Naoum caves
One of the routes towards the Megala Kazania sets off from Kokkinoplos, one of the highest in altitude villages of Mt. Olympus (1.150 meters). Once there, one can follow the dirt road towards Xerolaki which leads to the Naoum caves. These are pit-caves formed on the mountain’s slopes, which can be used as emergency shelters during severe weather.
Gorge of Orlia
Orlias Canyon is the paradise of Olympus. The road route is short and easy, starting from Dion and leading to the chapel of Agios Konstantinos, which is where the hiking through the canyon begins. Amidst the luscious vegetation, wonderful waterfalls cascade from the slopes, forming pulpits with crystalline waters gliding amidst the rocks, making this a perfect opportunity for leaping and frolicking in the water, not to mention for shooting one-of-a-kind photos! Towards the midst of the canyon, the stunning 20-meter-high “Red Rock” waterfall is an awesome sight of unearthly beauty.
Panteleimona beach
As the Castle of Platamonas stands imposingly right above it, the spectacular beach of Panteleimonas with its lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters attracts thousands of visitors from Greece and abroad. Featuring a well-organized infrastructure, the area has a large selection of hotels, lodges, water sports, cafes, bars and seafood taverns; in short, all that’s needed for a carefree vacation.
Valley of Tempi
Even ancient Greek Gods were taken aback by its beauty. Between Mount Olympus and Kissavos, with River Pineios flowing through, the Vale of Tempe, which is 10km long, is an ode to the Mediterranean nature and it is easily accessible by car. Walking down the footbridge you will reach the waters of Pineios, just before the river empties them in the Aegean Sea. Cool off under the shadows of the riverside forest, which is full of plane, elm and willow trees, discover the beautiful flowers growing within the rocks of the canyon and watch rare bird species finding refugee in the dense vegetation. There is, also, the chapel of Agia Paraskevi and the cave with the holly water spring, both of which make Tempe a popular place for religious pilgrimage.
Mytikas peak
The highest summit of Greece, Mytikas or Pantheon. Climbing up to the top of the gods mountain (2,917-m) is not an easy task. In winter, when the mountain is covered with snow, it becomes even difficult for alpinists. The dream of each Olympus mountaineer is to get a photograph near the metallic Greek flag on the top. Mytikas was conquered on
August 2, 1913 by the Swiss Frederic Boissonas and Daniel Baud Bovy and their climbing mate Christos Kakalos, the veteran Olympus guide from Litochoro.
Kati lake
The mountainous reservoir Lake Kati is situated within a spectacular and idyllic forest landscape full of beech and fir trees, right after Paleos Panteleimonas, Paleoi Poroi and Palia Skotina, or, if arriving from the west side of Thessaly, right after Kallipefki. One can follow the dirt roads leading up to the lake either by mountain bike (routes without steep slopes), by car or on foot, and marvel at the spectacular landscape surrounding the lake.
