among which the remains of tombs and ancient temples are hidden. The fork gives you the opportunity to choose from two options: the easier route will lead to the Skolio peak (2912 meters), the more difficult route will lead to the highest point of Olympus - the Mitikas peak (2918 meters). Here, each guest can leave a message in a special journal, which is located in an unusual iron box. Returning to the shelter, you can pick up a certificate that will confirm the feat.

In addition to the unforgettable views from the top of the mountain, Olympus attracts many tourists with its ski resorts, the season is from January to March. The bases are equipped with safe modern lifts. There are also first-class hotels here, which fascinate with their unusual views from the windows. Most tourists come here for long vacations: during the day they conquer the expanses of Olympus, and in the evening they enjoy the fabulous silence of the surroundings and the taste of real Greek wine.

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