Greece renowned for its picturesque islands, is also a country of remarkable mountains that offer an enchanting blend of myth, history, and natural beauty. If you love exploring a country on foot, Greece will become one of your favorite hiking and landscape-exploring destinations.
Greece’s geography consists of 80% mountains with around 413 of them being over 1000 meters high, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. All of the eight highest mountains in Greece in this post are found on the beautiful and versatile mainland.
I have hiked most of the mountains mentioned except for Olympus which I plan to do in October 2024. If you are planning to visit Olympus at the same time, we might even cross paths. You never know! đ
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My Latest Hiking Video
This is a hike in western Attika about 25 km from the center of Athens. Along the trail, we enjoyed sea views, a shipwreck, some nice Attika greenery, olive, and fig trees.
Here are the eight highest mountains in Greece!
1. Olympus, the Mountain of the Gods (2,918 m)
- Geographical Region: Borders of Macedonia and Thessaly
- Regional Unit: Pieria, Larisa
- Peaks: 2918 (Mytikas), 2902 (Stefani Peak or Zeus’ Throne), and 2882 m (Skala).
- Olympus was considered the Seat of Zeus, the mythological king of ancient Greek gods.
- It is 430 km north of Athens and 92 km south of Thessaloniki
- It is a National Woodland Park strictly protected by numerous laws.
Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece with a majestic landscape of rugged cliffs, alpine valleys, deep gorges, rivers, and lush forests. It has stunning gorges such as Enipeas (14 km) where you will also find a river and the Mauratzas-Sparmos (13 km).
When you get to Olympus, you understand why this magical mountain was the playground of the 12 Olympian gods, it is an awe-inspiring mountain.
Olympus is a popular mountaineering destination for both Greeks and foreigners, and it draws over 20,000 visitors a year who come to conquer its slopes and soak in its legendary atmosphere.
Recommended Tour: Olympus Mountain Guiding – Mytikas 2918m in a day
Where to Stay for Olympus Mountain
There are 10 organized refuges working on Olympus where you can stay and 7 emergency shelters (small, unguarded spaces), in most cases open for mountaineers. Find info about them from Topoguide here.
However, the most popular place to stay is Litochoro town built on the Olympus slopes and just a few kilometers from the sea, making it a perfect tourist spot year-round! It is a charming town, with its traditional Macedonian architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and hospitable facilities.
I recommend staying in Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge (mid-range, family-friendly) as this is where I plan to lodge when I visit Olympus.
More about Olympus Mountain? Check out my post Hiking in Greece.
2. Smolikas (2,635 m)
- Geographical Region: Epirus, western Greece
- Regional Unit: Ioannina
- Peaks: Geros (2635), Mosia (2610m) and Koutsouro (2318m).
- Three rivers cross it: Aliakmonas, Venetikos, Greveniotikos, and stunning Drakolimni Lake Lygka (Dragon Lake).
- It houses numerous picturesque villages such as Samarina and Smixi.
- It is 505 km northwest of Athens and 228 km west of Thessaloniki.
- Read here about the most popular hike in Smolikas mountain, from Pades to Dragon Lake.
Smolikas is the second-highest mountain in Greece and the highest mountain in the Pindus range. It is one of Joseph’s favorite mountains as he loves the pristine alpine meadows, lush forests, scenic mountain lake, and rugged peaks. Especially the peaks!
Smolikas is not as popular as Olympus is so you will find that it offers an unspoiled and tranquil environment, a genuine wilderness experience. Here also lives a good number of bears, wild cats, wolves, and deer so free camping is not suggested.
Mythology Tip: A local myth tells of two dragons living in the dragon lakes of Smolikas and Tymfi, battling each other by hurling stones. To this day, the dragon lake in Smolikas features white stones along its shore and black ones at its bottom, while in Tymfi, it’s the opposite!
Where to Stay for Smolikas
There is a Refuge in Smolikas but you better book a bed in advance as it gets easily filled up. You can reach them at +30 698 983 7704. The refuge includes a pleasant restaurant offering a variety of meals, and they also provide camping spaces in the surrounding area.
If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, consider staying at Hotel Rodovoli (mid-range, family-friendly) in Konitsa, a large, beautiful village, about 15 km southwest of Smolikas.
3. Voras or Kaimaktsalan (2,524 m)
- Geographical Region: Spread between Greek Macedonia and North Macedonia.
- Regional Unit: Pella.
- Peaks: Prophitis Ilias (2,524 m). Mount Voras is a protected habitat within the Natura 2000 network.
- Climate: Alpine, with heavy snowfall in winter and cool temperatures in summer.
- It is 598 km north of Athens and 132 km west of Thessaloniki.
- Voras Mountain can be accessed via roads from the nearby town of Edessa.
- Name tip: Kaymakçalan is its Turkish name and it means that its lush forests are as thick as kaymak, a creamy dairy product, similar to clotted cream.
Voras or Kaimaktsalan is the third highest mountain in Greece, a beautiful and impressive mountain. It is covered with oak, beech, and pine forests and is home to wildlife such as bears, wolves, and deer.
