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Oiti

The mountain of Iti is an integral part and parcel of the massif of the mountains of Central Greece, not only geomorphological but also historical. The wild life of the mountain has a very close relation with the wild life that lives to the mountains Vardousia, Giona, Kallidromo, even Parnassus and is in direct relation with the Pindus Mountains.

Iti is on the verge of Fthiotida and Phokida and the highest peak is Pirgos (2152 meters). The figure of the mountain on the north side, where the mountain ends in the valley of Spercheios river, impresses with its steep slopes and vertical cliffs which create magnificent waterfalls. The creation of the waterfalls is the result of faults and violent changes that took place in the valley over the years. The largest waterfall in Central Greece is Kremastos, a very impressice waterfall, is over Kompoti village in Stenovouni, and exceeds 100 meters height.

ΣOn this side of the mountains the magnificent canyons have attracted the interest and curiosity of many climbers and they have become famous worldwide. There are impressive canyons, such as Gorgopotamos, Kakavos, Kamariotis, Rodokalos, Gerakari, which are suitable “nailed” for climbing. The predominant rock is the limestone, and that’s the reason why the area is dotted with karstic formations.

Further east, near Loutra Ypatis and Mexiates, is the Fournospilia with evidence of use from the Neolithic era, even as a sacred. On Agiospilies (or Ai-Spilies) ,above the Mexiates Caves, the Grammenes Caves and the Kompotiades, frescoes are rescued, confirming that Agiospilies were used as shelters monks (hermitages) in past eras.

Very close to Ypati, in the area of Xerias, there is the abyss of Anemotripa, a cave where for the past 2.500 years magic rituals were taking place. East is the canyon of the River Asopos, which is the natural boundary between Iti and Kallidromos. Tthe crossing of the canyon, that is taking place every autumn, is the cause for nationwide meeting of mountaineers and naturalists. The wild beauty is striking, especially for the passengers of the railway and the walkers of the "railway trail".

Westwards , the limit is the ancient river Inachos (current Vistriza) that separates Iti from Vardousia. The abundant waters of the river put in motion several water mils in the previous years. Nowadays the waters are used for production of electric energy, from several small hydroelectric factories.

Southwards, the landscape becomes softer and the lines smoother. The Boeotian Kifissos, natural boundary with Giona, and Mornos, natural boundary with Vardousia, define the area of the mountain with the vast forests.

The half of the area around the mountain was characterized a National Park at 1966, in order to maintain biodiversity and preserve the special geological features. The figure of the wild and inaccessible mountain, which is created by looking at low, particularly in the east and north side, is replaced by another completely different picture, when we are at the heart of Iti.

In the plateau Katavothra, southwest of the park, are located on the one hand, the namesake cavern, which previously had given his name to the mountain, and on the other hand the remains of the pyre, a significant ancient temple, dedicated to Hercules. In the area there is a variety of traditional faucets, as Amaliovrysi, Perdikovrysi and Kalogeros(Hoxha) and rich spring waters such as Rufias, Velouchi, Asprovrysi, Cydonia and many others.

The rich flora, result of both the composition of rocks and the particular climatic conditions, gives special value to the character of the mountain, that is considered to be one of the beloved mountains for nature lovers, walkers, climbers and cyclists. The significant fauna Iti is characterized by a small number of goats, which unfortunately ruthlessly hunted by poachers, and greater numbers of various mammals and many birds. To the south lies the plateau Makrykampi, with old crossroads of mountain paths and valuable wildlife refuge.