You might not have heard of Litochoro before, but chances are you know Mount Olympus and the Olympic gods. Just one hour from Θεσσαλονίκη, at the foothills of Olympus, lies Litochoro, a town with a unique duality. Look up at the mountain and you will see the “Crown Jewel of Mount Olympus,” the peak of Mytikas, rising 2,918 meters high and surrounded by lush green slopes. On the other side lies the Olympian coast, close enough for a quick swim or a meal in a seaside taverna. And right in between, Litochoro itself shines with leafy squares, cozy cafés, cobblestone streets, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you slow down and take it all in.
We spent a weekend here and gathered our favorite highlights, from hiking trails to ice cream stops and lively tavernas.
Our first stop in Litochoro was coffee and ice cream, a ritual we never skip. Efessou, a bakery by the main square and next to the church of Agios Nikolaos, is our top pick. They serve a wide selection of gelato flavors, but be quick—popular ones disappear fast, so morning is the best time to go.
halu’s choice: Stracciatella gelato + Freddo espresso
With freddo in hand, we strolled through the square and headed for the Enipeas Gorge. The standard route is easy and follows the town’s water supply. The path offers sweeping views of the gorge, the foothills, and even the sea in the distance.
The gorge carries melted snow from Olympus peaks down to Litochoro, creating natural pools and a green, serene landscape. Visiting in late summer meant the water was lighter, but it was still beautiful. The walk takes around 30 minutes round trip, perfect for a short hike. For those ready to push further, longer trails climb higher into the mountain, rewarding you with chapels, stone bridges, and incredible views.
halu’s choice: A walk along the Enipeas Gorge route with a stop to admire the lush nature and the natural pools
After our hike, we got back in the car and within 20 minutes reached the coast. Swimming in the sea, with Olympus towering behind you, is something special. Knowing we would be hungry, we picked a spot right by our lunch destination: Kavos Fish Tavern, a seaside taverna with its own fishing boat tied outside.
The menu highlights fresh catch of the day, straight from the sea, paired with all the Greek favorites.
halu’s order: Fresh catch of the day + mussels, fried calamari, fried zucchini, Greek salad, and local Tsipouro
For the evening, we returned to Litochoro and looked for a relaxed spot with drinks and meze. Although it is a lively area for both locals and visitors, the cafés and bars along the Enipeas Gorge are easy to miss since they are tucked under giant plane trees near the edge of the town. Some even host live music.
Our pick was Disco Romeiko, a traditional kafeneio with a modern twist. During the day it feels like you are in the middle of nature, and at night it turns into a vibrant meeting place.
halu’s order: Draft craft beer on tap + platter of traditional Greek cheeses + Ntakos salad
We ended our night with a walk through the parks and main streets of Litochoro, soaking in the calm atmosphere. The town is an ideal choice for a day trip or a full weekend, thanks to its close proximity to Θεσσαλονίκη and its unique combination of mountain and sea. It is also the starting point for the trail to Mytikas peak, making it perfect for adventurers aiming for Olympus.
Litochoro is a place where you can hike, swim, eat well, and enjoy the charm of a mountain town all in one trip. And this was only a glimpse—there is much more to explore, which we will share in future articles.
Σε συνεργασία με τη halu!
Άτοκα, πληρωμή κάθε 30 μέρες.
Η διαθεσιμότητα επιλογών πληρωμής εξαρτάται από τον έμπορο και το ποσό αγοράς. Απαιτείται έγκριση. Ενδέχεται να ισχύουν επιπλέον όροι. Όροι και προϋποθέσεις