Overview

Long but very beautiful hike through forests with large sections on paths.

Statistics

Distance: 19km

Ascent: 500m

Duration: 6-8 hours

Description

From the ski center at Vigla pass follow the track that ascends south to a saddle below Loutzer peak. Leave the road to take the signed trail to the peak with fine views of Varnountas and Vitsi mountains and remnants of the civil war. Continue on the ridge descending steeply at places to reach a deep saddle with beautiful meadow. There is a junction here, where a path to the left descends through forests to Alona (signpost at the edge of the forest).

Continue on the ridge with small up and downs. In places the path disappears for a few meters under tall grass and ferns but as soon as you keep close to the ridge there should not be a problem. Finally it becomes a jeep track that descends to the saddle “Derveni” where E4 joins.

Continue straight (north-east) following the dirt road descending into the forest. Soon you come to a junction where you should continue straight on a minor track and immediately turn right on a logging path where you should pass a few E6 signs. Continue downhill eventually emerging out of the forest and move at its edge on a wide eroded path that terminates before a fountain and a wide forest road. Cross the road towards Panagia chapel ahead and turn left along its wall on a faint footpath. Soon it becomes clear until it comes out of the forest where it disappears again (there are a few signs). Head for a shallow gully where the path is clear again and enter the forest now without any difficulties. Join the main road and follow it for about 1km. Then turn left on a jeep track and immediately right on a narrow footpath slightly overgrown at the beginning. Continue through forest to join the road once more until you reach Agios Georgios chapel on your left.

Veer right on a signed path to join the road for the final time just before a fountain and leisure area. The rest is on the road for about 3km concluding at the western edge of the town. Go right following Ioanninon street and then Gotsi street past the bridge to join the main avenue that will bring you to the center of Florina,

Amenities

There is plenty of hotels and shops in Florina.

Signposting

There is inconsistent and insufficient marking on the second leg of the route after Derveni.

Transportation

There are regular bus services to Thessaloniki, Kastoria and beyond.

Notes

The route contains high altitude sections that maybe under snow from late October to early May.

Occasional but very rare sightings of bears have been reported. Brown bears generally move during the night and will avoid humans. They can only become dangerous when startled so carry a whistle and make noise from time to time to make your presence clear

Shepherd dogs will be encountered often on the mountain and near villages. They may become very intimidating and sometimes dangerous. They are usually found in groups and will attack you as soon as they see you or smell you from a distance. Here are some survival rules of thumb. If you cannot avoid them, try keeping them at a distance. Curry a stick (it seems to scare them sometimes), find a place where you cannot be circled and throw stones to them with the intention of harming them. This will usually do the trick. If however this does not work (it has happened to me only twice in twenty years) just stop and remain calm. In most cases they will stop barking after a few seconds (they are triggered by movement). Call the shepherd if he is nearby, otherwise wait for a while so that they become comfortable with your presence. Hopefully they will let you continue.