Welcome to Hooked on Walking holidays and this wonderful fixed location walking holiday in Greece. On this hiking vacation in Greece near the Olympos Mountains you can stay for a week in a typical Greek family run hotel and enjoy five self guided walks.
Away from the summer mass tourism of the coastal region lie the spectacular mountain ranges of Olympos, Ossa and Pieria. These mountains offer spectacular landscapes and are home of very unique and diverse flora and fauna, a rich culture and deeply rooted traditions. The three mountain ranges are separated by river valleys and gorges and lie north to south the coastal plains of the Thermaikos Gulf and the northern Aegean Sea. Contrasting sea and high mountain climates and geological diversity are the root of very diverse landscapes and its inhabitants. Traditional mountain villages nestle on the flanks of the mountains or on the high mountain plateaus of Mount Olympus and Pieria.
The area is home of humanities age old cultures the remains of which can be visited in archaeological sites like Dion and Vergina. Besides these worldwide known sites there is a multitude of lesser known places hidden in the mountains and valleys which bear evidence of a rich and interesting past. These beautiful areas are some of the most diverse and fascinating landscapes in Europe. All ready to be explored .

Available  as self guided on Saturdays 16th March - 26th October ( Level 2-3 Tour )
Fly Drive Hike Tour

Our self guided option is a fly drive hike tour. Included in the price is a rental car. Compact for 2 persons and larger for 3 and 4 persons. You can use this car to reach the walk locations ( not long distances ) but also you can take advantage of the car after the walks and explore further.

Day 1 Arrival at Thessaloniki airport and pick up your rental car and transfer to your Hotel in Platamonas ( around 30 minutes )

Day 2   The valley of Tembi and the historical village Ambelakia

From the historical village Ambelakia we will walk to an impressing view point Profitis Ilias where we enjoy the unique view of Tembi Valley and the delta of Pinios River. The tour passes from the historic guard and watch point Kastro Orias and back to the village Ambelakia. Here we have the opportunity to visit local museums and learn about the interesting history and mansions of the old cotton mill village.
Greek homemade specialties will be served for dinner in a tavern on the market square. Duration: 5 hours

Day 3 to the Peak Golna
The peak of Golna is just before the impressive main peaks of Mount Olympus. We will start our walk at the market square of Litohoro, which is the starting point of most Olympus treks. We go through the nice small roads of the village to a path, which leads us directly to the peak of Golna. Reaching the peak we enjoy the beautiful view into the famous Vithos gorge and towards the Aegean Sea. The specialty of this walk is the combination of the high mountain range with the sea. Our way back to Litohoro leads again through the shady forest. Walking time: 4 – 5 hours

Day 4 The Enipeas gorge
The drive towards Litohoro offers imposing views of the highest peaks of the Olympus mountain range and the steep cliffs of the famous Enipeas gorge. Here in the mountaineer village at the foot of Olympus we start our hike through the gorge, which is an impressive experience. On small wooden bridges we cross the Enipeas River and rest at vista points overlooking the Aegean Sea. We’ll pass picturesque waterfalls on our way where the brave can take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of the natural pools. Before reaching Prionia we’ll pass the old mountain monastery of Agios Dionysios. Duration: 6 hours

Day 5 Day for relaxation.

Day 6 The old mountain villages
This marvelous hike links the two ancient mountain villages Paleos Porus and Paleos Panteleimonas. The route takes us across the impressive forest with old chestnut, pine, oak and plane trees and many other species of mountain flora. Several viewpoints offer time and again splendid sights on the Aegean Sea, the old pirate’s castle of Platamonas and the Olympus mountain range.
In the evening, a local tavern operated by the village’s shepherd will offer grilled meats and fresh salads. Duration: 5 hours

Day 6 Relax day

Day 7  The Meteora Monasteries
This day is mainly a culture day. The famous Meteora Monasteries are built on 24 large rocks in the flats of Thessalia and offer an impressive view towards the flatlands and the mountains. Short walks connect the monasteries, which we will visit. After a coffee break we drive with the bus back to our hotel. Sightseeing approx. 3 hours. Walking time approx. 2 hours

Accommodation - subject to change
2 star Oceana hotel in Platamonas.

Difficulty
Level 2-3 - Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience of walking in mountain terrain on there own for the self guided tour.

2010 Prices

How to get there
How to get there Flights into Thessaloniki:
The majority of flights into Thessaloniki from the UK are on a daily basis operated by Olympic
Airways. There are also flights by British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Air France, Aegean Airlines and KLM via Amsterdam. From end April to beginning of October the following charter companies fly into Thessaloniki on
Mondays and Thursdays: Kronos Airlines, Britannia, Crossair, British Midland and more.

To view other Greek walking holidays Halkidiki and West Crete

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Greece

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