Discover Your
Are you looking to escape to a magical place away from the hectic daily life or seeking to expand your knowledge and intrigue your imagination? Would you like to better understand yourself and enjoy new experiences, or do you just want to get your adrenaline rushing? If yes, then Mount Olympus is your destination-waiting for you to explore its mythical paths and live your own myth.
Open Ways Events & Travel’s proposal, “MYthic paTHS”, for the development of slow tourism in the pilot area of Mount Olympus, under the Medpearls project (ENI CBC Med Programme) , has been approved for funding by the European Programme. We are opening the way for a new page in the tourism of the region promoting sustainable tourism by respecting the ecosystem and developing actions that highlight the magnificence of nature, history and long tradition of Mount Olympus and the wider region. The programme in Greece is implemented by the Municipality of Thessaloniki / Department of Tourism.
Mount Olympus has been a source of inspiration for countless myths featuring ancient Greek Gods, heroic legends, and mythical creatures. The place is clouded with mystery, and rumor has it, that its electromagnetic field is so strong that it has attracted extraterrestrial visitors! The rivers, valleys, waterfalls, and peaks of Olympus constitute spectacular and majestic scenery. At the foot of the Mountain, we can trace the sacred city of Dion- one of the top archaeological sites of Greece-an ancient town whose ruins are still preserved today.
Mount Olympus has been a source of inspiration for countless myths featuring ancient Greek Gods, heroic legends, and mythical creatures. The place is clouded with mystery, and rumor has it, that its electromagnetic field is so strong that it has attracted extraterrestrial visitors! The rivers, valleys, waterfalls, and peaks of Olympus constitute spectacular and majestic scenery. At the foot of the Mountain, we can trace the sacred city of Dion- one of the top archaeological sites of Greece-an ancient town whose ruins are still preserved today.
During the Antiquity, Mount Olympus, and the territories of Pieria, Thessaloniki, and Imathia used to be the heart of the famous kingdom of Alexander the Great, (Dion, Pydna, Vergina/Aigai).
Today, these regions are part of the Central Macedonia District in Greece. Rushing mountain streams, majestic summits, picturesque villages off the beaten track and no stress anywhere to be the seen-the area is full of friendly people and tranquil touristic destinations- some are hidden away at the end of the valley, while others are just a stone’s throw from some of the region’s main transit routes or major cities such as Thessaloniki, the capital of northern Greece.
There are secret paths waiting to be explored and a vast culture encompassing Mount Olympus waiting to be experienced. “MYthic paTHS” constitute a unique travel experience throughout the year -whether it’s summer, winter, or spring- and are adapted to the specific preferences of their visitors, i.e. as athletes, artists, nature lovers, families, and older people. People with disabilities or special needs are welcomed and honored and special arrangements are made to make them comfortable and welcomed-ensuring that they are treated with respect, in the spirit of Greek hospitality.
“MYthic paTHS” offer visitors a lifetime experience where they discover new destinations, are introduced to different ways of thinking, bond with locals, and, above all, respect the environment. They suggest an authentic high-quality touristic experience at the place that gave birth to the ancient Greek myths. It is not only a journey back to the heroic past but also a living myth, as it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you have the unique opportunity to discover your true self.
“MYthic paTHS”-the title describing this sustainable touristic proposal-can be interpreted in two ways: on the one hand, it refers to the Olympus area, its diversity, and breathtaking beauty that gave birth to the myth of the 12 Gods of Olympus. On the other hand, it refers to the touristic experiences, where visitors -by learning about the myths, history, culture, folklore, and people of the region- have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of an unforgettable and mythical journey. Thus, they “discover themselves” whilst being away from the pressure of everyday life. They also get to have an overall picture of the past and modern history of the place they are visiting, gain new experiences and try different tastes and explore “mythical” places of indescribable beauty in alternating green and blue landscapes (mountain – sea). Through this touristic concept, the visitors will fully appreciate the area and will have a unique travel experience filled with authentic activities, aiming to help them not only relax by exploring new destinations but also to broaden their horizons, nurture their spirit, acquire new skills, understand the world and the environment, taste, feel, have fun in a new and sustainable way.
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