Moutsiala Arenes Lakes – Epano Arena (Direct)

Of the two routes leading from the Arenes lakes to the summit of Epano Arena, the most impressive one sets out to tame the somewhat unfathomable eastern face. Far easier than one would imagine when measuring the slope, the route offers the climber a double satisfaction: arriving at a historic summit, rich in memories and views, and at the same time the joy of having subdued, with a little willpower and two feet, the awe that the mountain’s form once inspired.

The route begins smoothly from the lower lake. The eastern slope is steeply inclined, but nowhere precipitous, and the trail is somewhat demanding though not exposed.

From the upper lake (water at a rocky fountain) we climb rather persistently to a large shoulder. After enjoying the view eastwards, we continue on a very steep meadow. After a small detour into rockier, steeper terrain, we emerge onto a second shoulder.

The summit is now close: a persistent but short ascent on broken rock will bring you into the middle of a large group of Civil War fortifications.

After leaving your rucksack beside the small pillar, remember that these heaps of stones were, just a few decades ago, the swaddling clothes of the utopia of another world — and that this little summit became the unbearable, all-radiant place where the fighters of the Democratic Army tried to carve more gently the inevitable turn of an entire civilisation.

Perhaps, after this thought, the view of Smolikas, Nemertsika and Gamila will seem to you more than simply breathtaking.

Elevation profile

Starting – ending point and maximum elevation