Mount Dirfys

Dirfys dominates central Evia, rising to 1,743 metres less than fifteen kilometres from the sea on both sides, which gives the summit an unusual view: the Aegean to the east, the Evian gulf and the mainland mountains to the west. The standard route starts above the village of Steni, climbing through chestnut and beech forest to the Liri refuge at around 1,120 metres, then up open slopes and a scree ridge to the top, three to four hours from the road end. The mountain holds snow through winter and into spring, and its northern side has the deepest beech woods on the island. Steni below is a summer refuge from Athenian heat, with cold streams, tavernas and trout.

What you actually see

• The beech forest - deep woods on the northern approach.
• The Liri refuge - a mountain hut on the route, staffed at weekends.
• The summit ridge - open scree and rock with sea on both sides.
• The double sea view - Aegean east, Evian gulf west, from the top.

When to go

May to October for walking, with June best for flowers on the upper slopes; winter ascents need full snow equipment and experience. Cloud often covers the summit in the afternoon.

Honest expectations

The final section is loose scree and steep, and the route is marked but not maintained to alpine standards, so navigation in cloud is difficult. The refuge is not always open. There is no water above the forest.

Nearby

Steni village lies below; the Chiliadou and Stropones coasts are on the far side of the ridge.