Geraneia Mountains (GR2530005)

The mountains of Gerania (highest summit 1351 m) is located quite close to the city centre of Athens, about 60 Km. The area is integrated, with different areas, in the NATURA network (6987 hectares), in the CORINE network (3181,32 hectares) and protected as a wildlife reserve (1991 hectares). The eastern part of the site belongs to the prefecture of Attica and the western one to the prefecture of Corinthia. The rocks of the mountain range of Gerania consist mainly of flyschs and limestone. The climate is Mediterranean, having a strictly dry period during the summer months, while the maximum, minimum and the mean temperatures are 22.6, 13.0 and 18.5 ° C, respectively (M.S of Eleusis). The habitat types within the site are typical of the Mediterranean type ecosystems. The site is well forested mainly with temperate coniferous forests of Pinus halepensis (9540). Along the intermittent streams of the site there are small formations of hygrophilous species, Nerium oleander and Vitex agnus castus (3290). The upper and coldest part of the site is covered by well-structured forests of the endemic greek fir, Abies cephalonica (a habitat type not included in Annex I, Corine 91 code 42.18). Phryganic vegetation (5420) are present as well. The quality and importance of the site should be assessed in view of the fact that it is an area close to the urban centre of Athens that supports fairly well conserved natural ecosystems, most importantly forests. The formations of Abies cephalonica are at a good conservation status and the Pinus halepensis forests create a natural environment of great aesthetic value and of utmost ecological importance due to the proximity of the site to the west part of Attica, which is an area heavily aggravated by the existing industrial activity. Although the number of the habitat types present in the site is not impressive, a significant number of endemic plants exist in the area. Mount Gerania is the only biotope of the endangered local endemic species Centaurea attica ssp. megarensis (Centaurea megarensis), which is included on Annex II of the Directive 92/43/EEC. The area is threatened by fires, expansion of the road network, expansion of tourist facilities in the foothills, illegal hunting. Overgrazing by goats has a negative impact on the fir forest. 4 species and 6 habitats are protected under the EU Habitats and Birds directives as it follows: Species: The plant Centaurea attica ssp. Megarensis (plant), and reptiles Spurred Tortoise - Testudo graeca (reptile), Margined Tortoise - Testudo marginata, Zamenis situla Habitats: Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, Mediterranean rivers of Paspalo-Agrostidi with intermittent flow, Mediterranean pine forests with endemic Mediterranean pines, Mediterranean temporary lakes, Woods of Platanus orientalis and Liquidambar orientalis (Platanion orientalis), Sarcopoterium spinosum phryganas. According to mythology, Theseus passed through the area of Gerania on his way to Athens, exterminating Phaea (Crommyonian Sow) in an area where today Agioi Theodoroi and Skirona are located in the Scironian rocks, today known as Kakia Skala. The mountain is suitable for outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking and mountain biking. The view from its peaks covers the entire surrounding area, Attica, Corinth, Boeotia, Saronic and Corinthian gulfs.