Vardousia

June 27–28

One of the mountains loved by the alternative tourism community is the Vardousia Mountains. Vardousia (or Korakas) is a mountain complex that includes the southernmost tip of Pindus in Central Greece. It rises in the northwest of Phocis with a small part of the mountain extending into Phthiotis. It is the second highest mountain in Roumeli after Giona, with a height reaching 2,495 meters (Korakas peak).

Vardousia consists of three peak complexes: the northern, the western, and the southern. The northern complex is characterized by smooth peaks, the western features many steep and independent peaks, while the southern, which is the highest, forms a steep and long ridge. It is one of the few mountain ranges in Greece with an alpine character.

The mountain range is defined by the rivers Mornos, Evinos, and Kokkinopotamos and has rich flora. Many parts of the mountain are ideal for mountaineers, while two mountain refuges operate on the slopes of Skorda.

The road route starting from Pavliani in Phthiotis is extremely interesting, as it runs parallel to the Mornos riverbed and provides access to the villages on the eastern slopes of Vardousia, such as Athanasios Diakos, Kato Mousounitsa, and Koniakos.

Climbing from the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, Galaxidi, or Erateini, the road, after a unique elevator-like route, brings us with plenty of turns to Lidoriki and the basin of the artificial lake of Mornos.

From the shores of Lake Mornos, the most interesting route starts from the dam heading towards the village of Krokyleio, birthplace of the general and writer Makrygiannis. The continuation of the mountain journey will bring us to the stone neighborhoods of the village Pentagiou. Here, in the 19th century, lived Maria Pentagiotissa, one of the most controversial female figures. Her story was made into a film in 1957 starring Aliki Vougiouklaki.

Day 1

Our meeting will take place at the square of Ano Mousounitsa (Athanasios Diakos) at 11:00, which will also be our starting point for this 2-day hiking trip in Vardousia. We pack our backpacks and start our hike through the endless greenery of nature leading us to the EOS Amfissa refuge and the Pitimaliko location at 1,960m.

With short stops at the Yatakia and Zirelia locations, we reach the shrine below the Prophet Elias hill where the forest gives way to the alpine landscape and the company of the Vardousia mountain mass accompanies us to the refuge.

Time for lunch and rest at the refuge.

Dinner, discussion, and planning for the next day.

3-4 hours of hiking

Day 2

Breakfast in the warmth of the refuge and with an enchanting view, we start our ascent towards the Korakas peak (2,495m).

Our route follows the classic Portes and Mega Kambo path, which will lead us to lose ourselves in the magical view of the peak.

Souvenir photos and return to the refuge for a hot chocolate and continue to the village of Ano Mousounitsa at the foot of the mountain for recovery and discussion of future excursions.

8-9 hours of hiking

Essential equipment: