Greece: Walking Thessaloniki, Mt. Olympus & Meteora
10-Day Self-Guided Walking Holiday
September 20-28, 2025
Experience the wonders of Northern Greece with this self-guided walking holiday. From the iconic Meteora monasteries perched atop rock pillars to the legendary peaks of Mount Olympos and the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, this 10-day adventure offers a blend of history, nature, and culture.
Trip Details
Trip Difficulty – Moderate to Strenuous:
Accommodation Comfort:
Mountain Huts – Basic but comfortable:
Highlights
- Explore the ancient site of Pella
- Walk among the breathtaking Meteora monasteries
- Summit Mount Olympos’ Skolio peak (2,911m)
- Discover Thessaloniki’s historic Ano Poli district
This trip includes two famous regions of Northern Greece: the pinnacles of Meteora, topped with ancient monasteries, and the magic Olympos mountain, the mountain of the Ancient Greek gods, with the highest summits in Greece reaching almost 3000m!
Your journey begins in Thessaloniki and ends in Chalkidona, with an optional visit to the ancient site of Pella. Traveling west, you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Meteora rock formations and their breathtaking monasteries. The final days feature a three-day trek through Mount Olympus, ascending from Prionia through pine forests to Skolio Summit (2,911m) before returning to Litochoro.
The adventure ends with two nights in Thessaloniki, where you can reflect, explore Ano Poli, and enjoy the city’s renowned cuisine.
Program Overview
| Day | Itinerary | | km | M ⇑ | M ⇓ | Hrs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Thessaloniki. Transfer to a hotel outside the city due to the international fair (06/09-14/09/2025). Stay in Chalkidona, near the ancient site of Pella. | Chalkidona | ||||
| 2 | Make a morning visit to Ancient Pella, which includes its extensive archaeological site and museum. Lunch at a traditional taverna in Pella. Afternoon drive via Veroia and Grevena to Meteora. Evening walk possible. | Meteora | ||||
| 3 | Walk near Meteora (GR00241): Circular hike from Kastraki via Ypapanthis, Megalo Meteoron, and Varlaam monasteries. | Meteora | 9.4 | 400 | 400 | 4 |
| 4 | Walk near Meteora (GR00136): Circular hike from Kastraki via Roussanou, Agia Triada, and Kalambaka. Highest point: 500m. | Meteora | 9 | 500 | 500 | 3.5 |
| 5 | Private bus transfer from Meteora to Litochoro (Olympos). Suggested lunch stop in the traditional mountain village of Palaios Panteleimonas (approx. 2-hour drive). Continue 30 minutes to Litochoro. | Litochoro | ||||
| 6 | Taxi transfer to Prionia. Hike to Spilios Agapitos Hut (GR00434). Dinner at the hut. Provided: sleep liner, pillowcase. Bring a small towel (no showers available). | Spilios Agapitos Hut | 6 | 1100 | 165 | 3 |
| 7 | Hike from Spilios Agapitos Hut to the Olympos summits. Options: Skala (2,866m), Skolio (2,944m), or Mytikas (scrambling required, not recommended). Guests not summiting can wait at the hut or return at any time. Lunch at Agapitos Hut before descending via the same trail to Prionia. Transfer from Prionia to Litochoro. | Litochoro | 15 | 1000 | 1920 | 7 |
| 8 | After breakfast, transfer to Thessaloniki. | |||||
| 9 | Explore Thessaloniki. Farewell dinner and overnight stay. | Thessaloniki | ||||
| 10 | Transfer to the airport and departure. | Thessaloniki |
Practical Information
| Trip Grade: | Your indication: Moderate to Strenuous S-Cape classification, 4, Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas, 5-7 hours walking per day, sometimes carrying your rucksack with items for one night, overall ascent/descent of 500 to 1000 metres per day. |
|---|---|
| Activity characteristics: | The walks are on stony footpaths and cobbled paths (kalderimi). The terrain is quite rough, but the walks are well defined. The walks are not as difficult as you would expect looking at the dramatic scenery. Some sections of the trails are steep and considerable sections follow old cobbled foot paths dating back to the 17th and 18th century. You have to be sure-footed and experience with walking in mountainous areas and route finding is required. Summers can be warm; some walks are partly through shaded forest. On the Olympos there can be snow until mid June. The weather conditions around the summits can change rapidly. Always take local advise from the mountain huts and respect the advise of the locals; they are the experts in the region. If you suffer from vertigo, this trip is not suitable for you. |
| Walking with children: | The trip is NOT suitable for families with children. |
| Best arrival airport: | Thessaloniki Airport |
| Best departure airport: | Thessaloniki Airport |
| Route notes: | We send a digital copy of route notes and destination manual to all agents. Route notes can be branded on cover page according your needs. The agent is responsible for the printing of the road book, the destination manual and the set of printed maps and will need to send a full information pack to the guests. It is up to the agent to send this digitally or printed by post. We advise to print the documentation in A5 booklet size. S-Cape Travel has developed an app for walking and cycling holidays: ActiveNav. The app is available for free for all clients who book one of our trips. We highly recommend all clients to download the app. In general S-Cape Travel creates the account, and clients find their credentials to log in on their itinerary. |
Day-to-Day Program
Day 1: Arrival in Thessaloniki
Overnight in Chalkidona
Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, we head west to Chalkidona, a charming agricultural town near the ancient site of Pella.
