Rising just above Katerini, Mount Olympus is more than Greece’s highest mountain—it’s a place where nature, history, and myth come together. Known in ancient times as the home of the twelve Olympian gods, Olympus has inspired stories, art, and imagination for thousands of years. Even today, it feels powerful and magical.

Olympus is also a stunning natural treasure. It is Greece’s first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to rich biodiversity, deep gorges, forests, waterfalls, and alpine landscapes. From gentle trails to challenging climbs, the mountain offers something for everyone—whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking or photography, or simply being surrounded by nature.

Life around Olympus has always been closely connected to the mountain. Nearby villages and towns, including the city of Katerini, combine sea and mountain life, tradition and modern living. Within a short distance, you can swim in the Aegean Sea in the morning and walk on mountain paths in the afternoon.

For volunteers coming from all over Europe, Olympus is an invitation: to explore, to connect, and to slow down. It reminds us of the importance of nature, cooperation, and respect—values that also lie at the heart of volunteering. Living and working in the shadow of Olympus is not just a stay in a beautiful place, but an experience that stays with you long after you leave.