Day 1 Meeting at Petra village

Our meeting will take place north of Mount Olympus in the traditional village of Petra. Stone structures with a breathtaking view of the Pieria Mountains. In the afternoon, there will be a guide introduction, program information, and equipment check.

Overnight: in a local guesthouse

No meals included

Day 2 Salatoura to Christakis refuge

We will advance down the dirt road until we reach the starting point of the informal trail that runs up the slope of Salatoura, and our first goal will be to reach the emergency shelter of the same name. The vista from here is one-of-a-kind. After a little rest, we will go to the peaks of Nana and Kitros, and then to the emergency shelter “Christakis.” Our ascent will be done with only the bare necessities for a day’s ascension, with the items required for the camp being delivered by cars to the shelter of “Christakis,” where we will set up camp and enjoy a great genuine evening on the mountain.

Camping equipment will be provided by us: Camping mattress, 2-person (4-season) tents, kitchen utensils, and food dishes

Equipment you should bring with you: Sleeping bag

Meals: Dinner on the site of the emergency shelter

Route Profile:

Distance: 12.3 km
Gain altitude: 1330 meters
Difficulty: 3/5

Estimated hours: 8 hours

Day 3 Christakis to Ag. Antonios – Migkotzidis – Livadaki – Prionia

Today’s route will focus on the southern portion of Mount Olympus, traversing the mountain from north to west and ending on the mountain’s eastern side. We will pass by Skolio, the third-highest peak on Olympus, as well as the refuges of Ag. Antonis, Migotzidis, and Livadaki.

Beginning today, we will only carry the equipment necessary for a day hike, but we will need sufficient water, energy bars, and appropriate clothing. We will arrange for the transport of our personal belongings and other equipment to the final destination. In this manner, we hope to concentrate on appreciating our route and discovering the natural majesty of Mount Olympus while conserving energy and strength to continue our journey.

Meals: Breakfast at the campsite, snack, and lunch pack for the day.

Accommodation at Boudolas mountain refuge

Route profile:

Distance: 21.2 km
Gain altitude: 1050 meters
Difficulty: 3/5

Day 4 Boudolas to Koromilia and Petrostrouga

Leaving Stavros, we’ll follow the ancients’ footsteps as they made their way across a thick willow forest and head to Koromilia, where we’ll take a long break to enjoy the hospitality and regain strength before continuing on to Petrostruga. Spend the night at the Petrostrouga shelter, from where you can see the entire Thermaikos Gulf.

Meals: not included

Route Profile:

Distance: 13.5 km
Gain altitude: 1450 meters
Difficulty: 2/5

Estimated hours: 6 – 7 hours

Day 5: Petrostrouga – Refuge A

The way that Kosas Zolotas used to acquire supplies from the breeders is crossed by today’s route, the first short one in many days. Unofficially, it has been noted that the trail leads to the magnificent refuge of Zolotas. The majority of the trail passes through pristine, deep woodland, and the outlook towards the Kalogeros range and the alpine meadows is spectacular. As we get closer to the refuge of Zolotas, we’ll be able to see Mytikas and the Zonaria.

After hiking hard for days, we finally get to relax with a cool shower and a beer in the afternoon.

Overnight: At the shelter Sp. Agapitos (Zolota)

Meals: Meals are not included

Route Profile:

Distance: 8 km
Gain altitude: 680 meters
Difficulty: 2/5

Estimated hours: 3 -4 hours

Day 6 Refuge A to Muses Plateau

After recharging, we’ll make our way over the spectacular Zonaria and under Zeus’ Throne to the plateau of the Muses. From the Portes location, we’ll take in the sights of Megali Kazania before heading to one of the plateau’s two refuges. (Kakalos or Apostolidis). Today is a day of relaxation and pleasure among the enchanted scenery of the Muses’ Plateau. We may get together at Portes again in the afternoon to enjoy the sun as it sets over Kazania.

A chance to summit Mytikas during daylight hours presents itself today for those interested. However, this is not part of the planned schedule.

Overnight: In one of the two shelters of the plateau (Kakalos or Apostolidis)

Meals: Meals are not included

Route Profile:
Distance: 4.7 km
Gain altitude: 720 meters
Difficulty: 2/5

Estimated hours: 4 hours

Day 7 Muses Plateau to Krevatia Refuge

This morning we will rise before dawn and set out for the summit of Prophet Ilias, where we will be able to watch the sunrise behind Mount Athos from the highest chapel in the Balkans, a fitting way to cap off our program. After taking in the breathtaking view, we’ll gather our gear at the shelter and begin our descent from the Barbala ridge, a breathtaking ridge that provides an unobstructed view of Pieria, the valley of Ag. Dimitriou, and the Aegean. On our way down, we’ll come across the area’s massive and imposing rombolas, which date back centuries.

When we arrive in Petra, we’ll have planned to be picked up from Krevatia refuge and taken to our parked cars. After completing the 12 Refuge Trail challenge and traveling 70 kilometers to each of the 12 refuges on Mount Olympus, you have earned the right to be named Heroes of the 12 Refuge Trail and to take home a special keepsake.

Meals: Not included

Route profile:

Distance: 9.5 km
Gain altitude: 230 meters
Difficulty: 3/5

Estimated hours: 6 – 7 hours

minimum number of people: 4 people

maximum number of people: 10 people