Posted by 🏔️ Nature, Myths & Hiking Destinations
Greece is more than just sea and islands.
The country is surprisingly mountainous – almost 80% of its land area consists of hills and mountains.
From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Olympus to the rugged mountains of Crete, a landscape unfolds that surprises many visitors.
The mountains of Greece shape the climate, nature, culture, and history – and they remain a habitat for rare animals and plants.
Those who want to experience Greece beyond the beaches will find peace, authenticity, and breathtaking nature in the mountains.
🌍 Geography: The Mountains of Greece
Greece is the second most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland.
The mountain ranges stretch from north to south and seamlessly merge into the island chains.
They are often described as a “broken Alps” carved out by the sea.
The most important mountain ranges:
Pindus Mountains (northwestern mainland) – the backbone of Greece
Mount Olympus (central Greece) – the country’s most mythical peak
Taygetos Mountains (Peloponnese) – a striking mountain range with deep valleys
White Mountains (Lefka Ori) on Crete – the highest in the Greek islands
Greek mountains often reach heights of over 2,000 meters – many peaks remain snow-covered well into spring.
See also: Volcanoes in Greece
🏔️ The highest mountains in Greece
| Rank | Name | Altitude | Location | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Mount Olympus (Mytikas) | 2 917 m | Central Greece | Highest mountain & seat of the gods |
| 2️⃣ | Smolikas | 2 637 m | Northern Greece (Epirus) | Second highest mountain, rarely visited |
| 3️⃣ | Voras (Kaimaktsalan) | 2 524 m | Border with North Macedonia | Popular ski resort |
| 4️⃣ | Grammos | 2 520 m | Albanian border | Wild & lonely |
| 5️⃣ | Giona | 2 510 m | Central Greece | striking rocky landscape |
| 6️⃣ |
Vardousia |
2 495 m | Central Greece | View of the Gulf of Corinth |
| 7️⃣ | Taygetos | 2 407 m | Peloponnes | highest elevation in southern Greece |
| 8️⃣ | Mount Parnassos | 2 457 m | near Delphi | is popular for hiking and skiing |
| 9️⃣ | Lefka Ori (White Mountains) | 2 453 m | Crete | highest island mountain range in Greece |
| 🔟 | Pelister | 2 340 m | Northern Greece | Part of the Balkan Mountains |
🏛️ Mount Olympus – Home of the Gods
Mount Olympus is not only the highest but also the most famous mountain in Greece.
In ancient times, it was considered the home of the twelve gods – Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and the others are said to have met on its peaks.
Today, Mount Olympus is a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It is located about 100 km southwest of Thessaloniki, near the town of Litochoro.
Facts:
Highest peak: Mytikas (2,917 m)
Second peak: Stefani (“Throne of Zeus”)
Best time to visit: June – October
Ascent: 2 days with an overnight stay in the Spilios Agapitos mountain hut
💡 Tip:
The ascent is challenging, but not a pure climbing route – many tourists manage it with a guide.
⛰️ The Pindus Mountains – the backbone of Greece
The Pindus Mountains stretch from the north, near Albania, to the Gulf of Corinth.
They are the wildest mountain range in Greece – with deep valleys, pine forests, and small mountain villages.
Wolves, bears, and golden eagles still roam here – animals that have become rare in the rest of Europe.
Notable places:
Vikos Gorge: one of the deepest gorges in the world
Metsovo: a traditional mountain village with wooden houses
Zagori Region: known for its stone bridges and hiking trails
💡 Ideal for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
In winter, the area is often snow-covered – pleasantly cool in summer.
🏔️ Mount Taygetos – the backbone of the Peloponnese
Mount Taygetos stretches for over 100 km through the southern Peloponnese.
Its highest point, Profitis Ilias (2,407 m), offers views stretching to the sea and Sparta.
In antiquity, Taygetos was a place of myths and sacrificial sites.
Today, it is a popular hiking area with shady pine forests, rocky outcrops, and mountain streams.
Sights to see:
Hiking trail from Kalamata to Sparta
Small villages like Arna and Parori
Fragrant pine trees, cypresses, and olive groves
💡 Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) or Autumn (September–October)
🏞️ The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete
The Lefka Ori – meaning “White Mountains” – dominate western Crete.
