Author: Olympus Mountaineering

In Greece, curled up within the majestic mountains, lies a treasure trove of insights waiting to be discovered. From the art of winter mountaineering to the thrill of trekking, from the peacefulness of hiking to the challenges of rock and alpine climbing, there is a world of adventure waiting to be explored. My humble endeavor is to provide you with a glimpse into this world, to guide you through the rugged terrain and share my experiences with you. If you wish to join me on this quest, I welcome you with open arms. Simply send a message using the form below, and let us embark on this journey together.

Autumn Ascent on Skiathis Mountain

On November 23, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

It was a cloudy and rainy Sunday morning, and we have decided to visit a mountain peak that is not well known. The name of this mountain is Mount Skiathis (also called Scathes or Sciathis) and is in the boarders of the prefecture of Argolis and Arcadia. In the north part is connected with Mount Oligyrtos and in the southern part with Lyrkio Mountain.

The highest point of Mount Skiathis is 1.777 meters above sea level. This mountain is not often climbed and therefore during our ascent we have not met any other hikers. Actually, the path towards the peak is not well signed and therefore in case of not optimal weather conditions, it is suggested to have a GPS device with the route already loaded in it.

Skiathis_Mountain_Autumn_Ascent_2830 — While arriving in Alea, a beautiful rainbow was welcoming us

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Agrafa Mountains Svoni Peak Expedition Preparation – Autumn 2017

On November 18, 2017November 20, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

Agrafa is a mountainous region in Evrytania and Karditsa regional units in mainland Greece, consisting mainly of small villages. It is the southernmost part of the Pindus range. The Agrafa region is famous for its complete autonomy throughout the entire 400 years of Ottoman Turkish occupation of Greece. The word agrafa literally translates to unwritten which means unregistered or uncharted; because the Ottomans were unable to conquer this region, the area and its population were not recorded in the Sultan’s tax register. As a result the people were usually free to conduct their business and customs as they pleased without Ottoman influence.

Agrafa_Five_Towers_26 — Pouli and Svoni Peak 2.042 m. as seen from 5 Towers (5 Pyrgoi)

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Stubai Ice Axe Review

On November 15, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear ReviewLeave a comment

Several years ago, and once I decided to be more actively involved with mountaineering activities, I needed to get equipped with the appropriate gear. Once of the main tools for winter mountaineering activities is the Ice Axe. The first Ice Axe I have used was an ice axe from the Austrian company, Stubai. Nowadays, I use the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe.

see review of the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe here

Stubai_IceAxe_Review_1740 — Stubai Ice Axe

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Taygetus Mountain Autumn Ascent via Athanati Rachi

On November 6, 2017August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Mountaineering general3 Comments

While we are approaching winter, we have decided to visit once again one of our favourite mountain ranges of Greece, Taygetus (Taygetos).

Taygetus, is a mountain range in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. The highest mountain of the range is Mount Taygetus, also known as the “Profitis Ilias”, or “Prophet Elias”. The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 tops of the mountain range.

Taygetos_Taygetus_Mountain_Autumn_Ascent_2577 — Map of Taygetos found in Maganniari Springs

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Cumulus Incredilite Endurance down jacket – Long Term Review

On November 1, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review6 Comments

Winter is approaching and is time for a review of one of my favourite down jackets. This is an 850 cuin goose down jacket from a Polish brand named Cumulus. I have used this down jacket for 18+ months now on various occasions. From winter mountaineering activities, as insulation jacket while camping but also for daily use when temperatures drop down in my area.

CUMULUS_Incredilite_Endurance_Down_Jacket_Review_2205

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Petzl ALTITUDE Harness Unboxing Preview

On October 25, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review18 Comments

Recently, I have decided to upgrade some of my older pieces of equipment, and during this process I came to the conclusion that I wanted to upgrade my harness system too. Having used the Mammut Baffin harness for few years now, I came to the understanding that such a bulky harness was not what I wanted to have anymore. Although the Mammut Baffin performed great so far, I looked for less bulky and most of all for lightweight solutions. After extensive research on various harnesses from different high-end companies, I decided to purchase the new lightweight harness from Petzl, the ALTITUDE Harness.

Petzl_ALTITUDE_Unboxing_Review_2070 — Petzl ALTITUDE Packaging

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Scrambling in Artemisio Mountain (Artemisio Arete)

On October 20, 2017September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

Artemisio mountain is on the border between Arcadia and Argolis, in the Municipalities of Argos-Mycenae and Tripolis respectively. It forms part of the mountain range that connects the Argolic Gulf with the Corinthian, and as such, it borders with Lyrkeio mountain on the north and with Ktenias mountain on the south. On its west is the plateau of Mantineia. Its tallest peak which is called Malevos is 1,771 metres in height.

Scrambling_In_Artemisio_2005 — Route 34 leads to Malevos peak 1.771 m.

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Salewa Ice Axe Tec X Hammer – Review

On October 16, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review15 Comments

As winter is approaching it is about time to take off the cast and dust off one of the most crucial items of winter mountaineering, the ice axe.

The Salewa Tex X Hammer Ice Axe is not the latest model of Salewa but is one of the most versatile models ever produced. The Salewa Tex X Hammer Ice Axe has ergonomic head with optimally balanced weight for a perfect swing and placement. The 20° curve in the shaft makes sure the user can use not much power and deliver an outstanding stroke power.

Salewa_IceAxe_TecX_Hammer_Review_1774 — Salewa Ice Axe Tec X – Hammer (pair)

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Hiking in Ancient Epidaurus – Mount Myronia – Sanctuary of Asklepios

On October 11, 2017October 2, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking12 Comments

Flanked by two gulfs, the Saronic and the Argolic, the land of Epidavros (Epidaurus) is a blessed region of natural beauty and with a long historic heritage.

Travellers take a journey into myth and history, along the rocky, wooded slopes of Mount Arachnaion, the breathtaking beaches and sheltered creeks with fishing boats and sailboats. Fortresses, ancient roads with bridges and guard posts, tombs, Byzantine churches, imposing theatres and impressive monuments make up the “canvas” of the region of Epidaurus.

Epidaurus (Ancient Greek: Ἐπίδαυρος, Epidauros) was a small city in ancient Greece, on the Argolid Peninsula at the Saronic Gulf. Two modern towns bear the name Epidavros Palaia Epidavros and Nea Epidavros. Our starting point for this day hike was nearby Ancient/Palaia Epidavros.

Ancient_Epidavros_Myronia_Epidavros_Theater_1695 — Starting point of the path

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La Sportiva Bushido Review

On October 6, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review13 Comments

It has not been so long ago when I purchased the trail running shoe, La Sportiva Bushido. Since then I have used this pair on various circumstance and I have completed around 350 kilometres with various activities such as trail running, mountain running, hiking and scrambling. So far, I have been very happy with the “Bushido” in terms of fit, performance and durability.