Mount Kyllini (Ziria)
Mount Kyllini, also known as Ziria, stands at 2,374 meters and is the highest peak in the northeastern Peloponnese. Located in the region of Corinthia, it’s a mountain steeped in mythology and full of diverse terrain, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in Greece’s cultural and natural landscapes. Unlike many other Greek mountains, Ziria combines accessibility with altitude, solitude with heritage, and physical adventure with mythic charm.
The Mythical Birthplace of Hermes
Mount Kyllini is best known in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods. According to legend, he was born in a sacred cave on the slopes of Ziria and, as an infant, famously stole Apollo’s cattle. This myth adds a legendary aura to the mountain and gives context to the many references to Hermes in ancient texts and local traditions.
Today, visitors can hike to the Cave of Hermes, located on the mountain’s western side. While small and unassuming from the outside, the cave holds archaeological and symbolic significance. Stepping inside is a direct connection to one of the oldest stories in Greek mythology.
A Diverse Mountain Landscape
Mount Kyllini is rich in terrain. Its lower slopes are covered in dense forests of black pine, fir, and oak. As you climb, these give way to alpine meadows, karst formations, and rocky ridges. The openness of the upper slopes offers wide, uninterrupted views of the Peloponnesian landscape and beyond.
The mountain has two primary peaks—Prophet Elias and Megali Ziria—both of which provide hiking challenges and panoramic rewards. Between the peaks lies a natural plateau, dotted with springs, seasonal ponds, and open grasslands. In spring and early summer, wildflowers bloom in abundance, covering the slopes in color.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Ziria is a mountain made for walking. The most popular hiking routes begin from the Ziria plateau, accessible by road from the town of Trikala Korinthias. From there, trails ascend gently toward the summit, taking between 2 and 4 hours depending on conditions and chosen paths.
Another favorite route is the trek to Lake Dasiou, a seasonal alpine lake that appears in spring and early summer. Surrounded by fir trees and open skies, it’s an ideal rest stop and a peaceful place to take in the mountain’s quiet beauty.
For those seeking more than hiking, Mount Kyllini also offers mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road driving trails, particularly in the areas surrounding the plateau.
Winter on Mount Ziria
Ziria is also a winter destination. The Ziria Ski Center, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, is a small but functional resort with a beginner-friendly slope, ski rentals, and a mountain chalet. While modest compared to Greece’s larger resorts, it’s ideal for families or casual skiers.
Snow transforms the plateau and higher trails into winter wonderlands, and snowshoeing is a popular alternative to skiing. Winter also brings a crisp silence to the landscape, making it a favorite for those seeking solitude in a snowy setting.
Wildlife and Natural Richness
Mount Kyllini is part of the NATURA 2000 network, a European initiative for protecting ecologically valuable areas. The mountain is home to numerous plant and animal species, including wild boar, foxes, badgers, and a wide range of birds such as kestrels, hawks, and owls.
Botanists are especially drawn to Ziria for its endemic plant species, many of which thrive in the high-altitude limestone soil. In summer, herbs like oregano, thyme, and sage grow wild along the trails.
The Villages of Trikala Korinthias
Mount Ziria is closely tied to the villages of Trikala Korinthias—Kato, Mesaia, and Ano Trikala. These three tiers of mountain villages sit at varying elevations and are the main access points for the mountain.
They offer cozy guesthouses, tavernas serving local dishes, and narrow cobblestone lanes perfect for wandering. Local specialties include handmade pasta, mountain greens, stewed goat, and sweet preserves. In the colder months, fireplaces crackle in every corner café, offering warmth and conversation.
These villages are also known for their seasonal festivals and traditional architecture, blending the old and the new in a way that reflects the mountain’s timeless character.
Easy Access from Athens
One of Ziria’s advantages is its accessibility. Located just over two hours from Athens by car, it makes for an excellent weekend getaway. Its well-maintained roads, variety of trails, and mix of amenities make it welcoming even for first-time mountain visitors.
The proximity to the Corinthian Gulf also allows for interesting combinations—one day you can be hiking a snowy ridge, and the next, strolling along a coastal village by the sea.
A Balanced Mountain Experience
What sets Mount Kyllini apart is its balance. It’s high, but not extreme. Wild, but accessible. Deeply mythological, but alive with modern activity. You can camp on its ridges or sleep in a luxury guesthouse. You can hike all day or relax by the fire with local wine and mountain views.
For those seeking a complete mountain experience—nature, culture, myth, and outdoor adventure—Ziria checks every box.
Final Thoughts
Mount Kyllini is where ancient myth meets modern escape. It offers not just trails and views, but a sense of place—a connection to stories older than memory and landscapes shaped by time and tradition. Whether you’re summiting the peak, visiting Hermes’ cave, or simply enjoying a meal in Trikala, Ziria gives you something real and lasting.
It may not be the most famous mountain in Greece, but it’s one of the most rewarding. And once you visit, it’s a place you’ll want to return to—season after season, story after story.
