Gamila, the highest peak of the Tymfi range
Hike description
Gamila (2,497 m) is the highest point of the Tymfi range in northwestern Greece and one of the most impressive parts of the Pindus massif. With its grassy southern slope and dramatic rock walls to the north, Gamila feels both approachable and majestic. The ascent is not technically difficult, but it does require good navigation skills and solid fitness. In return, you get superb views of surrounding peaks, deep canyons, and distant Greek mountain ridges.
Start of the hike
The hike begins by the road where a dirt track joins it. Follow the dirt track and after about 800 metres look for a footpath branching off to the right. The path climbs a gentle grassy slope and is not well marked. You’ll know you’re on the right route when you reach a circular concrete water tank at around 1,750 m.
Through the Megas Lakos canyon
Beyond the tank, the path turns right and after roughly 700 metres brings you to a small saddle with an amazing view of the magnificent Megas Lakos canyon – one of the deepest and wildest canyons in the Tymfi range. This little-known gorge cuts deep into the limestone massif, creating a rugged scree-filled landscape of dramatic walls and inaccessible slopes.
For the next three kilometres, you will traverse the eastern slope of the canyon, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the views. The trail is gently undulating here and occasionally crosses scree fields. You’ll also come across a spring captured in a pipe right beside the path. The first more serious climb comes only after crossing the streambed at the head of the canyon. From here, a short steep ascent leads up onto stepped pastureland, which you follow to the Loutsa Robozi reservoir at 1,980 metres.
Ascent to Gamila
Just before the reservoir dam, turn right onto a path that is once again poorly marked and in places disappears completely. Cairns may help, as they sometimes indicate the direction of ascent. The route alternates between grassy and scree-covered sections, and at times you’ll need to pay close attention to find where it goes.
The final climb to the summit of Gamila (2,497 m) follows a clearly visible path up its grassy southern slope. From the summit of Gamila, there are magnificent views across the Tymfi range and the distant mountains of Greece. To the west, you’ll see Ploskos (2,370 m), with Drakolimni peeking out behind it. To the east rise the steep rocky peaks of Stoma (2,466 m), Gamila II (2,465 m), and Karteros (2,456 m). Looking back in the direction you came from, you’ll see the massive summit of Astraka (2,486 m) towering above the reservoir.
In good visibility, you may also spot Smolikas (2,637 m), the second-highest mountain in Greece, on the horizon, and farther west the smaller but distinctive summit of Vasilitsa (2,248 m).
Descent
The descent from Gamila follows the same route back – to the Loutsa Robozi reservoir, across the pastures, and along the traverse above the Megas Lakos canyon. The views remain beautiful on the way down, especially in the afternoon light. Once you reach the concrete tank again, you rejoin the dirt track, which leads all the way back to the road.
Useful info
By car
Drive to the road between the villages of Kapesovo and Vradeto. There is a large flat area right next to the road where you can park.
By bus
The start of the hike to Gamila is not accessible by public transport.
A spring in the Megas Lakos canyon (towards the end of the season, don’t rely on it too much). Water from the Loutsa Robozi reservoir should only be used after filtration.
- About an hour’s walk from the Loutsa Robozi reservoir is the Astraka Mountain Hut, where you can stay overnight and split the route into two days.
- From Gamila, you can continue along the ridge via Stoma to Gamila II, and descend from there to rejoin the route either at the reservoir or a little lower down. Do not expect good waymarking or a well-trodden path.
