Hiking in Malevi Monasteri and the Parnonas Shelter, Peloponnese

The monastery of Malevi has located 20 km from Astros at an altitude of 900 m. It was founded in 717 AD and its name comes from the local name of mount Parnonas as “Malevos”. During the Greek revolution, the contribution of the monastery was crucial, as it became a shelter, a remedy place, and a source of supplies for the warriors.

Setting off the path from the monastery, the hikers are surrendered in the shades and the sounds of various trees, such as the Cephalonian Fir (Abies cephalonica), and the Black Pine (Pinus Nigra). In this path can be found the only cedar forest in Europe (juniperus drupaceous) which is declared a protected Nature monument and integrated into the Natura network (2000).

Going uphill, to the plateau of Prophet Ilia, the rich scenery, and the variety of images that come out of the small clearings, fascinate the visitors and make the route less tiring. The plateau is located in the alpine zone and the hiker can select either the challenging route, which leads to the highest mountain top of Parnona (Big Tourla 1.934 m) or the mild one which goes through the flatland of the plateau. Even though the routes are separate, they both end up at the same spot, Arnomousga, where the Parnon shelter (1.420m) can be found.

On the plateau of Prophet Ilia, a gathering is organized by amateur astronomers and observers every year for a night sky tour, as this specific place is considered one of the most appropriate worldwide for this cause.

General Information:

• Distance: 12km
• Minimum Altitude: 900 m
• Maximum Altitude:1420m trail path to shelter 
• Maximum Altitude:1934m trail path to the top of the mountain