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.

Christmas Ascent on Mount Parnitha

On December 25, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering5 Comments

Mt. Parnitha is located in Attiki province,25km N from the city of Athens.It is one of the 4 mountains(the others are Immitos, Penteli and Aigaleo) that surround the circular plain,in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the talllest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

Despite its proximity to Athens,it has a much different climate,with lots of heavy rain,many days of snowfall and annual average temperature 5-10degrees C lower than Athens depending on the altitude and the part of the mountain.

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Winter Ascent on Mount Kyllini (Ziria)

On December 2, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering8 Comments

End of November the first snowfall of this season (2016-2017) took place in Greece and covered almost all Greek mountains with the beautiful white powder. We did not have a second thought and we organised a single day mountaineering ascent on mount Kyllini (Ziria).

Mount Kyllini or Mount Cyllene (or Ziria), is a mountain on the Peloponnesus peninsula in Greece, famous for its association with the god Hermes. It rises to 2,376 m (7,795 ft) above sea level, making it the second highest point on the peninsula. It is located near the border between the historic regions of Arcadia and Achaea—in the northeast of Arcadia, and entirely within modern Corinthia.

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Salomon Speedcross 3 Review

On October 10, 2016March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review2 Comments

Training is an important part of any kind of mountaineering activity, and that consists of various options, such as running, and specifically trail running. Although I do not particularly like to run on mountain trails -I much more prefer to enjoy the views and the surrounding environment- I understand the importance of this type of exercise. For this type of activity I use the Salomon Speedcross 3 purchased from Ali Express. Some say these shoes are genuine but with some minor defects, instead others claim are rip-off Salomon models. Either case, this will be a review for the specific shoes.

salomon_speedcross3_review_16 — New pair of Salomon Speedcross 3

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Olympus Mountain Autumn Ascent

On October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking14 Comments

Time has come for the Autumn ascent. After the initial planning, it was that time of the year to visit again the Mountain of the Greek mountains, Olympus.

Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest mountain in the Balkans. It is located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, between the regional units of Pieria and Larissa, about 80 km (50 mi) southwest from Thessaloniki. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks, deep gorges, and exceptional biodiversity. The highest peak Mytikas, meaning “nose”, rises to 2,918 metres (9,573 ft). It is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence.

olympous_2016_52 — Throne of Zeus (Stefani)

Olympus was notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods, on the Mytikas peak. Mount Olympus is also noted for its very rich flora with several species. It has been a National Park, the first in Greece, since 1938. It is also a World’s Biosphere Reserve.

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Garmin Dakota 20 GPS Review

On September 26, 2016March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review17 Comments

For my hiking and mountaineering expeditions I needed a handheld GPS device that will provide me all necessary trail information and safety when weather conditions become really nasty up on the snowy mountains. My goal was to purchase a not very large or heavy device that would run on AA batteries and would have touch screen too. Garmin makes the most of the Dakota 20’s smaller screen (2.6 inches diagonal, compared with the Oregon’s 3 inches diagonal) by providing a large-font mode for the trip odometer that displays speed and moving time in a large, bold font easily visible when the unit is mounted on a bike handlebar.

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The Ultimate Guide of Hiking and Mountaineering in Greece

On September 20, 2016May 30, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

You can explore Greece’s variety of landscapes, remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities, walking!

The core of Mainland Greece runs from the European Long Distance Walking Path Ε4 (- GR), beginning from the Pyrinaia it arrives in Greece via Yugoslavia, at the Nikis guard-post in Florina. The E4, crossing the Peloponnese, stops at Gythio and continues on to Crete. The mountain-climber is thus given the opportunity to see the enjoy of the Greek scenery and the wealth of Greek nature.

The highest elevation along the total route is the peak of Olympus Skolio (2,911 m). Highest peak of Greece is Mt.Olympus Mytikas at 2917m. The ideal period for hiking along the Ε4 in Greece is early mid spring. Mid to late spring is probably the best time of year for hiking in those areas, since summer and early fall are normally very hot and dry, and late fall through early spring are cold and rainy. The last years in Greece, hiking and mountaineering activities have become very popular and on the famous routes and during high season, you will certainly meet many more hikers from Greece, and not only.

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Hionovouni Mountain (south Parnonas)

On September 19, 2016September 19, 2016 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

From the beautiful seaside village of Kyparissi, it is hard to imagine that hidden amongst the surrounding cliffs lies a large fir forest on a mountainside offering a number of lovely hikes. The entirety of Mt. Hionovouni (south Parnonas) comprises a Natura habitat and was once filled with human activities, as evidenced by the many huts and goatfolds and terraced fields, most of them now abandoned. A series of paths, based on the original network, provide an opportunity to enjoy these traces of human endeavour and to enjoy the wonderful landscape. The main route forms part of national hiking path 33 that crosses Hionovouni from the village of Kremasti to Lambokambo. Most of these routes where discovered and established by famous Greek mountaineer Tasos Mitsios.

After careful planning, we established the round route we wanted to follow and with the help of a map, a GPS unit and the well signed paths we initiated our ascent to Mount Hionovouni.

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QUECHUA FORCLAZ 20L AIR HIKING BACKPACK REVIEW

On September 8, 2016August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review7 Comments

While I was searching to update my backpacking gear, and I was looking for a half-day to one day backpacking solution, I came across the Quechua Forclaz 20l Air. This is a price winning backpack with a ventilated back. The product’s capacity to enhance air circulation to limit warmth and moisture.

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Training in Ermioni’s hills

On September 4, 2016November 24, 2019 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking6 Comments

During the previous days, we have visited Ermioni (Argolis). Ermioni in Greece is a small seaside town on the eastern coasts of Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis. Constructed on the hill slopes around a beautiful port, this town has revived over the last decades as many Athenians have holiday homes there. The traditional architecture and the natural beauty of Ermioni Greece attracts many families looking for peaceful vacations. The small port is connected by ferry to Piraeus and the islands of Hydra and Spetses.

Mount_Didimo_05 — Climbing Wall on Mount Didimo

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Mount Olympus Expedition Preparation – Fall 2016

On August 30, 2016August 30, 2016 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

Mount Olympus formed itself after the gods defeated the titans in the Titan War, and soon the palace was inhabited by the gods. It is the setting of many Greek mythical stories. Olympus was not shaken by winds nor ever wet with rain, nor did snow fall upon it, but the air is outspread clear and cloudless, and over it hovered a radiant whiteness.

Our previous ascent on the top of God’s Mountain took place in 2014 and it’s about time to visit again the highest and one of the most beautiful mountains of Greece. On our previous ascent, we took one of the most common routes -starting point Gortsia- but this time we are planning to ascent the north face of the mountain.