Mainalo is the tallest mountain in the Menalon highlands of the Peloponnese, and is located in Arcadia, Greece. In antiquity, the mountain was especially sacred to Pan. The mountain's highest point, known as both Profitis Ilias and Ostrakina, at a height of 1981 m, is the highest point in Arcadia. The mountain has a length of 15 to 20 km from southwest of Tripoli to northeast of Vytina, and a width of 5 to 10 km from Zygovisti to Kapsas. The mountain is part of a Natura 2000 site, designated in March 2011, covering an area of 226.4 km2. In the 19th and early 20th century, the mountain was known as Apano Chrepa. The mountain takes its name from the ancient Mount Mainalos, which was however located about 25 kilometers further south near the town of Asea, and has been identified as the same mountain known today as Ágios Ilías. The name was mistakenly connected to the current mounaint Mainalo by early European travelers. In Greek mythology, Mount Mainalos got its name from Maenalus, son of Lykaon, king of Arcadia. Mainalo is home to a ski resort, which is found at an elevation of 1600 m, with 7 ski slopes and 4 lifts, which are at an altitude between 1550 to 1770 m.

Geography

Mainalo's ground is primarily made of lime, among various calcareous substrates. Mainalo has various named peaks. Listed by height, they are, among others;

Ecology

The mountain houses many forests of Greek fir and Crimean pine. Natura 2000 cites these forests as the "[Greek fir and Crimean pine's] best representation in Peloponnisos." Mainalo has several ecological environments, comprising: Many amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, and diurnal predatory birds inhabit Mainalo. These include, among others;

Notable people

The following people were associated with the ancient city Maenalus, which may have stood near the summit of Mainalo: