Read the first part of this excursion here.
The sun rises over Olympus mountain and we have already woken up in our camp. We have camped under the old monastery of St. Dionysios, in a small clearing , on the banks of Enipeas. We have prepared the necessary equipment and we drive for about 4 km backwards (to Litochoro). On our left, after a while, we see what we are looking for. On the road sign it is written “ Gortsia” and it is 14 km away from Litochoro.
We drive up on the small earth road and we park on the small plateau at the end of it. This point is the beginning of the path, leading to Petrostrouga and the highest peaks of the mountain. From the number of the cars which are parked, we conclude that there are enough climbers who have chosen this specific route. Along with the route, which leads from the Prionia to the peaks, it is one of the most popular routes in Mount Olympus. It is longer than the Prionia route, because it makes a circle. But in our opinion it is more beautiful because it moves outside the Enipea’s canyon So, the whole view, from the mountain peaks to the Thermaikos gulf, is in front of the hiker’s eyes.
We start climbing slowly, walking through the woods. The trail is harder and more uphill compared to the path that goes to the cave of Ag. Dionysios. Especially at its beginnings, the ascent is really hard. The pulses are going up and breathing is getting faster. Until we find our rhythm we had difficulties, but after this hard initial test, the terrain becomes milder and so it is getting easier for us to move on.
The route is well marked and moves through beech and black pine forests. The sunrays are trying to find the way through the trees, but the dense foliage keeps the path shaded and cool. The song of the birds is following us and we have already surrendered to the magic of the forest. We enjoy with all our senses the gifts of the mountain, the feast of colors, the smell of the flowers, the soil and the trees, the sounds of the light breeze, the birds and the small bugs. So after about 1,5 h we reach the site of Mparba (1450 m height). It is a characteristic clearing, in the woods, which is ideal for rest. This was our goal because of our children’s age and we must confess that they surprised us with their persistence and endurance. Inside the green nature, after we relaxed, naturally and mentally, we started the downhill path, back to Gortsia and our cars.
For those who want to continue, the path turns West and leads you to Stragos, Petrostrouga and from there to Skourta and the Muses Plateau, after about 6h and 14km. Remember, there is no water on the way up to Barba. There are two springs, in higher altitude, for those who continue. One in Stragos and one in the beech forest, but the hiker has to deviate from the main path for 10 to 15 minutes.
It is already afternoon when we are descending to Litochoro and the coffee and cold water in the square, is the prize for our efforts these two days at Olympus slopes. Looking at the high peaks we have already planned our next trip to the mythical mountain.