Only 30 minutes from Thessaloniki, Mount Hortiatis (1,100 m) is the highest peak of the region and a magical destination in both autumn and winter. The mountain is full of oak, beech, and chestnut forests, which turn golden in the fall and transform into misty or even snow-covered landscapes in winter. It’s the perfect daily trip if you want to leave the city behind and enjoy nature at its best.
Our hike begins just outside the traditional village of Hortiatis and follows a beautiful forest trail. The first part is slightly uphill, but soon we’re walking under the trees, breathing fresh air and enjoying the calm of nature. After about 1.5 hours we’ll reach the summit, with stunning 360° views over Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, and the northern slopes of the mountain.
On the way down, we’ll stop at the friendly Hortiatis refuge the ideal spot for coffee, tea, or a hearty homemade meal. After a good break, we continue on a circular route back to our starting point, completing a refreshing and accessible loop hike.