GORGES DE L'ENIPEAS

These magnificent gorges (Φαράγγι Ενιπέα/Farangi Epinea) are part of the Olympus National Park. They are the main access to the massif's highest peaks from Litochoro. The only year-round watercourse in Olympus, the small river Enipeas rises at the confluence of several streams, at an altitude of 1,000 m, at a place called Prionia, where the Prionia refuge and restaurant are located. It then cuts deep gorges for 12 km to Litochoro, framed by the Mandres peak (2,247 m) to the north and the Simeoforos peak (2,382 m) to the south. It then continues its course (21 km in total) to flow into the Thermaic Gulf at the seaside resort of Limenas Litochorou. The Enipeas is named after the river-god Enipaeus, and there are two other rivers called Enipeas, in Thessaly (near Larissa) and in the Peloponnese (near Olympia). The gorge can be explored by car (the road stops at Prionia) or on foot (path E4). Ascending from Litochoro, after 2 km, you'll first discover the site of Vythos (or Bythos): a wide opening between the mountains with waterfalls, picnic areas, views of Mount Mytikas (highest point of Olympus), paths with railings on the highest passages, lush vegetation... and a fair amount of garbage. Shortly before Prionia, you'll find the Agios Dionysios monastery on Olympus and the Enipeas waterfalls. Several agencies offer hiking and canyoning trips in the gorge.