Greece. Olympus - the highest peak

The summit of Olympus in Greece can not but excite the imagination of all, even the most sophisticated travelers. Every year tourists come here from all corners of the globe. What attracts all these people? Really somewhere else there is a place not to visit which at least once is simply impossible?

This article introduces its readers to such a terrificly interesting direction for holidays at any time of the year, like Greece. Olympus in this case will be considered as the main attraction of the ancient country. And this is not surprising, because it is here, according to legend, once lived the Earth-ruling gods. How can you not visit such a place?

Greece. Olympus. general information

The 2917-meter Olympus is considered to be not only the highest point of the state, but also the world-famous national park, where now both local residents and numerous guests of the state are very happy.

The highest peak of Olympus (Greece) is in the northeast of the historic region called Thessaly. By the way, not everyone knows that in ancient times it was the natural border between the given country and Macedonia.

It should be noted that the excursion to Olympus (Greece) assumes that the traveler will have an opportunity to see three peaks at once - Scolio, Stefani and Mikikas. It is because of their availability that this mountain is often called a three-headed mountain.

National Park of the same name and its features

As already mentioned above, Olympus is not only a snow-capped mountain peak, but also a popular natural monument of the planet. Geographically, this territory is located in the vicinity of the nomas Pieria and Larissa-Thessaly.

The national reserve is characterized by a huge variety of biological species. At the moment, here you can meet more than 1,700 species of flora, and this is about 25% of all that occur on the territory of the country. 23 of them are considered endemic, which means that they can be met only in this region.

Of the fauna, it is worth mentioning 8 species of amphibians, 32 species of mammals, not including domestic animals, 136 species of birds and 22 species of reptiles.

Is it possible to climb to the top of such a state as Greece (Olympus)?

This is the question most often asked by tourists coming here. "Of course, you can!", - joyfully answered local residents who are ready to tell endlessly not only about the myths of Greece ("Olympus and its gods", "Hercules", "Dionysus" and others), but also about the unique places of their country.

It would not be superfluous to note that it is not worth trying to rise to the very top. Why? The fact is that today the British military radar is installed there, therefore the territory for outsiders is considered to be closed.

But in its surroundings to visit, of course, you need. Walking here, you can find real moufflons, rare ruminants. By the way, it is this artiodactyl now adorned with the emblem of the famous brand "Cyprus Airlines". Hunting for them, of course, is prohibited. But it's quite possible to make some successful photographs. The main thing is to have time to catch a good shot, because the moufflon is considered a very quick and timid animal.

Professional ascension to Olympus

Those who have the skills of conquering mountain peaks, it is recommended to start climbing from a settlement called Litochoron. There is a specialized information center, which also provides services for the rental of mining equipment.

Prior to the point of Prion, it is recommended to go by taxi, although the most desperate can go on their own, because there is a hiking route. At an altitude of 1100 meters, a parking lot and modern latrines have been built, in which there is even the possibility of taking a shower. By the way, you can spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, located next door.

From Prionia, travelers are directed to Shelter A, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. There is also a kind of recreation area, consisting of a hotel and a more budgetary camping. From here, without problems, you can climb the Rock or go further to other mountain shelters. From the Rock, as a rule, fall on Scolio and Mikikas. By the way, it is worth paying attention to one important point. On the last of the above mentioned vertices it is recommended not to rise in bad weather or to those who do not have special training.

Local mythology

Myths of Ancient Greece, Olympus in which occupies one of the main places, are known to many. Perhaps now even an average student can remember several of them.

This peak is known as the residence of the main Olympic gods. Legends tell us that it was here that the Cyclopes, liberated by Zeus from the realm of the dead, built magnificent palaces. In gratitude, they still awarded him power over lightning and thunder.

In general, Greece (Olympus in particular) is often associated with the name of the working god Hephaestus, who in his workshop made jewelry for all the above-mentioned palaces. By the way, the entrance to his monastery was carried out through a special gate, reliably protected by less significant gods, not included in the category of main.

Love in the legends of Ancient Greece

Perhaps, no myth about Olympus (Ancient Greece) and its environs can be dispensed with without mentioning such an exalted feeling as love.

We all know about the beautiful Aphrodite, whose beauty was truly unearthly. It was born from the blood of the titan of Uranus, mixed with sea foam. That is why, apparently, this goddess has acquired the glory of an insidious and tough woman. According to legend, Aphrodite married Hephaestus, but the marriage was of little interest to the beautiful woman. Most of the time she preferred to spend on Olympus or traveling the world, desperately falling in love and falling in love with herself.

The most famous fad of Aphrodite was Ares. It was he who managed to awaken Jephthah's jealousy, and he, without a long thought, forged a special network that caught lovers during one of the meetings. Burned with shame, Aphrodite fled to the island of Crete, having subsequently given birth to two sons - Deimos and Phobos.

The favorite place of the goddess was the city of Paphos, built exactly in the place where it came out of the sea foam. In ancient Greece, there was also a temple built in her honor. It is interesting to note an interesting fact. According to local traditions, it was believed that if a girl who visited this place would enter into an accidental connection in her neighborhood, she would be guaranteed a lifetime blessing of the goddess.

Unfortunately, to this day this temple was not destined to survive. But the locals believe that a stone found during a walk along the coast in the form of a heart will give the lucky beggar a huge and unique love for life.

Ski holidays on Olympus

For many travelers, Olympus is attracted by the opportunity to spend time doing what he likes. The so-called hot season for skiers and snowboarders comes here approximately from January to March.

Everyone will have a unique opportunity to live in one of the small but very cozy hotels, to use the modern lift for a very modest fee and to ride down from the snow slope. Points of hire of equipment will not disappoint even the most experienced lovers of these sports.

Most tourists note the high level of service in all, even the most modest hotels. And as an additional bonus from every balcony you can enjoy a delightful view of the snow-capped mountains.

What to do in the vicinity of Olympus?

In fact, none of those who came here on leave yet complained of boredom and lack of opportunities for an interesting pastime.

In addition to walking in the fresh air and surrounded by unique landscapes, it is recommended to be brave and climb to the peak of Mikikas. Where else can you leave your message in a special iron box?

If you are only going to comprehend the art of conquering the snowy slopes, Olympus is just the place to go first. Local instructors are ready to teach you and your kids the basic wisdom of this hobby.

Those who are fortunate enough to be in the vicinity of Olympus during the warm season, it is recommended to go with the locals for an ordinary walk in the mountains. Experienced guides are happy to tell their guests about the local flora and fauna, learn about legends and myths, learn to navigate the map and the compass and, finally, organize a stunning alfresco dinner, consisting mainly of dishes and drinks of local cuisine.