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The activity
Orlias Stream, a unique verdant Heaven-on-Earth, draws its livelihood from the crystal waters, flowing from Mt. Olympus’ slopes, form continuous waterfalls and pools, providing us with an opportunity to swim and dive in the beautiful scenery.
Throughout our journey within the canyon, through the stream, we find our way to the spectacular Red Rock Waterfall. At this point of interest, you can take a dive into the blue-green waters of the pools forming there.
The area
Orlias Gorge, is located about 5 kilometers South-West of Dion Village, in the Pieria Prefecture, on the East side of Mt. Olympus. According to Greek Mythology, the mountain’s summit, was the abode of the Olympian Gods.
The history
The name Orlias, was acquired by the hum created by the water, travelling through. During the ancient days of Greece and according to the Myth, the gorge was named Elikonas and Orfeus, who was born in one of the Olympus’ caves, was murdered by the Pierides Muses, at the location where the river blends in with the earth below it, very close to Orfeus’ birthplace named Livitheira. The Myth continues saying that the Muses regretting their crime, wanted to be purified by Eliokonas’ waters. Elikonas, the River, did not wanting to be part of the crime and purification, decided to disappear into the Earth’s depths, finding its way back to the surface, now purified, at Dion, having the new name Vafihras, which means “painted”, by Orfeus’ innocent blood.
Nature and People
The Orlias Gorge is located in the eastern foothills of Mount Olympus, where it has been declared a National Park since 1938. The wider area has a special value for its rare flora with 23 endemic plants but also many similar to the Alps and western Asia. It also has a rich fauna with many insects, rare birds and mammals. The area of Olympus is the refuge for many species of carnivorous and herbivorous mammals and birds of prey. 32 species of mammals and 108 species of birds have been recorded, while there are not a few species that are threatened with extinction by human activities and changing climatic conditions.
Itinerary
Our journey starts at the chapel of St. Constantine & Helen, very close to the Dion village. We travel the canyon through the river. Climbing the canyon and enjoying the verdant environment and waterfall’s fresh water. After a 1-hour hike, we follow a path parallel to the river that leads us to the Red Rock Waterfall, which is 20 meters high. We take a long break swimming in the pools below. Returning to the chapel by hiking.
Highlights:
- Chapel of St. Constantine & Helen
- Spectacular and rich flora
- Canyon’s morphology, waterfalls and pools
Chapel of St. constanite & Helen, near Dion Village at 10:00 a.m here
Participation fee (Private Tours):
- 2 persons 80 € per person
- 3-4 persons 65 € per person
- 5-8 persons 50 € per person
- 9 persons and more: please contact us to get an offer
Participation fee (Fixed Departure Tours):
- 50€ per person
- Experience Greek Αdventure local guide / animater (Greek or English speaking)
(1 guide for every 12 people) - Light Snack (cereal bar, fruit, cookies, etc.)
- All taxes
- Public Liability Insurance
- Gratuities for local guides / animators (optional)
- Local transfers from / to the starting point of the activity
- That is not expressly stated above
- Physical and mental health
- Basic physical condition
- Basic swimming knowledge
- Filling out a participation document
- Pre-payment of participation
Suitable for ages: 08-70 years.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
What participants should have with them:
- 2nd pair of shoe that will get wetSwimsuit
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Daypack
- Light clothes
- Snack (optional)
Total program duration: around 4-5 hours.
Optional: Know how to swim.
Suitable for ages: 08-70 years
Additional services:
- Transfer to the point where the activity starts at a cost of €10/person from the area of Platamonas, Leptokaryas, Litochoro. The cost of transportation from other points is determined by agreement.
- Arrange of a picnic at the end of the activity with an additional charge of €12/person
Should i have water with me and how much?
During the activity we will not find drinking water (spring or tap). Although the stream water is crystal clear, we recommend that each participant has their own 1.5 to 2 liters of water.
Do I have to have food with me?
Food is not necessary because a delightful picnic awaits us at the end of the route. However, since the activity lasts about 4-5 hours, we would suggest that you bring some light snacks (nuts, energy bars, fruit, etc.) with you as an option.
How is the ground in this activity?
It is one of the activities where we will encounter many different types of terrain. Stream with stones and water, pedestals that we will need to swim, rocks and waterfalls that we will do a light climb, trail at the end to the “”Red Rock”” and back.
What shoes are good to have?
As a large part of the route is in the stream we would recommend having sports shoes that will get wet.
What clothes should I have for the activity?
As the activity takes place during a time when the weather is usually good but we are in contact with water for most of it, we would recommend light clothing that will get wet or a bathing suit and a change of dry clothes for hiking the trail as an option. In addition, you could have a light jacket (windproof or fleece) for the places where we will rest.
Do I need to have any specific equipment for the activity?
Definitely don’t forget your hat, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and daypack to carry all of the above. For the camera or mobile phone you should have the special waterproof cases that will protect them from water.
