Hellanio Oros (532m) [P-532]
Summited On: May 25, 2025
Region: Piraeus & Islands, Central Greece, Greece.
Overview
Ellanio Oros (532m) [”Ελλάνιο Όρος”] or Hellanio (532m) is the highpoint of Aegina (”Άιγινα”), an island of the Saronic Gulf, situated between Piraeus and the Peloponnese. The mountain is known since ancient times with Roman Historian Pausanias mentioning it in his work, and referencing the altar to Zeus built on its summit. The peak is unique both visually, presenting as a pointed mound, and geologically, being one of the few volcanic landscapes commonly visited by Athenians. It can be ascended as an easy hike from a multiple of directions, visitors will find the Chapel of Saint Elias (”Προφήτης Ηλίας“) on the summit, as well as the archeological excavations for the aforementioned altar. It is the highest island highpoint in the Saronic Gulf, and the second highest formation in the geological group, which includes the volcano of Methana (740m) [”Μέθανα”]. Due to its prominence and underlying volcanic geology make for a highly unique summit with exceptional views across the Saronic Gulf.
Hellanio - 532m and Perdika as seen from the boat to Moni Island the day before.
This ascent to Hellanio (532m) [P-532] was the main target of this weekend trip in May 2025 and thus, the only morning (Sunday) was allocated to it. As such I was able to summit Moni Island HP (172m) [P-172] the day before, and eat rest and hang out in Perdika in preparation for this hike. It definitely proved to be one of the most notable experiences so far this year.
The Route
Having gone through an incredibly long day already on Saturday, and enjoying some quality seafood in Perdika for dinner, I managed to fall asleep extra early in preparation for my attempt on Hellanio (532m) the next morning. The underlying idea being to start the sea-2-summit attempt before dawn (6am) and return around 10am, which would give me a full 4 hours at least to make the trip.
Part I: Road to Sfentouri
As still within a dream I woke up at 05:15am to the blaring sound of my alarm; without missing a beat or turning on a light I quickly got dressed and grabbed my bag. Seemingly I must have forgotten something as I inevitably had to turn on the lights, briefly waking up Nieve, but that was alright as a “Good Morning, Good Luck” is always welcome on a solo attempt. As such with the clock just before 05:30am I walked out of the Guesthouse and towards the pier and sea, snapping a quick photo of Hellanio (532m) from sea level - soon I would be 500m above.
View of Moni & Agistri Island from Sfentouri
Starting at 05:32am with both poles in one hand, and a can of Monster Energy in the other I managed to leave Perdika within minutes, and soon was enjoying view of the first light across the Saronic from altitude. Just 20 minutes in I was already at the long curve, with the first houses of Sfentouri almost within reach. My route planning tool estimated about 1 hour from Peridka to Sfentouri; as such arriving to a small plaza by St. Theodora (”Αγία Θεοδώρα”) in 35 minutes, my outlook on the attempt had now changed - it was truly on. Less than 10 minutes later, it was time to leave the asphalt behind and continue on Trail #1 towards Hellanio (532m).
Part II: Souvala Achlada
Arriving at Sfentouri TH well ahead of schedule I mindlessly looked at the signage, suggesting nearly 2 hours to reach the summit; it was time to find out how true that was. The first section of the trail was incredibly pleasant, heading NW through a wide cobbled track, probably used for thousands of years. This well kept and marked section was a real throwback to my time growing up on Tinos island, and it would be remiss of me not to make quick work of it. As a result, it took less than 10 minutes to reach the shoulder view point “Big Plateau” - where a single old olive tree stands lonely overlooking Marathon Lava Dome (246m) [P-105]. Passing this section the trail begins to slightly loose elevation as it traverses under the ridge towards the East, next destination Souvala Achlada.
The start of Trail #1 & #2 going through a cobbled track.
The “Big Plateau” with the single olive tree, Skotini visible in the background.
Souvala Achlada, the large man-made but outdoor cistern, was reached within 1 hour (or 15 minutes from the Sfentouri TH), through an increasingly poorly marked and densely vegetated trail past the “Big Plateau”. Arriving at Achlada I was instantly taken aback with the exceptional beauty of the vista, softly illuminated under the dawn light, and the stillness of the mountain and cistern. Within its rocky confines a few frogs made their presence known but besides them, I was the only one around. I made sure to take a longer break, changing into my gaiters (for possible snakes!), had a cigarette, and continued on my way, following Trail #1 (Red) and leaving Trail #2 (Green) behind. It was time to answer some questions.
Hellanio (532m) and Souvala Achlad Cistern.
View of Marathonas Lava Dome from the trail.
Part III: Hellanio (532m)
First and foremost on my mind was the questionable ascent of a small ravine which would bring me to the base of the summit cone, but soon the continuous presence of large spiders and their webs slung across the vegetation of the trail became a top priority. Like some sort of wacko I walked motioning my right pole Up → Down, clearing any spider webs while also scaring away any snakes with the vibration of the pole hitting the ground. While my speed took a hit here, it was much better than the constant shuddering resulting from the vague feeling of spider webs in my hair.
