January 2026
Sunday 4th
Prinos Mountain Shelter
We welcome the new year by opening our Club’s Prinos Shelter to anyone who wishes to visit, following prior arrangements with the person in charge, Mr. Fanis Mamos.
Sunday 11th
Gournes – Gournes Gorge – Kainourgio Chorio
Leader: Giannis Ktistakis • Hiking time: 4 hours • Difficulty: 1
We start from the village of Gournes (7m) and, passing through Agia Anastasia Gorge (70m) and the cave church of the same name, we end at Kainourgio Chorio Pediados (203m).
The stream that runs through the gorge collects water from the valley formed east of Sgourokefali and from the area of Agia Triada. The hike is easy and suitable for children accompanied by their parents, as well as for new hikers.
Sunday 18th
New Year’s Cake Celebration – Rouvas Forest
Leader: The Club’s Board s • Hiking time: 4 hours • Difficulty: 1
The tradition of cutting the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake) is a continuation of ancient agricultural festivals such as the Thalysia and the Thesmophoria, as well as the festival of the Kronia (the Roman Saturnalia). It is one of the most ancient customs that has survived to the present day.
Observing this New Year’s tradition, we will cut our Club’s Vasilopita for the new year — a libation wishing for a smooth and auspicious year ahead — in the magnificent holm oak forest of Rouvas. We will take a short walk in the surrounding area, followed by a meal at a taverna at Lake Zaros.
Saturday 24th
Prinos Mountain Shelter’s New Year’s Cake Celebration
Leader: The Club’s Board s • Hiking time: 4 hours • Difficulty: 1
Starting from the village of Ano Asites and following the E4 mountaineering trail, we hike up to our Club’s Prinos Mountain Shelter. There, we cut the shelter’s New Year Cake, wishing for a beautiful and successful mountaineering year. Lunch follows, and in the afternoon, we begin our return.
Saturday 24th-Sumday 25th
a. Omalos Viannou – Afentis Peak
Leader: Nikos Diakos • Hiking time: 1 + 6 hours • Difficulty: 5
On Saturday morning, we head to the Omalos Plateau of Viannos (1,300m). We spend the night at the Amygdalianos Mitato, either inside the shelter or in tents for those who wish. The following day, starting from the Omalos Plateau, we hike up to the Afentis Peak (2,141m). The hike will be off-trail, on unstable terrain with a steep gradient. Winter equipment and solid knowledge of its use are essential for the ascent, as well as good physical condition and experience in winter mountaineering.
b. Peza – Agies Paraskies – Kastellos – Melesses
Leader: Eleni Oikonomaki • Hiking time: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
Starting from Peza, we follow a dirt road and enter the village of Agies Paraskies, home to the famous Ali Efendi Fountain, built in 1728. Continuing along a dirt road, we head to Melesses village. There, on the Kastellos Hill, stand the ruins of a Venetian fortification as well as the remains of the Church of Panagia. In Melesses, at the site known as Patitiria or Patititaraki, we can see part of a well-preserved vaulted wine press. The hike is easy and suitable for children accompanied by their parents, as well as for new hikers.
