G U I D E FOR VISITORS

Parnitha is located on the north side of where it occupies a large area, 20 kilometers on a straight line or 36 miles drive from . Parnitha and the of Penteli, and Egaleo – Pikilo surround the capital and its suburbs. The National Forest of Parnitha is easily accessible by car or cable car from Metohi up to the hotel Mont Parnes and the entrances to and Tatoi. 4 In the need to preserve and protect the natural heritage and maintain the ecological balance of extensive areas in the country, while providing the public with opportunities for environmental education and activities, became understood very early on. In 1961, the National Park of Parnitha was established by R.D. 644/1961 and its initial management planned. According to its establishing Decree the Forest consisted of its core, which included the main part of the park and had an area of 3.800 hectares , and a peripheral zone measuring 25.000 hectares. After the disastrous fire of 2007 which destroyed 1.050 hectares of pine forest, 2.180 hectares of fir forest and 430 hectares of broadleaf evergreen, Presidential Decree “for the protection of the of Parnitha” (Gov. Gazette 336/24-7-2007) was issued under which zones of protection were determined with the zone of absolute protection extended to 11.000 hectares. The elevation of the park ranges from about 400 m. (South Metohi) to 1.413m (Karavola), with highest peaks at Ornio (1.350m), Avgo (1.201m) and Kyra (1.160 m). The area of Parnitha belongs to the geographical region of Sterea Ellada, the Regional Units of Eastern and Western Attica. Administratively it belongs to four municipalities: The Municipalities of , Fili, Dionysus and . The Forest Services of Parnitha, and the Forestry Directorate of Eastern Attica are responsible for the National Forest of Parnitha. The Parnith National Park is managed by the Management Body of National Forest Park of Parnitha, of which the Executive Board includes representatives of the Region, the Forest Service of Parnitha, Municipalities, Ministries and NGOs. Campanula celsii subsp. parnesia

Crocus sieberi subsp. atticus

FritilariaFritilaria obliquaobliqua subsp.subsp. obliquaobliqua

Cyclamen graecum FLORA-VEGETATION In the National Park of Parnitha the presence of 1.100 plant species was established. Most of these plants are typical of Mediterranean flora such as haleppo pine, kermes oaks, strawberry trees, heather prickly juniper, mock privet, myrtle, judas tree, holm oak and many more. In wet areas we will meet hydrophilic flora, like poplars, willows, ashes, planes, while on the rocks, slopes and meadows we will find a number of flowers coloring the landscape of the mountain mostly in the spring: orchids, tulips, lilies, crocus. Two species are exclusive Parnitha endemics: the bellflower (Campanula celsil ssp. parnesia) and the catchfly of Parnitha (Silene oligantha ssp. parnesia). Beyond the common species there are over 100 species of particular interest either because they are found only in Greece (endemic) or because they are rare. A typical such plant is the fir (Abies cephalonica). The beautiful fir forest surrounding the mountain peaks, is unique in Attica and lives with the black pine (Pinus nigra). Around the mountain we find pine forests consisting of haleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) and if we get to higher altitudes we will find pine mixed with fir and prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and yet elsewhere mixed with shrubs such as kermes oaks and strawberry trees. In the autumn we can find a rich variety of mushrooms. While they can be delicious and nutritious food, we must be careful because of the 81 species of Parnitha five are poisonous and one can cause death!

Abies cephalonica Cervus elaphus

Cervus elaphus

Caprus aegagrus ssp. Cretica FAUNA In Parntitha we find 42 of the 116 mammal species in the country. Of these 35 are protected and even 23 are rare and endangered. Today, the main representative of the fauna of Parnitha is the red deer (Cervus elaphus). According to April 2012 data by the Management Body, the deer population is approximately 1000. Also there is a small but appreciable population of Cretan wild goat (Caprus aegagrus ssp. Cretica) who lives free in rocky areas of the park. There Cervus elaphus are also groups of roe deer. Other mammals such as hare, fox, beech marten, squirrel, hedgehog, birds such as the sparrowhawk, the owl, the robin, the golden eagle, the genius, the hoopoe, the goldfinch, nightingale; reptiles such as turtles, snakes and lizards, and amphibians such as salamanders, newts, toads and frogs, complete the puzzle of the rich fauna of Parnitha. Innumerable are the insects that will impress us at springtime with their variety and colors. Cave of Panas

