Locations
MOUNT OLYMPUS
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. It is located in the Olympus Range on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, between the regional units of Pieria and Larissa, about 80 km (50 mi) southwest from Thessaloniki. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks, deep gorges. The highest peak, Mytikas, meaning “nose”, rises to 2,919 metres (9,577 ft). It is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence.
Olympus is notable in Greek mythology as the home of the Greek gods, on Mytikas peak. It is also noted for its exceptional biodiversity and rich flora. It has been a National Park, the first in Greece, since 1938. It is also a World Biosphere Reserve.
Every year, thousands of visitors admire its fauna and flora, tour its slopes, and climb its peaks. Organized mountain refuges and various mountaineering and climbing routes are available. The usual starting point for climbing Olympus is the town of Litochoro, on the eastern foothills of the mountain, 100 km (62 mi) from Thessaloniki.
ANCIENT DION
Dion is an archeological park on the spot where the ruins of the ancient town stood. It is locatad 5 km from the town of Litochoro. It is considered as the spiritual center of the Macedonian kingdom. The park is open for tour and at the entrance there is an archeological museum presenting findings from the region. There is also an ancient amphitheatre where theatrical plays and performances are held during the summer.
Events
OLYMPUS FESTIVAL
Olympus Festival (Greek: Φεστιβάλ Ολύμπου) is an annual festival of music and theatre and a major cultural event in Greece. It is the largest event of its kind in northern Greece and takes place annually in the months of July and August. The aim is to provide both, the local population and tourists, with cultural entertainment and thus to promote the contact between different cultures and the tourism of the region. The festival is supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture and the former municipality of Dion, as well as by other local authorities in Pieria.
OLYMPUS MARATHON
Olympus Marathon is a unique trail running event held annually on Mount Olympus, the Greek mythical “Mountain of the gods”. The route revives the pilgrimage of ancient Greeks to Mount Olympus, where they ascended every year to honour and sacrifice to Zeus. The race starts the last Sunday of June from the sacred city of Dion, at the sunrise. Athletes retrace history and myth across the paths of the Mount Olympus.
