A traditional Greek mountain town at the base of Mount Olympus, with narrow stone streets, local tavernas, and hiking trails leading to ancient ruins and peaks.
Litochoro sits at the base of Mount Olympus, where pine forests border stone houses with red-tiled roofs. Trails from the town lead directly to Mytikas, Greece’s highest peak at 2,918 meters, and the Thermaic Gulf’s beaches lie five kilometers east. Whitewashed walls, arched doorways, and cobbled lanes reflect the area’s Macedonian architectural traditions. Start your morning hiking the Enipeas Gorge, then sit in a café as the sun sets behind the mountain. The town includes a maritime museum, Byzantine monasteries like Agios Dionysios, and a row of tavernas serving local dishes.
Hiking Routes and Climbing Options
Litochoro serves as the main gateway for climbing Mount Olympus, known in mythology as the home of the Olympian gods. The E4 trail starts at Myloi, inside the town, and follows the Enipeas Gorge for 10 kilometers to Prionia, passing waterfalls and stone bridges. At Prionia, the Enipeas River forms deep pools where hikers often stop to swim. From there, climbers with proper gear can ascend to the Mousses Plateau at 2,600 meters, the staging area for reaching peaks like Skolio or Mytikas. A shorter option is the Baths of Zeus trail east of town, which stays close to the river under tree cover. The Litochoro Sports Centre has climbing walls for practice, and guides lead canyoning trips in nearby gorges.
Monasteries, Museums, and Ancient Ruins
Agios Dionysios Monastery in Skala displays 16th-century manuscripts and religious items in its Byzantine museum. In the town center, the Agios Nikolaos Church has stood since 1580, its stone bell tower rising above nearby rooftops. The Maritime Museum on Agios Nikolaou Street explains Litochoro’s connection to the sea through model ships and antique compasses. Five kilometers south, the ruins of Dion include Roman bathhouses, a theater, and temples once used to honor Zeus. Near the highway, the Alexandreion monument uses maps and replicas to illustrate Alexander the Great’s military strategies.
Forests, Beaches, and Wildlife
Olympus National Park covers 45 square kilometers of forests with black pine, beech, and rare plants found only in this region. Griffon vultures circle the cliffs above Litochoro, and wolves roam the higher slopes. The Enipeas Gorge begins just west of town, its steep limestone walls visible from the edge of the last neighborhoods. East of Litochoro, the beaches at Plaka and Gritsa have soft sand and seasonal bars that open in summer. Near the town entrance, Katounia Park has oak-shaded paths and a playground surrounded by pine trees.
Food and Drink in Town
Local tavernas specialize in Macedonian recipes such as kontosouvli (slow-roasted pork) and pies filled with leeks or spinach. Cheeses from nearby farms, like tangy feta and sharp kasseri, appear in salads and baked dishes. Cafés along Aghiasmata Street serve strong Greek coffee and iced cappuccinos, with many tables angled toward views of the mountain. Evening spots offer ouzo paired with small plates of grilled octopus, olives, or yogurt dip. For sweets, try honey-drenched loukoumades sold at shops near the Agios Nikolaos Church.
Transportation and Access
Thessaloniki, 90 kilometers north, has two daily buses to Litochoro departing from Macedonia KTEL station. Taxis from Thessaloniki Airport take roughly 90 minutes via the A1 motorway. From Athens, trains reach Litochoro Station in 4.5 hours, though some routes require switching in Katerini. Katerini, 22 kilometers away, runs regular buses to Litochoro’s central square. Drivers from Athens follow the A1, exiting at signs clearly marked for Litochoro. Most town attractions are within walking distance, but taxis can take you to trailheads or the Dion archaeological site.
