The wider Athens area is a short drive from the centre and it is a safe, attractive and multifaceted destination, offering many surprises and memorable experiences throughout the year, as highlighted by an excursion to Parnitha.
Mount Parnitha, situated north of Athens, offers a full mountain adventure with superb trails, mountain climbing routes, climbing platforms, as well as two refuges to select from for overnight stays.
It is the tallest mountain in the wider Athens area, its highest peak, the Karavola summit, at 1,413 metres.
A large part of the mountain area has been classified a National Park since 1961. It has also been incorporated into the EU’s Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas.
Mount Parnitha covers a total area of approximately 30,000 hectares. The foot of the mountain is dominated by pine trees and these are gradually outnumbered by Greek fir trees as the altitude increases, interspersed with a variety of other plant species, including wild cedars, plane trees, walnut trees and arbutus shrubs.
This mountain played an important role during antiquity as it represented a natural barrier offering Athens protection on its northern side. Remnants of fortresses have been discovered at elevated sections, including the 4th century BC Fyli Fortress on the northwestern side, protecting the corridor between Attica and Boeotia, as well as, from the same period, the Limikos Watchtower, an observatory and beacon on the mountain’s northern side. Beacons, involving fire and smoke, were used as communication systems by settlements in ancient Greece.
Mount Parnitha was also regarded as Zeus’ mountain. In his writings, ancient traveller and geographer Pausanias (2nd Century AD), famous for his “Description of Greece”, notes that the mountain featured a statue of Zeus and an altar dedicated to him.
Parnitha may be ascended by vehicle, along a route giving marvellous viewing of the dense forest. This ascent can also be walked for close-up discovery of the mountain’s natural beauty, still intact despite the wildfires that ravaged parts of the mountain recently. Visitors may opt to spend the night at one of the two fully serviced refuges, Flambouri, at 1,158 metres, or Bafi, at 1,161 metres.
Flambouri refuge
The Flambouri refuge, belonging to the Greek Mountain Climbing Society of Acharnes, is situated on the southeast side of Mount Parnitha and offers a special view of the wider Athens area. It has two buildings used as dormitories, as well as a bar serving just beverages. Quite impressively, the entire complex has been solar powered since 1985. The refuge’s personnel can arrange various mountain activities and help with exploration. An impressive hiking route, circular shaped and obstacle-free, begins at the Flambouri refuge, heads up to the Koromilia and Kyra springs, and ends up back at the refuge. This route is not challenging, requires approximately one-and-a-half hours to cover, and passes through dense fir tree forests, a black pine forest, as well as plane trees. The Flambouri refuge team can offer interested parties instructions on this route. The view offered along the way is truly sensational as it reaches out to the island of Evia, slightly northeast of Athens, and, weather permitting, stretches further out to the Aegean Sea.
Another route, also circular shaped and impressive, but slightly more challenging and requiring a guide, begins from the Flambouri refuge and passes by the Koromilia and Mesiano springs. The latter has a small shelter, ideal for a short rest. From here, trekkers may enjoy a panoramic view as well as Mount Parnitha’s other side with the Xerovouni peak in the distance. Continuing along the route leads to the stone Agios Petros chapel and a spring of the same name. A further five minutes of walking leads to the Mola plateau, surrounded by a fir forest. The route’s return towards the Flambouri refuge begins from this point.
Besides trekking, the route is also ideal for mountain biking, climbing, as well as gorge crossing. Make sure to take orientation courses beforehand, which can be arranged by the management at the refuge.
However, exercise is not compulsory; visitors should not hesitate to drop by the mountain refuges just for a coffee or a meal amidst the marvellous scenery too. Open Fri-Sun, and weekdays, upon arrangement, for groups of at least 15 persons. https://www.flabouri.gr/, https://eosacharnon.gr/
Bafi refuge
The Bafi refuge, built in 1937, belongs to the Greek Mountaineering Club, E.O.S. Athens. Like the Flambouri refuge, it is situated on the southeast side of Mount Parnitha, but further west, approximately 2.5 kilometres away. This point offers an exceptional view of the mountain and Athens below and besides dormitories, the refuge also features a restaurant serving Greek cuisine as well as drinks. The refuge can be used as a starting point for various recreational activities such as trekking, mountain biking, climbing as well as night-time walking. It also offers activities specially designed for children. The Bafi refuge is affiliated with a company organising various mountain activities. For a more complete experience, visitors may choose to reach the refuge via a trail having left their vehicles at the cable car parking lot. A trail, marked out with red square signs, as well as red diamond-shaped signposts with the number 22, begins from this area, crossing the Houni gorge before it reaches the refuge. The Bafi refuge is also a great place to visit if just wanting to enjoy a meal from a spot offering a panoramic view of Athens. Open daily, https://www.mpafi.gr/.
Before taking off on any trekking routes make sure you are fully equipped with all necessary gear and check weather forecasts before visiting the mountain. Do come prepared as conditions can change quickly.
Read also:
4 Mount Parnitha trails, easily reached, ideal for weekend escapes
Exploring Mount Penteli – Davelis cave, waterfalls, trekking routes
5 verdant parks in Attica, safe for strolling and playing with children