Kaimaktsalan’s Peak is a popular destination if you love hiking and skiing. It has one of the best-organized ski resorts at its peak close to a beautiful chapel dedicated to Prophet Elias. The chapel honors the memory of thousands of Serbian soldiers who died in the area during World War I.
One of the best things to do in Kaimaktsalan (37 km) is to visit Pozar Springs for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some peace in nature. Plus, the warm, therapeutic waters feel amazing!
Mythology Tip: According to Greek mythology, Boreas, the god of the north wind, resided on Mount Voras. One version of the myth states that Boreas was the son of Aeolus, the god of the winds, and an ancestor of the Macedonians.
Where to Stay for Voras
Located 18 km from the ski resort, Palaios Agios Athanasios is a beautiful and popular village year-round. It offers a pleasant stay with many hotels and traditional stone-built guesthouses that blend harmoniously with the environment.
One of the best properties in the village is the 4 Seasons Premium Chalet (family-friendly), a beautiful combination of class and tradition.
4. Grammos (2,520 m)
- Geographical Region: It is part of the northern Pindus Mountain range at the Greek-Albanian border.
- Regional Unit: Ioannina and Kastoria.
- Peaks: Tsouka Petsik (2,520 m), Perifano (2,444 m), Diasselo (2,393 m), the Epano Arena (2,192 m).
- Rivers: Aliakmonas (Greeceâs longest river) and Sarantaporos cross its gorges and slopes.
- Here are the alpine lakes Gistova and Moutsalia – at an altitude of 2,400 and 2,192 meters respectively – where rare amphibian species of Alpine Newt live.
- Accessibility: Can be accessed from nearby villages such as Grammos, Aetomilitsa, and Lykostomo.
- It is 535 km north of Athens and 256 km west of Thessaloniki.
Grammos, the fourth-highest mountain in Greece, is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It has breathtaking landscapes, more alpine toward the peaks, and lush beech and conifer forests, perfect for hiking, and bird watching. It is also home to various wildlife species, including bears, wolves, and deer.
The environmental organization Arcturos has designated the broader mountainous region as one of the most critical habitats for the brown bear, a protected species in Greece and Europe. Additionally, with some luck, you may spot other mammals such as wolves, wild goats, and otters.
History Tip: Grammos is historically significant as a major battleground during the Greek Civil War (1946-1949).
Where to Stay for Grammos
There are no refuges in Grammos but there are guesthouses in villages like Aetomilitsa and Nestorio (Guesthouse Anastasia).
5. Gkiona (2,508 m) – Highest Mountains in Greece
- Geographical Region: It is in Central Greece between the Parnassus and Vardousia Mountains.
- Regional Unit: Fokida
- Peaks: Pyramida (2,508 m), PĂ©rdika (2,484 m), TragonĂłros (2,456 m), and Platyvouna (2,317 m).
- Accessibility: Gkiona is relatively easy to access from major cities like Athens, making it a convenient destination for a weekend hike or a longer adventure.
- It is 209 km from Athens and 361 km from Thessaloniki.
Gkiona with its alpine character is one of Greece’s most impressive and challenging mountains. It is a mountain with a rugged and distinct relief, featuring deep gorges, ravines, and limestone cliffs that make it difficult to traverse.
It also has the largest vertical cliff in the Balkans, starting from the village of Sykia. With an elevation gain of 1,100 meters, climbers reach the highest peak, Pyramida (2,508 meters).
In its forests you’ll find wild animals like wolves, boars, deer, and goats. If you are lucky, you will watch birds of prey, including vultures and golden eagles, soar over its steep slopes. Additionally, the mountain has numerous meadows that support goats and sheep (try the local cheese!).
Mythology Tip: Gkiona was considered part of Mount Parnassus and was called Aselinon Oros (moonless mountain). According to the related myth, a shepherd named Endymion, son of Pyrrha and Deucalion, lived on the mountain. When the demigoddess Selene visited him on the mountainâs slopes, she left the world without the moon.
Where to Stay for Gkiona
Gkiona is not touristically advanced so the accommodation choices are rather limited. Sykia is a beautiful village that you can visit but as I am writing this article right now, I do not know of a hotel or rooms to stay in the village. Sykia is situated near the mountain and serves as a starting point for many hiking trails leading up to Gkiona.
Alternatively, I suggest you stay in the nearby Kaloskopi village. It has beautiful stone houses, magnificent nature with apple trees, plane trees, walnut trees, cherry trees, and many springs with running water. A couple of nice lodgings are the traditional Koukouvista house (mid-range, family-friendly) and the cute and cozy Casa de Madera (mid-range, family-friendly).
6. Tymfi (2,499 m)
- Geographical Region: Epirus, Pindus range.
- Regional Unit: Zagori (same area where Vikos Gorge is).
- It is spread between two rivers, Aoos and Voidomatis.
- Peaks: Gamila (2,499 m), Goura (2,467 m), Astraka (2,432 m).
- It is 469 km from Athens and 271 km from Thessaloniki.
