The Vardousia Mountains are part of the southern section of the Pindus mountain range, located in central Greece, primarily within the regional unit of Phokis.
Renowned for its rugged, alpine terrain, deep gorges, and picturesque landscapes, Vardousia is the seventh-highest mountain in Greece, with its peak, Korakas, reaching 2,495 m.
Climbing to the summit under clear skies provides a breathtaking view of the Corinthian Gulf to the sea and extends southward to the mountains of the Peloponnese, reaching as far as Mount Olympus to the north.
This area is a protected Natura 2000 habitat.
There are at least two ways to climb the Vardousia mountains:
- The challenging route begins by taking the path outside the Athanasios Diakos village (altitude 1,050 m), partly utilizing the earth road leading to the two refuges along the Ε4 trail. The trail commences at a dirt road toward the chapel of Prophet Elias at 1,500 m, continues to the spot of Stavros, and involves a very steep ascent to Korakas. This route covers a total (round-trip) distance of more than 17 km with an elevation gain exceeding 1,500 m.
- The easier route, the one we chose, begins from the refuge at an altitude of 2,000 m. This is the only way to reach the peak on a single-day excursion from Athens (assuming good weather conditions), considering you will need approximately 8 hours for transportation, excluding breaks.
Name Tip: The ancient Greek name for Vardousia was Korax (Korakas) which today is used only for its highest peak.
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Post Information
In this post, you will find information about a hike from the POA (Athens Hiking Association) refuge to Korakas Peak and back. The refuge is located 275 km from Athens, with the last 12 km being on an earth road requiring a 4WD vehicle (journey time ~ 4 hours).
One kilometer before reaching the POA refuge, there is an additional refuge managed by the Climbing Association of Amfissa (EOS Amfissas).
Considering that this last kilometer has the worst road quality, it makes sense to cover the extra distance on foot and park your car at the EOS refuge.
Vardousia Mountains: The Terrain
Vardousia is one of the few mountain ranges in Greece with an alpine character. The range is defined by the rivers Mornos, Evinos, and Kokkinopotamos and has a rich flora.
A large part of its surface is covered by forests of fir, oak, and cedar trees, and you will often see, while hiking, large herds of sheep and goats grazing.
The high peaks of Vardousia, besides Korakas, include Kokkini (2,404 m), Pyramid (2,348 m), Megali Soufla (2,340 m) and Plaka (2,320 m).
Safety Tip: The shepherd dogs may roam freely while guarding the animals, and often they are aggressive. Be careful around them.
Technical information for the Korakas Peak hike
- Trail: 4,25 km.
- Elevation: From 2.000 m to 2.495 m. Elevation gain/loss: 515 m
- Total Time: About 4.30 hours including lengthy breaks.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate under good weather conditions. (3.5/5) Difficult on snowy terrain.(4/5)
- Terrain: Entirely in the alpine zone. The first leg is increasingly steep until it reaches a plateau. The second leg on the plateau is easier and becomes again rocky and steep close to the peak.
- Best time to hike: All year round, however, it is better to avoid the middle of the summer as there is no shade. In winter, the conditions are much more difficult because of the low temperature, the presence of snow, and the cold wind. For those who would start the hike from the Athanasios Diakos village, the beech trees, oak trees, and sycamores offer a nice range of yellow to red colors from late October to mid-December. We hiked in mid-November.
- Participation Requirements: A good physical condition is required due to the steep parts and the need to scramble.
- Gear: Hiking poles will be useful for the steep parts, especially for the steep descent from Korakas. A fleece jacket may be needed as the last part may be windy. In winter, you will need much warmer clothing, rainproof gear, and crampons.
- Water: There is a water fountain outside the POA refuge.
Vardousia Mountains to Korakas: The Hiking Trail
The path to Korakas Peak is well-marked with pink paint and in certain areas, there are also older red marks. In case of a discrepancy between the two marks, follow the pink ones.
The trail commences in the grassland just across the earth road from the refuge. It begins with a gentle slope that gradually increases in steepness.
After covering the initial 800 to 900 meters, you may find it necessary to use your hands to navigate among the rocks occasionally.
After 1,1 km and 370 m of altitude gain, you will reach the “Portes” (Gates), a rocky pass leading to a plateau.
From that point, you will first see the imposing Korakas Peak.
Looking back (westwards) one can see other peaks of the Vardousia mountains as well as the POA refuge.
From the Gates onwards, the path first goes downwards, then crosses the plateau, and finally goes up to the peak.
When crossing the plateau, you will leave a small hilly formation to your left. Ignore the red marks inviting you to walk over it.
This is the view of the plateau (backward) past the hilly formation that you will have left to your left.
In the same way as when approaching the Gates, you will need to scramble a little bit to reach the peak.
The view from the top, after just 2,1 km of hiking, will make it worth your effort.
