Olympus Mountains | Lesvos | A Natura 2000 Botanical Paradise of 1400 Species

Author

George | The Shiny Greece Team

Olympos is a 967 m. mountain in south Lesvos island, extending from the plains of Polichnitos and Gera to Plomari village. It is located above the traditional settlement of Agiasos and it is considered a botanical paradise, including more than 1400 species of flora. This large number of species, many of which are rare and show high ecological interest, is due to the short distance of the area from Asia Minor.

Mount Olympus Lesvos | Photo by: anonymous, Olympos Lesvos, CC BY-SA 3.0

Natural Wealth

The mountain owes this natural wealth also to the variety of the island’s habitats, the peculiarity of the rocks, the weather of Lesvos, the morphology of the Lesvos landscape, and the geological disconnection of the island from Eastern Aegean. The Olympos mountain range has been included in the official list of CORINE-Land Cover habitats. It is part of the region “Gulf of Gera – Marsh Dippi and Mount Olympus”, included in the national catalogue of the European Network of Protected Areas “NATURA 2000” with the code number GR4110005. It has also been characterized as an “Important Bird Area".

Olympos Mountain Lesvos | Photo by: Panagiotis - The Shiny Greece Tea

Lesvos Tours & Experiences

Flora

Olympus area is covered by chestnut cultivated forest, trachea pine forests and black pine forests. The black pine is a priority habitat, endemic to Lesvos and rare all over Europe. There are also twelve species of (rare in Europe) orchids that are protected by the CITES treaty and are almost non-existent in Greece, such as Grisebachii, Sideritis Sipylea Tea, Centaurs Cemtaurea Urvillei and Viola Viola Heldreichiana (the name was first given by Lesvos Theophrastus, one of the first Greek botanists of the Aristotelian community).

Fauna

Regarding fauna, important in Olympus mountains are: the small Persian squirrel that is known in Lesvos as "galia", which lives only in Greece, the "Turkotsobanakos" bird that lives and breeds throughout Europe only in Lesvos, the reptile vipera xanthine and the agama stellio dragon found in the Red Book of Threats (RED BOOK).

Agiassos and Olympus | Photo by: Rosa-Maria Rinkl, Blick auf Agiassos, CC BY-SA 4.0

Olympus Mountains Routes

Mount Olympus has also beautiful routes, with the main starting point at Agiasos village, enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each year.

FAQs for Olympus Mountains

Planning to explore the Olympus Mountains of Lesvos? These frequently asked questions provide useful information about Olympos Lesvos, including its location, altitude, hiking routes, remarkable flora and fauna, Natura 2000 status, and nearby Agiasos. They also clarify the difference between Mount Olympus in Lesvos and the famous Mount Olympus of mainland Greece, helping nature lovers and hikers discover one of the island’s most fascinating mountain landscapes.

Where is Olympos Lesvos?

Olympos Lesvos, also known as Mount Olympus of Lesvos, is located in the southern part of the Greek island of Lesvos. The mountain rises above the traditional village of Agiasos and extends through a remarkably rich natural landscape toward the areas of Gera, Polichnitos and Plomari.

How high is Mount Olympus in Lesvos?

Mount Olympus in Lesvos reaches approximately 967 meters above sea level. Although considerably lower than the famous Mount Olympus of mainland Greece, Olympos is one of the most distinctive mountains on Lesvos and offers impressive views across the island.

Is Olympos Lesvos the same as Mount Olympus in mainland Greece?

No. Olympos Lesvos is a mountain on the island of Lesvos, while the famous Mount Olympus is located in northern mainland Greece between Macedonia and Thessaly. Mainland Mount Olympus contains Mytikas, Greece's highest peak, whereas Olympus Mountain in Lesvos reaches approximately 967 meters.

What is Olympus Mountain in Lesvos famous for?

Olympus Mountain in Lesvos is particularly famous for its exceptional biodiversity. The wider mountain area contains around 1,400 plant species and includes forests, rare plants and orchids. Its ecological importance makes Olympos one of the most fascinating destinations in Lesvos for hiking and nature exploration.

Is Olympos Lesvos part of the Natura 2000 network?

Yes. The Olympos mountain area forms part of the protected Natura 2000 site associated with the Gulf of Gera, the Dipi marshes and Mount Olympus. The designation reflects the area's important habitats, plant life, wildlife and broader ecological significance.

Can you hike Mount Olympus in Lesvos?

Yes. Mount Olympus in Lesvos offers beautiful hiking opportunities through forested mountain landscapes. Agiasos is one of the main starting points for exploring Olympos, with routes leading through areas of chestnut, pine and other characteristic vegetation.

What plants can be found on Olympos Lesvos?

Olympos Lesvos is considered a botanical paradise, with around 1,400 plant species recorded in the wider area. Its vegetation includes chestnut forests, pine forests, black pine and numerous wildflowers and orchids, including rare species of significant ecological interest.

What wildlife lives around Olympus Mountain in Lesvos?

The Olympos area supports diverse wildlife, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. Its combination of forests, rocky terrain and other habitats contributes to the mountain's biodiversity and importance as a protected natural area of Lesvos.

What is the connection between Agiasos and Olympos Lesvos?

The traditional village of Agiasos lies on the slopes of Mount Olympus and is one of the main gateways to the mountain. Its location makes Agiasos an excellent starting point for discovering the forests, walking routes and natural landscapes of Olympos while also experiencing one of Lesvos's best-known traditional villages.

Is Olympos Lesvos the same as Mount Othrys?

No. Olympos Lesvos and Mount Othrys are completely different Greek mountains. Olympos is located on the island of Lesvos and reaches approximately 967 meters, while Mount Othrys is a mountain range of Central Greece, principally associated with Phthiotis and Magnesia. They should not be confused when searching for Olympus Mountain in Lesvos.

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