Platanos Tatoi

Aghios Petros CAVES – GORGES – SPRINGS

Most of Parnitha is covered by Mesozoic limestone. Due to the composition of its rocks, Parnitha has more than 20 caves and gorges, the most important of which are: the cave of Panas, at the northeastern edge of the gorge Keladona, the gorge at the Keramidi summit, the Tamilthio gorge, the Goura gorge, the cave of between Katsimidi and Mola, the cave of Davelis in the Tatoi forest and the cave of Agia Triada. Beneath the layer of limestone rocks are Paleozoic slate and sandstones. In the contact area of the two layers contact springs are created, 46 of them are found throughout the National Forest. Some of the best known springs are those of Aghia Triada, Koromilia, Saint Peter Mola, Platanos Tatoi, Saint George at Keramidi, Platanos, Fyli, the spring in Mpafi, in Mesiano Nero, the Villiani. Pathway Mola Skipiza

Aghios Giorgios Keramidi

Mpafi refuge ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

Walking Its short distance from Athens, good roads and the existence of two mountain refuge areas in Mpafi and Flampouri make Parnitha an ideal place for recreation. An extensive network of trails offers the opportunity to hike through areas of outstanding natural beauty. Many of them after the fire on 28-6-2007 pass either entirely or partially through the burned areas. The main trails are:

• Fyli - Sfendali (26.400 m) • - Avlonas (21.150 m) • Profotis Ilias (Avlona) - Loimiko (13.550 m) • Amygdaleza – Moni Kleiston (12.300 m) • Metohi - Mpafi refuge (9.500 m) • Avlonas – Loimiko (8.750 m) • Ag. Paraskevi-Loimiko (7.800 m) • M. Kypriano - Kiafa Pini (4.400 m) • Varympopi Rock - Mola (7.400 m) • Katsimidi - Fampouri refuge (5.750 m) • Chouni - Flampouri refuge (5.750 m) • Thrakomakedones - Flambouri refuge (3.300m) • Mont Parnes - Mpafi refuge (3.250 m) • Diaselo Panos - Goura (2.650m) • Paliomilesi - Saloniki (1.500 m) Cave of Panas

Climbing Due to the intense relief of Parnitha great rock climbing areas exist such as Chouni and Aghia Triada, the rock of Varympopi and the Keladona Gorge.

Mountain Biking A very popular sport experiencing continuous growth in Parnitha is mountain biking. A dense network of cycling paths is created in both the core and the peripheral zone of the park. Best known is the circular path in Kithara in Tatoi. Cave of Panas

Guided Tours Since 2007 the Management Body implements a Programme of Environmental education in schools and associations. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the value of protecting and preserving the natural environment. The tours are accompanied by a Supervisor-National Parks Guide. More information about the program provided on the site of the Authority (www.parnitha.net). The Forest Service of Parnitha and WWF organize environmental education programs and tours, as part of the National Forest information and awareness effort. PlatanosPlatanos TatoiTatoi

Μola Recreation

Platanos Tatoi Three large recreation areas are at the core of the Parnitha National Park (Mpafi, Messiano Nero, Mola) and several others in the regional zone (Metohi, Platanos Tatoi, Katsimidi, Aghios Merkourios, Fylis spring) with all the appropriate infrastructure for food and recreation. The recent wildfire burned completely the recreational areas in Platana, Viliani and “Dasos ton Giganton” (the Giants’ Forest).

Spring of Xasia Chapels Many small chapels are scattered in Parnitha located next to water springs in wonderful places. Best known are the Chapel of Aghia Triada, Aghios Petros in Mola, Aghios Georgios in Keramidi, Aghia Paraskevi in Fyli, Aghios Nicholas in Loimiko and Aghios Mercurios.

