Mount Parnon

What would you expect from the largest mountain range in the Peloponnese? Well, to start off with, there’s lots of great hiking and other activities on Mount Parnon. Then, of course, there’s the ever-changing landscape with meadows, valleys, gorges, caves, waterfalls, springs and rivers meaning that there’s something different around every corner.

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What would you expect from the largest mountain range in the Peloponnese? Well, to start off with, there’s lots of great hiking and other activities on Mount Parnon (more about that in the box below). Then, of course, there’s the ever-changing landscape with meadows, valleys, gorges, caves, waterfalls, springs and rivers meaning that there’s something different around every corner.

Indeed, there are more than 15 different types of habitat in the range, some of which are of unique ecological value for Greece. Which leads us nicely to the rich flora, including more than 80 species of rare plants, 12 of which are endemic, and the wildlife, with rare birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The forests deserve a special mention. You can see pines, black pines, sycamores, chestnuts, Greek firs and oaks but the most unusual forest is the juniper forest near to the Malevis monastery. It’s the only one of its kind in Europe and has been designated a Protected Natural Monument. So, all in all, the Parnon mountain range (which is also known as Malevos) is one of the most important ecological zones in Greece and not surprisingly much of it is in the European Natura 2000 Network.

It appears that some areas in the range have been inhabited since Neolithic times, and every era since then seems to have left us something to enjoy. So, you can find ancient castles and fortresses built during the wars between Argos and Sparta in the 11 century BC and, coming more up to date, the hillsides are dotted with picturesque villages, each with its own charm.

Trekking. The European trail E4 and the National trail 033 run pass through the Parnon mountain range. In addition, the parnontrail (similar to the successful menalontrail) is nearly complete and some sections (Tyros-Leonidio, Sitaina-Platanos) are already in use. The full trail is a circular 25 km long route that is unusual as part of it goes through the mountains, and part runs along the coast. It connects Leonidio with Astros along the sea (Astros-Tyros-Leonido) and then goes back to Astros via the mountains (Astros-Platanos-Kastanitsa-Prastos-Kosmas-Leonido). Its furthest North point is Ano Doliana, and the furthest south is Geraki. https://www.facebook.com/parnontrail
The highest peak in the range is Megali Turla (1935 m.) which is on the north side.

Other activities: Mountaineering, rock climbing, river trekking, mountain biking, abseiling etc.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.