Mont Olympe is a climb of 19.5 kilometers (hors catégorie). Mont Olympe tops out at 1,936 m above sea level. It is located in Trimiklini, Κύπρος, Κύπρος - Kıbrıs. The average gradient is 7.0% with a maximum of 14.1%. The climb has 1371 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This HC climb is 19.5 km long with a sustained 1371m of elevation gain and an uneven gradient profile, which makes it a serious test. The main challenge is the steep opening section (KM 3-5 to 10-11%), which demands a hard effort early on, followed by several kilometres at 7-9%. The stretches at 3-4% (KM 6-7 and 15-17) give you a brief breather, but they aren't enough to fully recover.
Pacing advice:
1. Start easy: Don't be tempted to attack the first kilometres (5-8%). Save your legs for the very steep 11% ramp at KM 3.
2. Steady rhythm: Use the two easier sections (KM 6-7 and 15-17) to recover actively by keeping a steady cadence, without stopping.
3. Manage your reserves: Plan for the hard finish (KM 18-19.5 at 7-9%) by holding back enough energy for this final test.
According to those who have climbed it, the ascent of Mount Olympus is a ride that stays with you for life. Cyclists describe goosebumps and a sense of magic when faced with the raw, majestic beauty of the mountain, considered the "button of the gods". The reward at the summit is a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea, the Pieria plains and the other peaks, a panorama that "takes your breath away" and makes every pedal stroke worth it.
The climb is presented as demanding but doable with proper preparation. Riders stress that this is no casual spin: the road has steep sections, and some stretches, especially in the last few kilometres, can be technical, with rocks and loose gravel on the surface. It's crucial to be well equipped and not to underestimate the total elevation gain.
The accounts highlight the variety of landscapes along the way: dense pine and fir forests, impressive gorges such as the Enipeas with its waterfalls, and finally the more barren alpine zone near the summits. The atmosphere is described as energising and unique, enhanced by the weight of Greek mythology that hangs over these slopes.
Some riders mention a few things to watch out for. The access road, especially from Litochoro, can be narrow and winding, requiring constant attention given the occasional traffic. Potholes on certain sections and the uneven state of the surface are also reported, so the advice is to ride carefully, especially through the bends.
Despite these challenges, the overall impression is of an unforgettable adventure. For cyclists looking for a legendary challenge in an exceptional natural setting, Olympus seems to offer an authentic and deeply rewarding experience, where the effort is more than repaid by the grandeur of the scenery and the sense of accomplishment.
19.5 km • 1371 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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