MountainsGreece

Mount Kaliakouda

Mount Kaliakouda is like a twin to Chelidona seperated only by Karpenisiotis river, the two are of almost equal height. An ideal destination for adventure-seekers, it stands out for the wildness of its nature and thanks to its contiguity with other mountains, it may serve as a base for several days of exploration.The Panta Vrechi (always raining) gorge- taking its name from the constant “rainfall” created by a great number of small waterfalls above-, is very popular among summer hikers, while the network of forest roads linking Kaliakouda to Oxia is perfect for mountain biking. The Krikelopotamos river flows behind the mountain, near the not easily accessible villages Doliana and Roska.

Highest elevation
2101 m.

Distance
292 km from Athens
323 km from Thessaloniki

Shelters
EOS Karpenisiou: tel. (+ 30) 22370 23051

Recommended routes
Megalo Chorio- shelter- summit:
The waymarked trail starts from Megalo Chorio and ascends through a dense fir forest, crossing the dirt road eight times in total- sadly, many visitors choose to drive all the way to the shelter, producing noise pollution and spoiling those moments of tranquility. The road itself has irreversibly damaged the local environment, while landslides are not a rare phenomenon.

It will take you about two hours to reach the shelter; thereafter follow the road for a while, then continue to the right until you reach the col. The last part of the route is relatively steep, but it only takes an hour to reach the peak, from where you can see Chelidona, Tymfrystos, Oxia and other mountains.

Local history
Nearby village Domnista has been inhabited since the prehistoric era. Fighting took place on and around the mountain during the greek war of independence. Greeks were defeated at the bloody battle of Kaliakouda that began on August 28, 1823, leaving more than 2000 dead and wounded on both sides. The region served as a base for resistance fighters during WWII.

Nearby sights
Megalo Chorio, with its stone houses preserving the local architectural tradition, is considered one of the area’s most scenic mountain villages. If time allows it, you could pay a visit to the village’s ethnographic museum. The Panta Vrechei gorge lies behind the mountain and should only be acessed by SUV.

Ski resorts
None.

author – photographer: Panos Bampaloukas

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