Just the setting catapults this experience into once-in-a-lifetime territory, surrounded by the thick forest and gushing waters
EXPERIENCE

Canyoning the Orlias Gorge on Mt Olympus

Become one with Greece’s most famous mountain by canyoning the Orlias Gorge, over boulders and down waterfalls … spiking your adrenaline level one minute and being filled with the serenity of nature the next.
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Duration
6 - 8 hours
Season
May - October

OVERVIEW

It’s one thing wishing to explore Mt Olympus, the highest peak in Greece and home of Zeus and the ancient deities, and another doing it like a god. Well, you’re unlikely to come much closer to the sensation than canyoning the Orlias Gorge, in the eastern foothills of the mythical mountain of northern Greece. 

Just the setting catapults this experience into once-in-a-lifetime territory, surrounded by the thick forest and gushing waters of Greece’s first National Park and a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve

Rappelling, water-sliding, fly-foxing and abseiling down boulders might sound technical. In truth, however, it’s an experience accessible to all levels (from novice), with companies supplying all the equipment and knowhow in guiding groups of families and friends.

Most canyoning routes along the Orlias Gorge start from the town of Dion, heading out from the tiny chapel of Agios Konstantinos (with its picnic tables and benches and little water source). A short forest walk takes you to the gorge where you begin a descent of around 10 waterfalls (the tallest some 28m), freefalling into plunge pools from the smaller ones and slipping down natural water slides (including a 9m near-vertical drop and 16m horizontal slide).

You’ll be expecting the adrenaline rush, but you’ll also be filled with the feeling of peace and tranquility amongst all the incredible greenery and swimming in refreshing mountain water. 
 

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To Litochoro

From Athens

  • By car: 420km (4hrs25min)
  • By train: Catch a train from Athens’ main railway station (Larissis Station) to Katerini and then to Litochoro.
    More information
  • By bus: To Katerini where you change for Litochoro. 
    More information

From Thessaloniki

To Dion

From Athens

  • By car: 428km (4hrs30min)

From Thessaloniki

  • By car: 90km (1hr10min)

Most providers offer canyoning expeditions from May-October (always dependent on the weather), with the experience being unsuitable during winter months. 

You’ll get the best experience in: 

  • Spring when nature is in bloom, the air temperature rises every day and there is plenty of rushing water, colours and aromas of nature. 
  • Summer (most popular) when the combination of warm air temperature and refreshing mountain water create an invigorating experience.
  • Autumn
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Start-End Point: The church of Agios Konstantinos (near Dion) or wherever stipulated by your experience provider. 
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Descent:  From 770m to 550m (altitude change 220m)
  • Age/Difficulty: (15+), medium
  • There are sleeping and eating facilities at Koromilia refuge, around 8km - reachable by car - from the church of Agios Konstantinos (from where the descent begins).
    More information 
  • Litochoro has plenty of hotels and traditional restaurants and the added bonus of being very close to the sea, if you fancy a swim.

Litochoro and Dion are 1 hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, so perfect for a day trip. 

All your technical gear (neoprene wetsuits, protective helmets, harnesses etc) will be supplied by your experience provider.
But make sure to bring:

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TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

The charm of canyoning on Mt Olympus is that it is a completely wild and unspoilt environment, so please help keep it that way.

Don’t forget to keep any rubbish with you until you reach a bin.
Use a refillable water bottle to try to minimise your use of plastic.
Please keep to designated paths for your own safety and to avoid disrupting the wildlife.
Respect the local environment by not disrupting the flora and fauna or removing rocks and other natural materials.
Always check the weather and don’t attempt anything that is beyond your abilities or physical condition.
Always choose a canyoning route that reflects the capabilities of every member of your group (level of rapids, water level and rocks).
Follow the safety instructions of your guide, including food and alcohol consumption before your experience.
Lighting fires in the wild is prohibited.
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