Ziria: Getting acquainted with the highest mountain of Korinthia
Mount Ziria or Killini -as it is otherwise referred to- is located in the county of Korinthia in the Peloponnese and its total altitude counts 2.374 meters. The quickest way to approach its beauty is via the road which leads to the town of Trikala of Korinth while the settlement of the area farthest from Athens is at only 160 Km. Mount Ziria is one of the very few Greek mountains that boasts as many as eight peaks of more than 2.000 meters each. According to one of the various versions, the name derives from the Slavic word “ziri” which means acorn.
The mountain consists of Mikri (small) and Megali (large) Ziria between which we come across the gorgeous Flampouritsa valley crossed by the river Sithas. A dense forest of tall trees, gurgling streams and rare wildlife co-create a scenery of unimaginable beauty that will relax our senses. Moving west, we find Hermes Cave which contains seven distinct halls and its age counts millions of years, something that is clearly manifested through the voluminous stalactites and stalagmites that "decorate" its magical interior.
The peaks of mountain Ziria alongside the valley and gorge of Flampouritsa present an intense and very interesting biodiversity, thus, it is understandable why it was embodied in the European Union’s program Natura 2000.
The foot of Mount Ziria (photo by naturagraeca.com)
At the foot of the mountain, there are numerous picturesque settlements where we will have an opportunity to go on a shopping spree for the locally sourced products too. Aim for walnuts, raisins, chestnuts and almonds, local honey, pulses and herbs, tea and fragrant oregano, the special “ziriotiri” cheese and any kind of the locally sourced meat.
At the northern side of the mountain is where the picturesque town Trikala of Korinth is located. A town divided into three distinct districts: Kato, Messaia and Ano Trikala which are settlements at very close distance from one another and which are in touristic bloom manifested through numerous hotels, tavernas and all types of commercial stores.
In Kato Trikala of Korinth, we select to stay at one of the most notorious Mountain Resorts in Greece, none other than Pliadon Gi Mountain Resort & Spa. A truly valuable choice for your stay while visiting the Peloponese in the south of Greece and where you will experience a peaceful ambiance in perfect marriage to affordable luxury. Constructed according to the local architecture and bearing specimens of the Peloponnesian culture, it constitutes a natural extension of the village while, in parallel, it incorporates luxury services that have elevated the accommodation standards of the whole area.
Pliadon Gi Mountain Resort & Spa is an all time favourite to those who wish to indulge to a peaceful getaway either during the winter or even in the summer months, since it combines both mountainous landscapes and a sea front at very close distance. The tantalising tastes of the luxury Restaurant of the resort will satisfy the most demanding among you, with a wide range of Greek dishes but also international proposals courtesy of its creative chef. Pliadon Gi Mountain Resort would not be complete without a Spa. An impressive indoor swimming pool with deck-chairs overlooking the surrounding nature through floor-to-ceiling windows awaits for your visit. If you wish to work out, there is also a fully equipped gym.
