Overview

The section follows the long ridge connecting Omvrianos and Hortiatis mountains. The first section until livadi Livadi village, mostly on trails, is quite interesting but strenuous. There are some very nice views along the way and the route is partly shaded.

Description

From Galatista head north - west following paved roads out of the village and then a track along the base of the hills on the right. The track ends by a shallow gully. Cross it and find the path on its other side. The path is fuzzy as it is may be confused with other dead-end animal tracks. It generally follows a clearing in the bushes. After passing through a clearing and by remains of a pen it becomes wide and well defined but rocky and eventually emerges on a saddle on the ridge. Turn left and follow one of the animal trails to the peak of Omvrianos with its chapel and very nice views. Now continue on the ridge fow a while and the follow a track downhill to join the tarmac coming from Petrokerasa.

Turn left along the road and after 200m turn right along a small track. Alternatively if you wish to bypass Livadi continue on the road to reach the junction above the village and then take the track uphill designated on the map. Now on the recommended route, descend on the track along a ridge and before the track ends turn right on a footpath (this is part of an Enduro bike route). After a few meters down you should leave this path which continuous steeply downhill and follow the ribbons to the left, joining a good path. The path ascends gently emerging on the ridge again where it joins the Enduro route. Cross to the other side of the ridge and follow the small but well signed trail towards the stream ahead. Eventually come by the stream and cross it. Continue on a  fuzzy animal trail across a clearing which becomes well defined once you reach the bushes. Continue through oak forest patches to emerge on a dirt road. Continue on the other side to join a small forestry track that ends on a broad saddle and clearing. From there follow the good footpath through oak forest down to Livadi village main square.

Once out of the village the route follows a track among fields to the top of the hill ahead and then descends through forest to a saddle. Continue along a shaded track past a spring traversing the main mountain ridge. Eventually out of the forest continue along fields to join the dirt road from Ardameri to Peristera on a saddle by a chapel. Turn left along this road to descend to Peristera village.

Amenities

Apart from a couple of tavernas Peristera does not offer much. If you do not wish to camp here, take the afternoon bus or taxi to Thessaloniki and come back the next morning. There is a taverna in Livadi and it is generally a good place to camp.

Signposting

Plastic ribons from Galatista to Livadi.

Transportation

Peristera and Livadi are served by local bus no. 87 (not very frequent)  (www.oasth.gr).

Notes

Section from Livadi to Galatista was surveyed, cleared and signposted during Autumn and Winter 2018