Pelister (2601 m) is the highest peak of Baba Mountain and the third highest peak in Macedonia. Pelister is often used as name of the Baba Mountain and also as synonymous with the city of Bitola.
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The peak Pelister with the slopes of Baba Mountain, in 1948 are proclaimed as a National park, mainly due to the relict of the tertiary flora – Molika (Pinus Peuce Griseb) and the morphological and glacial relief in the alpine part of the mountain. Molika is five-needled pine tree that beside Pelister, can be seen only in few parts on Balkan Peninsula.
National Park Pelister is characterized by lush, well-watered forests and unique geological formations, which include layers of Paleozoic and Mesozoic magma rocks and layers of quartz. The core of the mountain is made of granite rocks, some even 465 million years old.
The mountain has several peaks higher than 2000 meters (6,500 feet): Pelister (2601 m), Veternica (2420 m), Muza (2351 m), Rzana (2334 m) and Griva (2198 m).
Pelister is also rich in rivers, springs and streams, but especially interesting are the mountain lakes located at an altitude of 2.218 meters (Big Lake) and 2.180 m (Small Lake), locally known as the Mountain’s Eyes or Pelister’s Eyes.
There are many endemic flowers in Pelister. The beauty of the area is completed with wild animals like bears, wolfs, goats, stags, boars, rabbits, a few kinds of eagles, Partridges, redbeak jackdaws and endemic Мacedonian pelagonytrout.
Visit the Park
In the north, the lower parts of the park, where the Molika pine forest dominates, there are many picnic spots that are ideal for family activities and walks.
Pelister has typical mountain climate which is characterized by long, cold winters and short and cool summers. The best time to visit Pelister is from May to October.
For walk through the Park it is advisable to wear hiking boots, as well sun and rain protection. For longer trips it is advisable to carry food and water.
