(Photo: Mt. Olympus, Greece via Shutterstock)

Mt. Olympus, Greece

The Myth: The setting for numerous Greek myths, Mt. Olympus is known as the home of the 12 ancient gods (Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, and other big names). According to Homer, the gods live in the mountain’s mysterious folds. Pantheon (now called Mytikas) is their meeting place, where Zeus hears heated discussions and unleashes his thunderous wrath.

The Place: From ancient days, fog and frequent storms have enshrouded this mountain in mystery, inspiring the awe and admiration of onlookers at its base. Now a protected national park, Olympus is an important sanctuary for birds and rare plants and animals.

Why Go: To experience the wrath of Zeus as you watch a tempestuous storm roll in. Well-marked trails traverse Mt. Olympus, and they’re relatively easy to climb. You can follow one of several mountaineering clubs, stopping at refuges along the way