Tomaros
1,974 m
Greece
Also known as Olytsika, Томарос, +6Also known as
Olytsika · Томарос · Pendolakos (Großer Tomaros oder Olytsika) · Πεντόλακος (Μεγάλος Τόμαρος ή Ολύτσικα) · Pendolakos (Great Tomaros or Olytsika) · Pendolakos (Grand Tomaros ou Olytsika) · Pendolakos (Grande Tomaros o Olytsika) · Óros Tómaros
- Elevation
- 1,974 m
- Prominence
- 1,400 m
- Difficulty
- 3/10
- Mountain hike
- Best Season
- May–Jun
- Routes
- 1
Routes
1A classic approach to the main summit of Tomaros: from Dodoni, beside the ancient oracle, a waymarked path climbs through forest past the Panagia chapel and springs to Mitsikosta, crosses the Baltenesi plateau below Belou, joins the path from Meligoi and makes a long, steady climb south to the summit (1,974 m). About 5 hours and 1,300 m of ascent.
Elevation Profile
- Distance
- 12.3 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +1,688 m
- −462 m lost on the way up
- High Point
- 1,974 m
- Time Up
- 8h 05m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 6h 27m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Start at the upper edge of Dodoni (about 650–730 m), 20 km south-west of Ioannina. A concrete lane leads to a dirt-road fork, from where waymarks point straight towards the mountain; after two bends the path leaves the track on the left. It climbs through green forest, steepening to the small chapel of the Panagia (a good first rest). About 50 minutes from the village the path passes springs on either side, then bears left and climbs to Mitsikosta, where there is a shepherds' hut. Above the trees the route crosses the Baltenesi plateau below Belou (Little Olytsika, about 1,800–1,820 m) and after about 2½ hours joins the path coming up from Meligoi. From the junction head south on a long, relentless climb over open karst ground to the main summit, Olytsika or Pentolakos (1,974 m), about 1½ hours more. Return the same way. The shorter but steeper route from Meligoi (about 740 m), waymarked by EOS Ioanninon, climbs very steeply through forest and scree to about 1,300 m and a saddle below Belou, then joins this line; the exposed ridge variant above it involves scrambling and is not recommended in snow.
Start
Δωδώνη747 m
- Local buses run from Ioannina towards Dodoni irregularly (not confirmed); taxi from Ioannina (about 20 km).
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Δωδώνη → Πεντόλακος (Μεγάλος Τόμαρος ή Ολύτσικα) | 12.3 | 1,688 | 462 | 8h 05m |
Waypoints
- Trailhead: Δωδώνη747 m
Dodoni village; start at the upper edge of the village
- Feature: Παναγία1,248 m
Panagia chapel on the forest path
- Summit: Πεντόλακος (Μεγάλος Τόμαρος ή Ολύτσικα)1,974 m
Key Passages
- Forest climb to the Panagia chapel
- Baltenesi plateau below Belou
- Long steady climb south to the summit
Equipment
0/6 packedDownloads
Route confidence 55%Overview
Tomaros, also called Olytsika, is the limestone mountain above the ancient oracle of Dodona, south-west of Ioannina. Its main summit, Pentolakos or Great Olytsika (1,974 m), is a long but straightforward hike from Dodoni or Meligoi across open karst plateaus.
Tomaros rises about 20 km south-west of Ioannina, a compact limestone range some 12 km long between Xerovouni and the Paramythia mountains, with the Dodona valley at its eastern foot. Its main summit, Pentolakos (Great Olytsika), reaches 1,974 m; the gentler northern top, Belou or Little Olytsika (about 1,800–1,820 m), stands above Dodoni. The mountain feeds the springs of the Louros, and its upper slopes are an alpine zone of meadows, dolines and snow-filled karst hollows, with fir, black pine and oak forest lower down.
The mountain's fame is historical: at its eastern foot lies Dodona, the sanctuary where the oracle of Zeus spoke through the rustling leaves of a sacred oak, known since Homer and burned by the Romans in 168 BC. Villages ring the mountain, including Dodoni, Meligoi, Vargiades and Lippa, and about seven paths climb from them.
Tomaros is quiet and little developed. A refuge near Little Olytsika has been built but is closed. Hunting and charcoal burning have reduced the wildlife and oak forest. In winter the gentle north-eastern slopes are good for beginners' ski touring.
Climbing Notes
Plan a full day: about 5 hours up from Dodoni, with around 1,300 m of ascent. The route from Meligoi is shorter but very steep through the forest, with scree; the ridge variant above it involves scrambling. The paths are waymarked (EOS Ioanninon has marked the Meligoi route), but the upper plateau is open and confusing in fog.
Springs are frequent in the forest and up to about 1,600 m, but carry water for the final climb. Snow lies on the upper mountain from December into spring, when crampons and an ice axe are needed; the north-east side is the usual winter approach. There is no staffed accommodation on the mountain; stay in Ioannina or the villages.
History
Tomaros is the ancient name of the mountain, mentioned in connection with the sanctuary of Dodona. Remains of an ancient settlement at Gouves, about 1,600 m above Meligoi, are said to date from about 800 BC. No record of a first ascent is known.
Season
Best May–Jun- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Possible
- April: Good
- May: Best (best window)
- June: Best (best window)
- July: Good
- August: Good
- September: Best
- October: Best
- November: Good
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Winter; ski touring on the north-east side
- Feb
- Winter conditions
- Mar
- Snow on the upper mountain
- Apr
- Spring snow high up; flowers lower down
- May
- Snow patches in the dolines; primulas
- Jun
- Good conditions
- Jul
- Hot on the lower slopes; start early
- Aug
- Hot; some springs low
- Sep
- Stable weather
- Oct
- Good conditions
- Nov
- Cooler; first snow possible
- Dec
- Winter conditions
Access & Permits
- Getting There
Ioannina
Ioannina (IOA)
- Car: Ioannina–Dodoni, about 20 km; Meligoi lies just south of Dodoni
- Public transport: no confirmed bus service; taxi from Ioannina
Hazards
- Weather
- Remoteness