Mount Paiko


Mountain Paiko or Pajak in Bulgarian and Macedonian is a small mountain range that lies on the border of the Pella and Kilkis regional units in Central Macedonia, Greece.

Geography

Morphologically, Paiko is a curvy extension to the north east of the adjacent Voras mountain range. Together they surround the plain of Aridea. East and south of Paiko are the plains of the Vardar river and the plains of Giannitsa respectively.
The highest peaks are Skra, Tsouma, Vertopia, Pirgos, Kadasti and Ghola Tsouka. Pirgos, Vertopia and Kadasti surround a large plateau at altitude around. Most areas of the plateau are residential or cultivated.

Geology

Paiko is composed of igneous and sedimentary rocks, mainly carbonatite and ophiolite. Sedimentary rocks are found mostly in the north eastern areas.

Hydrology

Paiko is rich in surface and underground bodies of water, often potable. Springs exist at the foothills and small wetlands, connected by several streams, can be found at high altitudes. Two waterfalls and a lagoon of blue-green waters are located near the Skra peak.
East of the mountain is a small artificial lake 35 m deep and of circumference around 4 km.

Life

Flora

The vegetation of Paiko is considered lush. Large trees include:
Smaller plants and fungi include:
Beside mammals and vultures, notable animals include:
At Lake Metalleiou humans have introduced trout. Fishing is allowed under controlled conditions.