Location & Venue Info
The 18th Panhellenic Amateur Astronomers Gathering will take place on Mount Parnon, at the idyllic plateau located just below the Sparta Mountaineering Club refuge (EOS Sparta) — a location deeply connected with the history of amateur astronomy in Greece.
This is a well-established and iconic site, having successfully hosted four previous Panhellenic gatherings. Mount Parnon offers one of the darkest skies in Greece, gaining international recognition through stunning astrophotography features in global publications.
The area is highly suitable for camping, with trees providing natural shade for most of the day, ensuring a comfortable stay in the mountain environment.
To support participants during their stay, the organizers have ensured the availability of essential sanitary facilities, including toilets and shower installations, providing basic comfort throughout the three-day event.
Geographical Coordinates: 37.2594529, 22.5866702
The observation site is located approximately 2.5 hours from Athens and 1 hour from Tripoli. Following a scenic route through forests of fir and pine trees, you will reach the Sparta Mountaineering Club refuge, situated at an altitude of 1,420 meters. Just below the refuge lies the observation area, surrounded by forest.
If you are traveling by car and using a GPS device, the village Agios Petros (Arcadia) is typically listed (e.g. as “Ag. Petros Arkadias”). This is the last village along the route, approximately 30 minutes before reaching the observation site. Shortly after leaving the village, at the junction towards the Malevi Monastery, you will find a sign indicating the direction to the “Mountain Refuge”, which you should follow.
