Mount Falakro

Falakro means bald, and the name is accurate: above the treeline the mountain is white marble, quarried on its flanks and stripped bare on its summits, which reach 2,232 metres at Profitis Ilias. The rock produces striking karst scenery of shafts, dolines and pale ridges, and the mountain holds snow later than most Greek ranges, which is why its ski centre at around 1,720 to 2,232 metres has some of the country's most reliable conditions and the highest lift-served terrain. In summer the same slopes give open ridge walking with views into Bulgaria, wildflowers on the limestone, and access to caves and shepherd huts. Drama below is known for its water, springs and the Agia Varvara park with pools in the middle of town.

What you actually see

• The marble summits - bare white ridges and karst above the treeline.
• The ski centre - high lift-served slopes with long snow retention.
• The summer ridges - open walking with views into Bulgaria.
• The karst features - shafts, sinkholes and pale limestone pavement.

When to go

January to March for snow, when the centre is busiest at weekends; June to October for hiking on the bare upper slopes, which are exposed and need sun protection and water.

Honest expectations

The ski centre is modest by Alpine standards and lift queues form on weekends. The access road can require chains. In summer there is no shade above the treeline and no water source on the ridges.

Nearby

Drama and its springs lie below; the Aggitis cave and the Nestos river are west and east.