Mount
Parnitha (
Greek, modern: Πάρνηθα, ancient/
Katharevousa: Πάρνης
Parnis/
Parnes; sometimes
Parnetha) is a densely forested
mountain range north of
Athens, the highest on the peninsula of
Attica, with an elevation of 1,413 m, and a summit known as Karavola (Καραβόλα). Much of the mountain is designated a
national park, and is a protected habitat for
wildfowl, first created in 1961. The summit is located 18 km N of Acharnae and about 30 km N of Athens, while the mountain covers approximately 250 km² of land. Other peaks include Mavrovouni (Μαυροβούνι), Ornio (1,350 m), Area (1,160 m), Avgo or Avgho (1,150 m), and Xerovouni (Ξεροβούνι, meaning dry mountain - 1,120 m).It also has two shelters
Mpafi and Flampouri. The name of the mountain dates back to
ancient times, when it was under the ancient
demes of
Acharnae and
Decelea.