The legendary Olympus - how many myths are associated with this sacred place for the ancient Greeks. The mountain range has long attracted those who dreamed of at least briefly approaching the celestials. You will not meet Zeus on Olympus, but you can easily get unforgettable impressions from the natural beauty of the mountains. It is enough to plan your trip to Olympus from Thessaloniki, the nearest major city. How to get there?

Distance Thessaloniki - Olympus

Since Olympus is the largest mountain range in Greece, it is difficult to determine the exact distance from Thessaloniki. You can navigate through Litohoro, a famous mountain village at the foot of Mount Olympus, located 89 km from Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki - Olympus by bus

Litochoro is widely known due to its proximity to the mountain and excellent infrastructure: there are taverns, shops, numerous hotels. For those wishing to climb Mount Olympus or simply enjoy the views and spend a couple of days in its immediate vicinity, Litochoro becomes a top destination. Routes to Olympus begin from this city.

From the bus station of Thessaloniki KTEL Makedonia 10-14 times a day there are buses to Litohoro. The first departs at 7:00, the last after 20:00. The bus arrives in Litochoro in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket is 9,30 euros, in both directions - 16,50 euros. Once off the bus, the center of Litochoro can be reached on foot or by taxi.

Interesting fact: in ancient times, Olympus served as the natural border of Macedonia and Thessaly

Thessaloniki - Olympus by train

Another option for a trip to Olympus is the railway connection. Trains leave for Litochoro from Thessaloniki Bus Station and arrive in the city in 59 minutes. The earliest train leaves at 5:35, the last at 20:40. The price of a one-way ticket is 9 euros. Trains from Thessaloniki to Litochoro run frequently: the interval is 1-1.5 hours.

Litochoro railway station is located 6 km from the city. Buses do not run here, so the only way out is to contact the station employee, who will call a taxi to Litochoro.

Please note: when choosing between bus and train, it is better to get to Litochoro by bus. The stop is located just 1.5 km from the city center

Thessaloniki – Olympus by transfer

A very convenient way is to book an individual transfer in advance. In this case, you will not need to adapt to the transport schedule and make transfers. The approximate cost of a transfer from Thessaloniki airport to Litochoro is from 110 euros.

Thessaloniki – Olympus by car

The most comfortable way to get to Olympus from Thessaloniki is by car. You can rent a car for 35-60 euros per day. You need to move along the E75 highway through the city of Katerini. From Litochoro, a serpentine road leads to Prionia, the most popular starting point for a start of ascent. It is located at around 1100 m.

Please note: there are several paid sections on the highway from Thessaloniki. On average, you will have to pay 7 euros for travel on them (one way).

Excursions to Olympus

In order not to waste time organizing a transfer, you can buy an organized excursion to Olympus from Thessaloniki or from the Halkidiki peninsula. Often the route includes not only a visit to the observation points on Mount Olympus, but also a stop in one or two mountain villages, as well as a walk in the archaeological park of Dion (10 km from Litochoro).