Overview

The route follows the old trail to the summer pastures of Falakro mountain. Nowadays the trail has been affected by the marble mining activity and the ski center operation, but it nevertheless remains a beautiful hike.

Description

Follow the paved road signed to “Petalo resort”. At a first major junction (right going to the hotel) keep straight on and come to another three way junction after about 2.5km from the village. Go straight along the small track through pine forest. After a while you should encounter the first E6 sign. Continue on a forest track zigzagging uphill through beech forest. The track ends by an abandoned quarry. Just before, turn right along the well trodden footpath starting here, climbing steadily to the top of the ridge ahead out of the forest. Continue traversing gently along the grassy slopes past an abandoned hut finally reaching a saddle (alt. 1850m). Climb down on the other side of the saddle, past a chapel (Agio Pnevma) and water trough (stock up here with water for the next segment), finally reaching the plateau where the ski center is located.

From here you can make a climb to Chionotripa and Prof. Ilias peaks (2 hours there and back). The mountain is also known for the rich endemic flora and butterfly diversity.

Amenities

There are no amenities during the summer, so prepare to camp. Continuing to Livadero is possible but it will make for a very long day (around 10 hours).

Signposting

The first leg is unmarked. Once in the forest generally sufficient but sparse signposting.

Transportation

None.