Aghia Triada

Aghios Petros - Mola Castle of Fyli

Archaeological sites

In Parnitha appears as a natural fortress and the bastion of Attica to attacks from the north. Important fortresses were those of Panaktos, Fyli, Katsimidi and Dhekelia while fortified positions and towers were Leipsidrio, the tower of Loimiko etc. In the cave of Panas many devotional objects were found while in Dhekelia was the tomb of the Greek Tragedian Sophocles. The summer palace at Tatoi is an important cultural monument, which can now be rehabilitated and made accessible to the general public.

Volunteer Organizations

In the region of Parnitha several clubs and organizations are active and help to protect and promote the Park. These are: WWF-Greece, club - Friends of the Forest, EDASA, EPOS Fyli, the Mountaineering Association Acharnon and the Alpine Club of Athens. A few tips ...

We walk as much as possible. The area does not reveal its beauty and secrets easily–we must get to know it.

We always follow trails or forest paths that have been opened specifically for this purpose. This reduces both the chance for us to get lost and to unwittingly cause damage to the flora and fauna of the area.

“We ask to find out”. Knowledge about the ecological and cultural richness of Parnitha is a tool for the protection of the region and a key factor in our acquaintance with it.

We take care so that in all our activities we follow the rules outlined in the Regulation for the Operation of the National Park of Parnitha: We can not cut flowers or plants, remove topsoil or light a fire. Let us remember that fires are among the greatest threats for the mountain.

We are always equipped with a bag for our rubbish or use the rubbish bins. The trash and debris are elements of our modern civilization, but have no place in nature. We avoid loud music, yelling and causing loud noises. Nature plays its own beautiful music.

If we notice any illegal activity to the detriment of the natural environment we must immediately notify the Forest Service of Parnitha and the Management Authority.

We inform the young children we accompany about the value of the forest for the plants, the animals and the birds that live in it and enjoy with them mild activities that respect nature such as bird watching, hiking, biking.

We can not camp in the woods. Instead we spend the night in the two mountain refuges in Mpafi and Flampouri that offer us the opportunity to relax, dine and spend the night.

We drive our car or ride our motorcycle only on the forest roads and we do not destroy lakes, meadows and trails.

We always consult the notice boards located in various parts of the Forest. NATIONAL PARK REGULATIONS IT IS NOT ALLOWED • The lighting of fires throughout the year. • The cutting of trees, branches and tree tops, the uprooting and collection of flowers or other plants and generally all forms of damage to vegetation. • The collection and transfer of humus. • The pollution of the area in general. • Any kind of vehicle on forest roads with obstacles and forbidding signs. • The use of the road network for all types of car and motorcycle tests and races as well as to develop excessive speed and loud noise in all the roads • Hunting and the capture of any animal with any means throughout the entire year. • Any type of weapon, even if in a case, axes, saws or other cutting tools. • Grazing of all animals. • The walking of dogs, even if tied, or other pets and their abandonment in the Park. • To spend the night in tents or trailers. • To place beehives. • To write signs and advertise (on rocks, trees, fences etc.). • Canteens or petty salesmen. • To destroy signs, fences and generally constructions and materials that is public property.

The violators of these regulations are subject to the Hellenic laws: 86/1969, 996/1971 and 998/1979.

Useful telephone numbers: Management Body of National Forest Park of Parnitha: 210.2445226 and 210.2435333 (www.parnitha.net) Forest Service of Parnitha: 2102434061 (www.parnitha-np.gr) Forestry Kapandriti: 22950.52450 WWF Hellas: 210.3314893 (www.wwf.gr) EOS Acharnon: 210.2461528 EOS Athens: 210.3636617 Club-Friends of the Forest: 210.6220299 EDASA: 210.5200680-1 EPOS FYLIS: 210.2411148 Forest Protection Coordination Centre: 1591 Police: 100 Fire Brigade: 199 Refuge Mpafi: 210.2469050 Refuge Flampouri: 210.2464666

The text in this document was based on: Special Environmental Study of the Parnitha National Park (Management Body of National Forest Park of Parnitha) Parnitha National Park Visitor’s Guide (Forest Service of Parnitha) The Parnitha Good Visitor’s Guide (WWF Hellas) Photographic material from: Management Body of National Forest Park of Parnitha Employees’ Archive