Mount Olympus: Day Trips and Tours from Thessaloniki

Mount Olympus is known all over the world as one of the most important sites in Greek mythology. It boasts the highest peak in the entire country, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Joining a day trip to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki is an incredible way to discover the home of the Ancient Greek gods.

Getting to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki

Mount Olympus sits just over 100 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki, making it an ideal day trip.

• By car: The fastest route to Mount Olympus is via the A1, with the drive being about 1.5 hours with good traffic.
• By public transportation: Bus and train services from Thessaloniki to Litochoro take just under 1.5 hours. From there, you can continue to Olympus on foot or by taxi.
• Guided tour to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki: The most convenient way to make the jaunt from Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus is on a guided day tour. Each tour includes different stops and activities, but all make traveling less stressful by taking care of the logistics. You also get a guide to explain the history of the area and free time to explore the attractions.

Typical itinerary of day tours to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki

Every day trip from Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus begins with a pickup in Thessaloniki at your accommodation or a common meeting location.

On the way, most tours make a brief stop at the Archaeological Park of Dion, located at the foot of Mount Olympus. You can explore the park for a while before heading to the museum of Dion.

From there, you will head toward Mount Olympus. You can take a guided tour or visit the Olympus National Park Information Center to learn about the flora, fauna, archaeology, and mythology.

If you participate in an outdoor activity tour, you will likely head directly to the mountain without stopping at the village of Dion. Your guide will then lead you to the beginning of the hike, trek or canyon.

Once you finish, you will then head back to Thessaloniki.

Best tours to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki

Day tours to Mount Olympus plus Dion from Thessaloniki

Booking a day tour to Mount Olympus is typically the most cost-effective option. Virtually every day tour to Mount Olympus includes a stop at Dion, an ancient archaeological park. Spend the day exploring these historical sites with like-minded travelers from all over the world. Entry fees are not usually covered.

Our pick: Day Trip to Dion & Mount Olympus

• Includes: Roundtrip bus transfers, English-speaking escort
• Price: €58 for adults, €29 for children (2-12)
• Duration: 8 hours

Private tour to Mount Olympus plus Dion from Thessaloniki

Private tours are the best way to explore Mount Olympus and Dion with a bit of privacy. These tours typically follow similar itineraries as day tours, but only members of your group are allowed on the tour. Private tours offer a cost-effective option for small groups of people traveling together, as they are usually charged per group.

Our pick: Private Olympus & Dion Day Trip

• Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, English-speaking driver
• Price: From €70 per traveler, depending on group size
• Duration: 10 hours

Outdoor activity tours to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki

Mount Olympus offers visitors stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Spend the day canyoning, river trekking or hiking while experiencing a different side of Mount Olympus. These tours combine adventure with education to create fun experiences you won’t forget.

Our pick: Half-Day Canyoning Trip to Mount Olympus

• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, hotel pick-up and drop-off, canyoning gear & shoes, certified ICOpro instructors, digital photo album download
• Price: €85 per traveler
• Duration: 6 hours

Multi-day trip to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki

If one day is not enough to explore Mount Olympus, consider booking a multi-day trip from Thessaloniki. You have options for 2 to 4 days, giving you ample time to explore the home of the Ancient Greek gods. These excursions typically explore the area’s hiking trails and include overnight stay at shelters. Learn about Mount Olympus’ unique history on a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Our pick: 3-Day Mythical Olympus Hike

• Includes: Hiking gear, backpacks, accommodation at shelter, snacks, breakfast
• Price: €295 per traveler
• Duration: 3 days

Prices of Mount Olympus tours from Thessaloniki

Guided tours to Mount Olympus, typically the most budget-friendly option, cost around €60 per traveler.

Mount Olympus day trips with hiking, trekking or canyoning cost €65 to €100 each.

Prices for private tours to Mount Olympus start at around €70 per person, depending on group size. These excursions are typically charged on a group basis.

Multi-day trips to Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki range between €300 and €500. The final price depends on trip duration, group size and inclusions.

Mount Olympus Highlights

Mount Olympus is rich with biodiversity and steeped in Greek mythology. You can spend your time there exploring the park’s hiking and trekking trails, learning about Greek mythology on a guided tour or visiting ancient archaeological sites.

You can see unique flora and fauna or climb the mountain’s numerous peaks. You can also explore nearby areas like Dion, an ancient archaeological site. Walk through the ruins, learn about the area at the Archaeological Museum of Dion or enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

When is Mount Olympus open over the year?

Mount Olympus remains open year-round, except for major holidays.

Opening times

The Olympus National Park Information Center is open from Monday to Friday, between 9 AM and 4 PM. If you want to take a guided tour of the park, you must visit during these hours. You may enter the Olympus National Park itself anytime from sunrise to sunset.

Best time to visit Mount Olympus

The best time to visit Mount Olympus is from late May to early October. During this period, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. July and August offer the best conditions, though they can be crowded. For fewer tourists and cooler weather, consider visiting in late May, June, or September.

Travel tips

• Wear proper gear: Use sturdy hiking boots and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
• Prepare Physically: Hiking on Olympus can be strenuous, so be in good physical shape.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment.