Hike· Samos· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean

Mount Kerkis Hike (Samos)

37° 43.6′ N · 26° 37.3′ E

The bare limestone summit of Kerkis (Vigla, about 1,434 m) is the second-highest peak in the Aegean outside Crete and Evia, and on a clear day the view reaches the mountains of Crete.

Dodecanese

Practical

Standard route from Kampos Marathokampou (Votsalakia): up to the Evangelistria monastery (about 650 m), on to the always-open chapel of Profitis Ilias (about 1,150 m), which doubles as a walkers' shelter, then the summit. Physically demanding but not technical; very rocky, dry and waterless, and walkers have got lost here - start at dawn, carry plenty of water, and consider a local guide. No rubbish, no fires. Anchor at Limnionas or Ormos Marathokampos and taxi to the trailhead. Position is the summit.

Best for

A full-day mountain climb from the boat

Nearby