Location and surroundings
Makryplági is located in Greece, within the Peloponnese Region, the Corinthia Regional Unit, and the Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi Municipality. Belonging to the Geraneia range within the Eastern Hellenides, Hellenides, and Southeast Europe, it holds the rank of being the highest of 51 named peaks in the Geraneia. The surrounding landscape features a rugged terrain typical of the peninsula, characterised by ridges and valleys spreading across the region.
Neighbouring peaks
The nearest peaks and passes surrounding Makryplági include:
- Treis Portes (peak), 1,151 m, 1.3 km NW
- Aéras (peak), 1,041 m, 3.6 km E
- Veróri (peak), 471 m, 3.8 km S
- Ntavéli (peak), 364 m, 4.2 km N
- Mavrovoúni (peak), 628 m, 5.3 km S
- Mália Frási (peak), 906 m, 5.4 km W
- Lísi (peak), 986 m, 6.6 km E
- Tzempelí (peak), 568 m, 6.6 km NW
Standing at 1,369 metres with a prominence of 1,032 metres, Makryplági surpasses all these immediate neighbours in elevation, maintaining its position as the high point of the local topography.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Makryplági, hikers and climbers can spot several other significant regional elevations located within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks within this distance include Kithairónas at 1,409 m situated 21.5 km NE, Treis Koryphes at 1,358 m located 22.4 km NE, and Liontári at 1,132 m at a distance of 20.2 km NE. Additionally, observers can look toward Megáli Kolosoúra at 1,108 m 18.5 km NE, Patéras Óros at 1,091 m 21.9 km NE, and Megáli Ntouskiá at 1,068 m lying 6.9 km W.
The range
Makryplági belongs to the Geraneia range, which is part of the Beoetian / Attican Peninsula, Eastern Hellenides, Hellenides, and Southeast Europe. The range contains 51 named peaks, and Makryplági is the highest of them all, serving as the high point of the range itself. The wider mountainous system spans across Greece, presenting a complex terrain of ridges and elevations.
Climate and weather
Climate data for Makryplági are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature is warmest in July at about 20 °C and coldest in January at about 5 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months of the year. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 550 mm a year, with December being the wettest month at about 85 mm and August the driest at about 10 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden strong winds on exposed ridges and high summer temperatures.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Makryplági is influenced by its climate and the year-round temperatures at the summit, where mean temperatures remain above freezing in every month from January to December. However, visitors generally prefer the drier months when precipitation is lower, avoiding the peak heat of July and the wetter conditions found during the winter months such as December. Spring and autumn offer balanced weather for climbing and exploring the trails of the Geraneia range.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Makryplági features typical Mediterranean upland vegetation, including low shrubs, maquis, and scattered pine trees adapted to the limestone terrain and regional climate. Animal life common to the Peloponnese Region includes various small mammals, reptiles, and numerous bird species that inhabit the rocky slopes and valleys of the Geraneia range. The environment remains relatively wild, requiring visitors to respect the natural habitats and local flora and fauna.
Guides and organised ascents
For ascents in Greece, visitors can look to established organisations and companies for support. The national mountain guide association is the Hellenic Mountain Guides Association (HMGA) (Σ.Ε.Ο.Β.), which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (EOOA). Established guiding companies such as Trekking Hellas (based in Athens) operate in the mountains of the country. A guided ascent typically includes professional route planning and mountain leadership, with prices depending on the duration, group size, and specific requirements.
Safety and preparation
Climbing Makryplági requires standard preparation for a Mediterranean peak of 1,369 metres, including adequate water, proper footwear, and navigation tools. Weather conditions can change rapidly on exposed ridges, making wind and sun protection essential. In case of an emergency on the mountain, the emergency number for mountain rescue in Greece is 112, which serves as the single emergency number connecting to the ambulance service (166) and fire service (199).
Interesting facts
Makryplági stands at an elevation of 1,369 metres with a substantial prominence of 1,032 metres. It holds the distinction of being the highest peak among the 51 named summits in the Geraneia range. Located within the Peloponnese Region and the Corinthia Regional Unit, the peak serves as the undisputed high point of its mountain range.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Makryplági? The elevation of Makryplági is 1,369 metres.
Where is Makryplági located? It is located in Greece, within the Peloponnese Region, Corinthia Regional Unit, and Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi Municipality.
Which mountain range does Makryplági belong to? It belongs to the Geraneia range, within the Eastern Hellenides, Hellenides, and Southeast Europe.
What are the nearest peaks to Makryplági? The nearest peaks include Treis Portes at 1.3 km NW, Aéras at 3.6 km E, and Veróri at 3.8 km S.
Is there water on the way to Makryplági? OpenStreetMap shows no mapped springs or water sources directly on the mountain paths, so hikers should carry sufficient water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres depending on the weather and length of the hike.
Are there huts on Makryplági? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Makryplági? Communication masts mapped within 10 km include 1 mast, with the nearest 9.6 km S; while an open top often provides a signal, coverage can be patchy behind ridges, and the 112 emergency number works over any available network while offline maps should be downloaded beforehand.