MOUNTAINS, RIVERS AND FORESTS
Greece is dominated by its mountains and islands. The biggest mountain range is that of Pindos that forms the backbone of the mainland and whose natural continuation are the mountains of the Peloponnese and Crete. Most islands are actually the mountain peaks of the sunken Aigiitida that once connected today’s mainland Greece with Asia Minor. The highest mountain in Greece, reaching up to 2919 meters, is Olympus while more than 40 mountains are over 2,000m high.
Macedonia
Olympus 2919 m. Kaimaktsalan (Voras) 2524 m. Varnoundas 2334 m. Vasilitsa 2249 m. Falakro 2232 m. Orvilos 2212 m. Pieria 2190 m. |
Jena 2182 m. Lygos 2170 m. Vitsi (Verno) 2128 m. Siniatsiko 2111 m. Vermio 2065m. Athos 2033 m. Beles 2031 m. |
Menikio 1963 m. Paggeo 1956 m. Bourinos 1866 m. Vrondou Mountains 1849 m. Voio 1805 m. Triklario 1776 m. Paiko 1650 m. |
Kamvounia 1615 m. Lekani Mountains 1298 m Chortiatis 1201 m. Krousia 1.179 m. Cholomondas 1165 m. Vertiskos 1103 m. Kerdilia 1092 m. |
Mount Menikio 1.963 m.
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Mount Menikio, with its numerous caves and herbaceous vegetation, offers unique experiences for lovers of climbing tourism. At the foot of the mountain, at an altitude of 850m, is the Chionochori of Serres, also known as the “stone” village. This is a picturesque village which is now inhabited only by an elderly couple. Its geographical position and the unique traditional stone houses render this place a must-see tourist destination. At a distance of approximately 10 kilometres from the district of Aghio Pnevma, we find one of the few populations of wild horses that exist in our country. It is estimated that their total number exceeds 100, and they are found mainly at Tamieftiras, Tsogka-Kalyvia, Patates and Dranovas. In the same area and at an altitude of 1,100 we find the artificial lake of the district of Aghio Pnevma. |
Lailias Forest The forest of Lailias is located 25 km from the city of Serres, in the mountain range of Vrondou. A magnificent, breath-taking location of particular natural beauty, it hosts a tall beech and pine forest, covering an area of 33,000 acres. The highest peak of this mountainous cluster is 1850 meters, while 83% of its surface is covered by forests, with a 110km road network. The forest of Lailias is linked to thousands of stories and traditions. The name Lailias, which is a corrupted version of the Turkish word Giailias, is reported for the first time in the “Chronicles of Papa-Synodinos”, in 1603-1604. The name Giailias meant a place of feast, relaxation and a resort. Existing historical data on the mountain complex of Vrondou, which includes the forest of Lailias do not allow for a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of the area, but do reveal that this location was not an independent mountain complex, cut-off from the human activity of the adjacent valley of Serres, which was particularly active since antiquity. |
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Falakro 2232 m.
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With an altitude of 2232 meters, the volume of the Falakro mountain dominates the northern part of the Prefecture of Drama. It is one of the most beautiful mountains of the Greek nature, because despite its name (which means bald in Greek), due to its characteristic top, it is far from barren. At lower altitudes, it is dominated by dense forests of oak, beech and conifers. At altitudes above the tree zones, in the Alpine Zone, visitors are pleasantly surprised by the great variety of wild flowers. Nobody can be disappointed by a visit to Falakro. Hikers will find gentle slopes and friendly paths, such as the famous E6, which will make them feel the joy of returning to nature. Climbers and adventure seekers will feel a strong challenge to test their strength and abilities in the very high and steep cliffs. The foot of Falakro hosts the picturesque villages Volakas, Pyrgi and Granitis with a particular cultural identity, traditional environment and excellent local cuisine.
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Falakro is always friendly and accessible to visitors, as it can be reached by car any time of year, after a magnificent path up to 1750 meters. There, sheltered in the arms of the high peaks, is a very good organized ski resort, which operates for at least five months a year. Thousands ski-lovers come to enjoy the snow, renowned for its quality, which lasts from late November until April. At any time of year, the Falakro Mountain presents a different and exciting picture. Thousands of wildflowers adorn the slopes in spring and the autumn foliage of the trees capture the warmest colours of nature. As winter comes and the cycle of nature is completed, a vast white silence covers the peaks, slopes, trees and paths. In any attire, Falakro remains the imposing symbol of the prefecture of Drama, this place of our country, where Nature is always at its best. |
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Orvilos 2212 m. In the north-eastern edge of the prefectures of Drama and Serres at the border with Bulgaria; here we see the peak with the Turkish name Ali Butuch (2172m.) accessible from the village Katafyto, north of Vrondou-Drama. It is very interesting for climbing, with beautiful cliffs ideal for rock climbing. Through Vrondou or Kato Nevrokopi we reach the village of Katafyto around 9.15 am. Outside the village (about 2 km) there is the Lake Katafyto, where we start our route on a rural road. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, we encounter a crossing and turn right towards the old post. At this point there is an antenna; we turn right on the dirt road and reach a second large red antenna. From this point we climb up to the forest and cross a somehow difficult path that takes us to a first hill, with a few trees (at this point there are red signs and a winding road marking).
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We then reach a grassy meadow. At the end of the meadow on the right side there is a path that takes us to Chionotripa. Trekking hours until this point: 3. We continue upwards and after 1 hour and a half reach the crest; half an hour from there, we reach the top (5-hour course). We descend from the same point. 3 hours of descent. Total 8 hours. Throughout the journey we see Lake Katafyto on our right. We overlook the lake and the plain of Katafyto on one side and Agistro on the other. Trekking hours: 3-4 hours. After this, we can wander around the Lake and then visit the village where there is a tavern.
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Angiti Gorge
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The gorge of the river Angiti is nature’s gift to the prefecture of Serres. Located in the south-eastern part of the prefecture, it has a length of 15 kilometres. The gorge is known as “Straits of Petra” and “Dioryga”. Rock paints, showing camels, deer, and riders holding the reins of horses and spears, as well as abstract designs have been found at three points of the gorge. These are estimated to date back to the 5th to 6th century AD. The region has a rich flora and fauna, while several caves and arches have been created along the gorge over the centuries. In recent years the river hosts sporting activities such as rafting, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
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