At the top, there is a small cupboard sheltering a book for you to write down your name and impressions.
Here is the Wikiloc record named “Korakas (peak of Vardousia mountain)”
Where to Stay in the Vardousia Mountains
If you want to spend the night in the area, which is the best thing to do given its beauty, you can use one of the guesthouses of Athanasios Diakos villages or one of the refuges. Before arriving at Athanasios Diakos, you will find beautiful scenery at the Strofi waterfall.
There is one hotel (Vardoussia) and one guesthouse (Meterizi) in Athanasios Diakos; however, they do not operate all year round.
There are many more hotels and guesthouses at a distance of 10 to 15 km in the villages of Pira such as Nymfes Chalet Alkyoni and Pavliani, such as Villa Dremissa.
The two refuges are administered by
- EOS Amfissas (eosamfissas@gmail.com, tel: +30 22650 62195, mobile: +30 6984 282 111)
- POA (info@poa.gr, tel: +30 210 8218 401, +30 210 8811 520)
We camped outside the POA refuge, as it was closed on the day we were there (it was a Monday). It was a cold and windy evening and we appreciated the emergency refuge room for our dinner.
This room has an unlocked metal door, a sort of wooden bed and two plastic bags with bedsheets, pillows, and blankets.
What to Do in Athanasios Diakos Village
The village, originally named Ano Mousounitsa, was renamed Athanasios Diakos in 1959, in honor of the Greek War of Independence hero who was allegedly born there.
The village boasts a small but intriguing museum dedicated to Athanasios Diakos.
Surrounded by an astonishing mountainous landscape, rich with fir trees, chestnut trees, walnut trees, and oaks, it is accompanied by a tributary of the Mornos River flowing nearby.
Athanasios Diakos offers a few traditional cafes that not only provide a delightful atmosphere but also serve traditional local cuisine, which is worth experiencing. Some of the best taverns are:
- Meterizi specializes in meat dishes, lamb, boiled goat, and wine-braised liver.
- Ravanis in sheep milk ice cream, homemade burgers made with a secret recipe, small pies, handmade fried potatoes, and fresh leavened bread.
- Sotiris offers cafes and handmade spinach pies, zucchini pies, and cheese pies, which are based on family recipes passed down through many generations.
How to Get to Vardousia Mountains
If you are coming from Athens, follow the route from Livadia towards Amphicleia and Pavliani. 5.5 km after Pavliani, you will reach an intersection where you turn left towards Kaloskopi. Instead, take a right, and after 1 km, you pass through Panourgia.
After traveling 12 km down the road and passing through Strofi, the enchanting waterfall of Kremasi, and the Mornos River, continue for an additional five kilometers to reach Athanasios Diakos, which is a total of 250 km from Athens.
The easiest way to get to the Vardousia mountains is by renting a car in Athens.
Tips for Visiting Vardousia Mountains
Visiting the Vardousia Mountains in Greece can be a wonderful experience, offering natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are a few tips for your visit:
- Hiking Trails: Vardousia is known for its demanding hiking trails, so make sure Korakas is not too challenging for you.
- Seasonal Considerations: Plan your visit based on the season. Summer is great for hiking, but it can be hot, so carry enough water. Autumn offers vibrant colors, and winter brings heavy snow for those interested in winter sports. Be aware that some trails may be closed during certain seasons.
- Wildlife Observation: Vardousia is rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and if you’re lucky, larger mammals such as wolves, deer, boars, wild goats, and, more rarely, brown bears. Birdwatching can be particularly rewarding.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles during your visit. Respect the environment, avoid littering, and stay on designated trails to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast before your trip. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions, so it’s important to be prepared for any changes.
Remember that local conditions and regulations may change, so it’s a good idea to check for any updates or advisories before your visit. Enjoy your time exploring the stunning Vardousia Mountains!
Hiking in the Pindus Range
The Pindus is the largest mountain range in Greece. It dominates almost the entire western part of Greece and essentially constitutes a continuation of the Illyrian and Dalmatian mountain ranges.
The most significant mountains that constitute the Pindus mountain range include Smolikas (with the highest peak at 2635 m), the Athamanika Mountains (Tzoumerka), Grammos, Tymfi (Gamila) where Vikos Gorge is, Agrafa and Lakmos (Peristeri). Vardousia, Giona, Parnassus, and Oiti are part of the broader Pindus range. In northern Pindus, you can find the Pindus National Park, in the Valia Calda region.
Check out the 8 Highest Mountains in Greece!
Greece boasts well-maintained paths that wind through ancient olive groves, dense forests, churches, monasteries, ancient ruins, rivers, and charming villages, providing hikers with a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. What are you waiting for? Pack up and discover Greece through hiking!
Did you hike Vardousia? Let me know what you think about the mountain in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list!
