A paradise for hikers and mountaineers
Mount Giona is the highest mountain in Central Greece and a top destination for mountaineers, climbers, and hikers. Its imposing presence, its three massive ridges, its dramatic ravines, and its sheer rock faces (Sykia is one of the tallest in the Balkans at 1,100 metres) are awe inspiring.
Historically, it served as a hideout for freedom fighters and was mentioned in many folk songs. Today, it provides a sanctuary for rare flora, including two endemic species, as well as wild animals and rare birds.
If your primary goal is to connect with nature, you will truly fall in love with it. You can use the villages of Kaloskopi, Sykia, and Stromi as your base on the mountain, or stay in nearby Lidoriki and the villages of the Vardousia Mountains or Western Parnassus. Always plan your routes with respect for safety rules. If you are not an experienced hiker, hire a certified mountain guide.
For hikers of all levels, the most manageable (medium difficulty) routes to the Pyramida peak start at Kaloskopi and end at an altitude of 2,510 metres. You can choose the Kedros -Vathia Lakka route or the Kritharolakka – Hiking Club of Athens (P.O.A.) Shelter route. The shelter is available for overnight stays by prior arrangement.
At lower altitudes, you will find several easy trails around Kaloskopi through the fir forests, as well as the easy Stromi – Kaloskopi trail, which is part of the E4 European long-distance trail.
One of the more demanding routes is that of Reka Gorge, which was the path used by loggers to transport timber by mule. The route starts in Viniani, it passes by the P.O.A. Shelter, and ends at Pyramida peak.
For mountaineers, the Karagianni trail that starts in Sykia is a dream trek, and it includes a number of climbing routes and several exposed sections. Another particularly captivating ascent is through the famous Lazorema (Sykia – Vathia Lakka – Pyramida). However you choose to explore it, enjoy this raw diamond of the Greek mountains, nestled between the Vardousia Mountains and Mount Parnassus.
Historically, it served as a hideout for freedom fighters and was mentioned in many folk songs. Today, it provides a sanctuary for rare flora, including two endemic species, as well as wild animals and rare birds.
If your primary goal is to connect with nature, you will truly fall in love with it. You can use the villages of Kaloskopi, Sykia, and Stromi as your base on the mountain, or stay in nearby Lidoriki and the villages of the Vardousia Mountains or Western Parnassus. Always plan your routes with respect for safety rules. If you are not an experienced hiker, hire a certified mountain guide.
For hikers of all levels, the most manageable (medium difficulty) routes to the Pyramida peak start at Kaloskopi and end at an altitude of 2,510 metres. You can choose the Kedros -Vathia Lakka route or the Kritharolakka – Hiking Club of Athens (P.O.A.) Shelter route. The shelter is available for overnight stays by prior arrangement.
At lower altitudes, you will find several easy trails around Kaloskopi through the fir forests, as well as the easy Stromi – Kaloskopi trail, which is part of the E4 European long-distance trail.
One of the more demanding routes is that of Reka Gorge, which was the path used by loggers to transport timber by mule. The route starts in Viniani, it passes by the P.O.A. Shelter, and ends at Pyramida peak.
For mountaineers, the Karagianni trail that starts in Sykia is a dream trek, and it includes a number of climbing routes and several exposed sections. Another particularly captivating ascent is through the famous Lazorema (Sykia – Vathia Lakka – Pyramida). However you choose to explore it, enjoy this raw diamond of the Greek mountains, nestled between the Vardousia Mountains and Mount Parnassus.