Tymfi is a gorgeous mountain with many picturesque alpine lakes with rich legends and traditions, the most famous being Drakolimni. It’s believed to be inhabited by mythical beings like dragons and fairies, enhancing its mystical charm. Moreover, the mountain harbors numerous remarkably deep vertical cave networks, such as the âOdysseus’ Hollowâ and the âEpos Abyss”.
Today, it continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts, forming a significant part of the VikosâAoös National Park along with Vikos Gorge. Welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually, the park provides challenging hiking routes, opportunities for rock climbing, and untouched wilderness.
Where to Stay for Tymfi
I stayed in Monodendri when I hiked in Vikos Gorge but I suggest you stay in the lovely Mikro Papigko village with stunning views of Astraka Peak. With its cozy stone houses, winding streets, and charming cafes, it feels like stepping into a postcard of rural Greek life. Mikro Papigko is your base camp for exploring the Tymfi mountain and Zagori region. You will love it, trust me.
Some of the most beautiful properties in Mikro Papigko are:
- Avragonio Hotel (mid-range, family-friendly)
- Saxonis Houses & Saxonis Villa (mid-range, children older than 13 years are welcome)
- Papigo Towers (mid-range, children older than 7 years are welcome)
7. Vardousia (2,495 m)
- Geographical Region: Central, Greece, Pindus range.
- Regional Unit: Fokida.
- It is spread between the rivers Mornos, Evinos, and Kokkinopotamos.
- Peaks: Korakas (2,495m), Kokkini(2,404 m), Pyramid (2,348 m), Megali Soufla (2,340 m) and Plaka (2,320 m).
- It is 280 km from Athens and 414 km from Thessaloniki.
Vardousia stands out for its rugged, alpine landscape, characterized by deep gorges and stunning scenery. It ranks as the seventh-highest mountain in Greece, boasting a peak named Korakas, which reaches an elevation of 2,495 meters.
The Vardousia Mountains are a protected Natura 2000 habitat, with fir trees dominating its slopes. It’s also one of the richest mushroom habitats in the country, though not as well-known due to its difficult access.
These days, Mount Vardousia pulls in outdoor fans all year round. They come for the tough hiking trails, great cycling routes, cute villages like Dafnos, Diakopi, Kallio, and Koniakos, and the variety of wildlife.
Read here about hiking to Korakas, Vardousia’s peak.
Where to Stay for Vardousia
We usually stay in beautiful Pavliani 77 km from Vardousia at the refuge-looking property of katafygio-oiti because the nearby villages have very limited accommodation choices.
8. Parnassus (2,457 m)
- Geographical Region: Central Greece, Pindus
- Regional Units: Viotia (Boeotia), Phocis, and Phthiotida
- Its highest peaks are Liakoura at 2,457m, Touborachi rising to 2,430m, Tsarkos at 2,414m, and Geronrovrahos at 2,367m.
- Parnassus slopes are forested, with dense vegetation dominated by fir trees, but also including cedars (Cedrus), black pines, wild apple trees, Scots pines, and maples.
- It is km from 191 Athens and 370 km from Thessaloniki.
At 2,457 meters high, Mount Parnassus stands as the 8th tallest peak in Greece. Named after a legendary hero, the son of Neptune, it is renowned for housing the Delphi archaeological site and the picturesque village of Arachova. It is also home to Greece’s largest ski resort, on its southern slope.
Greek mythology Tip: Here it is believed that Apollo encountered Orpheus and gifted him the golden lyre and the ability to tame wild animals with his voice and song. Again here, Apollo slew Python, the fearsome serpent guarding the sanctuary of the Chthonic deities, and acquired the gift of prophecy, which he passed on to his priestess, the Pythia.
Where to Stay in Parnassus Mountain
Parnassus houses many beautiful and traditional villages such as Agoriani, Amphiklia, Ano Tithorea, Vargiani, and Polydrosos. However, if this is your first time then you should stay in Delphi village to explore the spectacular archaeological site of Delphi or at the nearby picturesque town of Arachova. Arachova has a good choice of properties in the area and it is always a lively place to stay.
A really cozy place to stay in Arachova is the Paeonia Arachova Hotel (mid-range, family-friendly) with lovely decorated rooms, a huge breakfast choice, and a beautiful view of the town.
If you are looking for a budget stay, there is no better than Ariadne Guesthouse (family-friendly).
How to Travel Around Greece
There is a very good bus infrastructure in Greece and trains that connect mostly north Greece with Athens. Naturally, the most convenient and adventurous way to explore Greece is by rental car. I always drive my good old Polo that takes me everywhere in the country.
Thoughts about the Highest Mountains in Greece
From the epic heights of Mount Olympus to the chill vibes of the Pindus range, there’s scenery here that’ll blow your socks off. Picture-perfect lakes, lush forests, and paths that whisper tales of ancient times. So toss those boots in your bag, sling on your pack, and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget. Greece’s mountains are waiting â let’s go explore!
Essential Greece Traveling Tips
- âHelloâ and âThank Youâ in Greek: âYa souâ and âEfharistoâ
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Map of Athens Metro
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com because I can get the best deals on hotels and apartments, free cancellations, and great prices!
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide