Peloponnisos SearchDESTINATIONS FOR EVERY TRAVELER

Artemisio

COUNTY: Arcadia, Argolis

Clear
7.42ºC

Height

1,000 - 2,000

Flora

Firs, Oregano

Fauna

Rüppell's Warbler

Infrastracture

Signalling on the trails,

Artemisio mountain is on the border between Arcadia and Argolis, in the Municipalities of Argos-Mycenae and Tripolis respectively. It forms part of the mountain range that connects the Argolic Gulf with the Corinthian, and as such, it borders with Lyrkeio mountain on the north and with Ktenia mountain on the south. On its west is the plateau of Mantineia. Its tallest peak is 1,771 metres in height.

According to Pausanias, a sanctuary dedicated to goddess Artemis, patron of hunters and wild nature, used to sit on its peak. The Roman traveller mentions the sacred grove of Itamoi, a European Yew that is very toxic, and according to mythology, the goddess used it to poison her arrows; unfortunately, the grove has not survived. Today, very few fir trees survive. The river Inachos has its spring on the mountain, its mouth in the Argolic gulf, and is one of the few springs that can be used for those who decide to climb the mountain.

Hikers and climbers usually depart from Karya, on the east side of Artemisio. Two trails of different difficulty begin from there, one requiring special knowledge and equipment. In general, Artemisio's trails are through the canyons and on its slopes, and are a popular destination for both mountain climbing and hiking; though hikers who don't want to climb or don't have the knowledge and equipment, should choose the easier trail from Karya. The trails are have good signals to aide the travellers.

In Artemisio's ecosystem are Important Bird Areas of Greece, and one of the known species found here is Rüppell's warble.