TILFOUSIO MOUNTAIN

The Tilfousio Mountain, unknown to most, lies between Thebes and Livadeia and is an extension of Mount Helicon. Its name comes from the Tilfousa spring, which, according to myth, produced deadly water. Legend has it that the seer Tiresias, passing through the area, quenched his thirst at the spring and died there, eventually being buried on the spot.
Apollo, who from birth was destined to establish the first oracle revealing the will of his father Zeus to humans, considered the Tilfousa spring the perfect site for the oracle. However, when he announced his plan to Tilfousa, the nymph ruling the area, she dissuaded him and suggested he go under Mount Parnassus, to Krisa. Apollo fell into the trap, and when he began building the oracle, he discovered that the spring was guarded by a serpent that devoured anyone who approached. Realizing the deception, he returned to Tilfousa spring and blocked its flow with massive rocks.
Much more recently, in September 1829, Tilfousio Mountain was the site of the last battle of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Turks. Greek forces under Ypsilantis blocked the Turkish troops’ advance toward Lamia. Yet, despite the mountain’s historical significance and the mythical events associated with it, its fame has remained modest, literally and figuratively overshadowed by neighboring Helicon and Parnassus.
It is worth noting that Tilfousio Mountain and the village of Petra were lakeside until 1931, when the drainage works of Lake Copaïs were completed to combat malaria and provide arable land. Today, from the mountain peaks, one no longer gazes upon the lake waters, but upon the fertile plain and surrounding mountains. The mountain is characterized by an impressive rocky ridge, with steep northern slopes and gently inclined southern slopes covered by extensive deciduous oak forests that color the region beautifully, especially in autumn and winter.
There are few dirt roads, but numerous trails suitable for cycling and ample space to “draw” your own routes on the gentle slopes. In addition, numerous scattered springs and small streams, particularly in winter and spring, reduce the amount of water you need to carry.

The route starts at the central square of the village of Petra. It initially climbs 5 km on the newly paved asphalt road to the Monastery of Evangelistria, easily covering the first 300 m of elevation. From there, a network of beautiful, accessible dirt roads with gentle slopes leads to the highest point of the route, just above 800 m.
Here begins the adventure and the most beautiful part of the ride. Before this, a short detour and stop at the saddle above the “doors”—the passage between the southern and northern steep slopes—offers stunning views of Helicon, Lake Copaïs, and the mountains of Euboea.
Leaving the dirt road toward the summit, we enter a small plateau and descend the southern slopes via beautiful trails and neglected, rugged dirt roads, eventually meeting the main but very scenic road (still a dirt road during mapping) connecting the villages of Evangelistria and Koroneia. We follow it for 4.5 km before turning north into a dense oak forest for the last 2 km climb of the route. From here, 14 km remain, mostly downhill, with expansive views over the Copaïs plain back to the starting point.
Shortly before the village, the cold waters of Petra Waterfall provide an ideal spot for relaxation and recovery.