The “fingers” tafoni forms near the ravine section.
The top section of the ravine, Hellanio summit visible.
After a few ups & downs, and in no more than 15 minutes from Achlada, the trail brough me to the ravine, aggressively angling 90-degrees to the SE, which was indeed steep and strewn with curious loose volcanic rocks. It does not however present any sort of technical challenge and can be easily overcome with some focus, especially on the loose ground. The marking and track continue to be excellent all the way up this section. After ascending the ravine, and passing some denser vegetation with the largest spiders so far, the trail meets a dirt road cut at 350m asl. at which point larger volcanic rocks and forms become a common sight. Reaching the road in a spirited 1:27h from Perdika I was surprised to see a trail runner right next to me, having ascended the road (from an unknown point) and who would overtake me to be the first on the summit that day. Luckily for me I would be second and alone - quiet reflection over pointless achievement any day.
The runner on his way to be the first summiter of the day.
First direct sunlight of the day for me.
The final 182m of gain to the summit almost look impossible from a distance but once there, the steep grade of the summit is locally lessened, making for a pleasant ramp ascent. Following the well marked trail the route continues first using a small water-cut as a trail, and then utilizes and independent track. The views at this section are incredible, as is the natural terrain itself, and with the first rays of light hitting my face there was very little else to want that morning. Making quick work of the lower section I finally arrived at the last intersection, the one connecting to Hellanios Zeus Sanctuary to the N, and continuing a few meters above it I enjoyed pondering over a curious Tafoni form. Soon the final few meters to the summit were reached, passing through a very dense set of bushes and I was finally atop Aegina.
Obligatory feet dangle photo in the new La Sportivas’
My arrival seemed to have startled some of the peaks permanent residents, as looking to my right I saw two gray “pigeon-like” birds with a trilling call and brown coloring fly away. I would later find out that I saw a couple of Turtle Doves - an extremely rare bird in Greece on account of it being hunted. Since they mate for life, these two Turtle Doves probably call this peak their home; and oh what a beautiful place it is.
Part IV: Back to the Sea
Surprised to have spotted these curious flying friends and completely alone on the summit I took a long relaxing summit break. Some eating, smoking, and lots of looking around. The summit was very interesting even besides the views, with a whole archeological dig still in place, a hidden trig. pillar, and two beautiful gigantic boulders on its NE side. I began my descent in apprehension, but I was excited to spend some more time by Souvala Achlada.
View of “Souvala Achlada”
Reaching Souvala in less than 30 minutes I was pleasantly surprised to have some clear sunlight under which to take some photos and enjoy the views. I took a long-ish (10 mins) break here enjoying the peace and some cigarettes. To my dismay, it seems that I may have forgotten my pack of smokes somewhere on trail - probably not there - as I found out later. I made sure to make a small detour for the unmapped St. Nicholas chapel, and continued towards Sfentouri. Once on the asphalt the descent was fast and pleasant, with a few breaks here and there due to the early hour. At Sfentouri I also ran into a man exiting a small farming complex, unbeknowns to me they make and sell home-made ice-cream; surely the day’s most serious fumble.
Within 1 hour I was back down at Perdika and accidentally awoke Nieve while calling to ask if she would like anything from the bakery. She declined and made coffee instead, and I returned soon after, closing the route at 09:05am. We enjoyed a few hours in Perdika as the weather deteriorated and we were on the way to Athens by noon.
Interactive Map
Logistics
This was the last and main objective of our May 2025 Aegina Trip with Nieve which included a 1 night stay in Perdika and a return on Sunday after Hellanio (532m). On Saturday, I summited Moni Island HP (172m) for a teaser solo sea-to-summit. For our return we used the following reverse iteniary:
if you are interested in learning more about the logistics on the way in, please read the Moni Island HP (172m) trip report.
Perdika Mare
For our 1 night stay in Perdika (”Πέρδικα”) we selected this budget-friendly super-basic guesthouse “Perdika Mare” which is located centrally within the village and also has sea access. The room was perfectly reasonable for a 1 night getaway although it was old and the AC was rather weak. Room condition and hygiene as expected were mediocre, but nothing otherwise notable. On the plus side the WiFi was fast and there was a well-sized fridge in the room. We did not opt for breakfast and instead got some from the village in the morning. There were a few other guests but it was still “off-season” for the village.
The staff accommodated our request for the room to be ready upon arrival (around 12pm) such that we can leave the majority of our gear before going to Moni Island (172m) [P-172].
Nearby Peaks
The following are notable summits nearby Moni Island HP (172m) [P-100].
Hellanio (532m) [P-500]
Aegina Limestones (299m) [P-100]
Agistri Island (294m) [P-100]
Methana Volcano (740m) [P-600]