Where you sleep in Mount Olympus changes how much of the trip you spend in transit. Mount Olympus (Pieria and Thessaly, Greece) is a Mountain and mythological peak, and each area offers a different mix of convenience, atmosphere and price.
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and, in myth, the home of the Greek gods. It rises behind the small town of Litochoro and the sea, with forests, gorges and a rugged summit area that attract hikers and climbers from around the world.
Short Answer: Best Area for Most Visitors
For most first visits, stay in Litochoro, which suits first-time visitors best. For beaches and relaxing, look at Plaka Litochorou and the coast instead. For climbers, consider Mountain refuges.
Litochoro
Best for: first-time visitors. The main base for climbers and walkers, with restaurants, lodging and trailhead access.
Plaka Litochorou and the coast
Best for: beaches and relaxing. A seaside area with beaches and tavernas, a short drive from the town.
Mountain refuges
Best for: climbers. Basic huts within the mountain offer an overnight stay for serious hikers.
How to Choose Your Base
Your choice also depends on how long you stay. Most visitors spend 2 to 4 days in Mount Olympus, and even 1 day works if you base yourself in Litochoro and keep your plans compact. Our trip-length guide shows how to split your time, and the things to do guide helps you see which sights are closest to each area.
Mount Olympus Areas Compared
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Litochoro | first-time visitors |
| Plaka Litochorou and the coast | beaches and relaxing |
| Mountain refuges | climbers |
Booking Tips
Staying in Litochoro gives you an easy base at the foot of the mountain, with restaurants, a seaside promenade nearby and early access to the trails. Rates and availability shift with the season, so check our best time to visit guide before choosing dates, and book early for July and August, and summer weekends.
Mount Olympus Quick Facts
- Location: Pieria and Thessaly, Greece.
- Type of place: Mountain and mythological peak.
- Best time to visit: Visit from late June to September for hiking, when mountain huts are open and trails are mostly snow-free. Spring and autumn are good for lower walks and the Enipeas Gorge, while winter brings snow and is best for experienced mountaineers.
- Suggested time: 2 to 4 days, or 1 day if you are short on time.
- Busiest: July and August, and summer weekends. Quietest: November to April.
Getting Around From Your Hotel
Litochoro is about 90 minutes’ drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport, and about 5 hours from Athens. Buses and trains serve Katerini and Litochoro, and a car makes it easier to reach trailheads such as Prionia. Taxis and guides can help with transfers.
Best Area by Traveler Type
- First-time visitors: Litochoro. Trailheads and restaurants close by.
- Beaches and relaxing: Plaka Litochorou and the coast. Sea access after hikes.
- Climbers: Mountain refuges. Close to the summit.
Money-Saving Tips
Mount Olympus is moderately priced, with inexpensive taverns and basic lodging in Litochoro. Mountain refuges charge modest fees for beds and meals, and hiking is free, though a guide adds cost.
Top Sights Near Your Base
- Hike the Enipeas Gorge: A scenic trail from Litochoro along a river through forest and gorges, with the ruins of Agios Dionysios monastery on the route.
- Climb toward Mytikas: The highest peak in Greece, at about 2,918 meters (9,573 feet), is reached by multi-day hikes from Prionia with an overnight at a mountain refuge.
- Stay at a mountain refuge: Huts such as Refuge A, at about 2,100 meters, offer simple meals and beds and are a key part of the traditional ascent.
When to Book
Book early for July and August, and summer weekends. For lower prices and fewer crowds, aim for November to April.
Tours You Can Book From Any Base
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Mount Olympus, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Thessaloniki: Bus Trip to Dion & Mt Olympus National Park — rated 4.6 from 296 reviews, from $57.
Plan Your Trip
More Mount Olympus planning help: best tours and experiences in Mount Olympus, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Mount Olympus for first-time visitors?
Litochoro. The main base for climbers and walkers, with restaurants, lodging and trailhead access..
Where should budget travelers stay in Mount Olympus?
Look at Mountain refuges. Basic huts within the mountain offer an overnight stay for serious hikers..
How far ahead should I book accommodation in Mount Olympus?
Book well ahead for July and August, and summer weekends. Outside those windows a few weeks is usually enough.
How many nights should I stay in Mount Olympus?
Most visitors choose 2 to 4 days. 1 day covers the essentials.
Plan Your Tours in Mount Olympus
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Mount Olympus for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
