olympus national park, greece

DATES_flexible to suit you

ABOUT THE TRIP

Another UNESCO biosphere location the Olympus National Park was the first in Greece. There is a good reason for this, not only its mythological connections but its pure beauty and some rare flora and fauna to boot. Explore the mythical and spectacular national park and the surroundings. From sky-reaching high peaks to the diverse and lush forest we traverse through this magical landscape at a runners pace, enjoying each step as we go. Local town Litochoro sits at the foothills and provides a cultural pit-stop and base for the trail running retreat. You may have visited Greece before, but not like this. It's another natural beauty that only compliments its renowned beaches and islands. It's not to be overlooked.

overview

TRAIL RUNNING: 45-55KM OVER 3 DAYS

total ASCENT: 3250M

DURATION: 4-6 HOURS PER DAY

GRADE: DEMANDING

2 nights accommodation at a local guesthouse on a twin shared basis. 1 night stay in a mountain refuge on a bunk beds style basis

Breakfast will be served by accommodation hosts (Sat-Mon). Evening meals are enjoyed at local restaurants (Fri & Sun pm). Saturday will be at the refuge

3 carefully curated guided trail runs. Designed by runners for runners.

Expert running guide throughout. Qualified Leader & Outdoor First Aider and experienced ultra-marathon runner

Training plan prior to departure

Exclusive Nomadic Runner discount on future trips

Unique trail running experience, off the beaten track

We plant trees! Instead of providing you with another T-shirt or medal, we mitigate the carbon involved with all our guest's flights for the trip

We offer this as groups only, please contact us to discuss. Typically 4 or more can be accommodated.

PRICE

FROM £795 per person

itinerary

day 01

Arrive at the guesthouse meet the team and other guests over an evening meal in a local restaurant. Return to the guesthouse and pack for the following day's adventure.

day 02

Wake early to breakfast at the guesthouse. Final kit check, warm-up and stretch, then were off. First a short transfer (10mins) to the trailhead where we have a lot of ascents to tackle. This is unrelenting but has beautiful woodland tracks to enjoy along the way with vista back out and down the valley. We run/hike today but the reward is high with us gaining in elevation and amazing panoramic views that come with it, all in preparation for what lays ahead tomorrow. A typical mountain refuge provides comfortable but basic accommodation for the night. Here we get to enjoy the views, sit back and unwind below the towering peaks of the Olympus National Park. The onsite restaurant provides local food for refreshment and refuelling at dinner.

day 03

After breakfast and a warm-up we head out for the day that is through picturesque woodlands before reaching the open ridgelines mountain tops. Here you get amazing views in all directions and views towards the Mediterranean Sea. With the highest points behind us, we descend to Prionia. A short (20 minutes) transfer to our guesthouse for a well-earned shower and beer. W have the afternoon to relax and unwind around the old town. With the beach only 6km away this is also an option or just rest up ahead of the evening meal together at another local restaurant.

day 04

A quick stretch and easy morning run (45min) will set you up for your journey - or treat yourself to a extra hour or two in bed. The team and guests share breakfast before heading off.

ENQUIRE

GETTING HERE

Fly:

Directly to Thessaloniki Airport which is served by a selection of international and budget airlines including Ryanair and Easyjet. A host of car rental companies are available at good value prices.

Drive:

Thessaloniki Airport - Litochoro Accommodation (1.5hrs)

We recommend car sharing where possible and are able to put you in touch with fellow guests should you be on the same or similar flights.

ACCOMMODATION

Guesthouse accommodation for both your first and final nights stay. Centrally located we have easy access to all the local town amenities.

Twin rooms are booked on the basis of two sharing. Single person supplement can usually be arranged. Get in touch to find out more about this.

In order to make the most of the national park we opt to stay in mountain refuge for the second night. This not only gives us amazing views and a great place to base ourselves for the following day but is an experience in itself. They are basic but comfortable and means we'll stay in an amazing location high up the mountain with spectacular views to wake up to.

WHAT YOU NEED

Comprehensive insurance to cover you for this type of activity.

In brief, your trail running kit! We'll provide a breakdown of what this might look like upon booking confirmation.

Flights & transfers

Local currency

Any necessary visas

IMPORTANT NOTES

For our cancellation policy please see our terms and conditions.

Not included in booking fee:

Any additional costs that are otherwise not stated under the booking (inc. insurance, additional food, drink & tips)
Flights and transfers
Additional activities, food and beverages unless otherwise stated

Further Info:

Although we try our very best to keep to the itinerary and accommodation listed under each trip these are subject to change with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will notify guests of any changes at the earliest possible moment.