Mountain Koziakas Hiking Trails
WALK the Koziakas Trails in Greece
Koziakas is a beautiful forested mountain west of Trikala, over 25 kilometres long.
With villages like Elati, Pertouli and others, it forms beautiful small plateaus and is a wonderful destination for all seasons. The mountain is also home to many brown bears, whose tracks are all over the mountain.
The Koziakas Trails route
HIKING ACROSS GREECE
Koziakas Trail
Easy & advanced routes
Thessaly, Central Greece
Mountain Koziakas is located in the prefecture of Trikala in Central Greece and rises to an altitude of 1,900 meters.
It is part of the Natura 2000 EU network, a designated nature protection area and a vital ecosystem. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous bird species, 422 plant species, and dense fir forests. Wild animals such as brown bears and wolves inhabit the area, where lush forests and alpine rivers create stunning landscapes.
What time of the year is best to hike Mount. Koziakas?
The climate in Koziakas is mountainous Mediterranean, with the best time to visit and hike being between April and June, during the spring season. Hiking in winter is not recommended due to heavy snowfall.
Mount Koziakas can be accessed through Trikala and Elati. The Elati forest village is located 360 km from Athens and 247 km from Thessaloniki.
There are several scenic mountain hikes in Koziakas, starting from Elati, most of which are beginner-friendly and suitable for families.
Looking for the perfect farm stay near Elati? Experience authentic countryside living at Elati stone houses!
THE HIKING ROUTE
Elati – Kokkinos Vrachos – Kosta – Amaranthos or Tsioki
Length: 11,099 m
Ascent: 692 m
Descent: 640 m
Maximum Elevation: 1,525 m
Maximum Elevation: 1,525 m
The route begins in the center of Elati, ascending the road opposite the petrol station, and at 460m in the Tsionaki area, it transitions into a dirt road at the village’s last houses, avoid the path leading to the Kokkinos Vrachos (Red Rock in Greek) climbing area.
Kokkinos Vrachos is also a noticeable rock visible from the village. After 60m on the dirt road, a right junction with a sign leads to Kokkinos Vrachos, and all you need to do is follow the 450m path to the top (1,050m) for stunning views of Elati, Pindus, and Agrafa mountains.
Just before reaching Kokkinos Vrachos, turn left toward the Epano Livadia meadows, cross them, pass a stable, and continue on the road for 20 meters. A path on the left climbs through wooded slopes for 500 meters to Tsouknidoula, then continues right where it fades, reaching Voulaka before turning left uphill to cross Kosta.
The path winds through a dense fir and cedar forest, crossing a forest road. Follow it for a kilometer to Mnimma tis Papadias, then head right off-road for 20 minutes to reach the summit of Tsioki (Amaranthos) at 1,526m. Take a forest road back to Elati, longer but easier than going up.
THE HIKING ROUTE
Pertouli Ski Resort – Koziakas Refuge – Chatzipetros Summit 1901m
Advanced
Length: 5226 m
Ascent: 790 m
Descent: 45 m
Maximum Elevation: 1915 m
Minimum Elevation: 1169 m
This popular and shortest path to Koziakas’ highest peak starts at the Pertouli Ski Resort, crossing meadows, a wooden footbridge, and following yellow trail markers with black triangles.In late summer, the river is shallow enough to cross anywhere, but in winter and spring, crossing without getting wet is impossible. After crossing, follow the forest road to the right for 200 meters, then turn left onto a path that meets another forest road after 200 meters, which you follow left for 700 meters to a horizontal forest road, where the path to the refuge and summit begins.
The path begins with a gentle climb across the mountain slopes, then ascends beneath the Skala of Arvanites rock, reaching a flat plateau (Arvanites site), where it turns east and passes the spring of the same name after 200 meters.
After the spring, the path heads north, requiring caution, and as you climb further, the Bakola plateau and Koziakas shelter (1738m) appear, with the unmarked path continuing straight towards the summit, meeting the marked path from Elati at 1830m, which leads to the Chatzipetros summit at 1901m.
