Mountains of the Peloponnese
Erymanthos
Together with Chelmos and Killini Erymanthos
dominates the northern parts of the Peloponnese. Highest summit being Olenos
at 2221m.
Like many mountains in Greece this mountain also played an important role in
mythology, it was here that Herakles had to catch the death and destruction
bringing wild boar. Thanks to him and the never ending hunting passion of
the Greeks, we now can have a safe walk through these mountains.
With our cars we can get at approx. 1350m from where we can walk to the
higher parts of this mountain. Here we can find several Saxifraga species,
but also Minuartia stellata and the special Verbascum acaule.
For more pictures of Mt Erymanthos, visit:
www.greekmountainflora.info
Chelmos(Aroania)
Also this mountain is situated in the north
of the Peloponnese and is relatively easy accessible by way of roads and
tracks. Highest summit is Psili Korfi at 2355m. It is possible to drive up
to an observatory at 2330m. Plants that grow here are, among others:
Saxifraga scardica, Saxifraga sempervivum, Asperula boissieri, Verbascum
acaule, Daphne oleoides, Drypis spinosa.
We also will make a walk up to the Styx valley. In Greek mythology it was
here that the ferryman Charon helped the death to cross the river Styx into
the underworld of Hades. Plants which can be found here are Macrotomia
densiflora,
Viola delphinantha, Teucrium aroanium and several Orchid species.
For more pictures of Mt Chelmos, visit:
www.greekmountainflora.info
Killini (Ziria)
This mountain is also accessible by way of
unpaved roads and tracks, from where we can walk up to the highest parts.
Plants which grow here are for instance: Fritillaria graeca, Crocus sieberi,
Ranunculus brevifolius.
For more pictures of Mt Killini, visit:
www.greekmountainflora.info
Parnon
Parnon, together with Taygetos, is situated
in the southern parts of the Peloponnese. Highest summit being Meghali
Tourla at 1934m surrounded by extended pine forests. Again we can reach the
higher parts, even at the foot of Meghali Tourla where there is a sort of
plateau. From here we can climb the summit where we can find plants like
Astragalus agraniottii, Viola parnonia, Sideritis clandestina.
For more pictures of Mt Parnon, visit:
www.greekmountainflora.info
Taygetos
This mountain range is situated at the south
western coast of the Peloponnese.
Highest summit being Profitis Ilias at 2404m. Between the city of Sparta and
the entrance of one of the many gorges of Taygetos lies the medieval city of
Mistras, last stronghold of Byzantium in the south. After a visit to this
impressive site we will follow a rough road along the mountainside which
climbs gradually, at times very steeply, up towards a refuge at approx.
1600m. This refuge is standing below the towering summit of Profitis Ilias,
surrounded by some magnificent weather beaten Black Pines. From here we can
walk up the summit, here we can find plants like Pterocephalus perennis,
Verbascum acaule, Saxifraga marginata, Gypsophila nana etc.
For more pictures of Mt Taygetos, visit:
www.greekmountainflora.info
Panachaikon
This mountain range is situated in the
northwest of the Peloponnese near the port city of Patras. Highest point is
at 1924m. By way of tracks we will be able to
get at an altitude of approx. 1770m. Here, but also while driving up, we can
search for plants. On the higher parts we can find Astragalus sp, but also
Dianthus pinifolius. There is a spectacular view over Patras and the new
bridge crossing the Gulf of Corinth. We will also camp in this area.
Nederlands
