Parnon
The enchanter
Up from its highest peak (Big Tourla or Kronio), 1936 m, mount Parnon or Malevos boasts to be the biggest alpine bulge in Peloponnese, taking up an expanse of 2 million acres.
Some of the prettiest and most picturesque little villages in Greece, such as Karyes, Vresthena, Polydroso (Gigina), Geraki and Saint Demetrios, are perched up in its slopes and crests.
Parnon has got nothing to envy the most famous mountains in the world for. The wild natural beauty of its landscape is so lavishly given to the visitor, especially to the one who will be wise enough to enroll in the trek groups crossing the mountain range. Numerous crests, valleys and plateaus, breathtakingly beautiful gorges, dense vegetation and forests, rare fauna, all have attracted the world’s interest and have secured the institutional protection of the place, which has been classified in the European Network Natura 2000.
Except for the pine forests, the groves of firs, chestnut trees, the lofty plane trees and acorn trees, the unique medicinal or fragrant herbs, the gorgeous Ecological Park of Parnon is the home to rare species of birds, like the partridge, the mice-hawk, the woodpecker as well as mammals such as the fox, the hare and the jackal.
Upon setting eyes on the mountain’s landscape, it’s literally love at first sight. Water falls and creaks and caves but also cultural relics which go back to the Paleolithic age and reach our times, such as sacred temples, ancient quarries, castles, carriage tracks, byzantine monuments and monasteries.
This enchanting alpine bulge is the land of promise for nature lovers and those who seek to enjoy both faces of Mother Nature, tranquility and wilderness, through organized activities including hiking, mountaineering, speleology and many more. It is, therefore, useful to know about the mountain resort, of George Pierce,1420m, 40 persons capacity, in “Arnomousga”, which among its other basic facilities has got a fireplace and oil heaters, a kitchen, water supply from a spring, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. For more information contact the Greek Alpine Association in Sparta, tel. 2731022574.
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Where to stay
Parnon Villages
Vresthena
It is a picturesque village around a pretty square with its traditional faucets. You will see the church of The Birth of The Mother of God, the Monastery of Madonna Vresthenitissa, and the church of Madonna Rematiani with exquisite frescos, all of which are trademarks for the village; a sight for sore eyes.
Events:
The fete of Panagia (Madonna), September 8th.
Useful Information
Area Code 27310
LOCAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE: -72292
MUNICIPALITY OF INOUNDA: -94123
Geraki
Two thousand five hundred years of unbroken historical course, findings dating back to Mycenaic, Dorian, Roman and Byzantine times, a preserved medieval castle and countless churches, all make up the historical value of the headquarters of the Municipality of Geronthri. You see cobblestone pavements, majestic manors, the square with the traditional cafes and tavernas and you sense the aromas of the local folklore. The exhibition of “Ergani” [Agricultural Co-op of Domestic Industry and Handicraft] goes a long way towards preserving these traditions, the emphasis being on home industry and the “gerakitika” carpets, which are masterpieces of handicraft with historical and folkloric elements, and which have won many international awards.
Events:
The fetes of Saint Athanasios, May 2nd, of Saint Paraskevi, July 26th, and of Saint John the Neo-martyr, October 21st.
The “Diimero Metanasti” in August.
Useful Information
Area Code 27310
LOCAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE: -71266
MUNICIPALITY OF GERONTHRON: -71329
Karyes
This is where in ancient times the festivities in honor of goddess Diana, with the fabulous virgins, Karyatides, dancing worshipping their goddess. This is the hospitable village with the age-old plane trees and the chestnut trees. This is the place with the Agricultural Association of Chestnut Producers of Parnon, with the many local shops of traditional products, with a stone-carved clock and many more sights worth seeing, which is a magnet for tourists. Here you will see a model simulating the Erehtheion of Acropolis in Athens, since this is the place of origin for Karyatides.
Events:
The fetes of Saint Paraskevi, July 26th and of Saint Panteleimon, July 27th.
Useful Information
Area Code 27310
LOCAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE: -72292
MUNICIPALITY OF OINOUNDA: -94123
Saint Demetrios
This village manages to attract the attention thanks to the special “bonding” of its people, their brio and nerve, who organize unique cultural events every summer – with paint exhibitions, theatrical performances, but above all a lot of swing and fun.
It is worth visiting the ruins of the settlement in Giotsali and the neighboring villages, Apidia and Niata.
Events:
The three-day Cultural Event, beginning of August.
Useful Information
Area Code 27320
MUNICIPALITY of NIATA: -31742
Kremasti
It took this name because the village looks like hanging in between the mountains. It was built in 15th c during the population shifting around at the time. A gorgeous fir forest is right next to it and attracts the visitor. Kremasti can promise you a cool summer, with clear running waters, and a lot of carefree moments in its slab-paved square, with its traditional tavernas and its special tastes, such as the home-made pasta goges or gogyzes, the hey greens and the saitia.
Events:
The fetes of Saint John Theologos, May 8th, of Prophet Elia, July 20th, and of Panagia [Madonna], August 15th.
Useful Information
Area Code 27320
MUNICIPALITY of NIATA: -31742
Gigina or Polydroso
There are fifty one residents, all enjoying the virtues of this small village still standing unshakeable in 1000 m, embraced by low cedar trees and tall firs. Perched at the edge of a cliff you will see the chapel of Little Saint John, whose temple lies deep in a big cave with stalactites and which is accessible after you walk uphill its path (for almost 25min).
On arrival your knees will shake, not due to the long walk but on seeing the breathtaking view. Also built on a rock lies the chapel of Saint Marina, known as “Bent-over Rock”, while in the square of the village the “Sholarheio”, a traditional pension for visitors, is standing apart.
Events:
The fete of Panagia [Madonna], August 15th.
Useful Information
Area Code 27320
MUNICIPALITY of THERAPNA: -74400