Hiking on Mount Olympus – Orlias Stream and Red Rock Waterfall – Rema Orlia – (family friendly)

Time has flown since my last family-friendly hiking adventure, but today, we embark on a new journey into the enchanting beauty of Mount Olympus. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as we explore the renowned Orlias Stream and the breathtaking Red Rock Waterfall. 

In this post, we’ll uncover the magic of this captivating destination, taking you through lush landscapes and refreshing waters, offering an experience that will surely leave you awe-inspired. 

So, buckle up and join me on this unforgettable expedition!

Mesmerised by the Red Rock Waterfall

About Orlias Stream

In the mystical region of Olympus, just west of the settlement of Dion, lies a hidden gem of natural beauty – the stream of Orlia (also known as Ourlia) and the waterfalls. Over the years, these waterfalls have gained popularity, attracting numerous visitors from far and wide who seek to experience their enchanting allure. During the summer months, the site sees thousands of eager travellers making their way up the road and trekking the paths that lead to the refreshing waterfalls – a journey that proves to be absolutely worthwhile.

The Orlias stream gracefully traverses the slopes of Olympus, creating an array of waterfalls and cool pedestals along its course. Among the many waterfalls, two are particularly easily accessible, located merely a 5-minute walk away from the charming church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni.  This church can be found on the road that connects Dion with the Koromilia refuge, serving as a convenient starting point for the adventure ahead.

Upon reaching the chapel, a short walk along the road reveals a marked trail that guides visitors to the first waterfall. This waterfall boasts an easily reachable platform, offering an excellent vantage point to witness its mesmerising beauty up close.


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As visitors continue their exploration, they encounter the second waterfall, standing taller and more imposing than the first. To reach this majestic sight, one must follow a short but slightly steep downhill path that begins from the alley. While this path is comfortably traversed by adults, it requires supervision for children to ensure their safety along the way.

Though, the highlight of the area is the Red Rock Waterfall, where an one hour (perhaps a bit more depending your rhythm) is required in order to reach it.


How to reach Orlias Stream

To access Orlias Stream, follow the transition via the Athens-Thessaloniki National Road from the Litochoro-Dion exit. Once you arrive in Dion, keep an eye out for the brown signs on the left indicating “Olympus.” The road leading to Rema Orlia is paved and stretches for approximately 5.2 kilometers. During the summer months, this road tends to get quite busy due to the high number of visitors, so expect to see many parked cars at the end of the route.

After about 20 minutes from your departure on the National Road, you’ll reach the serene chapel of Agios Konstantinos and the enchanting waterfalls. The surroundings of Agios Konstantinos have been thoughtfully landscaped, featuring wooden tables and fountains that add to the picturesque setting.


Hiking to Red Rock Waterfall via Orlias Stream trail

Our adventure commences at a quaint chapel nestled at approximately 320 meters above sea level. From this picturesque starting point, we step onto a beautiful trail that takes us through the breathtaking beauty of Orlias Stream (Rema Orlia/Ourlia). As we meander along the path, prepare to be mesmerized by the delightful sight of running water, mirroring the azure sky above. The surrounding vegetation casts a magical spell, enveloping us in a tapestry of vibrant greens and the sweet melody of nature.

Embarking on a continuous uphill hike, we are greeted with an array of magical vistas along the way. The journey unfolds, and about half way we come across a rest area where a spring with fresh cold water can be found and also a bench for the ones that want to have a short break.

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Starting Point – Trails Information Board
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We follow the trail that follows these steps

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First part of the trail

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Where necessary, some trail improvements are arranged

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Orlias stream

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Hiking

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Hiking under the shade

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Trail signs

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Orlias Stream

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Water Spring

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Rest area


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Last section of the hike before reaching Red Rock Waterfall

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Excellent trail path

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First sign that indicates the word “Orlias”

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We follow directions ΚΟΚΚΙΝΟΒΡΑΧΟΣ (Right side)

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Last section of the hike, we have to cross the Orlias stream

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Red Rock Waterfall

Red Rock waterfall, where nature’s grandeur meets enchanting green surroundings, and the passage of time has carved stone, a testament to millennia of flowing water. This hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Olympus promises a lovely experience like no other.

The true highlight of our journey lies in the crystal-clear water that flows relentlessly, maintaining a refreshing chill even during the hottest summer months. Diving into its invigorating embrace becomes an essential part of the adventure; forgoing this opportunity would mean only experiencing half of the marvel that awaits. As you take the plunge, the cool water becomes a soothing balm, etching an indelible mark in your memory of this secret path through Olympus.

The Red Rock waterfall, with its imposing size, presents an unforgettable sight that will leave you in awe. Yet, it is the vibrant greenery enveloping the falls that adds a touch of magic to the scene, creating a picturesque oasis in the rugged terrain.

