Megali Panagia - Varvara

  • Distance: 20.3 km
  • Duration:
  • Elevation Profile: show

Overview

This magnificent route is mostly on footpaths under the shade of the forest. Its first section is the traverse of Kakavos mountains to Neohori and was recently waymarked. The second part, recently discovered, crosses southern Stratoniko range to end in Varvara village.

Description

Start walking towards the north edge of the village. Follow paint splashes of the new established mountain marathon. A paved path will bring you to the 1000 year old chapel of Panagouda. Continue on dirt roads and minor tracks following the signs. Soon you will be walking on a beautiful trail through oak forest. The trail is cut abruptly by the huge road leading to the gold mines at Skouries. The construction of the gold mine poses a significant natural threat and is thus fiercely opposed by the local communities. Turn left on this road and immediately right on a track. After 500m turn right again on a minor track. After this track crosses a shallow ravine and bends right turn left uphill on a footpath. The signposting is now more sparse with plastic ribbons but the path is well defined and easy to follow. It pleasantly traverses the slope of Kamila peak under the cover of the forest to end on a saddle above Neohori village. There are a couple of old huts here. Continue on the other side of the saddle on a broad and well trodden path. After 200m there is a junction. Whichever section you choose will bring you to Neohori village, with the leftmost section being waymarked.  

Cross the village to join the main road coming from Arnea and turn right towards Ierissos. After 500m turn left on a track signed to Profitis Ilias chapel. After 400m turn right and walk through a farm to find the trail at the other side (the old trail is now overgrown). Turn left and continue uphill on a good path through oak and chestnut forest to reach a saddle. Turn right along a track ending here but after 50m turn left on a footpath down to a small stream and up again. Cross a track and continue on the path again uphill to join a track on the top of the ridge. Turn right and walk to a junction soon after. Turn left on a small track that joins a broad track later on. This passes a saddle where you leave the road and turn right on a broad footpath (the alternative route from Arnea joins here). The path descends gently through dense forest on the right of a deep gully. After passing by the remains of an old pen you join the dirt road again and soon the paved road coming from Arnea. Walk left on this road to end the walk in Varvara square.

Amenities

Varvara has tavernas and a couple of hostels.

Signposting

Partly way-marked with paint-splashes and ribbons.

Transportation

Taxi to Arnea (Tel: 23720 22212)