October 31-November 01
Smolikas is the second highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus, with an altitude of 2,637 meters. It rises east of the Aoos valley and opposite Tymfi. Unlike the limestone mountains of Zagori, Smolikas is formed almost entirely of ophiolites, rocks that give it its characteristic less rugged appearance and, at the same time, a very unique flora.
Smolikas deviates from the core of the Northern Pindus, which, with the mountains of Zagori, ends and fades into the Arachthos valley. In this way, it becomes the pivotal mass that creates the orographic continuity of the Northern Pindus, which, with the complexes of Vasilitsa and Valia Calda, reaches Zygos and the ‘neck’ of Katara, from where it continues into the central Pindus.
The entire mountain is an area of unparalleled natural beauty in terms of landscape, fauna, and flora, and for this reason, it is included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas and is part of the Northern Pindus National Park. The mid-altitude zone is covered by forests of black pine, beech, and fir, while the subalpine meadows are adorned with sparse clusters of Bosnian pine. The extensive alpine zone is bare, yet dotted with rare and endemic plants. The fauna includes the country’s rarest mammals (bear, wolf, chamois, and roe deer) and many rare species of birds of prey.
Most myths about Smolikas are related to Drakolimni (Dragon Lake). It is said that two dragons lived in the dragon lakes of Smolikas and Tymfi, fighting each other by throwing stones at each other. Another local belief states that one evening, a large wild ram emerged from the waters of Smolikas’ Drakolimni, bleating and calling the sheep grazing on the mountain around the lake. The lake swallowed the flocks, and since then, shepherds avoid grazing their animals near the dragon lakes.
Although it is the second highest mountain, its summit does not require any special technical skills or climbing. It is a fairly accessible, though demanding and tiring route.
Day 1
Our meeting point will be in the village of Konitsa at an altitude of 600m, overlooking the Konitsa plain where the Aoos River meets the Voidomatis and Sarantaporos rivers.
We arrive, settle into our rooms, and prepare for our first hike, which will take us to the Monastery of Panagia Stomiou in one of the most impressive locations in our country, the Aoos gorge, between the steep slopes of Tymfi (alt. 2497 m) and Trapezitsa (alt. 2024 m).
3 – 4 hours of hiking
Day 2
Breakfast with a view of the Konitsa plain, and then it’s time to visit Smolikas’ Drakolimni and, of course, its summit, the second highest after Mount Olympus, with an altitude of 2,637 meters.
We head to the village of Pades, and from there, we will walk along the village’s cobblestone paths until we reach the area’s climbing field.
We continue on a path and dirt roads, ascending to the last summer sheepfolds of the area. Our route offers several viewpoints towards Tymfi and Grammos, which fill us with energy for our demanding hike.
During the summer months, we enjoy a swim in Drakolimni, but in autumn, we settle for a break before continuing our ascent to the mountain’s summit.
The view around us is fantastic… To the north, the majestic ridge of Grammos stretches along the border with Albania, and lower down, Voio. To the southwest lies the lush Trapezitsa, a branch of Smolikas, and to the south, the imposing Gkamila, a true allure for every kind of mountaineer…
Return to the village, filled with new experiences, and time to organize our next adventure. 9 hours of hiking.
Essential equipment:
- Trail running or trekking or hiking shoes
- Sportswear or hiking clothes suitable for every season
- Waterproof – windproof jacket
- Fleece or cotton jacket
- Hat – gloves
- Snacks like sandwiches, bars, pasteli, nuts, fruits, etc.
- Hiking poles
- 40-liter backpack
- Hat – buff – sunglasses
- Towel – swimsuit – slippers
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle or bladder
- Headlamp
- Personal hygiene items
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad – tent (where the trip requires it)
Cost: 165 euros / person
- One overnight stay in a hotel in Konitsa with breakfast.
- Guide for the hikes and throughout the 2-day period
- Personal accident insurance
For more information and reservations, contact us at 6972934764 Giorgos Raios & e-mail: [email protected]
Have fun!
