There’s something strange about the value and quality of a mountan refuge, 2000 metres above sea level and unreachable by car, exceeding that of a youth hostel in a capital city. But like in Norway, when we pushed open the small wooden gate of Refuge A on Mount Olympus we were greeted by a charming wooden chalet, reception desk, and restaurant.

After a Mythos beer on the outside terrace overlooking the ocean, plains and wooded valleys of lower Olympus, we adjourned to the dining room.

Refuge A has a fully staffed kitchen with a simple, but satisfying a la carte menu. We ordered the filling fava bean soup…

vegetable soup with noodles…

and a bowl of tzatzki with bread, but there was also a vegetarian pasta for those looking for a more subtantial option on the eve of the big climb.

Breakfast the next morning included yoghurt with honey, and bread with jam, and there was also a range of energy food (chocolate, nuts, fruit) available to buy from the reception to sustain climbers you on the approach to the summit. If you’re looking for Dutch courage, the refuge offers a selection of wines and beers, along with non-alcholic drinks.

I’m fast becoming an admirer of the European trekking hut system - my only worry is that I’ll find it hard to go back to tents and camping food in Australia.

Vegetarian in Greece: More posts on Greek veggie food

• Shhh! Greek food is vegetarian friendly
• Cheap vegetarian food in Greece
• Food and wine Santorini style
• Cretan food: not food for cretins
• Central fruit and vegetable markets, Athens
• Filistron mezedes restaurant, Athens

Share This