Mount Itamos Chalkidiki Peninsula

Mount Itamos, also called Dragoudeli, is the highest mountain in the mountain range located in the beautiful peninsula of Sithonia. The 182,000 acre area is part of the Natura 2000 network and is a protected area.

It extends from Neo Marmaras for the entire width of the peninsula and reaches 811 meters above sea level at its peak where the view from the top is total on the Halkidiki Peninsula.

Its name derives from a particular type of tree that grows only in this area and which belongs to one of the most ancient species in all of Greece, some even 2000 years old. The scientific term is Taxus Baccata and is part of the conifer family. It is an evergreen with a trunk that can reach up to two meters in width and reach a height between ten and twenty meters. The tree has extremely toxic leaves like its cup-shaped and bright red fruit which, given its harmful power, can be fatal for some animals and even for men. In Greek mythology, it is said that the goddess Artemis, queen of the forest and goddess of the hunt, used this substance to poison her arrows. To be able to admire them when you reach the top, head north east.

A very important habitat for the reproduction of many species of birds and raptors so much so that Mount Itamos is a real attraction for birdwatchers who will be able to discover and observe animals in their natural state. The forest also made up of junipers and black pines is also the perfect environment for endangered deer, wild rabbits, foxes, wild boars and wolves. Beekeeping, which for some families is the main means of livelihood, is very present in the forest and it will not be difficult or strange to meet hives on the road.

A mountain still little known but with significant flora and fauna.

It offers various activities that go beyond the classic day at the beach, here it is possible to make beautiful trekking routes completely immersed in the wildest nature or alone if you are experienced and used to walking in the mountains or with excursions organized by the many tourist agencies that you can find it in Neo Marmaras and in the villages adjacent to the massif. Another alternative is to visit it by bicycle, better a mountain bike where for the fans it will be a real playground. Again only if you are trained and used to this sport.

For fans of four wheels, forest roads to be done exclusively with a 4x4 through pine forests, olive groves and rock formations. For the more relaxed, however, always by means of a car that is not necessarily self-propelled, the road is asphalted for about forty percent, then it becomes dirt. You can even reach Parthenonas village for a breath of healthy air and a delicious dinner based on local recipes.

To reach the top, you have to go up to a country church at about eight hundred meters above sea level, where there is a watchtower where you can climb and have an incomparable view of Kassandra, Sithonia, Mount Athos and the Halkidiki peninsula whole.

From Neo Marmaras you can choose between cars, bicycles or with a walk how to go into the forest to reach the summit.

Definitely a beautiful experience in close contact with the territory and nature that, like every time, gives indelible memories.We recommend that you have the utmost respect for the environment which despite its grandeur is still very fragile, so no waste around and do not pick flowers or fruits only as a souvenir.