Fourteen km along the Litochoro – Prionia road, a narrow road leads off to a parking area. This location is called Gortsia and from here starts a wide path leading to Muses Plateau and the mountain shelters Christos Kakkalos and Giosos Apostolidis. Two thirds of the route pass through an amazing forest while the rest is through an alpine landscape with low vegetation.

Prior to departing, it is essential to stock up on water supplies as there is no spring with a reliable flow of water along the route. There are two springs, one at Strango and another one in the forest of beech trees, however to reach these sources demands diverting the central path for 10 to 15 minutes. The first typical point of the route is a flat area called Barba.

Continuing on from here and for some time, the route passes through a forest of beech trees and after ascending for a while along a ridge, there is a cement water tank. Take a short diversion to the left at the water tank for ten minutes to visit the cave which, for many years, was home to Vasilis Ithakisios, the great painter of Olympus.

Continuing along the main path, we reach Petrostrouga (1925m) where we admire the impressive age-old Bosnian pine trees. Continuing up for some way the path reaches the Skourta peak (2485 m) where the alpine landscape begins and there is a stunning view in all directions.It is from this point that a very narrow ridge called Laimos (neck) begins and leads to Muses Plateau where the path separates into two.

The left section of the path leads to Christos Kakkalos Refuge after about 30 minutes hiking while the right sectionleads to Giosos Apostolidis Refuge.

Using the refuges as a starting point, it is the ideal location from which to make short climbs to the peaks of Toumba (2.801 m) and Profitis Ilias (2.803 m). It is also a good spot from which to climb to the high peaks of Mount Olympus by taking the path at the base of Stefani which leads to Zonaria.

Route: medium difficulty
Duration (h): 6
Difference in elevation (m): 1600
Length (m): 13400