This hidden paradise promises an expedition filled with wonder, rejuvenation, and adrenaline-fueled excitement. The Red Rock waterfall and its enchanting surroundings invite you to uncover the secrets of Olympus and leave you with lasting memories of a truly extraordinary journey.

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Red Rock Waterfall trail sign

 

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Red Rock Waterfall

 

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Splendid view

 

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Enjoying the view

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Stunning waterfall

 

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Crystal clear and cold water
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Red Rock Waterfall

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I share these articles and the climbing guidebooks because I love the outdoors, and they’ll always be free. If they’ve helped you, help me keep them coming. Click the button to support my work.


Details of the hike

  • Location: Orlias Stream (Rema Orlia), Mount Olympus
  • Trail Signs: Signed path
  • Maximum Elevation: 301 m.
  • Minimum Elevation: 598 m
  • Total Distance: 4,4 km
  • Hiking time: 2 hour 30 minutes with return in easy pace – including the breaks)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • When to Hike: Any time of the year
The Route


Before you leave this blog check out the following map

Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.

16 thoughts on “Hiking on Mount Olympus – Orlias Stream and Red Rock Waterfall – Rema Orlia – (family friendly)

  1. Pierre's avatar Pierre

    Thank you for sharing.
    As I had a look on the map, I have two questions :
    – how is the path from the waterfall to Priona and Kastraki and back to the parking : could be a good circular loop circuit ?
    – on the other direction, I saw a path going in direction of a katafygio (Koromilia), is it walkable ?
    Merci pour les informations.
    Pierre, from France

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dear Pierre,

      I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share some information with you about Mount Olympus and its extensive network of hiking trails. One interesting option is the route from Orlias to Prionia, which allows you to connect various paths and enjoy a fantastic hiking experience. However, I must emphasize that this hike is quite long and challenging. Depending on your hiking skills and stamina, you may even need to spend a night in one of the mountain refuges to complete the journey.

      Speaking of refuges, I want to mention the Refuge of Koromilia. Interestingly, half of the trail leading to the Red Rock Waterfall is the same path that takes you to Koromilia Refuge. This could be a viable and exciting alternative for your hiking adventure.

      I hope the information provided proves helpful to you. If you require any further details or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Happy hiking!

      Like

      1. Pierre's avatar Pierre

        Hi
        The Prionia I mentionned is not the one at the bottom of the classical ascent to Mount Olympus.
        It is a place marked on the map just above the kataract, on the north.
        I may email you the gpx file I just created. I have a question on where to walk from Agios Vasileos back to the parking, so I ended the tack, but will need yr email to attach the file
        Best regards.
        Pierre

        Like

  2. Wow, what a fantastic hike and a beautiful waterfall to explore. There is just something mesmerizing about watching the water tumble off a rock face into a pool or raging river beneath. The noise it makes, the sheer volume of water — it’s magical. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Aiva,

      I couldn’t agree more!
      There’s a special kind of beauty in witnessing water cascading down the rock face and hearing its soothing noise as it joins the pool or river below. It’s moments like these that truly connect us with the wonders of nature.

      Your enthusiasm is contagious, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and comment in this post.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Absolutely! I couldn’t agree more! This hike indeed looks like a dream come true for nature lovers like us.

      Being by the water has a magical way of soothing our souls and connecting us to the beauty of Nature.

      Thanks for reading this post and your all support to the blog!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lilja's avatar Lilja

        Hello, and thank you for the lovely description of the hike. I saw that you did this with your kids, how old are they if you do not mind me asking? We would love to do the hike (hubby and I have hiked in the Dolomites so we should be ok) but we have a 4yo and a 1,5yo with us. Little miss toddler would be in a baby carrier, but do you think the 4yo could manage the hike? How difficult is the last part?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hi Lilja

        I’m glad you enjoyed the description of the hike!

        Answering to your question, I should start by stating that every child is different, so it’s hard to say how your 4-year-old would fare. The last part of the hike does have a bit of elevation gain, but it’s manageable if you take it slow. Since you and your hubby have experience hiking in the Dolomites, I’m sure you’ll be able to gauge whether it’s suitable for your little one.

        The last part is possible to be hiked by kids as well, though it all depends on the level of the water that will be in the stream. My apologies if I can’t give you a clear “yes” or “no” answer, but it all depends on the actual conditions but also how your 4 year old feels at that moment.

        Should you have any more questions, feel free to reach out.

        Like

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  4. Gabriela Dedu's avatar Gabriela Dedu

    Hi,

    Thanks for sharing this!

    I also tried to reach the main waterfall on September 19, 2023. I only managed to get as far as the river crossing. After crossing the river, I looked for the marker to continue. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the path (I was alone and 77 years old at the time)! I’m from Romania. I’ll try again in June this year! A .gpx file would help me a lot. My address is gabidedu45@gmail.com.

    Many thanks in advance!

    Like

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