If you find yourself in Serres and love winter sports you should make your way to the small ski centre of Lailias and enjoy moments of fun and sport, provided there is snow, of course.
Or if you enjoy calm and relaxation – on shaded paths and at peaks with great view –, or if you are the extreme type, then the famous Serres forest is an ideal destination all year round.
The forest of Lailias covers the western part of the mountain of Vrontous (1.849 m altitude) and is around 25 km north of Serres. It’s one of the most beautiful forests in Greece and consists of tall beech trees and European red pine, while, apart from deer and hares, wild boars and a small number of brown bears also occasionally find shelter in its northern, steeper part. The forest, in total, covers around 32 km²
The mountain of Lailias is part of the European Network Natura 2000, something that unfortunately is not sufficient to protect the forest since – in the framework of the new environmental law that was passed in 2020 – they are trying to open quarry in the North-eastern part, despite strong reactions by the local community.
“A heart-pleasing paradise” for the beys and their harems
Lailias is the forest of Serres and, through the ages, has been the “countryside”, a place of leisure and sport for the people of Serres. The name is believed to be a corruption of the Turkish word “yiailias” that meant the countryside, the place where the beys and their harems went for leisure and to spend their summer during the Ottoman rule. Another interpretation links the name to the top Profitis Ilias that is its highest peak of the range.
“This resort is famous all over Rumelia, Arabia and Persia. It’s a place with glorious climate, a true heart-pleasing paradise, second to none” the famed Turkish chronicler and traveller Evliya Çelebi wrote, among other things, when he visited Lailias in the 17th century. Lailias continued, even after the Ottoman rule, being a resort for the people of Serres that still visit its slopes regularly.
In the centre of the forest of Lailias there is the lovely, unique paleobotanical museum of Sfagnonas. It is a marshy area, typical in the temperate and cold regions of the northern hemisphere. The main flora in this area is peat moss that decays slowly due to the anaerobic soil conditions of the bog. The area was declared a Natural Monument under the forest code and the post-glacial development of the forest is frequently monitored. The surrounding area has been described as being of “unique natural beauty”.
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Lailias for every season and all strengths
The mountain of Lailias is an ideal destination for fans of sports and nature lovers every season. During the winter months, when the landscape resembles the Alps due to the snow, it’s idea for winter sports at the ski centre, and also for more extreme ice-climbing in the area. The wide and organized network of forest roads and shaded paths also offers a variety of activities in nature both for exercise and leisure.
The Lailias ski centre is at a 1600 m altitude inside a beech and pine forest. It’s 27 km away from the town on an asphalt street. It has a 1200 m. piste with two lifts, a baby lift, a beginners piste and a chalet. The ski centre is run by the Hellenic Alpine Club of Serres (more information at 0030 2321058783). At a lower altitude you’ll find the refuge “Christos Karampourounis” that can house up to 50 people (tel. 0030 2321062400). At the refuge’s website (www.katafigiolailias.gr) you can see images of Lailias and the ski centre in real time.
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During the winter months, when temperatures are particularly low, there is also an ice park at the location “Balkoni Kallitheas”. It’s an organised ice climbing field that offers great thrills to the ice climbing afficionados. You can find all relevant information on the page serresaction.gr and you should try it only if you have the necessary experience.
The large rocks are ideal for climbing while the forest trails are great for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, 4×4 driving. There are four trails for multiple activities in Lailias forest (hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing) while part of the European Trails E4 and E6 go through it.
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One of the most scenic paths in the forest is the one that leads to Katiga’s rock; a huge monolith on the edge of a deep gorge, where – according to legend – the beautiful Katiga, a young shepherdess, jumped off, due to a broken heart. Walking on the trail, from the forest road to the edge of the cliff, the view is impressive while the rustling leaves sound like the sobs of the heartbroken girl.
At the location “Plateia Xilokopon” the forestry office has built leisure areas where visitors can spend some time and even camp. Every year on August 15 crowds gather here for the festival of the Panagia church.
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The forest of Lailias combines natural beauty with a wild landscape, and also calm and relaxation with adrenaline. Hiking, climbing, riding, and camping fans, as well as winter sport fans will find in Lailias an ideal destination for their favourite hobbies all year round.
Lailias forest on the map
Lailias forest is 110 km from Thessaloniki (a one hour and 42 min drive) and you can reach it through the town of Serres.
During weekends and on holidays you can stay at the scenic guesthouse “Ktima Vigla” that is 9 km from the Lailias ski centre. For your information, “vigla” means in essence watchtower. The sport from where you can observe the surrounding area. At “Ktima Vigla” you can enjoy the mountain’s magic, while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the stone buildings, while you must try the goat stew and the roast shank, both iconic, at their restaurant. (Info: 0030 694 582 6844).
In the town of Serres you’ll also find various hotels, as well as restaurants, taverns and many grills for souvlaki (don’t forget, the town has become synonymous to souvlaki, bougatsa – traditional custard cream pastry from Northern Greece – and ground buffalo patties).
Information:
• www.katafigiolailias.gr
• serresaction.gr
• agkistroaction.gr
