Hiking in Zagori – Villages and Stone Bridges – Greece (family friendly)

On June 15, 2021August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking21 Comments

Having completed one of the most exciting trekking trips in Tymfi, we decided to explore a bit further the area and specifically the Zagori villages.

Zagori, is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Asprangeloi. It has an area of some 1,000 square kilometers and contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria), and is in the shape of an upturned equilateral triangle. Ioannina, the provincial capital, is at the southern point of the triangle, while the south-western side is formed by Mount Mitsikeli (1,810m). The Aoos river running north of Mt Tymfi forms the northern boundary, while the south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to Mount Mavrovouni (2,100m) near Metsovo.

Hiking_Zagori_Villages_Bridges_Zagorochoria_MAIN-copy — Kalogeriko Bridge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 3 – Astraka Refuge – Davalista – Konitsa

On June 6, 2021September 3, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking20 Comments

The third day of this amazing thru-hike, started after a good sleep and rest in the mountain refuge of Astraka. Although, day one and day two we had to carry a heavy load, we were very excited to carry on with our adventure and exploration of Mt. Tymfi.

For this third and last day on the mountain, we had as first goal to go through the Davalista pass which is located NW from the Astraka refuge, and as a final destination to get back to Konitsa where we had parked our car.

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part3_Astraka_Refuge_Davalista_Konitsa_082510_297 — Astraka peak – What a lovely morning view from the refuge

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 2 – Sadi Migas – Karteros Pass – Astraka Refuge

On June 3, 2021August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering26 Comments

Following a rather good night of sleep in the “secret” log cabin, we woke up with a unique and mesmerising morning view. The early morning sun beams were gently hitting the high peaks of Mt. Tymfi and specifically Gamila peak. The contrast of the rock and the clear blue sky was great and there was clearly visible a line, which happens to be one of the most repeated trad-climbing routes of Gamila, Tsekouri.

Although this second day we had to cover quite some distance and to climb up Karteros’ pass, we took it rather easy with our breakfast. We enjoyed our morning coffee and talked about past mountaineering activities and climbing routes.

Mount_Tymfi_Pindos_North_Side_Thru-Hike_Part2_Sadi_Migas_Karteros_Pass_Astraka_Refuge_084234_795 — Our morning view from the log cabin

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Mount Tymfi (Pindos) North Side Thru-Hike Part 1 – Konitsa – Moni Stomiou – Sadi Migas

On June 1, 2021August 25, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking25 Comments

Few years ago, I have visited the magnificent Mt. Tymfi from the south side and I was amazed by the beautiful landscape, villages and hiking routes had to offer. The past winter, Greece was under strict lockdown and it was rather difficult -and illegal- to visit Mt. Tymfi from another area. Though, nowadays, it is possible again to travel within Greece and therefore we have decided to visit again this magnificent mountain, but this time to reach the high peaks via the north side hiking routes.

Specifically, we decided to start from Konitsa, then hike towards Moni Panagias Stomiou, Sadi Mygas, Karteros Pass, Loutsa Robozi, Xeroloutsa Tsoumani, Astraka Refuge, Davalista and return back to Konitsa.

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Hiking at Methana Volcano – Greece (family friendly)

On May 6, 2021August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking16 Comments

Last few months, I was mainly focused on sport climbing and mountaineering routes, though, finally once again I hit the trail for a great hike to the Methana Volcano.

Geologically speaking, Methana is a very interesting region: a long time ago, it was very volcanic and nowadays, it counts no less than 32 ancient craters. One can also see some ancient lava flows, but it is the volcano located in the north-west, not far from the village of Kameni Chora (= burned village), that is the most spectacular witness of this volcanic past – over here, one can really imagine oneself in a true landscape of volcanoes.

Hiking_Methana_Volcano_145744_382 — Trail indication

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Hiking in Kilada – Patima Park – Ermionida (family friendly)

On January 29, 2021September 2, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking19 Comments

It has been quite some time ago since I have last visited the area of Ermionida and this time, besides climbing in the wonderful location of Caves of Franchthi, I also had the chance to visit a great trail that was created by the municipality of Kilada.

Kilada is a picturesque traditional fishing village located in Ermionida, not far from Kranidi and Ermioni. The small village is famous for its traditional shipbuilding and boat construction yards. The boatyards still continue to make and repair traditional wooden fishing boats, as well as maintaining modern luxury yachts for the residing yachting community.

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Hiking and Wild Camping on Mount Giona (Mt. Aselinon)

On September 8, 2020August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

One more summer is almost coming to the end and just before Autumn starts I have visited the fifth tallest mountain of Greece, Mount Giona (Mt. Aselinon). Although the main purpose of this visit was to climb to the highest peak, Pyramida 2.510 m. via Alpina, I have also enjoyed some nice hiking and wild camping in the beautiful and serene alpine fields.

In fact, due to the fact my last visit on this mountain was in 2017, I had forgot how beautiful is to be in such elevation and to enjoy the views and the peace that Mt. Giona can offer. The lofty mountains of the south Pindus range and the exalted emotions the utter wilderness of such mountains do always re-generate the human soul.

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Hiking in Cape Tainaron Matapan Southmost point of Greece

Cape Tainaron – Hiking to the southernmost point of mainland Greece (family friendly)

On August 3, 2020August 25, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

In this blog, most of the visitors come to read my various mountaineering, climbing and hiking activities in the mountains of Greece, but this time, I will post something a bit different. Greece is mostly famous for the history, mythology and of course for the splendid seaside and the blue waters. This post is dedicated to the southmost hike one can do in Greece, hiking to Cape Tainaron (Tenaro).

Cape Tainaron separates the eastern Laconian Gulf from the Messenian Gulf in the west. It is believed that it took its name from the mythical son of Zeus, Taenarus, who built a town named Taenarum after himself. At this region, a cave network was believed to be an entrance to Hades; the gate to the Underworld.

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Hiking to the Wildfire Observation Station of Skipiza – Parnitha (family friendly hike)

On June 12, 2020June 8, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking1 Comment

While some people think their days of hiking are “on hold” once they become parents, that’s just not the case! There are still plenty of adventures ahead for both parents and children.

If you’re a hiker with young children, you don’t have to put your hobby on hold until they head for college. And if you’re a parent who is new to hiking, there couldn’t be a better time to start! Spending time on the trail offers a world of opportunity for family outings and vacations. Not only will your family grow closer, but you can introduce the next generation to all that trails offer for personal growth and education while making life-long family memories.

One of the keys things to remember when hiking with children is that the trek no longer becomes about getting from point A to point B, but more about exploring the trail and what is on it.

Parnitha_Wildfire_Observation_Station_Skipiza_092602_395 — Map exploration

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Hiking, Scrambling and Climbing the Flabouri Ridge – Parnitha

On May 25, 2020August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general7 Comments

Our previous post was dedicated to the first outdoor activity post covid-19 lockdown and this post is dedicated to the second excursion in one of the most visited mountains of Greece, mount Parnitha.

For training purposes, the route we have selected was of mixed difficulty which offered hiking, scrambling and even IV UIAA climbing, the Flabouri Ridge route.