Giona

July 18-19

In the heart of Roumeli – in the region of Phocis – between the bustling Parnassus, the steep Vardousia, and the playful Oiti, stands the imposing and majestic mountain mass of Giona, proud and silent.

Its highest point, the Pyramid, reaches an altitude of 2,510 meters, making it the fifth highest mountain in Greece after Olympus, Smolikas, Vora or Kaimaktsalan, and Grammos, and the highest mountain in Greece south of Olympus.

In Giona, you will also find the famous Plaka cliff, near the village of Sykia. It is the largest and most beautiful in the Balkans, with an elevation difference of about 1,100 meters.

On this cliff, as well as on others on the mountain, significant climbing routes have been established, with various degrees of difficulty and techniques. The climbing routes in Giona are among the most challenging in Greece and attract interest from abroad.

In ancient times, it was known as Aselinon Oros. According to mythology, Selene would go to meet Endymion, the son of Pyrrha and Deucalion, on the slopes of Giona, leaving the world without a moon. Thus, this highest mountain of Roumeli got its name.

Giona, with a distinctly alpine character, is part of the southern extension of the Pindus mountain range and connects with Parnassus to the east, the Vardousia mountains to the west, and Oiti to the north. To the south, it connects with the low hill complex known as the Lidoriki Mountains.

Its slopes towards Lidoriki are covered with fir and cedar (juniper) trees, maples are observed in the ravines, while wildflowers and wild roses grow in the clearings. In its forests live wild animals, wolves (it is the southernmost point of their spread in Greece), wild boars, deer, and wild goats, while on its steep slopes, birds of prey such as vultures and golden eagles fly. It also has many meadows that support goats and sheep. Although the combination of meadows with the vertical cliffs, especially in the west, creates a unique landscape aesthetic and serves as a refuge for wildlife, on the northern, eastern, and southern sides of the mountain, there are bauxite mining operations that affect the mountain’s appearance.

Giona is divided in two by the deep Rekas gorge, which penetrates the main mass of the mountain from the east, while the Lazos ravine runs through the mountain from north to south, parallel to the Mornos, to the west. Compared to the Vardousia opposite it, Giona could be characterized as a waterless mountain. It has no rivers, the springs are relatively few, and many of them dry up in the summer, especially in the east and south.

Day 1

Our meeting will take place at 09:00 in the village of Kaloskopi, and from there, with our cars, we will attempt to reach the location Mnimata at 1350m altitude (if the road conditions allow) from where we will start our hiking excursion.

Time to load our backpacks and camping gear and start our ascent to Vathia Laka at about 1840 meters. In the first kilometers of our hike, we walk through the fir trees, and then the alpine landscape appears, with the stream accompanying us to the campsite.

It’s time to start setting up our tents and enjoy the Pyramid under the starlight.

4 – 5 hours of hiking.

Day 2

Morning coffee in the meadow of Vathia Laka with the peak of the Pyramid waiting for us to discover it. We take the essentials for our ascent to the summit and walk to the Platibounas-Pyramid Pass at about 2175 meters altitude.

From this point, our path becomes steeper and rockier, but with the view it offers, it becomes enjoyable and will take us to the summit of the fifth highest mountain in Greece at 2510 meters.

The view from the summit is panoramic and can satisfy even the most demanding mountaineer. Return for some rest at the campsite and then descent to our cars, filled with unique mountain experiences.

6 – 7 hours of hiking

Essential equipment: