Winter Hike on Mount Parnitha

On January 14, 2019January 14, 2019 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering10 Comments

It was a beautiful sunny morning just after Christmas and just before the end of 2018 and I took the decision to go for a training hike on Mount Parnitha. The previous days there was a quite heavy snowfall and due to rather low temperatures I was able to hike on snow (in the north side of the mountain) and on dry conditions from the east/south side of Mount Parnitha.

Mt. Parnitha is located in Attiki province, 25km North from the city of Athens. It is one of the 4 mountains(the others are Immitos, Penteli and Aigaleo) that surround the circular plain,in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the talllest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

Winter_Hiking_Parnitha_20181230_103453_545 — Flabouri Mountain Hut

Continue reading “Winter Hike on Mount Parnitha” →

Hiking in Tzoumerka (Athamanika) – Pramanta Refuge – Waterfall Kefalovriso

On January 7, 2019August 27, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking13 Comments

After a rather demanding climb in Strogoula via the “Agrofylakas” couloir, it was time for an easy hike in order to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Athamanika (Tzoumerka) mountains.

The cycle of seasons at Tzoumerka (Athamanika) follows its own calm rhythms. Words such as awe and admiration are not enough to describe the splendor of the nature.

Here, time seems to hang still over the gorges, the vertical cliffs of the ravines and the snow-covered firs that climb the rocks up to the naked alpine zone. The abundant running water and impressive waterfalls justify the omnipresent dense flora and satisfy both the physical thirst as well as that of the sense of sight.

There are a lot of mapped hiking routes at Tzoumerka, with special markings, both for advanced and beginners in hiking. A very easy hike is the one that starts from the Pramanta Mountain Refuge and end in the Waterfall.

Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Pramanta_Waterfall_20181223_194715_943 — View of Strogoula as seen from Pramanta Mountain Refuge

Continue reading →

Winter hike and mountaineering climb on Gardiki Peak (Arête of Chelmos/Aroania)

On December 10, 2018December 10, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering4 Comments

Winter is back! And we are very happy for this for the simple fact that most, if not all, the high mountains of Greece, are fully covered with this beautiful water vapour frozen into ice crystals, Snow!

It was beginning of December, and as first winter mountaineering climb, we have decided to visit the third consecutive peak of the Arete of Chelmos (Aroania), Gardiki.

Gardiki (2.182 m), is part of the Aroania (Chelmos) mountain complex. Aroania/Chelmos (2355m), stands proud with its biggest section extending to the Kalavrita area. Is the third highest mountain in the Peloponnese and its natural beauties, the rare species of plants, birds and animals make it stand out. Its rich biotopes are protected as a Natura 2000 site. The mount attracts a large number of visitors mainly due to the ski-center that is situated in Vathia Lakka, 14 km. east of Kalavrita and the climbing routes. It offers an unsurpassed experience since there nest landscapes of unique beauty, traditional settlements, archaeological areas, caves and rivers. The mountain is suitable for excursions round the year.

Gardiki-Zarouchla-Aroania-Arete-Helmos_20181210_070937_703 — Startin Point – Zarouchla village

Continue reading “Winter hike and mountaineering climb on Gardiki Peak (Arête of Chelmos/Aroania)” →

Hiking on Mount Mainalo – Traversing Ostrakina to Mavri Korifi (Black Peak)

On December 3, 2018August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

Autumn is a really nice season and full of surprises while adventuring in the outdoors. One day can be with beautiful sunny conditions, the day after the scenery can change dramatically and become full of mist and fog. This is what actually happened on our last visit on Mainalo mountain.

The climate of the area is quite unique given the elevation. The range feels more like the PWN than the alps, this is due to the high forestation and large amounts of precipitation in the area. The range is very humid and rather cold boasting some of the coldest fronts in Greece, easily falling under -10C during storms. The area has stable weather and gets storms for multiple days although harsh weather is a staple of the area, quick changes of weather during storms (i.e. from rain to no rain, from cloudy to snowy) is another problem.

