Vermio (2065m) is the 42nd tallest mountain in Greece, it is situated west of the cities of Veroia and Naousa of Imathia prefecture of Macedonia, it separates the plains of Amyntaio and Giannitsa and is itself separated from Piereia Ori (2188m) by the Aliakmonas river. Even though heavily forested, Vermio is one of the most important centers of winter sports since the ski centers of Seli and 3-5 Pigadia are found on its slopes.
The wider region of Imathia is associated with the ancient Macedonians who resided on the plain between the rivers Aliakmonas and Axios at least since the 7th century BC, while the most famous of their kings, Alexander the Great, was taught by Aristotle at the ancient city of Mieza, east of Naousa.
Vermio has now been overshadowed by other mountains since the smooth alpine terrain which feeds the mountain’s lush slopes is not conducive to technical routes. Certain climbers, however, found possibilities at lower elevations and surprising locations, as a result Vermio hosts over 100 routes, mainly bouldering, but also some quality traditional and sport climbs at locations of natural beauty.
Access
As a result of Vermio’s central location, access from the towns of Veroia and Naousa is relatively easy since on its south side it is traversed by the easternmost section of Egnatia Odos, between Kozani and Kleidi. The approach to Veroia is thus possible either from the east via the Athens - Thessaloniki National Road, or from the west via Egnatia Odos, while Naousa is just 21Km north of Veroia.
Accommodation
Vermio has four mountain huts with a total capacity of 300 beds, two of which are in Seli and two of which are in 3-5 Pigadia, at elevations from 1450m to 1500m.
Climbing history
On Vermio the slopes of soft soil and the remains of glacial activity in combination with the mountain’s limestone pedestal are more conducive to rock climbing routes at lower elevations, while higher up rocks ideal for bouldering can be found. In total the routes on Vermio are about 120, 16 of which are traditional or sport climbs on limestone, of difficulty from V up to VII+ and a height between 25m and 310m. The remaining 100+ routes, graded between 3C and 8A, are all bouldering problems on granite.
All the traditional routes of Vermio can be found at the Gorge of Krasta and are characterized by movement of classic limestone terrain with ridges and slabs, as well as plentiful protection. Among them popular are “Bountola - Giannakouli” (V, 160m), “Storm dihedral” (VI+, 95m), and “Krasta ridge” (VI, 310m).
The bouldering crag at Vermio, where the problems can be found spread across the lush forest near the settlement of Agios Pavlos, offers interesting routes of a wide range of difficulties and is ideal for climbing during the hot summer months.