Kyllini, Mountain summit in Peloponnese, Greece

Mount Kyllini, also called Ziria, is the second-highest mountain in the Peloponnese at 2,376 m. The Flambouritsa valley, a Natura 2000 site, divides it into the higher Great Ziria and the 2,117 m Little Ziria. Forests of black pine and fir cover the slopes up to about 1,800 m, while the summits are mostly bare rock.

In ancient Greece, a temple with a statue dedicated to the god Hermes stood at the peak, recorded in classical texts. This religious site reflected the mountain's importance in the region's spiritual practices of that era.

The mountain holds deep roots in Greek mythology as the birthplace of the god Hermes, a story passed down through the region for centuries. Local people connect the place to these ancient tales, which shape how they understand the landscape around them.

Access is via an unpaved road from the village of Ziria that requires off-road capable vehicles to navigate safely. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and fog conditions, particularly during wetter seasons.

One of Kyllini's peaks is called Chelydorea, meaning "tortoise hide", recalling the myth that the newborn Hermes made the first lyre from a tortoise shell and the sinews of an ox on this mountain. The cave where he was said to be born lies at 1,700 m and holds white stalactite formations.