With its peak reaching at an altitude of 2631 meters, Smolikas is the second highest mountain in Greece. It is situated close to Vasilitsa and Timfi (Gamila), while Grammos is further to the north.
The whole region is of great ecological significance and, thanks to limited human interference; it is home to rare species of flora and fauna.
Pines, lammergeyers, firs and several kinds of deciduous trees grow on its slopes, offering shelter to wolves, brown bears, roe deer, as well as a great number of bird and reptile species. Drakolimni (dragon lake), near the mountain's peak, is one of the few alpine lakes in the country and the only habitat of the extremely rare and protected alpine triton- a small amphibian, which may grow up to 12 centimeters in length and resembles a dragon. According to a local legend, the area's dragon lakes were once home to two dragons, who kept throwing stones at each other. Nowadays, there is no sign of any dragons, but you can still see the black and white stones surrounding the lakes of Smolikas and Timfi. According to another myth, the dragon resident of Smolikas lake would take the shape of a big ram, to lure sheep into its den; this is why locals no longer bring their herds near the lake.
There are several different hiking trails that cross the mountain and start from the nearby villages. In order to get a good insight into the beauties you need at least two days. In winter, hiking gets extremely difficult due to heavy snow and as a result special equipment is needed. During the summer it is much easier to hike. The storms, however, can become dangerous.
Samarina village, with its stone houses and paved narrow streets, is one of the prettiest in the region. If time allows it, pay a visit to its ethnographic museum and orthodox churches, including Agios Athanasios, which was built in 1840. There are hiking paths starting from the villages of Agia Paraskevi and Palioseli, in the northern and southern part of the mountain respectively.
Shelter of Smolikas (above the village of Palioseli): (+30) 6942939939, 6988015656
Shelter of the Hiking and Athletic Organization of Palioseli: (+30) 26550 24626

Source: mountainsgreece.com