Overview

A long yet easy hike with a lot of variety. The first part alternates between paths and tracks passing through beautiful forest and meadows with nice views. The second part is on tracks.

Description

From Taxiarchis take the main road out of the village signed for Arnaia and Poligiros and where it bends steeply left turn right along a rough track by a garage. The track ascends steeply at first and then joins the paved road. Cross it and continue on a track. After about 500m turn right on a narrow footpath (steep ascent)  to reach the triple junction on the main ridge of Holomontas.

On the north side of the junction you will notice an information board and there is a broad path starting behind it that descends along a gully through forest. After passing by the “Panagouda” shrine it joins the paved road to Paleochora. Turn left and follow it for 200m and then turn right along a jeep track down to a stream. Cross the stream and ascend to the deeply shaded chapel of Agia Paraskevi. Follow a track uphill to get on the paved road again and turn left along it. After 1.5km turn left on a broad dirt track passing by a farm. After another 1.5km the track comes to a saddle (there is also a small path parallel to the road with more shade). Continue straight along the old footpath along the ridge. Eventually the path comes out of the forest and continues indinstict always along the ridge to a saddle where it joins the track again. The path continues but it is quite overgrown. So take the foresttrack on the left to reach Vatonia river which you cross over a ford.

Continue on the broad track for 4km west among fields and rolling hills to join the connecting road Palaiokastro-Arnaia. Cross it and continue on a track. After crossing a stream you emerge at the paved road coming from Arnaia. Turn left along this road to finish the walk in Agios Prodromos.

Amenities

Plenty of tavernas serving the famous souvlaki of Ag. Prodromos. There is no accommodation here. Take the bus to Arnaia, Poligiros or Thessaloniki.

Signposting

None.

Transportation

Frequent bus service to Arnaia, Poligiros, and Thessaloniki.