Vardousia, Mountain range in Central Greece Region, Greece

Vardousia is a mountain range in Central Greece, divided into three parts: Northern Vardousia with Sinani (2,059 m), steep Western Vardousia with Soufles (2,300 m), and Southern Vardousia with Korakas (2,495 m), the second-highest summit in Central Greece after Giona. The range runs about 25 km north to south and is drained by the Spercheios, Mornos and Evinos rivers.

The ancient Greek name of the range was Korax, a name still used locally for the highest peak, Korakas. Strabo called it "megiston oros" (greatest mountain) because of its height. During the Greek War of Independence of 1821, rebels from the surrounding villages operated and sheltered in the range's so-called apokleistryes, hidden strongholds.

Villages like Artotina and Dichori scattered across the slopes keep their traditional ways of building and living. Walking through these settlements, you see how mountain communities have organized their homes and daily routines over time.

A mountain refuge provides accommodation and information, accessible via marked trails starting from the village square of Athanasios Diakos. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear good hiking boots, as the paths can be steep and rocky.

The range's ancient name, Korax, survives in local speech as the name of the highest peak, Korakas. Strabo called the massif megiston oros, the greatest mountain, because of its height. The mountain also holds about 1,200 plant species, 110 of them endemic to Greece and four found only here.