The divine mountains of Greece
Olympus, Thessaly - Central Macedonia
The highest mountain in Greece and the second in the Balkans, after Rila in Bulgaria, but also in the whole region of Europe from the Alps to the Caucasus, at 2917 meters, rich in flora and fauna, will not leave you unmoved. Even the 12 gods couldn’t be unmoved, so they chose the place as their abode!
It is located on the borders of Macedonia and Thessaly and has been declared since 1938 as the first National Park in Greece.
In 1981, UNESCO declared Olympus a “World Heritage Site”, under the auspices of the United Nations, while in 1987 was declared an archaeological and historical site.
Smolikas, North Pindos
The 2nd highest mountain in Greece, at 2,637 meters, occupies the northern part of the prefecture of Ioannina and the western part of the prefecture of Grevena. From there originate the tributaries of Aliakmonas, Venetikos and Greveniotikos. It has a special beauty, since the rich vegetation and Drakolimni, which is formed below its highest peak, compose a unique landscape.
Tymfi, North Pindos
It is a mountain of Epirus in the area of Zagori, between the river Aoos and the tributary of Voidomatis. Its highest peak is Gamila at 2,497 meters. It is a unique mountain of Greece, being alpine and combining two different aspects. The southwestern slopes of Tymfi end at the “Vikos Gorge”.
The northern side has steep slopes that are interrupted by deep ravines, which are strongly reminiscent of the Alps, and that’s why Tymfi is known as the “creeping paradise of Greece”. In the plateaus there are many picturesque alpine lakes, with the most famous being Drakolimni.
Parnassos, Central Greece
Parnassos, in the prefectures of Viotia, Fthiotida and Fokida reaches up to 2,457 meters, with the highest peak Liakoura, is one of the highest mountains in Greece. Although it is known as a winter destination, due to the ski center, it is worth visiting it this season too, strolling around the impressive Arachova and Agoriani. Whether you are a fan of hiking or not, you will love Parnassos, since wandering on the mountain, mountainous and forest routes, cobbled streets and small villages will create you special memories.
Taygetos, Peloponnese
Taletos, for the ancient Greeks, is the highest mountain range in the Peloponnese and extends between the basins of Megalopolis-Evrota and Messinia, with a height of 2,404 meters. Its top is called Profitis Ilias or Agiolias, from the homonymous church. There are many routes that lead to its peaks, but there are also old paths, for the experienced ones in long routes, which start from the villages in the lowlands and reach the most remote mountain settlements.
For a route in the green nature, the fir trees, the stone bridges, the rivers, choose the European path E4. Starting from Anavryti, you have the opportunity to visit the gorge with the same name, to head to Mystras or to reach the shelter of Barbara.
Psiloritis, Crete
Infinite are the beauties that the island hides, including Psiloritis, with a height of 2,453 meters, just 7 centimeters lower than the White Mountains of the prefecture of Chania. The 5 peaks exceed 2,000 meters, while at 1495 meters is the “Ideo antro”, cave and archeological site, where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was raised by Kourites and Amalthea. The uniqueness of the landscape is composed of the rich fauna and flora with species, which grow only on its slopes and therefore is part of two NATURA 2000 areas, while deep gorges and forests can be added to the beauty of the area. You can reach the highest peak from the south, starting from Kamares, Fourfouras or Platania, or from the plateau of Nida.
It has enchanting caves that will take you to another era, such as the Marathokefala cave, the Melidoni cave and the Sfentoni cave.
Kaimaktsalan, Pella-Florina
Mount Vora or Kaimaktsalan is the third highest mountain in Greece, located along the Greek-Yugoslav border, while most of the mountain belongs to the prefecture of Pella to the borders of the prefecture of Florina. The highest peak of Voras is Kaimaktsalan with a height of 2,524 meters, where the Ski Center Voras-Kaimaktsalan is located, which is 45 km from the city of Edessa, remains open from late November to early May and there is getting prepared the National team and most schools. According to one version, the name of the peak means “white peak”, where the church of Prophet Elias is located and is a monument to the Serbs who fell during the First World War. On the mountain you will find densely forested valleys, oak, beech and pine forests as well as rich and rare species of flora and fauna worldwide. Most of it has been proposed to be included in the Natura 2000 areas. The mountain has water bodies at high altitudes such as the Skopias – Kremasis springs at an altitude of 2,400 m. At the foot of Mount Vora is Lake Vegoritida, one of the largest lakes in Greece in extent and depth. Whether you love nature, mountaineering or skiing, Kaimaktsalan is ideal, as it combines everything. It is worth taking a route to this unique landscape, especially the one that ends to “Rema tou Florou”. From Mount Vora you will see unique spectacles, since from there you will admire the Thermaic Gulf, the top of Olympus, the opposite ski center of 3-5 Pigadia of Naoussa as well as the panoramic view to Lake Vegoritida.
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