Mount Kyllini, also known as Mount Ziria, boasts eight majestic peaks and derives its name from the many hollow areas that define its unique geomorphology. Nestled between two of its peaks lies the breathtaking Flamburitsa gorge, a natural habitat brimming with abundant streams and perennial trees.
The waterflow from this gorge feeds into the Sythas river and supports the thriving ecosystem of the region.
Where music was “conjured”, where the birthplace
Kyllini or Ziria held great significance in ancient Greece according to Pausanias’ writings and to archaeological findings. Here, nestled high on Mount Ziria at an altitude of 1,750 meters, lies a wonder of nature, the “cave of Hermes.” This is where the divine union of Zeus and the nymph Maia gave birth to a baby like no other, with wings to fly and a wit beyond his years - the god Hermes.
Hermes was not just a messenger, but a trickster, a protector, and a creator. He fashioned the musical lyre from a turtle shell and animal nerves, using it to soothe the anger of Apollo after stealing his oxen. His spirit was unmatched, and his quick wit allowed him to deceive even the most cunning of foes. But his mission was to carry messages between the world of mortals and the gods, a messenger like no other.
The area was home to sanctuaries such as "Myseon" for goddess Demetra and "Kyros" for Asclepius, one of the largest Asclepieions (hospitals) in ancient Greece. These elements indicate a strong connection to the religious life of ancient Greeks and cultural identity of the area.
Visit the sacred "Hermes Cave" and discover the birthplace of the psychopomp Hermes, the god beloved by both mortals and immortals alike.
Ecosystem of Kyllini
Travelling up a mountain and simultaneously viewing the sea is quite rare. Equally rare is reaching within an hour’s distance from the beach a highland plateau at 1600m, Xerolivado, on mount Kyllini, is named after the many hollow (κύλλος) areas that characterize its geomorphology, the dollines at the north and south plateau and the Dasiou lake at 1500m. Forming eight high peaks over 2000m, with Megali Ziria to the west (2376 m) and Mikri Ziria (2117m) to the east, Kyllini is wrapped around the long Flamburitsa gorge. Other tame valleys like the Olvios and Zacholitikos river ones and the steep Fonissa gorge, extend at its slopes.
Protected area of the Natura 2000 network
Mount Kyllini hosts many communities of particular importance. Therefore, the peaks and the Flamburtisa gorge have been included in the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network. This mountain has been well botanized by the pioneer collectors of the 18-19th century and is locus classicus for several Greek mountain plants. At least nine currently accepted species or subspecies bear the epithet cylleneus. The flora of the mountain is extremely rich, consisting of hundreds of plant species, 122 of which are endemic, 4 grow only on this mountain and 23 are rare and threatened.
