Mount Kerkis
Mount Kerkis is the highest peak of the island and the second highest in Northern and Eastern Aegean Sea, providing breathtaking views of the Aegean at 1433 meters.
It was named after Circe, Homer’s renowned enchantress found in Odyssey. Being an extinct volcano of whitish color attributed to its high chalk content, the mountain is considered hollow, which justifies its numerous caves on all sides, giving an eerie and mysterious aura. The mountain is also the sanctuary of numerous plants and animals, some endangered, is part of the EU Natura 2000 network of protected sites. Kerkis is a unique opportunity for hikers, climbers, cavers and people enjoying trekking to explore its wild beauty.
The mountain has played a vital role in people's lives since ancient times, as numerous of its caves were used as homes or hideouts in troubled times. In fact, in medieval times the inhabitants used them to hide from the pirates then roaming the Aegean. The countless chapels and monasteries built during the Byzantine period typically found at cave entrances within a breathtaking landscape, offer a challenge to religious hikers.
The most noteworthy among the caves is that of the ancient philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras located a 15’ drive from Aeolos villa.