Sacred mountain Olympus in Greece at each of us is associated with myths of this ancient state, a place of dwelling of great gods which arranged on this territory the magic merrymaking. Despite the fact that the location and very existence of the gods can not be proved, everyone knows where Mount Olympus is located - in the northern territories of Greece. And to check whether there are representatives of the Celestial Empire on it, it is enough to make an ascent to Olympus during the holiday in Greece. This walking tour takes no more than two days, and you do not have to worry about security, because the mighty mountain range is entangled by a network of well-developed infrastructure.
Mountain climbing
The mountain range, called Olympus, includes four peaks. The highest of them is the peak of the Pantheon (Mikikas), towering 2918 meters above the ground. Only six meters below the height of the peak of Skolio. The third peak is Stephanie (2905 meters), which is called the Throne of Zeus, and the fourth is the peak of Scala (2866 meters). When they speak about the height of Mount Olympus, they mean the height of Mikikas, that is 2918 meters. Above there is no sense to rise, as the territory is guarded by the military radar from possible encroachments. In addition, a dense fog does not contribute to the ascent. During the walking tour you can meet in the forest thickets of moufflons. These animals are protected by law, so if you can talk about hunting, then only with the help of a camera. By the way, it's not necessary to arrange a real test for your legs, because you can travel from peak to peak by car in serpentine.
From a distance Mount Olympus looks like a huge stone flower, the petals of which are slightly ajar. Approaching closer, you will see a small town Litochoron. Here you will be offered a snack, enjoy a fragrant hot coffee and dial water on the way. From Litochoron, the route begins. Further you will get to Prionia - a small, but very picturesque Greek village, where you will be treated with moussaka and other delicious food in the cafe. Be prepared for the fact that tourists who are resting here after descending from the mountain will deliberately loudly talk about their adventures. Of course, it's hard not to brag about what you saw! Try to get to Prionia by dawn to enjoy the spectacular sunrise.
Having risen to a mark of 2100 meters, you can relax in the mini-guesthouse, open to tourists from May to October. Overnight will cost 10 euros per person. There will be no problems with food. After leaving the hospitable guesthouse, after two or three hours you will be at the top. Do not forget to leave your message on the top in a special magazine, and upon returning to the guesthouse, boldly demand a certificate proving that you have ascended Olympus!
Sights of Olympus
Mighty coniferous forests with colossal trees, murmuring waterfalls, crystal clear springs, bizarre forms of crevices and rocks are not all that a tired but happy traveler can see. Ancient Olympus conceals other surprises in itself. One of them is the functioning temple of St. Dionysius. The structure suffered during the war, but the monks managed to partially reconstruct it. Construction works continue today. Please note, you must enter the temple in appropriate clothing and
Preserved here and found in 1961, the temple of Zeus, and antique statues, and unique coins, and even the remains of the ancient Greeks sacrificed to the gods of animals. If you walk around the monastery of St. Dionysius, you can see an ancient cave. Here Dionysius spent several years of his life.
Do not discount and the popularity of the ski resorts, which on Olympus about a dozen. From the end of autumn and until the middle of spring, there are plenty of holidaymakers who spend the whole day running down the slopes of the mountains, and in the evenings enjoy the famous Greek wine in gracious silence.