The name comes from the light-colored limestone, which shines white even in summer.
Many peaks reach over 2,000 meters in altitude.
The Samaria Gorge, which runs right through the mountains, is famous.
It is home to ibex (Kri-Kri), vultures, and eagles – one of the most beautiful natural areas in Greece.
Hiking Highlights:
Pachnes Peak (2,453 m)
Entrance to the Samaria Gorge near Omalos
Panoramic view over the Libyan Sea
💡 Tip:
The region is very dry in summer – bring plenty of water!
🏔️ Mount Parnassus – Mountain of the Muses
Mount Parnassus is located in central Greece, not far from the ancient site of Delphi.
In Greek mythology, it was the mountain of the Muses and Apollo.
Today, it’s a winter sports center – home to Greece’s largest ski resort.
Altitude: 2,457 m
Points of interest:
Archaeological site of Delphi
Parnassos Ski Resort (near Arachova)
National park with rare plants
💡 Best time to visit: Winter for skiing, spring for hiking.
🦅 Wildlife of the Greek mountains
The mountains of Greece are home to many rare animals.
Typical species:
Golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, griffon vulture
Ibex (Kri-Kri on Crete)
Bears and wolves in the Pindus Mountains
Wildcats, foxes, badgers
Lizards, snakes, and amphibians in warm valleys
In spring, cyclamen, orchids, and wild herbs bloom – many are endemic, meaning they are found only in Greece.
🌲 Plant life & vegetation
The vegetation changes drastically depending on the altitude:
| Altitude | Plants and Trees | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| 0–600 m | Olives, cypresses, pine trees | typical Mediterranean |
| 600–1 200 m | Pine, chestnut, oak | mixed forest zone |
| 1,200–2,000 m | Fir trees, juniper | cooler mountain regions |
| over 2,000 m | alpine shrubs, mosses | barren summit regions |
In the mountains of Crete, herbs like thyme, oregano, dittany, and sage grow – the basis of many medicinal herbs and teas.
🥾 Hiking & Mountaineering in Greece
Greece has a well-marked network of long-distance hiking trails, such as the E4,
which runs from Crete to northern Greece.
Popular tours:
Ascent to Mount Olympus (Mytikas)
Samaria Gorge in Crete
Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains
Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese
Arachova–Delphi–Parnassos Route
💡 Tip:
It gets chilly at higher altitudes, even in summer – don’t forget a jacket!
⛷️ Ski Resorts in Greece
Little known fact: Greece has several ski resorts!
In winter, the mountains are covered in snow, especially from December to March.
Popular Places:
Parnassos Ski Center (Delphi Region)
Kaimaktsalan (Voras) in the north
Kalavryta in the Peloponnese
Vasilitsa in the Pindus Mountains
Here, Greeks ski, snowboard, or sled—with a view of the sea!
⚠️ Nature & Environmental Protection
Many mountain regions are protected:
Olympus National Park (since 1938)
Samaria National Park (Crete)
Vikos-Aoos National Park
Pindus National Park (Valia Kalda)
Challenges:
Summer forest fires
Wind turbines in sensitive areas
Poaching & illegal dumping
Organizations such as WWF Greece and the Hellenic Ornithological Society
are committed to preserving these unique ecosystems.
📸 Tips for Nature Lovers & Photographers
The light in the mountains is most beautiful in the morning and evening.
Spring (April–June): green valleys, clear views.
Autumn (September–October): colorful forests.
A camera with zoom or a drone allows for impressive landscape photos.
💡 Tip: In Crete, you can stand at 2,000 meters in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon.
🧭 Conclusion: Greece’s Mountains – Silent Giants with a Soul
The mountains of Greece are more than just scenery – they are part of the country’s identity.
Here, mythology, wilderness, and modern leisure meet.
Whether hiking on Mount Olympus, in the Samaria Gorge, or on the heights of Taygetos –
everywhere you feel this blend of nature, history, and freedom.
Anyone who truly wants to understand Greece shouldn’t just go to the sea –
but should stand on one of its mountains and hear the silence that Zeus and Apollo already knew.