Mainalo_Menalo_Mountain_Ostrakina-Mavri_Koryfi_Travere_20181125_201155_514 — early morning view from my tent

Continue reading →

Hiking on Mount Mainalo – Tzelati Peak

On November 26, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

Mount Mainalo, with almost 2000 m altitude (Ostrakina Peak) is one of the most mysterious mountains of Greece. It dominates the middle of the Peloponnese and is distinguished for its natural wealth and beauty. On its lush green slopes, since the dawn of the world man became a predator, architect, and musician, learned to live in towns, discovered the charms of art, the assistance of divination and met face to face with God.

Last time we have visited Mount Mainalo (or Menalo) was for a winter mountaineering ascent a couple of years ago. Now, a couple of years later on, it was again time to visit Mainalo, wich was named after the mythical Maenalus.

Mainalo_Menalo_Mountain_Refuge_Tzelati_20181125_174336_738 — EOS Tripolis Refuge

Continue reading →

Taygetus Mountain E4 path – Taygetus Mountain Refuge – Anavriti

On September 17, 2018August 30, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking1 Comment

Once again, in one of the most mythical mountains of Greece, Mount Taygetus (Taygetos). The slopes of Taygetus have been inhabited since at least Mycenean times. The site of Arkina, near the village of Arna, contains three beehive tombs and is still unexplored. Taygetus was important as one of Sparta’s natural defenses. The Spartans threw criminals and “unfit” (weak, sickly, deformed, or mentally retarded) infants into a chasm of Taygetus known as Ceadas.

Taygetos_Taygetus_Mountain_Autumn_Ascent_2598 — ESO Spartis Mountain Refuge

Continue reading →

Taygetus Mountain Crossing Pentadaktylos (Five Fingers) – Anavriti – Tsarkos – Spanakaki – Sidirokastro – Athanati Rachi – Profitis Elias – EOS Refuge

On September 10, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Mountaineering general7 Comments

It has been quite some time since the last update on Olympus Mountaineering blog. This summer was rather busy and rather hot, so the high peaks had to wait for the beginning of the Autumn. As first mountaineering adventure for this new season was -once again- selected the beautiful mountain of Taygetos (or Taygetus).

Taygetus, is a mountain range in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. The highest mountain of the range is Mount Taygetus, also known as the “Profitis Ilias”, or “Prophet Elias”. The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 peaks of the mountain range.

Taygetos_Pentadaktylos_Anavriti_Crossing_1219 — Starting point Anavriti Village

Continue reading →

Hiking in picturesque villages Kallarites and Syrrako

On June 18, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

The region of Pindos is an amazing place and full of pleasant surprises. Having been in this region several times, I have also decided to do a small hike between two beautiful picturesque villages, Kallarites and Syrrako.

This hike was done just few hours after the completion of the Lakmos mountain crossing and after a very peaceful night I have stayed on the Alpine lake of Verliga.

Kallarites_Syrakko_9311 — From Kallarites to Syrrako

Continue reading →

Verliga alpine lake – Wild camping on Greece’s secret paradise

On June 11, 2018August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking15 Comments

The word paradise develops in Western languages from the Greek word paradeisos. In the western culture the concept of paradise developed in two related levels. The first was scriptural and thus a part of religious belief: paradise is either a place for life after death—often serving as a more tangible and concrete substitute for the vaguer term heaven —or the setting for a primal, idealized epoch in human history: the Garden of Eden.

The second way in which the concept developed was through the actual physical depiction or recreation of the religious image of paradise on earth, either in the form of actual gardens or through the use of certain types of garden imagery, and this is exactly what the alpine lake of Verliga is about.

Lakmos_Peristeri_Verliga_9251 — Approaching Verliga lake

Continue reading →

Hiking in South Pindos – Lakmos Mountain Pt.02 | Verliga Alpine Lake – Megas Trapos – Baros – Kallarites

On June 5, 2018September 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking6 Comments

The second day of Lakmos (Peristeri) mountain crossing started rather early. I woke up at 5:45 in order to prepare breakfast and break down the campsite. The early morning sky was beautiful and the water of the alpine lake Verliga peaceful. My breakfast was rather simple (oatmeal with dried fruits) but very enjoyable in such a magical landscape.

On the previous day, we have covered around 10 kilometres of distance and rather good elevation gain, instead the second day, we had to cover a distance of about 12 kilometres.