Mastichochoria · Moderate
Pyrgi to Olympoi
Why walk it
Two fortress villages joined by mastic terraces, with the xysta of Pyrgi at one end and a quiet square at the other.
The route
1Start under the xysta of the central square at Pyrgi and leave the village on the Olympoi road.
2Turn onto the field tracks through the mastic terraces, keeping the ridge on your right.
3Enter Olympoi through the old gate and cross to the tower square.
4Optionally continue to the Olympoi Cave, a further 4.5 km by road — check opening times before you set out.
At a glance
- Distance
- 5.5 km · one way
- Walking time
- 1 h 30 min
- Effort
- Moderate
- Underfoot
- Field tracks and short stretches of quiet asphalt through mastic groves. Gentle gradients; ordinary trainers are enough.
- Shade and water
- Almost none. The groves are waist high. Carry water and avoid the middle of the day from June to September.
- Best time
- Morning, or after 17:00. Best in spring, when the terraces are green.
- Start
- The square at Pyrgi, beneath the incised xysta façades.
Before you set out
The mastic trees are a working crop. Never walk on the swept white ground under a tree during harvest, July to September.
The mastic trees are a working crop. Never walk on the swept white ground under a tree during harvest, July to September.
On the way
Walking times are estimates.
They assume an unhurried pace and no stops. Add time for heat, photographs and lunch.
They assume an unhurried pace and no stops. Add time for heat, photographs and lunch.