From Waterfalls to Alpine Lakes: An Expedition Through Bulgaria’s Belasitsa, Pirin & Rila Mountains

On August 24, 2025August 25, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

This summer, we dared to venture beyond Greece’s majestic peaks and into the heart of Bulgaria—a country where nature reveals itself in countless layers. From dense forests alive with birdsong to tumbling waterfalls hidden in deep ravines, from serene alpine lakes reflecting jagged peaks to meadows perfect for wild camping under a canopy of stars, Bulgaria offered us a new chapter in our hiking journey.

Our expedition unfolded gradually, like turning the pages of a mountain storybook: beginning with the refreshing cascades of Belasitsa and its family-friendly trails, pausing for rustic comfort and nights under canvas at Belasitsa Hut, then climbing higher into the granite realm of Pirin with its glacial lakes and ancient pines, before finally descending into the gentle embrace of Rila, home to iconic alpine lakes and tranquil woodland eco-trails. Each step revealed not only new landscapes, but also the unique character and rhythm of Bulgaria’s great mountain ranges.

▶ Listen to this Post Now

A hiker takes in the epic view above the Twin Lake.

Continue reading →

Wild Camping in Pirin Mountain – Banderitsa Camping, Bulgaria

On August 17, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking9 Comments

After spending a few magical days exploring the lush nature and waterfalls of the Belasitsa Mountains, it felt like the right moment to change scenery and head north. Belasitsa had spoiled us with its hidden cascades, chestnut forests, and vibrant greenery, but our mountaineering spirit was calling for something different, something wilder, higher, and more alpine.

So we packed up and set our sights on Pirin Mountain, one of Bulgaria’s most iconic alpine ranges. The drive itself was a journey of transition: from the soft, forested ridges of Belasitsa to the dramatic granite peaks of Pirin. Before even reaching our final destination, we spotted a perfect place to spend the night, a wild camping area tucked high in the mountains: Banderitsa Camping.

▶ Listen to this Post Now

This became our base, not only for a peaceful overnight stay but also as the starting point for some of the most exciting hiking trails in Pirin.

Continue reading →

Wild Camping and Exploring Kerkini Lake: Top Adventure Destination in Northern Greece

On August 3, 2024August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

Tucked away in Northern Greece, Kerkini Lake is an overlooked location perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Just 100 km from Thessaloniki, this man-made lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 300 species, including rare Dalmatian Pelicans. The lake’s rich biodiversity makes it an ideal spot for wild camping, offering a unique chance to connect with nature.

Continue reading →

Hiking and Wild Camping at Lake Ziros: An unexplored paradise in Greece (family friendly)

On October 2, 2023September 24, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking6 Comments

Lake Ziros is located between Preveza and Arta in the lovely region of Epirus, Greece. Formerly a cave, this small elliptical lake has a fascinating history and is fed by enchanting underground springs. Until recently, Lake Ziros was a well-kept secret, absent from tourist maps, but it has now started gaining recognition while maintaining its charming allure and tranquility.

Continue reading →

Forclaz MT500 Air Inflatable Trekking Mattress Review

On July 25, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review2 Comments

Approximately a year ago, I encountered some complications with the sleeping pad I had been utilizing for the preceding years, as it began to experience deflation issues from the valve. While the Klymit V-Static mattress initially proved to be a commendable choice with an exceptionally high R-Value, which I had acquired during a promotional offer, the product served me well during its years of use. However, due to the malfunctioning valve, I found it necessary to seek a replacement, ultimately opting for the Forclaz MT500 Air inflatable trekking mattress.

First off, this mattress is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 510g, and it folds up into a compact 1.7-liter package, which made it easy to carry around during my hiking trips.

Continue reading →

Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Pramanta Refuge – Kefalovriso Waterfall – Melissourgoi Refuge

On July 7, 2021August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking13 Comments

There are a lot of mapped hiking routes at Tzoumerka, with special markings, both for advanced and beginners in hiking. A very easy hike is the one that starts from the Pramanta Mountain Refuge till Kefalovriso Waterfall. The waterfall of Kefalovriso, the highest of Greece (350 m.)

Hiking_in_Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Pramanta_Kefalovriso_Waterafall_Melissourgoi_190403_399 — Kefalovriso Waterfall

About Pramanta Mountain Refuge

Continue reading →

Hiking in Zagori – Villages and Stone Bridges – Greece (family friendly)

On June 15, 2021August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking21 Comments

Having completed one of the most exciting trekking trips in Tymfi, we decided to explore a bit further the area and specifically the Zagori villages.

Zagori, is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Asprangeloi. It has an area of some 1,000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria), and is in the shape of an upturned equilateral triangle. Ioannina, the provincial capital, is at the southern point of the triangle, while the south-western side is formed by Mount Mitsikeli (1,810m). The Aoos river running north of Mt Tymfi forms the northern boundary, while the south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to Mount Mavrovouni (2,100m) near Metsovo.

Hiking_Zagori_Villages_Bridges_Zagorochoria_MAIN-copy — Kalogeriko Bridge

Continue reading →

Hiking and Wild Camping on Mount Giona (Mt. Aselinon)

On September 8, 2020August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

One more summer is almost coming to the end and just before Autumn starts I have visited the fifth tallest mountain of Greece, Mount Giona (Mt. Aselinon). Although the main purpose of this visit was to climb to the highest peak, Pyramida 2.510 m. via Alpina, I have also enjoyed some nice hiking and wild camping in the beautiful and serene alpine fields.

In fact, due to the fact my last visit on this mountain was in 2017, I had forgot how beautiful is to be in such elevation and to enjoy the views and the peace that Mt. Giona can offer. The lofty mountains of the south Pindus range and the exalted emotions the utter wilderness of such mountains do always re-generate the human soul.

Hiking_Camping_Giona_Mountain_Aselinon_093236_643

Continue reading →

Wild Camping in Lake Doxa (family friendly)

On June 23, 2020September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

Lake Doxa is an artificial lake in western Corinthia, Greece. It is situated at an elevation of 900 m, in the municipal unit Feneos, near the village ancient Feneos. Construction was completed in the late 1990s. It is fed and drained by the small river Doxa, which empties into the plain of Feneos. In the heart of the lake on a small peninsula features a small church of Agios Fanourios. The Saint George Monastery in Feneos was relocated to higher ground, north of the lake. The lake is surrounded by pine forests.

We have already been in this location several times either for an overnight or as a starting point for several hiking and mountaineering activities.

Lake_Doxa_Wild_Camping_102209_920 — Karavi Peak, Nisi Peak and Madero Peak as seen from Lake Doxa

Continue reading →

Hiking in Agrafa – Panagia Pelekiti – Karamanoli – Neraida

On December 8, 2017December 7, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking1 Comment

Hiking in the Agrafa region is one of our favourite activities. Having already hiked and climbed Voutsikaki, Five Towers, Papadimitri, Pouli and Svoni, we have decided to visit another trail path in the mountainous region of Agrafa.

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.

Continue reading “Hiking in Agrafa – Panagia Pelekiti – Karamanoli – Neraida” →