Explore Mount Othrys

Mount Othrys (Greek: όρος Όθρυς – oros Othrys, also Όθρη – Othri) is a mountain range of central Greece, in the northeastern part of Phthiotis and southern part of Magnesia. Its highest summit, Gerakovouni, situated on the border of Phthiotis and Magnesia, is 1,726 m (5,663 ft) above sea level. The population density in the mountains is low: there are a few small villages, including Anavra in the northwest, Kokkotoi in the northeast, Palaiokerasia in the south and Neraida in the southwest. The length from west to east is about 35 km (22 mi) and the width from north to south is about 25 km (16 mi). The Pagasetic Gulf lies to the northeast, and the Malian Gulf lies to the south. The summit Gerakovouni lies 19 km (12 mi) south of Almyros, 27 km (17 mi) northeast of Lamia and 44 km (27 mi) southwest of Volos. The peaks of the range are above the tree line. The main mineral constituent of the rock is ophiolite. A Natura 2000 protected area has been defined over much, but not all, of the range according to the Birds Directive. Of interest to the government is the protection of the raptors and the prevention of clear-cutting and other settlement measures that would destroy their traditional habitat. The area, named Oros Othrys, Vouna Gkouras kai Farangi Palaio Kerasias, ID GR1430006, includes the eastern range, a spur to the south to cover Palaiokerasia Gorge, and a spur to the north to cover Gkouras Hill. On February 5, 1991, a Lockheed C-130H Hercules 748 crashed into the mountain, killing 63 people.