Overview

An easy and shady climb from to the main ridge of Holomontas mountain and then a pleasent descent mostly on footpath to Taxiarchis village. Mostly through forest and with plenty of water this segment offers a lot of variety.

Description

Start from the parking lot at the west entrance of the Arnea and follow the dirt road uphill. On a junction turn right to join the paved road to Taxiarchis. Follow the road with an opprtunity to bypass it a couple of times, eventually reaching the main ridge of the mountain by a forestry hut. Continue on the paved road that nowdays receives very little traffic for about 3kms, coming to a saddle and large clearing with a rock formation on your left hand. Now leave the road and turn left along a signed footpath that after several switchbacks descends towards a stream. After crossing it continue more gently, passing a fountain with good water, and emerge on a saddle with unobstructed views. Ignore a track and continue on the other side of the saddle along the footpath that soon joins a track ending here.  Turn left along an onscure path, through high fern, that soon becomes clear as it enters the oak forest. Continue along the ridge, cross a forest track and after 200m on an obscure juction turn right towards the stream. After crossing it the path climbs again to join the track. Turn left and continue on this track along a stream. After crossing the stream turn right along a footpath cross the track again and continue on the opposite side over a saddle into pine forest. The path traverses old terraces and a spring and eventually joins a rough track that will leed you above the village by a leisure area. Turn left along the paved road to reach the center.

Amenities

Taxiarchis offers some lodging and dining facilities, and shop.

Signposting

Plastic ribons and some paint blazes.

Transportation

Taxi to Poligiros and then bus. (www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr)