Mount Giona is the highest mountain in Central Greece. Its highest peak, Pyramida, reaches 2,510 metres. The mountain stands in Phocis, between Mount Parnassus to the east and the Vardousia range to the west. People come here to walk and to climb. Marked trails lead to the summit from three villages: Kaloskopi in the north-east, Sykia in the west and Viniani in the south. One of them passes through the Reka gorge, a forested ravine about 12 kilometres long. Above Sykia stands the Plaka of Sykia, a rock wall about 1,000 metres high that is well known among climbers. Fir forest covers the lower slopes, and Balkan chamois live on the high rocks. Giona has one mountain refuge, and the villages around it are small, so plan the visit ahead.
Geography
Giona stands in Phocis, a part of Central Greece, between three other mountains: Mount Parnassus to the east, the Vardousia range to the west and Mount Oeta to the north. The Mornos River runs along its western foot and separates it from Vardousia. The highest peak, Pyramida, reaches 2,510 metres. This makes Giona the highest mountain in Central Greece and the fifth highest in the country. Several other peaks pass 2,400 metres, among them Perdika and Tragonoros.
The mountain is made of limestone. Three long ridges meet at Pyramida, and two deep ravines cut into the mountain. Reka, on the south side, is about 12 kilometres long. Lazorema, on the west side, is about 4 kilometres long and comes down to Sykia, a village at about 750 metres. Above the same village stands the Plaka of Sykia, a rock wall about 1,000 metres high. The limestone also holds bauxite, the rock that aluminium is made from. It is mined on Giona, and the open mines and their roads can be seen on several slopes.
Activities
The main activity on Giona is hiking on marked trails, and three routes lead to Pyramida, the highest peak. The gentlest one starts at Kaloskopi, a village on the north-east side. It climbs through fir forest to the high meadow of Vathia Laka in about three hours, and the summit is about an hour and a half further. The route from the village of Sykia, on the west side, goes up the Lazorema ravine and takes five to six hours. It is steep and suits walkers with mountain experience. The third route starts at the village of Viniani, in the south, and follows the Reka gorge for about six hours to the mountain refuge.
Giona is also known for rock climbing on the Plaka of Sykia, the high rock wall above Sykia. More than ten long routes go up the wall. They are for experienced climbers. Shorter equipped routes are found on the rocks near the village. From January to March there is snow and ice climbing on the high peaks, in years with enough snow.
Nature & Outdoors
Fir forest covers the slopes of Giona from about 800 to 1,800 metres. The trees are Greek fir, and easy paths run through them around Kaloskopi, a village on the north-east side. Higher up, the forest ends. Low juniper bushes and open mountain grassland take its place, and flocks of sheep and goats graze there in summer.
The Reka gorge, on the south side, is long, steep-sided and thickly forested. A marked trail runs through it for about 12 kilometres. The Balkan chamois, a wild animal related to goats, lives on the rocky slopes here. Chamois keep away from people, so you may not see one. Golden eagles are also recorded on the mountain. More than a hundred notable plant species grow on Giona, and one small plant, Arenaria gionaea, has been found only here. An area of about 220 square kilometres is protected within the European Natura 2000 network.
Practical information
Getting there
Giona is reached by car from three sides, and each trail starts at a different village. For Kaloskopi, on the north-east side, leave the Athens to Lamia motorway at the Bralos exit, about 200 kilometres from Athens. Drive towards Gravia and Amfissa, then follow the signs to Kaloskopi. This road can have ice in winter. Sykia and Viniani, the villages on the west and south sides, are reached from the road between Amfissa, the main town of Phocis, and the small town of Lidoriki. Sykia is about 17 kilometres from Lidoriki.
Good to know
The mountain refuge is at Lakka Karvouni, at about 1,750 metres, south of Pyramida, the highest peak. It sleeps about 20 people and belongs to a hiking club in Athens. The refuge opens only by arrangement with the club, so contact the club well before the trip. Springs on the east and south slopes often dry up in summer, so carry enough water. Shepherd dogs guard the flocks on the high meadows. Walk past them calmly and keep your distance.
When to go
Summer is the main season for hiking, and spring and autumn are also good. In winter, snow covers the high part of the mountain, and the summit then needs winter equipment and experience. Rock climbers mostly come from July to September. The dirt road towards the refuge is used only in summer. Check the mountain weather forecast before you go.
Getting around
The three starting villages, Kaloskopi, Sykia and Viniani, are on different sides of the mountain. If you cross Giona on foot from one village to another, arrange a second car or a transfer in advance. A dirt road of about 22 kilometres runs from Kaloskopi up the mountain and ends about 20 minutes' walk from the refuge at Lakka Karvouni. It is rough, and trucks from the mines use it. The dirt roads on the mountain need a 4×4 vehicle.
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