Greece, renowned for its sun-kissed islands, is also a land blessed with an abundance of majestic mountains. In fact, approximately 80% of Greek territory is mountainous or semi-mountainous. On this World Mountain Day, let's discover the 11 highest mountains in Greece, each with its unique character and captivating beauty.
Standing tall at 2.918 meters, Mount Olympus is the undisputed king of Greek mountains. Its peak, Mytikas, is the highest point in Greece, and the mountain is revered as the mythical home of the Greek gods. Trekking to the summit of Olympus is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Situated in the picturesque region of Epirus, Mount Smolikas is the second-highest mountain in Greece, reaching an impressive altitude of 2.637 meters. Its slopes are dotted with charming villages, including the renowned Samarina and Smixi, which exude the authentic charm of rural Greece. The mountain is also home to the stunning alpine lake Drakolimni, a popular destination for hikers and photographers.
Extending from the northern part of the prefecture of Pella to the borders of Florina, Mount Voras is a majestic mountain that proudly claims the third-highest peak in Greece. Its grandeur continues northwards, extending beyond the Greek border. The mountain is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with the renowned Kaimaktsalan ski resort attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Forming part of the Pindos mountain range, Mount Grammos stretches along the Greek-Albanian border, occupying the northeastern part of Ioannina, the southwestern region of Kastoria, and even a part of southeastern Albania. Its highest peak, Tsouka Petsik, reaches an impressive height of 2.520 meters. The mountain is home to the National Reconciliation Park, a testament to the rich history of the region and its natural splendor.
Known in ancient times as Aselinon Oros, Mount Giona is the highest mountain in Central Greece, with its highest peak, Pyramid at 2.510 meters. According to legend, the mountain was inhabited by a shepherd, Endymion, and when the demigoddess Moon went to meet him, on the mountain's outskirts, she left the world without a moon. Giona is located in Phocis, between Parnassus and Vardousia, and has a purely alpine character, while it boasts the largest crag in the Balkans, the Plaka of Sykia.
Mount Tymfi, a mountain of Epirus in the province of Zagori, rises between the Aoos River and the tributary of the Voidomatis River, with its highest peak being Gamila at 2,497 meters. It is the sixth-highest mountain in Greece and on its plateaus you will find picturesque alpine lakes, the most famous being the impressive Drakolimni, which is approached by thousands of hikers every year. Tymfi is almost treeless and mostly steep especially on its northern and southwestern approaches.
7. Mount Vardousia (2.495 m)
Vardousia, one of the few alpine mountain ranges in Greece, hugs the southernmost edge of Pindos, boasting a unique landscape with three distinct groups of peaks: the north, west, and south. The northern group features smooth peaks, while the western group is characterized by a series of hidden peaks. The highest group, the south, reveals a large vertical ridge, culminating in the highest peak, Korakas, at an impressive 2.495 meters.
8. Mount Parnassos (2.457 m)
Mount Parnassos, spanning the prefectures of Boeotia, Fthiotida, and Fokida, is the eighth-highest mountain in Greece. Renowned for its cultural significance, Parnassus is named after the mythical hero Parnassus, son of Poseidon and the nymph Cleodora, who had built a city on the mountain. Its association with Greek mythology extends to the famous Delphi oracle, located at the foot of the mountain and known as the "navel of the earth," which attracts visitors from all over the world.
9. Mount Psiloritis (2.456 m)
Also known as Ida, Mount Psiloritis is the highest mountain in the center of Crete, covering a vast area spanning the prefectures of Heraklion and Rethymnon. The mountain peak, Timios Stavros, reaches an elevation of 2.456 meters and is surrounded by a magical landscape adorned with unique caves, deep gorges, and villages perched on cliff edges. The ancient Minoans held Psiloritis sacred, and the cave of Idaios Andros, situated near the Nida Plateau, was associated with the upbringing of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods.
10. White Mountains (2.454 m)
Nestled in western Crete, primarily in the prefecture of Chania, the White Mountains, or Madares, stand out with over fifty peaks surpassing 2.000 meters (6,562 ft). Renowned for their challenging terrain, the White Mountains present a hiker's paradise, with ravines, gorges, ridges adorned with imposing cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Cretan and Libyan Seas. Their highest peak, Pachnes, reaches an elevation of 2.454 meters, offering panoramic vistas from its summit.
11. Mount Tzoumerka (2.429 m)
In the heart of the Pindos mountain range, Mount Tzoumerka, also known as the Athamanian Mountains, stands as a fascinating destination for mountain lovers and nature enthusiasts. The region encompasses the prefectures of Ioannina and Arta, where villages like Syrrako, Kalarrites, and Katsanochoria add to the charm of the landscape. The Arachthos and Kalarritis rivers, meandering through the region, create a unique ecosystem worth exploring. The highest peak, Kakarditsa, at an elevation of 2.429 meters, offers a commanding view of the surrounding area.
Whatever your next mountain adventure, we've got suggestions and activities for all levels of experience! Create your own personalized itinerary here or browse our collection of activities tailored to each destination.