Overview
Discover the real Greece on the island of Evia with walks through coastal
paths, forests and gorges
The delightful island of Evia is a real hidden treasure, close to Athens yet
worlds away with old stone paths connecting quaint villages tucked-away in
the mountains. This walkers paradise offers unique history and an
authentic atmosphere as you walk past Roman quarries, aqueducts and Byzantine
churches. In the summer there are plenty of opportunities for swimming at a
deserted beach or a tucked away cove, and traditional tavernas and waterfront
ouzo-meze shops make eating and drinking here a wonderful experience.
Highlights
* Discover an authentic Greek island
* Walk along dramatic coastline and visit remote villages
* Savour delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas
* Relax on deserted beaches and swim in the warm Aegean waters
* Enjoy a city tour of Athens
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Athens; transfer to Rafina; ferry to Evia.
Fly to Athens; from Athens airport we transfer by road to Rafina
(approximately 35 min), and then take the ferry to Mamari on Evia Island
(about 1hr). It is then a short drive to our hotel at Karystos.
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 2
Walk through the ravine from Platanistos to the beach at Potami Bay.
We drive along the south-eastern tip of the island, over the mountains
towards the Cape of Cavo Doro, heading to the beautiful ravine of Platanistos
and the first of 20 ancient villages of Albanian descent. Over the arches of
stone bridges, we follow the river towards Potami hamlet on the coast, a
Hellinistic anchorage since Homeric times. En route we view the site of
Hellinikon with the remains of the foundations of Poseidon’s temple, dating
back to the 8th century B.C. Walking amongst large plane trees we reach the
sea and one of the nicest, yet still relatively unknown, beaches in the
Aegean. During the warmer months of the year, we have the opportunity to swim
and relax on the beach. We return to Karystos by taxi/coach.
Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 100 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 400 m Time: 4.5
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 3
Ascend Mount Kliosi and the Acropolis of Styra.
We start with an early morning drive along the panoramic mountain road to the
North, known as the ‘Eagle Route’, which takes us above the evergreen valley
of Styra. We then climb Mt Kliosi’s dramatic summit where the remains of the
ancient Acropolis defy time and elements on a ‘Wuthering Heights’ plateau.
The Eerie ancient Gate, the cave of St Nicolas and the ruins of Castro
Armeno, often in the mist, make this a visit to remember. The gentle walk
down takes us past wild strawberry bushes and the remains of the Roman marble
quarries to the quaint villages of Styra Valley, which overlook Marathon,
just across the water on the Continent. In the afternoon we take the bus back
to Karystos.
Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 300 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 700 m Time: 5
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar*
Standard Hotel*
Day 4
Walk through rolling hills and the Gourna villages, passing Roman Columns and
visiting the Castello Rosso.
Our third day takes us up to the villages of Gourna that are scattered high
above the bay of Karystos and below the peaks of Mount Ohi. Walking
throughverdant countryside along stone-worn paths next to springs and
streams, we reach the monolithic marble columns in the Imperial Roman
Quarries, perfectly completed and abandoned during Romes decline. We
continue to Castello Rosso, one of the grandest Forts of the 4th crusade,
from where we can enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Using mountain
goat-trails and country lanes we walk down to the fertile plain of Aetos,
full of citrus, olive and cypress trees, before reaching the coast.
Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 450 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 500 m Time: 6
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 5
Morning walk in the Bay of Marmari; afternoon free to relax on the beach or
wander around Karystos.
This morning we drive to the village of Lycorema. We enjoy a coastal walk
around the bay and visit the fishing hamlet of Marmari. The afternoon is free
to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos, an authentic Greek island
town.
Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 0 m Descent 150 m Max Altitude 150 m Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 6
Morning ferry to Athens; walking tour of Athens including visit to the
Acropolis; transfer back to Evia.
This morning we take the ferry to Athens to discover the historic centre of
this breath-taking city, the cradle of Western civilisation and the
birthplace of democracy. We wander around the beautiful Plaka, the impressive
Houses of Parliament, Zappion National Gardens and St Pauls Boulevard,
before heading up to the Acropolis Hill. We end the tour outside the
Acropolis giving those who wish to explore the Acropolis, one of the ancient
wonders of our world, the option to do so. In the evening, we transfer back
to Evia.
Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 0 m Descent 0 m Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 7
Gorge walk from Mt Ohi down to the rugged East Aegean coast.
Today we have a picturesque walk through the gorges to the rugged East Aegean
coast. We travel by taxi/coach to Boublia on Mt Ohi, which is the starting
point of one of the famous gorge walks to the east coast of Evia. The gorge
is a unique habitat for flora and fauna with peonies and orchids, eagles and
falcons amongst plane and chestnut trees. The ancient stone path leads us
close to the dramatically exposed Aegean coast.
Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 0 m Descent 900 m Max Altitude 1000 m Time: 5
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 8
Morning ferry to Athens; fly to London.
After breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of the group departure
flightwe transfer back to Athens where our adventure ends. Those on the
group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London.