Enjoy a relaxed evening as we prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2
Explore Pella → Transfer to Meteora → Sunset Walk → Overnight in Meteora
Morning: Visit Pella, the ancient capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. Explore its remarkable ruins, including the palace, theater, and mosaic-adorned houses. The on-site Archaeological Museum of Pella provides deeper insight into its historical significance.
Afternoon: Transfer via Grevena to the spectacular Meteora region. Our base is the picturesque village of Kastraki, nestled below the towering rock formations.
Evening: Option for a 7 km sunset walk to one of Meteora’s best viewpoints—an unforgettable way to take in the surreal landscape.
Day 3: Round Walk via Ypapantis, Megalo Meteoron & Varlaam → Overnight in Kastraki
Meteora’s iconic “floating monasteries” are among Greece’s most breathtaking sites. While many visit by road, we take a scenic hike along ancient trails, gaining a unique perspective on the dramatic rock formations.
Today’s loop walk:
– Megalo Meteoron (Great Meteoron Monastery) – The largest and oldest of Meteora’s monasteries, founded in 1340 AD. Admire its stunning frescoes and grand refectory.
– Varlaam Monastery – Known for its beautiful chapel and panoramic views.
– Return via a different trail, experiencing changing vistas of the rock formations.
Day 4
Loop Walk to Agia Triada → Overnight in Kastraki
This hike takes us to one of Meteora’s most dramatic monasteries, Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), famously featured in a James Bond film. Perched atop a slender rock pillar, it offers breathtaking views over Kalambaka.
Today’s highlights:
– Challenging ascent (140 steps from the road to the monastery).
– Optional detour to Roussanou Nunnery for its peaceful ambiance and stunning frescoes.
– Descent through Kalambaka’s historic district—perfect for a lunch stop—before looping back to Kastraki.
Day 5: Transfer to Litochoro → Overnight in Litochoro
A 2-hour scenic drive takes us to Litochoro, the gateway to Mount Olympus.
En route highlight:
– Stop at Palaios Panteleimonas, a picturesque mountain village with cobblestone streets and panoramic sea views. Enjoy a traditional lunch and take a short stroll before continuing to Litochoro.
Day 6
Hike to Mountain Hut ‘A’ (Spilios Agapithos) → Overnight in Hut ‘A’
A short taxi transfer brings us to Prionia (1,100m), the starting point for our ascent.
Hiking highlights:
– Follow the Enipeas River on the famous E4 trail.
– Visit the cave chapel of St. Dionysios, where a monk once lived in solitude.
– Cross wooden bridges and river pools, with stunning alpine scenery.
– Reach Spilios Agapithos Hut (‘A’) at 2,100m, our resting place before summiting Olympus.
Note: Though the distance is not long, the steep elevation gain makes this a challenging but rewarding hike.
Day 7: Summit Hike (Skala & Skolio) → Descent to Prionia → Return to Litochoro
The highlight of our adventure! Today, we ascend the alpine ridges of Mount Olympus to its breathtaking summits.
Summit options:
– Skala (2,866m) – A rewarding high-altitude viewpoint.
– Skolio (2,911m) – Our highest point, offering panoramic views of Mytikas (2,918m), the “Throne of Zeus”.
– Optional: Mytikas requires technical scrambling and is not recommended for all participants.