Pyli – Tripio Lithari – Glykomilia
Length: 24501 m/Ascent: 2701 m/ Descent: 2951 m/ Maximum/Elevation: 1705 m/Minimum Elevation: -237 m
This path crosses Mount Koziakas from north to south, starting at the Monastery of Porta Panagia in Pylis, Trikala. It passes the arched bridge of Pyli and climbs up the Koziakas perimeter, winding through beautiful valleys, the kiosk at Kanalia and finally reaches Tripio Lithari. Situated below the eastern slopes of the peak, Tripio Lithari (Holey stone in Greek) is an important place on the mountain where all the paths leading to the peak or the shelter meet.
The stretch from Tripio Lithari to the village of Glykomilia (Sweet Apple in Greek) in the north is long and challenging, with a plateau offering fantastic mountain views followed by a steep descent through dense forest.
Follow the signs carefully and you will eventually reach a dirt road that leads to the beautiful kiosk of Goura, from where the path continues to the village of Glykomeilia.
THE ROUTE
Kori - Tripio Lithari - Koziakas Refuge
Advanced
Length: 4173 metres
This challenging hike starts in Kori village and continues through beautiful forest to Tripio Lithari, where the path crosses a small but steep gully that can be crossed with care in dry conditions, but requires winter mountaineering experience when covered with snow.
Tripio Lithari is the central point where all the paths leading to the summit or to the refuge meet.
From here, the path continues to the south of the summit, eventually reaching the Koziaka refuge.
Short Trail to the Refuge from the Pertouli Ski Resort
Length: 1638 meters/Elevation Gain: 347 meters/Elevation Loss: 1 meter/Maximum Elevation: 1698 meters/Minimum Elevation: 1352 meters
This shorter alternative to the Pertouli ski resort refuge starts at 1350 meters via the classic ascent, then forks left to climb the wooded and steep eastern slopes.
The path crosses a forest road, following it for less than 100 meters before leaving it at a bend. After about 400 meters, it crosses the road again and continues left, following a smooth dirt ridge (meadow) that crosses to the right above the barn, reaching the Bakola plateau where the Koziakas shelter is located.
Hiking in Greece
Pialeia – Mpei Cave
Advanced/Challenging
Length: 3965 meters
Elevation Gain: 919 meters
Elevation Loss: 83 meters
Maximum Elevation: 1193 meters
Minimum Elevation: 357 meters
Starting from Pialeia village, this trail ascends the eastern slopes to Mpei Cave, where you’ll find a kiosk, a spring, and a cave with a stream. The trail is scenic, but a challenging section precedes the cave. It then connects to the main path crossing Koziakas from north to south, between Pyli and Tripio Lithari.
Hiking in Greece
Elati – Red Rock – Thyra – Amaranthos Summit (or Tsoki) 1526m
Intermediate & Challenging
Length: 3195 meters
Elevation Gain: 693 meters
Elevation Loss: 29 meters
Minimum Elevation: 864 meters
Maximum Elevation: 1530 meters
Starting in Elati, this scenic walk ascends to the Koziakas peaks. Follow the uphill road, opposite the petrol station, then turn onto a dirt track after 500 meters. Be cautious not to follow the Red Rock path. After 60 meters, take the bend towards Red Rock, and enjoy stunning views from the top (1050m) of Elati and the Pindus and Agrafa ranges.
Before reaching Red Rock, turn left towards the Upper Meadows, continue 20 meters, take the left path uphill through the woods for 500 meters to Tsouknidoula, and then continue uphill to the “Tsoki” cliffs.
The path becomes steep, passing between two rocks at “Thyra,” then continues straight until you meet the Koziakas path, which you follow right to a pass with a forest road, and then follow the road uphill for 100 meters.
Leave the road and head straight up to the right (unmarked trail), reaching the summit of Tsoki or Amaranthos at 1526 meters in about 20 minutes.
Special thanks to
Special thanks to Mr. Nikolas Kroupi—researcher, dedicated hiker, and map creator—for providing the Koziakas trails map featured in this post and a free brochure of the trails. Explore more on his website: www.kroupi.gr.
Why Hike the Koziakas Trails?
Hiking the Koziakas trails offers a unique experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain’s breathtaking landscapes, featuring lush forests, picturesque plateaus, and panoramic views, make it a perfect destination throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring the charming villages of Elati and Pertouli or discovering hidden corners of the mountain, the trails provide a peaceful escape from daily life.
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