THE EUROPEAN RAMBLER TRAILS
THE E4 IN GREECE

Useful general information

The E4 European Rambler Trail, which has its start in the Pyrenees, reaches Greece through Yugoslavia at the border post of Niki, north of Florina. It then winds through the whole country down to the south coast of the Peloponnese at Gytheio, making it possible for hikers to sample the full variety of the Greek landscape and outdoor life. In Greece the trail can be separated into two large sections - the northern part as far as Delphi and the southern (Peloponnese) down to Gytheio. The southern trail is considered much less difficult than the northern one and can be walked at any time of year, since the climate in the Peloponnese is so much milder.

ROUTE I (Northern section) ROUTE II (Southern section)

The highest altitude on the trail is the Skolio peak (2,911 m.), on Olympos. The best time to walk the E4 in Greece is from May 15 through early October. Some confusion may arise due to the presence of newly cut forest roads. Hikers should beware of sheepdogs, keeping well away from their flocks, especially in the section crossing northern and central Greece. Many of the villages along the trail are deserted in winter, which limits the number of places to spend the night. The climate, being Mediterranean, is very dry in summer and there are great differences in temperature between day and night. Sweaters and a light waterproof jacket are indispensable even in summer. Snow may be found in the mountains from November to the end of June.

The Hellenic Federation of Moutaineering Clubs is responsible for the Southern Section of the E4 trail:
7, Karageorgi Servias St. 105 63 Athens,
Tel.: 323.4555, Fax: (01) 323.7666.

Maps for Route I (Northern Section) can be obtained from:
E.O.S. Acharnon, 16, Kentriki Plateia, 136 71 Acharnes,
Tel.: (01) 246.1528.

Maps for Route II (Southern Section) can be obtained from:
The Geograrhical Service of the Army, Evelpidon 4,Athens 113 62,
Tel.(01) 8842811/8.

Maps are also available at the
Kakoulidis Book Store, 25-29 Panepistimiou St.,Athens,
Tel.:(01) 3231703.

For any other information related to the E4 trail contact the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering Clubs at the above address and telephone number.

Note: The abbreviations E.O.S. etc. refer to the variations of the names of the local mountaineering clubs.