Vale of Tempe
Tempi, Greece
A narrow gorge of the Pineios river between Olympus and Ossa. A suspension footbridge crosses to the cave chapel of Agia Paraskevi and its spring.
The Vale of Tempe (Greek: Tempi) is a gorge of the Pineios river in Thessaly, northern Greece, between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa. Depending on the source it is 10 to 12 kilometres long, only about 25 metres wide at its narrowest, and its cliffs rise almost 500 metres.
According to myth, Poseidon's trident cut the valley through the rock. The pass became historically important in 480 BC, when Athenians and Spartans gathered here to stop Xerxes but withdrew. In the gorge lies Agia Paraskevi, a cave shrine with a holy spring, reached by a narrow footbridge over the river; the chapel in front of it dates from around 1910. At the southern entrance stand the ruins of the Ottoman Hasan Baba Tekke.
Since 2017 the A1 motorway has bypassed the gorge through tunnels, which has greatly relieved the route. Check current access rules and closures in advance.
- Nearest town
- Tempi, Greece
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.8870, 22.5930
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- KalamakiCampsite11 km from Vale of Tempe
- CastleCampsite14 km from Vale of TempeDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Heraklia Beach Camping & ApartmentsCampsite14 km from Vale of TempeElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Poseidon BeachCampsite14 km from Vale of TempeDogs allowed
- ArionCampsite14 km from Vale of Tempe
- Camping OrpheusCampsite15 km from Vale of TempeDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Vale of Tempe?
Vale of Tempe is in Tempi, Greece, at GPS 39.8870, 22.5930. It is about 4 km from Ambelakia.
Can you camp near Vale of Tempe?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kalamaki, about 11 km away; within 25 km there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Vale of Tempe?
Vale of Tempe is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Olympus and the Vale of Tempe.
What is there to see near Vale of Tempe?
Places worth a stop nearby: Platamonas Castle (13 km), Prionia (27 km), Dion Archaeological Park (33 km) and Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) (71 km).
When is the best time to visit Vale of Tempe?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)