Giona, known in ancient times as Aselinon Oros, is the highest mountain in Central Greece, with its summit, the Pyramida, reaching 2,510 meters.
It is located entirely in the prefecture of Fokida and is located between the Vardousia Mountains and Parnassos. The imposing steep slopes, dense forests and deep ravines have made Giona a popular hiking destination.
In Giona is also the steep slope of Sykia, which is the largest steep slope in Greece with an altitude of 1,100 meters.
Below we suggest hiking and climbing routes. The routes are available in the updated version of the Giona Vardousia map
Crossing the gorge of Rekas to the Pyramida 13.8 km
Rekka is the most impressive and long ravine of Central Greece. The route starts from Viniani and follows the cobbled bed. Until the place Mylos where some ruins indicate the location of an old water mill. The course then meanders on either side of the riverbed following for a while the remains of an old built road used to bring down timber. Higher up at the junction of the two ravines that create Reka, remains of the loggers' settlement are preserved. From here we follow the ridge, seeing the refuge and soon we reach it.
From the shelter we initially move northeast passing the spring. Arriving at the base of Platyvouna, we change direction and climb to the north-west, aiming for Diasella (Diasello Piramida Platyvouna at 2,200m). Sculpted rock figures, carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago, stand on the slopes around the path. In Diasela we also meet the path that comes from Vathia Lakka and we go up rocky slopes diagonally to the left to the ridge and then the top.
Climbing in Pyramida Peak by the demanding path of Bekos 5km
An unknown and demanding climb to Tragonoros (2,449m.), the southernmost tip of the Giona ridge. A route with several technical and aerial passages on grade II rocks. The fixed ropes that are present in some of them cannot be blindly trusted.
The route starts from the village of Sykia, following the path to the Arsali Cave and the small church of Zoodochos Pigi. Exiting the dirt road, there is a sign for "Bekou Trail". We follow the faint path on the bare slope gradually gaining height and reaching below the cliffs that rise before us. Strictly following the signs we unlock every rocky obstacle in the eerie landscape. In many places we will need to use our hands to propel ourselves.
The route is aimed at experienced climbers with climbing experience and comfort in exposed passages.
Climbing to Pyramida Peak by the demanding Karagiannis Path 3.5km
This route is a hidden road that unlocks the steep slopes that seem inaccessible and leads us to the ridge of Giona. In the past it was used by the locals to go up to Gionolakka where they kept their herds in the summer.
The path starts from the stream that separates the two districts of Sykia and climbs for a while parallel to it before cutting it and bringing us opposite to the slope of Sykia. As the uphill ends, we come out on a shoulder where we leave the main path and go up the slope to the right to a large rock.
In fact, the path of Karagianni starts from here. We strictly follow the signage. Through a combination of rock passages up to II degree, where there are in two places both ropes and hatches, we are led to the last painful sara under the ridge and then to the top.
The route is aimed at experienced climbers with climbing experience and comfort in exposed passages.
It is possible to return from Lazorema
Approaching Pyramida Peak from Sykia via Lazorema 9km
The ascent of Lazorema is one of the most beautiful routes in Roumeli that moves through landscapes of incomparable magnificence. The path starts from the stream that separates the two districts of Sykia and climbs for a while parallel to it before cutting it and bringing us opposite to the slope of Sykia. The trail meanders steadily uphill, reaching a shoulder where the Karagianni trail begins. The main path continues on the slope and reaches the meadow of Lazos where the shacks of the farmers of Sykia are located.
From here the route to Vathia Lakka moves along the axis of the valley up to 1,250 meters and then following the right branch we enter a steep wooded field until Lakka Spanaki, at 1,850 meters and passing in front of the spring with water all year round, we meet the path that starts from Kedros to the top. The route passes by the side of Vathia Lakka and continues following the left side of the gravel-paved ravine, reaching the Piramida - Platyvouna saddle (Diasela 2,200m). From here it continues obliquely to the left on rocky slopes to the ridge and then the summit.
Approaching Pyramida Peak from Kedros (outside from Kaloskopi village) 4.5km
It is the busiest climb in Giona and the shortest access to the Pyramida. We reach Kedros via a dirt road from Kaloskopi, with the last section not in good condition for conventional cars.
From the end of the road, the clear path begins, climbing a rocky slope to the Stavros shoulder at 1,700 meters. Then it runs along the slopes above the stream and reaches Lakka Spanaki (1,850m)
The route continues on the side of Vathia Lakka and, following the left side of the gravel-paved ravine, it reaches the Piramida - Platyvouna saddle (Saddle 2,200m). From here we continue obliquely to the left on rocky slopes to the ridge and then the summit