Are there mountains in Greece. Mountains of Greece: geology, climate, hydrography, flora and fauna, characteristics of mountain ranges
Greece is known to us as one of the cradles of civilization, as the patrimony of many great people, as the source of countless myths and traditions, in the end, as the birthplace of a wonderful cheerful people. And, of course, we can say that he owes his glorious history to the land that sheltered him.
This land is very diverse, almost the entire territory of Greece is covered with mountain ranges, which are interspersed with rare river valleys, the climate changes dramatically when the altitude changes, because it is always warm on the sea coast, but on very close mountain peaks snow caps lie all year round.
So, let's talk about the most famous Greek mountain, familiar to the whole world.
The highest mountain in Greece, without any doubt, can be called the legendary mountain, or rather one of its peaks - Mitikas, reaching 2919 meters above the sea.
Mount Olympus is located on the border between Greece and Macedonia. It consists of more than five dozen peaks with a height ranging from 760 meters to the highest point of 2919 meters.
These peaks are cut by countless ravines, creating beautiful and rather creepy landscapes. The highest mountain in Greece was conquered only by 1913.
Olympus on the map:
The ancient Greeks believed that Olympus was the home of the twelve main gods.
Under the leadership of their leader - Zeus - they defeated the titans, after which the world came to order.
The summit is always covered with snow, and in clear weather it sparkles under the light of the sun.
The length of the ridge is at least 20 kilometers.
Ordinary tourists climb only to the foot, but people with special training will be able to get to highest peak for 6 hours.
The base for climbing the mountain and visiting the reserve is the village of Litohoron, which is located near the foot.
The area adjacent to the mountain has been a national reserve for about 75 years. It is known for its rich flora and fauna.
There are even relic animals.
Deer, badgers, wild boars, forest wild cats are found here.
Almost 1,700 plants of various species grow on Olympus itself.
The reserve is rich in birch and oak forests, Macedonian firs.
For many centuries, not far from the monastery of Dionysius, you can see a unique yew grove.
The name of the mountain has long been a common noun, and means something very significant. So, even the highest mountain of Mars is called Olympus.
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Greek mountains
Greek land is rightfully considered one of the cradles of modern civilization. At least, in the European expanses, its culture has become perhaps the most important in determining the development of many local peoples (and not only neighboring ones).
Many significant philosophical trends, the foundations of culture, literature, art and a fair number of others that determine the movement of nations towards civilization, all had Hellenic roots in one way or another.
Is it worth mentioning that this power, every square centimeter of which breathes with the legends of ancient times, still attracts many strangers with its beauties? ! Tourists come to admire not only the preserved architectural masterpieces, but also natural wonders. And, often, the subject of their interest is the most high mountain V Ancient Greece.
Mountain range "Olympus"
To determine which of them is larger than the others, it is not a sin to at least recall ancient mythology. Where could the Hellenes "settle" their supreme gods, if not on the hill closest to heaven? Therefore, undoubtedly, Olympus can be considered the highest. By the way, this is not a single mountain, but a whole massif located in the northeastern part of Thessaly (the historical region of Hellas). Its most significant peak, in terms of "growth" indicators, is Mitikas, whose height is about 2917 meters. Five meters below his Skolio and another seven - Stephanie. The latter is better known by the nickname "the throne of Zeus", and from a certain angle it really seems to be some kind of giant back of a chair or a place where someone great and regal is seated.
IN ancient time Olympus was the natural border between Greece and Macedonia. It is not surprising that this was exactly the case, since this mountain range seemed very frightening to the then inhabitants of those places, in order to decide at least to approach it, and not what to try to cross. In this array, there are about fifty peaks and a fair number of ravines, which in their totality represent a magnificent and, at the same time, seemingly ominous spectacle.
Conquerors of Olympus
However, for sure, the indecision of the Hellenes (and their then geographical neighbors), in terms of conquering Olympus, was also influenced by the sacred horror of the great probability of becoming a victim of divine wrath. To disturb the rest of the most formidable celestials (a dozen of whom allegedly lived in those places), led by Zeus the Thunderer himself - what could be worse in the minds of those peoples! ?
The first climbers appeared on Mount Olympus only at the beginning of the last century. At the same time, the highest mountain in Ancient Greece submitted to them. By the way, even now only people who are super experienced in such matters are trying to climb Mitikas, since it requires a fair amount of skill, and the weather, by the way, must certainly be favorable.
Olympus now
Now Olympus is interesting not only as a location covered with legends, but also as a Greek national reserve. It contains over one and a half thousand plants, which represent about a quarter of the entire fauna of this country, and a couple of dozen of them are endemic (that is, they exist only here). Also in this mountain range there are about ten species of amphibians, twenty-odd - reptiles, more than thirty - wild animals and about one and a half hundred - birds.
To see this wonderful world, marked by ancient mythology, is definitely worth at least once. If you do not climb the legendary mountain, but at least personally see it, which will give you the opportunity to touch the full of mysteries of ancient history.
Welcome to the third in line mountain country Europe after Norway and Albania. Despite the fact that Greece is known throughout the world for its archipelago, 60% of its land is covered with mountain ranges. Get to know the "magic" mountains of Greece: the peaks of Mount Varnunta in Grammos, mountain range Pindus, the unique Olympus of the 12 gods, Pelion, the "courageous" Taygetos immersed in greenery and Asterusya in southern Crete. The magic of nature will simply captivate you.
