Perganti

Overview

Perganti is one of the three highest summits in the Akarnarian mountain range. On the summit there is a radar tower facility that supplies the surrounding area with cell phone signals. Many locals and tourists climb the peak in the summer but also there is a maintenance road that leads all the way to the top for those who are too lazy for a summit hike. The most difficult route is from the Panagia monasteri which includes some class 3 rock scrambling. The summit views are fantastic as to the north the full extent of the Amvrakian gulf can be seen as well as the island of Lefkas to the north, the Pindus mountains to the east and the larger peaks of Psili Korfi and Boumistos to the south.

Getting There

There are many ways to climb Perganti, and for the truly lazy sightseers there is a dirt road that leads to the summit. To reach the summit via road, from the town of Vonitsa head towards Monastiraki village and from there head east to the town of the Thirio. Upon entering Thirio keep going straight through the town and when the road splits take the bottom route. The mountain top is roughly 30 mins from the town and the road can be in bad shape at times so a truck with some height is a neccesity. No sedans or coupes on this road. In winter the road is rarely plowed so if an ascent is planned during the winter months, snow conditions pending, only a large jeep or tractor will suffice.
Routes
The Panayia Route
The first is the Panayia route which has its trailhead at the monasteri of Vroxotini. In order to reach the monasteri from Monastiraki head directly south as the road will lead you to the trailhead which is at 2450 feet elevation. From here the summit is 2200 feet almost straight ahead. This is known as the Panayia route and is mostly a class 2 with some class 3 scrambling. Vegetation is heavier on this north facing slope so some bushwacking is necessary.
The Xalia Route

The second route is on the south face of the mountain. To get here, from Monastiraki village take the road that leads to the Romvou monasteri (signs are posted near the soccer field). From here head west and then south for about 15 to 20 minutes until the Vato valley is reached. Perganti will appear and dominate the northern section of the valley. Upon viewing the mountain there will be an old road on the left hand side (you cant miss it). This road is in terrible shape so its all hiking from here. The road leads to the base of the mountain and from there you can choose your own way to the top as the vegetation is sparse. The toughest sections of this mountain are a class 3 rock sramble with the majority of the slope being mellow and nice. The starting elevation of this hike is also 2450 feet above sea level affording the hiker a good 2200 foot elevation gain. No permits are required.

When To Climb

Spring is the best time to climb as the winter can see heavy snow and the summer can be as hot as 100 degrees! Winter temperatures during the day time hover around 8 to 12 C and drop to freezing most nights. This area is one of the wettest regions in Greece as nearby Arta registers 42 inches (1080mm) of rain during the course of the year. Despite the mountain having such a low elevation snowfall on the upper mountain can accumulaten to depths of over 3 feet. Since Perganti is a smooth mountain, especially on its northern slope, skiing is very possible after a good winter storm. Moreover, since the mountain is on the extreme western coast of Greece large amounts of precipitation can fall in a very short period time.The earliest snowfalls occur in November and the latest in the month of April. Summer rainfall is sporadic but thunderstorms can develop without warning so be advised as people have been struck by lightning.

Camping

No camping is allowed by the government but it is never enforced.

Mountain Conditions

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/16643.html

Images

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