OLYMPUS THE FIRST NATIONAL PARK ΙΝ GREECE

In 1938, Olympus, the highest Greek mountain, the residence of the twelve ancient gods, was the first area which was declared as a National Park. About 50 years ago a special regime was enforced to protect this unique part of our country. The aim was the preservation of the natural environment of the flora, fauna and natural landscapes, as well as of its cultural and other values. Scientific research had to be supported and people had to become aware of the environmental conditions. Furthermore tourism had to be developed in the wider area.

Specific laws prohibit any kind of exploitation in the east side of the mountain, about 10,000 acres, which constitutes the core of the National Park. The wider area around it was designated as “peripheral zone of the National Park” so that its management and exploitation won’t affect negatively the protection of the core.Olympus is internationally known as for its important ecological characteristics and incomparable natural beauty as well as for its strong relationship with ancient Greek mythology. The importance of the National Park has been recognized not only in Greece and Europe but all over the world. In 1981 UNESCO declared “Olympus a Biosphere Reserve”. The European Community has included Olympus in the list of “The Most Important Bird areas of the European Community”.

Mount Olympus is located on the border of Macedonia and Thessaly between the prefectures of Pieria and Larissa. The highest point of Mount Olympus, Mytikas, is located 263 km from Athens and 78 km from Thessaloniki as the crow flies and 18 km from the coast of Pieria and 24 km from Katerini.Olympus expands over approximately 500 km2 and covers an essentially circular area with a width of approximately 25 km and a circumference of 80 km. The Olympus National Park covers an area of 238,411,000 m2 with the heart being 40 million m2.

There are no lakes on Mount Olympus with the exception of the small periodic lakes in the areas of Bara and Dristela which are formed by melting snow. Furthermore a small man-made lake was created in recent years at the mouth of Xerolakki Stream above the village of Petra. Officially no mention has been made of large caves, which does not of course rule them out. However, there are frequent many small caves, chasms, caves created by the snow and crevices. Many of the streams have a water flow through out the year and due to the exceptional quality of the water it is channelled directly into the local water supply. There are many streams on Olympus, but few are to be found at an altitude of over 1000 m.

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