After celebrating at the peak, we descend back to Prionia via the same trail and transfer by taxi to Litochoro.
Day 8: Travel to Thessaloniki → Overnight in Thessaloniki
After the demanding trek, we relax with a transfer to Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city.
Day 9: Explore Thessaloniki → City Walk & Farewell Dinner → Overnight in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is a cultural and historical gem, once a major Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman center.
City walk highlights:
– White Tower – The city’s iconic landmark.
– Byzantine churches – Architectural wonders with stunning mosaics.
– Ano Poli (Upper Town) – A charming, historic district with panoramic views.
– Archaeological Museum – Home to treasures from Macedonia’s golden age.
We’ll cap off the day with a farewell dinner in one of Thessaloniki’s renowned restaurants.
Day 10: Departure from Thessaloniki
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, concluding an unforgettable journey through Meteora, Olympus, and Macedonia’s legendary landscapes.
Meteora, Olympos & Thessaloniki Details & Pricing
Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Greece, from the soaring monasteries of Meteora to the rugged peaks of Mount Olympus. Walk ancient trails, explore historic monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars, and ascend the legendary home of the gods. Along the way, experience warm Greek hospitality, savor traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of this unforgettable adventure.
Lodging Details
Your accommodations vary in style and atmosphere, offering a mix of modern comforts, breathtaking views, and authentic mountain experiences.
- Chalkidona – Maison Hotel
- Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
- Located on the edge of a peaceful rural town.
- Excellent breakfast with local ingredients.
- Meteora – Doupiani House
- Unmatched views of Meteora’s towering rock formations.
- Traditional Greek breakfast – regarded as one of the best in the region.
- Exceptional hospitality – the owners go above and beyond for guests.
- Litochoro – Xenonas Papanikolaou
- Cozy guesthouse in the “City of the Gods,” at the foot of Mount Olympus.
- Ideal base for hikers, with a blend of mountain and sea views.
- Mount Olympus – Mountain Hut ‘A’ (Spilios Agapithos)
- A key resting point before the final ascent to Olympus.
- Shared facilities and bunk beds (bring your own sleeping liner).
Meal Details
Your stay includes daily bed & breakfast, featuring fresh local ingredients.
The overnights are on bed & breakfast basis. Every morning you enjoy a traditional local breakfast with ingredients from local produce. In the mountain hut the breakfast is basic, but additional items may be present to purchase at additional cost.
- 4 Included Dinners:
- Chalkidona (Maison Hotel)
- Meteora (Kastraki)
- Mt. Olympus (Refuge A)
- Thessaloniki (Farewell Dinner)
Items for lunch are on purchase in the local mini market in all villages. In most hotels you can order a packed lunch; discuss with the hotelier what he can make for you and what you like and pay for you lunch on the spot in cash.
In the mountain hut we’ve included your dinner and lunch pack for the next day. We advise you to take high energy bars with you too. Occasionally there is a possibility for a tavern lunch on your walk.
Evening dinner can be enjoyed in one of the local taverns and some accommodations on this trip offer food as well.
Getting There & Away
- Arrival & Departure: Fly into Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG).
- Included Transfers:
- Thessaloniki Airport → Chalkidona
- Chalkidona → Meteora
- Meteora → Litochoro
- Litochoro → Prionia (taxi) & return
- Litochoro → Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki → Airport
Maps & Recommended Books
- We provide:
- Digital trail maps via the ActiveNav App.
- GPS tracks available upon request
- Optional Map Purchases:
- Meteora (1:10,000) – Road Editions (ISBN: 9789605810504)
- Olympus (1:25,000) – Anavasi (ISBN: 9789608195219)
Recommended Reading:
📖 Walking and Trekking in Zagori – Aris Leontaritis (2019)
📖 Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece – Patrick Leigh Fermor (1966)
📖 Flowers of Greece and the Balkans: A Field Guide – Oleg Polunin (1980)
Package Details
- 9 nights bed & breakfast
- All listed transfers & taxis
- 4 included dinners
- Trail book in ActiveNav App (GPS tracks available separately)
Deposit and Payments
- 30% due at booking
- Final payment due 60 days before departure
Cancellation
- 20% of trip price if canceled 60+ days before departure
- 50% of trip price if canceled 30-59 days before departure
- 100% of trip price if canceled within 29 days of departure
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