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Taygetus
Taygetus which is 2,404 m in height is one of the highest mountains in Greece. The beautiful forests in the middle mountain zone, bushes and aromatic brushwood in the lower zone of the mountain, the plane tree covered ravines, the canyons and ravines are the main features of the Lakonian scenery that will catch the traveller¢s eye. Taygetus hosts the highest peak in the entire Peloponnese peninsula, Profitis Ilias, with the church of the Prophet Elias that attracts many visitors each year on 20 July, the day that Prophet Elias is celebrated.
Other Taygetus peaks include Sidirokastro (2,340 m.), Spanakaki (2,024 m.), Neraidovouna (2,020 m.), Goupata (2,031 m.), Koufovouni (1,850 m.) and Halasmeno Vouno (2,204 m.).
On the eastern side of the mountain one can find several ravines whose springs flow into the Evrotas River.
The area is part of the Natura 2000 network which brought significant infrastructure to the region, aiming at the development of ecotourism. Moreover, this is an Important Bird Area in Greece. It has been proposed that the central Taygetus zone be incorporated with the National Parks of Greece as a protected area, given its rare species of fauna and flora, scenery and ecosystem that are of great importance.
There are five vegetation zones on Taygetus.
1. The Mediterranean shrubs are principally made up of Quercus coccifera, Olea europaea (ssp. Oleaster), Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Erica manipuliflora, Erica arborea and other shrubs and small trees.
2. Mountain zone forests of coniferous trees that mainly comprise of two coniferous species the Greek fir tree (Abies cephalonica) and the black pine (Pinus nigra).
3. Subalpine zone: Above the forestline and at an altitude of over 1600-1700 m., the beginning of stripped grasslands, as well as rocky lands where only low, usually perennial vegetation grows, can be found.
4. Alpine zone: It begins at approximately 2000 m.and reaches up to the highest peaks of the mountain. There has never been tree vegetation in this zone.
5. Riverine vegetation in the ravines: In the ravines and canyons, where the climate is cooler, a special type of vegetation that is not dependent on the altitude divergences grows. The most common species in those areas are Platanus orientalis, Myrtus communis, Hedera helix and Vitex agnus - castus.
The flora of Taygetus is exceptionally variable and rich as it comprises over 1,000 plant species. Thirty-three of these species are native to this region. The species that stand out are Aquilegia ottonis ssp. Taygeta, Astragalus Taygeteus, Jurinea Taygetea, Campanula topoliana ssp. Cordifolia and Hypericum Taygeteum. There is also a great number of orchids, crocus, and bell-flowers. Today the mountain hosts 19 species of mammals, such as foxes, hare, hedgehogs, marten, beech, badgers and, possibly jackals. Out of the 87 species of birds inventoried in the area, the birds of prey are the most important ones, such as Circaetus gallicus, Buteo, Aquila chrysaetus, Aquila rapax and many other birds, such as jays, blackbirds, woodpeckers, wood pigeons etc.
Finally there have also been 100 butterfly species inventoried, one of which is native to Taygetus called the Polyommstus menelaos.
A limestone ravine cutting deep into Taygetus ends up close to the village of Trypi.
Here is located the Sparta Climbing Park, as the slopes of Langada are especially appealing to daring climbers. The ideal season to visit the climbing park is from mid-May to mid-October. The location of the climbing sides as well as the altitude (approx. 800 m.) make up for a pleasant climbing experience, even in the summer
Other Taygetus peaks include Sidirokastro (2,340 m.), Spanakaki (2,024 m.), Neraidovouna (2,020 m.), Goupata (2,031 m.), Koufovouni (1,850 m.) and Halasmeno Vouno (2,204 m.).
On the eastern side of the mountain one can find several ravines whose springs flow into the Evrotas River.
The area is part of the Natura 2000 network which brought significant infrastructure to the region, aiming at the development of ecotourism. Moreover, this is an Important Bird Area in Greece. It has been proposed that the central Taygetus zone be incorporated with the National Parks of Greece as a protected area, given its rare species of fauna and flora, scenery and ecosystem that are of great importance.
There are five vegetation zones on Taygetus.
1. The Mediterranean shrubs are principally made up of Quercus coccifera, Olea europaea (ssp. Oleaster), Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Erica manipuliflora, Erica arborea and other shrubs and small trees.
2. Mountain zone forests of coniferous trees that mainly comprise of two coniferous species the Greek fir tree (Abies cephalonica) and the black pine (Pinus nigra).
3. Subalpine zone: Above the forestline and at an altitude of over 1600-1700 m., the beginning of stripped grasslands, as well as rocky lands where only low, usually perennial vegetation grows, can be found.
4. Alpine zone: It begins at approximately 2000 m.and reaches up to the highest peaks of the mountain. There has never been tree vegetation in this zone.
5. Riverine vegetation in the ravines: In the ravines and canyons, where the climate is cooler, a special type of vegetation that is not dependent on the altitude divergences grows. The most common species in those areas are Platanus orientalis, Myrtus communis, Hedera helix and Vitex agnus - castus.
The flora of Taygetus is exceptionally variable and rich as it comprises over 1,000 plant species. Thirty-three of these species are native to this region. The species that stand out are Aquilegia ottonis ssp. Taygeta, Astragalus Taygeteus, Jurinea Taygetea, Campanula topoliana ssp. Cordifolia and Hypericum Taygeteum. There is also a great number of orchids, crocus, and bell-flowers. Today the mountain hosts 19 species of mammals, such as foxes, hare, hedgehogs, marten, beech, badgers and, possibly jackals. Out of the 87 species of birds inventoried in the area, the birds of prey are the most important ones, such as Circaetus gallicus, Buteo, Aquila chrysaetus, Aquila rapax and many other birds, such as jays, blackbirds, woodpeckers, wood pigeons etc.
Finally there have also been 100 butterfly species inventoried, one of which is native to Taygetus called the Polyommstus menelaos.
A limestone ravine cutting deep into Taygetus ends up close to the village of Trypi.
Here is located the Sparta Climbing Park, as the slopes of Langada are especially appealing to daring climbers. The ideal season to visit the climbing park is from mid-May to mid-October. The location of the climbing sides as well as the altitude (approx. 800 m.) make up for a pleasant climbing experience, even in the summer
