Mount Chortiatis

Mount Chortiatis rises to 1,201 meters and sits southeast of Thessaloniki with dense forests covering its slopes. Its peaks offer views over the city and surrounding municipalities and are reached by multiple hiking trails.

Ancient Greeks called this mountain Cissus, and during Roman times an aqueduct carried water from its springs to Thessaloniki. This ancient infrastructure shows the long history of the mountain's use by the city.

The Chortaiton monastery from Byzantine times shaped the mountain's name and was a religious center that drew pilgrims until the 15th century. The ruins today remind visitors of the spiritual importance this place once held for communities in the region.

Visitors should wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. The trails are well marked and offer different difficulty levels, so both beginners and experienced hikers can find suitable routes.

Eighty-five documented plant species grow on the mountain, contributing to the ecological diversity of the Seich Sou Forest National Park. This botanical richness makes it an important protected area for northern Greece's plant life.

Location: Thessaloniki Metropolitan Unit

Location: Pylaia-Chortiatis Municipality

Elevation above the sea: 1,201 m

GPS coordinates: 40.58352,23.11838

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03