Grammos is the fourth highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus, Smolikas and Voras. It has an altitude of 2520 meters and is part of the wider range of Pindos. It is formed by two ridges which meet each other vertically. One of the mountain ranges borders with Albania and is directed through the peaks Mavri Petra (2461), Gkolio (1934), Kamenik (2043) and the other separates the two prefectures of Ioannina and Kastoria, pointing eastward, with the peaks Perifano (2442), Gkeso (2166), Pano Arrena (2192) and Kato Arrena (2075). It is surrounded by Smolikas and Voios from the East. From Grammos flow Aliakmonas and Sarandaporos Rivers.

The region is characterized by rocky slopes, high peaks, impetuous torrents, many springs and impressive mountain lakes. The most characteristic lakes are located at an altitude of 2350 meters and they are “Gkistova“ and “Moutsalia“, which is located at an altitude of 1700 meters below the peak Epano Arrena.

The recognition of Grammos’ ecological value, necessity of conservation and sustainable management, led to the integration of the region to the Network of Important Bird Areas and to the Network Natura 2000. The area was recognized by the National Action Plan as one of the most important areas for the bear.

Voio Mountain

Voio Mountain, with a direction from north to south, has a length of about 25 km and it is bounded from the south by a narrow passage, which joins the villages Pentalofo and Eptachori, while in the north, just before the borders, the boundary is Aliakmonas River.

In its north-eastern end, Voio, shortly before the fading of the upland Kastoria’s, has two peaks, Megali Ontria (1589 m) and Small Ontria (1530 m). These two peaks are distinctive because they consist of plateaus that are rolled up vertically by stone zones, leaving only a few entries (or doors) in order for someone to reach them. Both Ontria Peaks are full of vegetation, namely fir trees, beeches and oaks, which offer a special beauty to the mountains, especially in autumn, with their variety of colors.

In the south lies Megali Ontria, a circular plateau with a diameter of 2.5 km, covering an area of 4.5 square kilometers. North of it lies Mikri Ontria, forming a second plateau with a diameter of approximately 1.7 km and an area of about 2 square kilometers. Both plateaus are not flat, but they start from the east, at around 1.300 meters and rise to the west until they reach the altitude of 1589 m.

Aliakmonas River

Aliakmonas is the longest river in Greece among the ones that spring in Greek territory. It has a total length of 267 km and it is formed by the conflux of two smaller rivers, Velitsa or Belitsa and Zelova or Zalovo. The river springs from the mountains Verno (or Grammos) and Voio, on the country's borders with Albania and flows into the Aegean Sea between Thessaloniki and Katerini. It flows through the prefectures of Kastoria, Grevena, Kozani, Imathia and discharges in the Thermaic bay. The torrents and branches of Aliakmonas are Grammos, Stravopotamos, Pramoritsa, Grevenitikos, Venetikos, Sarantaporos, Tripotamos (river) and other.

It offers 33 kinds of fish. Out of these about 30 are native, while the rest exist due to human intervention. Many of these are considered rare and one of them, the mavrotsironi, is found nowhere else in the world, namely it is endemic. Most of these types of fish have no commercial value, but only biological, as they support the organic food chain. Other fish commonly found in Aliakmonas River are the carp and the rainbow trout, indicating that the water of the river is still clean. At the outfall of the river you can find a few eels, who can not emigrate because they are hindered by dams.

Many species of birds have been observed in Aliakmonas. Birds such as ducks use the area to stay and go through winter, while others relax during their long migrational journey.

AVIFAUNA
The wider region of the prefecture of Kastoria shows a special ornithological interest. Many bird species are recorded out of which what are nesting in the region.

Annex I
(Amphibian and reptiles of region terms Grammos)