Mount Chatzi is part of the Pindus mountain range and constitutes the southernmost boundary before Agrafa and the Valtos Mountains. Mesochora dam has been built at its foot to allow for the diversion of Acheloos river and the production of electricity- one more case of harmful human intervention, which is expected to destroy an area of unique natural beauty, causing irreversible damage to the local ecosystem.
However, many of the lower peaks are of particular interest for hiking and climbing. The mountain is a good suggestion for those who take their first steps on snow field, since the two main peaks can be reached relatively easily event though after several hours of walking.
The firs dominate the greater part of the mountain but in the streams and ravines deciduous trees grow such as sycamores and chestnuts. Rare species of wildlife, including bears, wolves, wild boars and eagles find shelter in the region. The forest roads that have been opened to serve the needs of farmers, extend to the alpine zone.
The most popular route to the summit starts from the village Mesochora of Trikala perfecture. The path leading to the base of the summit and the neighboring peak called Vromeri is located on the edge of the village and the first hour of walking is painful because of the dense vegetation. Near the peaks, the trail splits and goes left for the summit and right to Vromeri.
Lower, there are numerous old trails, which are rather misleading because of the lack of signaling.
Highest elevation
(Koryfi ) 2.038m.
Distance
395km from Athens.
315Km from Thessaloniki.
Shelters
There are no shelters in the mountain. In Mesochora you can find apartments and a hotel.
Recommended routes
Mesochora – Koryfi
We start from the village square, ascend the left, then turn right and then left again along the way. Where the road begins to descend there is a house with large yard. On our right hand the uphill path starts. We climb up the concrete road with the large cross. There we turn left and opposite to us, at the intersection of two roads, the trail begins. The iron sign that shows us the right direction is not very easy to spot.
We follow the path among junipers. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been cleaned and is quite easy to miss. In this case, head to the antennas located at the bottom left, on a low top. Alternatively, we can follow the road that goes right off the trail and the first junction turn left. It will lead us to a pen underneath the antennas. Beware, dogs there are not very friendly.
There is mountaineering mark and an icon, ti show us that we are on track. We can continue uphill to the road on our right until we find the mountain sign, which will lead us down the path, or climb through the woods to the left of the dirt road to find the path to get to the ridge. There is an unmarked trail, which we follow to the right and leads us to the correct path. We recommend the second route, since the path on the road is much less interesting, while the dense ferns difficult to climb.
Then we come to big mountaineering cuckoo. From here we move onto the neck following the signs. Soon we meet the forest road. We walk a few steps and across the street we see a dry oak. Therein lies the path. We ascend and after a while we descend, bypassing the junipers from the left, and head right until you get the neck. From here we have a good view towards the top and the path we must follow is clear.
At the end of the neck we find an annealed sign with information on the ascent. We keep ascending having the top on the left side and along the marks. In some places the path is steep. Soon we meet another mountaineering label, which shows us the way to the peaks Vromeri and Koryfi. We will ascend to the left towards the scree slope, that appears in the background. We meet another sign and continue climbing passing over the scree; without snow the ascent is not difficult. This leads to the saddle; we turn left and in a few minutes we are on the summit where we can see Tzoumerka, Avgo, Tsigkori, north Agrafa and other mountains. The climb takes approximately five to six hours, depending on the pace of walking.
Local history
At Malorachi situated west of Mesochora at an altitude of 1.335m.), there is a monument dedicated to the chieftain Katsantonis (Anthony Makriyannis), which was victorious in the battle against the troops of Ali Pasha Veligkeka.
Nearby sights
In summer you can cool off in the waters of the Acheloos and camp on the shore, just below the village Mesochora. In the region, according to residents, there are bears, while in the morning one wakes up with the sounds of birds foraging in the trees.
The river can be crossed quite easily during the summer but in the winter swells and becomes dangerous.
Tips
At Mesochora you can find taverns and the only bar in the village opens every summer. There is no bakery and grocery store there, but daily a van with bread and fruit comes from Stournareika. In the village Armatoliko , shortly after the dam there is a convenience store. Nearby is the village Vourgareli, where you can enjoy your coffee on the square and obtain the necessary from the supermarket, the bakery and pharmacy.
Ski resorts
There are no ski resorts, but the mountain is proposed for ski mountaineering.
