Σπήλιος Αγαπητός | Καταφύγιο Α

Spilios Agapitos – Skala – Skolio

The path from Spilios Agapitos, first thing in the morning, can seem tiring, as it zig-zags up the main E4 behind the refuge to follow the Chondro Mesorrachi ridge up to Skala. The first part of the path has some tree cover, and passes through some lovely landscape with fabulous views. As the altitude increases, and the lack of oxygen prevents trees from growing, the path opens out. This forms a zig-zagging path that reaches a benched vantage point, just before the Zonaria fork in the path (on the right at 2480m). Here you can take a well deserved break.

The next section can be gruelling (especially depending on the weather), so be warned to take plenty of water, and protect yourself against UV affects at altitude. After the respite, the path turns to loose gravel and climbs steadily for over 1 km to Skala (the first peak you will reach on this path, at 2866m). This is in fact the most tiring part of the path, and it is advised to rest at points on the ascent. Also, note that due to the geographic formation of the gorge inside the summit of the peaks, very cold winds can blow here and so even on sunny days, it is advised to take smoothing to cover yourself in the event of changeable weather.

You will finally reach a point just before Skala, which is a fork in the road to Skolio (the second highest peak). Here you can veer to the left path and undercut Skala, and head towards the summit fo Skolio some fifteen minutes away. There is a slight incline to reach the summit, which is marked to a waypoint column and signing book. From this point you have an excellent view of Mytikas and Stefani. To return you can retrace your steps the way you came via E4 or you can continue on and loop around the opposite side, where there is a convenient path to take you back to the E4.

Rather than returning by the same route, there is an alternative way back that forms a scenic loop toward Agios Antonios before descending to rejoin the E4 trail. This option adds variety to the journey and offers a different perspective of the high alpine terrain around Olympus.

From Skolio, continue walking along the ridge path as it gently curves in the direction of Agios Antonios. The terrain here is open and expansive, with wide views across the Olympus massif. After following the ridge for a short distance, you will reach a slightly raised section where the path makes a noticeable turn. From this point you make a sharp change of direction, leaving the ridge and beginning the descent down the opposite face of the mountain.
The first part of the descent is steep and requires careful footing, particularly on loose ground. Take your time through this section. Soon after, the trail crosses a small grassy plateau where the path becomes easier to follow again. As you continue, the trail passes near a shallow cave or recess in the rock that almost always holds a block of snow, even during the warmer months.

Beyond this point the path becomes more defined and begins a series of zig-zag turns down the mountainside. The descent gradually brings you back toward the more familiar routes of the mountain, eventually reaching an open area where the trail reconnects with the main E4 path.

Once back on the E4, you simply retrace the route back toward Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos). This final section is straightforward and provides a gentle conclusion to the loop. Upon returning to the refuge you can rest, enjoy a meal, and decide whether to continue your descent the same day or stay overnight and head down to Prionia the following morning.