Ellanion Oros

Ellanion Oros is the highest peak of Aegina and is 532 metres high. At its top is the small church of Prophet Elias (Analipsius). On Ellanion Oros, there were fortifications that protected their inhabitants from pirate raids.

To reach Ellanio Oros, take the road to Perdika. You pass by the old prison of Aegina, the Lyceum and then through the village of Lefki. Continuing you reach the village of Tzikida.

From the village, a path starts from the village that goes to the top of the hill, to the chapel of Agios Andreas and the Monastery of Chrysoleontissa. After the village the road turns left towards Pachia Rachi, from which the view to the sea, which is on the right, is amazing. In the distance you can see the town of Aegina and, further to the left, the lush green Agistri. In front is the picturesque Perdika, the islet of Moni and behind them is the peninsula of Methana. On the beach you can see the settlement of Marathon.

From Pachia Rachi, a dirt road to the west leads to the site of Sfirichtres, at the foot of Mount Ellanio, where there were steps leading to the archaeological site of Ellanio Zeus, where the oldest altar dedicated to Zeus was built. In this area there was also a guest house and two cisterns in which rainwater was collected. From the excavations carried out at the archaeological site, a bronze hydria, jewellery, metal objects and jars of wheat were found. Above the altar of Zeus of Hellan there is today the Church of Taxiarches.

From Pachia Rachi the road continues, passing through the village of Anitsaios and ending at the seaside village of Portes, and from there to Alones and Agia Marina.