Opis poti:Na pot je zelo priporočljivo vzeti: širok klobuk, zaščitno kremo, dolge hlače (zaradi bodečega rastlinja) in dovolj vode. Že junija je termometer ob povratku ob 15:00 kazal 27° C.
Od kraja Kosmadei je 4,2 km oz. 1h 15 min hoje do samostana Panagia Chatzimanolisa na območju z imenom Kakoperato na 580 m nmv, posvečenemu Zoodochou Pigi. Zraven je jama s kapelico (vir z več info:
https://www.isamos.gr/en/kosmadei-2/). Cesta ima nekaj odcepov, ki se jih od prave poti loči po tem, da so v slabšem stanju, so pa bolj zavajajoči ob povratku. Eden od teh odcepov ima oznake za Iera Moni (gr.: Ιερά Μονή). Tem oznakam se na tej poti NE sledi, temveč se še kakšno uro hodi naprej po ozki makadamski cesti do izrazitega ovinka izven gozda (gl. slike). V bližini pred ovinkom je tudi manjša obcestna kapelica.
Cesta je samotna z nič do zelo malo prometa (na dan obiska en avto v treh urah), na gori tudi po več dni skupaj ni obiskovalcev (vir: vpisna knjiga).
Na ovinku se odcepi planinska pot, ki pelje proti grebenu, ki se dviga nad cesto. Pot se dviga pod grebenom proti zahodu. Ob razgledu na žareča kamnita južna pobočja sosednjega Kerkisa, pot preide na greben in se premakne na njegovo južno stran. Tam se nekoliko spusti, nato pa ponovno dvigne in sčasoma ponudi čudovite razglede na južno stran otoka in morje.
Pot nato vodi mimo vodnega zbiralnika, ki je tudi naravno kamnito zavetišče pred sonem in vetrom. Od tod naprej pot kmalu pripelje do kapele Preroka Elije (angl.: Old Profitis Ellas; gr.: Παλαιός Προφήτης Ηλίας - Palaíos Profítis Ilías). Ime je posrečeno, saj je sv. ELija po grški ljudski tradiciji zaščitnik planincev. Na dvorišču se v dnevni vročini gnete večje število koz in ovac, med katerimi pa je najbolj nedovzeten za okolico njihov speči štirinožni čuvaj - pes.
Pot se nato nadaljuje po južnem pobočju, ki je znan po svoji divji naravi in redkem obisku. Pot je kljub temu zelo dobro vidna. Vzpenja se proti severu, pri manjši kapelici, ki stoji kot otok sredi bodičevja, pa se obrne proti zahodu. V tej smeri se izteče na greben južno od vrha, do katerega je še nekaj minut hoje. Čeprav so razgledi z vrhov grških otokov pogosto nepopisljivi, je težko najti lepšega od tega.
Možnost povratka čez vrh Zastano (gl. sorodni opis).
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It is highly recommended to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, long pants (to protect against thorny vegetation), and plenty of water before setting out on the trail. Already in June, the thermometer read 27°C upon return at 3:00 PM.
The route from Kosmadei to the Panagia Chatzimanolisa Monastery covers 4.2 km and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on foot. The monastery is located in the area known as Kakoperato, at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level, and is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. Nearby, you will find a cave containing a chapel (for more information, see:
https://www.isamos.gr/en/kosmadei-2/). Be aware that the road has several branches. While these are often distinguishable from the correct path by their poorer condition, they can be particularly misleading on the return journey. One specific branch bears signs for 'Iera Moni' (Greek: Ιερά Μονή). Stay on the narrow dusty road for another hour until the very sharp road turn already outside the forest (see the photos).
The road is remote, with little to no traffic (only one car was observed in three hours during my visit). According to the guestbook, the mountain area often sees no visitors for several days at a time.
At a bend, a hiking trail branches off, leading toward the ridge that rises above the road. The path initially ascends beneath the ridge heading west. As the view opens up to the scorching, rocky southern slopes of the neighboring Kerkis, the trail climbs onto the ridge and shifts to its southern side. There, it dips slightly before rising again, eventually offering stunning views of the island's southern side and the sea.
The path then leads past a water reservoir, which also serves as a natural stone shelter from the sun and wind. From here, the trail soon reaches the Chapel of Prophet Elijah (also: Old Profitis Ellas; Gr.: Παλαιός Προφήτης Ηλίας – Palaíos Profítis Ilías). The name is fitting, as Saint Elijah is traditionally the patron saint of hikers in Greece. In the courtyard, a large number of goats and sheep gather in the midday heat, among which the most notable is their sleeping four-legged guardian dog.
The trail continues along the southern slope, known for its wild nature and rare visits, yet remains clearly visible. It climbs northward, and at a small chapel standing like an island amidst the thorns, it turns west. In this direction, it leads to the ridge south of the summit, which is just a few minutes' walk away. Although the views from the peaks of Greek islands are often indescribable, it is hard to find a more beautiful one than this.
Option to return via the Zastano peak (see related description).