Parnitha — Attraction in Municipality of Acharnes

Mount Parnitha (Greek: Πάρνηθα, pronounced [ˈparniθa], Katharevousa and Ancient Greek: Πάρνης Parnis/Parnes; sometimes Parnetha) is a densely forested mountain range north of Athens, the highest on the peninsula of Attica, with an elevation of 1,413 m, and a summit known as Karavola (Καραβόλα). Much of the mountain is designated a national park, and is a protected habitat for wildfowl, first created in 1961. The summit is located 18 km N of Acharnae and about 30 km N of Athens, while the mountain covers approximately 250 km² of land. Other peaks include Mavrovouni (Μαυροβούνι), Ornio (1,350 m), Area (1,160 m), Avgo or Avgho (1,150 m), and Xerovouni (Ξεροβούνι, meaning "dry mountain": 1,120 m). It also has two shelters Mpafi and Flampouri.The name of the mountain dates back to ancient times, when it was under the ancient demes of Acharnae and Decelea.

Towns surrounding the mountain include Aspropyrgos, Fyli, Acharnes, Varymbombi, Thrakomakedones, Dekeleia, Avlona and Agios Stefanos as well as the settlement of Agios Merkourios. The highway GR-1 (E75) surrounds the northern and eastern part of the mountain along with the Cephissus river, while the Attiki Odos motorway (GR-6) runs to its south. The mountain offers panoramic views of the mountains northeast of Parnitha, Penteli to the east, the Ymittos to the southeast, the Aigaleo to the south and another to the west; from its summit, one can also see the Thriasian Plain, the Saronic Gulf including the islands of Salamina, Aigina and the North, the South Euboean Gulfs and island of Euboea, and most of central and northern Greater Athens. The view during clear days can extend to northern Boeotia and the Peloponnese.

The mountain was also affected by several major blizzards, including two in 2005 and 2006, stranding cars and closing roads, as well as...

The mountain has been given the status of National forest many decades ago but this has been unable to protect and preserve it effectively. Several vast wild fires in the recent years have destroyed thousands of acres of pines forest especially on the west and south slopes. Such fires start invariably during summer heat waves in the surrounding inhabited areas and creep up the slopes. As a result only the nucleus mostly above 1100m consisting of firs is currently surviving.Even so the North side still makes for pleasant hikes and is...

Parnis is a mountain in Greece, in the peripheral unit of West Attica in the periphery of Attica, north of Athens. The highest peak is Karambola with a height of 1412 m. It is covered with pine trees in the lower part, mainly Aleppo pine, and Kefalinian fir in the middle. In winter it is covered with snow. The Parnis National Park was created. An amazing place, a feeling of complete freedom. ...