The ancient Greeks identified mountains with their gods. was the habitat of 12 gods, Elikonas - Mount Muses, Menalos - the abode of Pan, Parnassus - Mount Apollo. On the contrary, for the modern Greeks, the mountains have always been their “refuge”, a free corner, with indescribable charm and defiant majesty. Conquer their heights and try your hand. Gorges in the mountains of mainland Greece are ideal for active rest. Pass these gorges and climb vertical cliffs - difficult tasks, but their completion will give you endless peace, satisfaction, energy and above all, peace of mind.
National reserves of GreeceIn Greece, in 1938, the law on the National Reserve was approved in order to preserve places of special ecological, biological, geomorphological and aesthetic value. Within the boundaries of the reserve, any human intervention that can harm the ecosystem is prohibited.
There is a peripheral zone around the reserve where controlled, minor interference is allowed, such as the creation of nurseries for breeding wild animals and birds, the creation of parking lots, children's camps, deforestation, etc. To date, 10 areas in Greece have been declared National reserves: Olympus, Parnitha, Parnassus, Enos in Kefalonia, Sounion, Samaria, Valia Kalda, Prespa, Vikos-Aoos. Visit them and be charmed by this rich and wildlife. They will give you wonderful landscapes and endless peace.
Popular mountains of Greece
1. : The highest mountains in Greece. Impressive majestic form. Incredible natural resources. The abode of 12 gods of antiquity and the throne of Zeus. The classic ascent to its highest peak Mitikas (2.917 meters) lasts just over 6 hours and is an unforgettable experience. At the foot of Mount Olympus is a magnificent archaeological park Dion.
2. : In the arms of Mount Parnassus nestles the sanctuary of the god Apollo, the oracle and archaeological site of Delphi, but also the cosmopolitan resort of Arachova with excellent hotels and high-class service. Parnassus is also famous for its ski centers, which attract thousands of skiers every winter.
3. Taygetos: A giant cone dominates Sparta. This is Profitis Ilias, the most high peak Taygetos and the entire Peloponnese, its height is 2.404 meters. His "nickname" is Five-fingered, and it comes from his five highest peaks, which look like fingers joined together. Dozens of kilometers of marked trails await you.
One of the most famous mountains on our planet is Mount Olympus. sacred mountain revered by the Greeks and known throughout the world thanks to Greek mythology, studied at school. The legend says that it was here that the gods, led by Zeus, lived. Athena, Hermes and Apollo, known in myths, Artemis and Aphrodite ate ambrosia, which pigeons brought to them from a spring in the garden of the Hesperides. In Greece, the gods were not considered fictional soulless characters, on Olympus (in Greek the name of the mountain sounds like “Olympus”) they feasted, fell in love, took revenge, that is, they lived with completely human emotions and even went down to earth to people.
Description and height of Mount Olympus in Greece
It would be more correct to apply to Olympus the concept of " mountain range”, and not a “mountain”, because it rises not one, but 40 peaks at once. Mitikas is the highest peak, its height is 2917 m. It is overtaken by Skala from 2866 m, Stefani from 2905 m and Skolio from 2912 m. The mountains are completely covered with vegetation of various species, and endemic plants are also found. The tops of the mountains are covered with white caps of snow most of the year. 
Until the beginning of the 20th century, people were afraid to climb mountains, they considered them impregnable and forbidden. But in 1913 the first daredevil climbed the most high point Mount Olympus - it was the Greek Christ Kakalas. In 1938, the territory on the mountain of almost 4 thousand hectares was declared a national natural park, and in 1981 UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve. 
Climbing Olympus
Today ancient legend and the myth can become a reality for everyone. Ascents are organized to Olympus, and not climbing, but touristic, in which people who do not have sports training and climbing equipment can take part. Comfortable and warm clothes, two or three days of free time, and the sights from the picture will appear before you in reality. 
Although you can climb Olympus on your own, it is still recommended to do this as part of a group, with an accompanying guide-instructor. Usually the ascent begins in the warm season from Litochoro, a city at the foot of the mountain, where the information tourist base and hotels of different levels of service. From there there is a transfer to the Prionia parking lot (height 1100 m) on foot or by car. Then the route is only on foot. The next stop is located at an altitude of 2100 m - this is shelter "A" or Agapitos. Here tourists stay for the night in tents or a hotel. The next morning, an ascent to one of the peaks of Olympus is made.
At Matikas Peak, you can not only take memorable photos and videos, but also sign the magazine stored here in an iron box. Such impressions pay off any prices for excursions! Upon returning to shelter "A", the brave souls are awarded certificates indicating their ascent. IN winter time(January-March) climbing the mountain is not made, but ski resorts begin to work. 
Olympus in the life around us
Unusual stories about the Greek celestials have entered our lives so much that the names of the gods and Mount Olympus itself are called children, cities, planets, firms, sports and shopping centers. One such example is the Olimp tourist and entertainment center in the city of Gelendzhik. cable car 1150 m long from the base of the Markoth Range leads to its peak, which tourists call Olympus. It offers stunning views of the bay, lake, dolmen valley and mountains.