Mountains & Villages of Evia
Experience Overview
The delightful island of Evia is a real hidden treasure, close to Athens yet a world away with old stone paths connecting quaint mountain villages. This walkers’ paradise offers unique history and an authentic atmosphere as you walk past Roman quarries, aqueducts and Byzantine churches. In summer, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming at a deserted beach or a tucked-away cove, while traditional tavernas and waterfront ouzo-meze shops make eating and drinking here a wonderful experience.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Galaxy Hotel) — Five full days walking and one half-day — Between four and six hours' walking per day — Altitude maximum: 3,281ft (1,000m); average: 1,640ft (500m)
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Galaxy Hotel) — Five full days walking and one half-day — Between four and six hours' walking per day — Altitude maximum: 3,281ft (1,000m); average: 1,640ft (500m)
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with five full days of walking and one half-day. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip offers the chance to experience the magnificent mountain scenery of Evia. Routes have been chosen to showcase the best of the natural and historical sites on the island. Terrain will include footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places with sloped ascents and descents. The walks require an average level of fitness and all are optional.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners are included.
The buffet-style breakfasts include fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, honey and wild cherry syrup, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese, cereal, muesli, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea, chocolate and lots of fresh seasonal fruit.
A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without spending evenings in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant – and on this trip we visit many of them. Dotted along the Karystian promenade, these cosy tavernas serve delicious local dishes with a variety of Evian wines in an informal setting.
Dishes to try in the evenings include homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables plus a variety of other vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, crunchy bread, cheeses and locally caught fish and seafood. Local meat such as lamb, pork, chicken and the renowned Evian beef are prepared in many ways.
Transportation
We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local ferries.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Galaxy Hotel, Kriezotou, Odisseos &, Karistos 340 01, Greece
Phone: +30 2224 022600
Airport: Athens Airport (ATH)
Getting to the start hotel
The trip starts at Athens Airport, with a meeting time that coincides with a chosen flight from London, UK. A local driver will be waiting for you with an Exodus sign. He will then transfer you to Rafina Port (approximately 35 minutes).
From here, you will take a ferry to Evia and then a short transfer to the Galaxy Hotel in Karystos. Please contact your sales representative for the meeting time two weeks before your departure or for more information.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Athens Airport for all customers, timed to coincide with a chosen flight to London, UK. Speak to your sales representative for more details.
Weather Information
February to March and November/December: Daytime temperatures of 10C-18C (50F-64F); nights of 5C-9C (41F- 48F); rain and chances of snow on high mountains.
April, May and October: Daytime temperatures of 17C-27C (63F-81F); nights of 8C-13C (46F-55F); chances of rain.
June and September: Daytime temperatures of 20C-30C (68F-86F), nights of 14C-19C (57F-66F); very dry and warm, ideal for swimming.
Spending Money
Allow approximately €150-€200 for food and drinks not included. A typical three-course meal with alcohol costs between €15 and €20.
Climate resilience fee: Each hotel charges a mandatory ‘climate resilience fee’ at check in, the cost of which depends on the season and hotel rating. The rates for the hotel in which we stay are normally €14 per week from April to October and €10 per week from November to March. Please note, if you’re booking pre- or post-tour accommodation, the rates are normally €5-€10 per night from April to October and €1.50-€3 per night from November to March.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus; however, most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest approximately €20 per person for the leader. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff who support your holiday – for example, drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. We recommend approximately €10 per person per week for the leader to distribute to all relevant staff.
Highlights
— Explore mountainous Evia on foot, an authentic Greek island with quaint villages — Sample delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas — Relax on deserted beaches and swim in the warm Aegean waters — Enjoy a warm Greek welcome at the family-run Galaxy Hotel
Trip Details
Product Code: 4250
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ferries.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TVE
Starts: Athens, Athens
Finishes: Athens, Athens
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Free group arrival and departure transfers available — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Galaxy Hotel, a family-run property in KarystosOur base for the week is the Galaxy Hotel, which overlooks the new harbour in the small coastal town of Karystos. Traditionally Greek, it has been run by the same friendly family for more than 30 years. Situated at the west end of the esplanade, just 330ft (100m) from the main square and town centre and a stone’s throw from the beach and its cafes, the Galaxy Hotel is in a perfect location for exploring the town and soaking up the fresh sea air. All rooms face the sparkling sea and have a balcony with a table and chairs, while the hotel has one indoor and one outdoor bar and a dining area where a hearty breakfast is served. The tap water is natural spring water from the mountains and is drinkable. Worth knowing All single rooms at Galaxy Hotel are twin/double rooms that are provided for sole occupancy.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,470 ($309 /day)
Itinerary
We meet at Athens airport and transfer by road to Rafina (approximately 35 minutes). We then take the ferry to Mamari on Evia (about one hour). It is then a 20-minute drive to our hotel in Karystos.
Our first day takes us from the hotel, through Karystos town and up to the villages of Gourna, which are scattered high above Karystos bay and below the peaks of Mount Ohi. Walking through the verdant countryside along worn-stone paths next to springs and streams, we reach a Roman aqueduct from 160 BCE. We continue to Castello Rosso, one of the grandest forts of the Fourth Crusade, where we can enjoy lunch with beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Using mountain goat trails and country lanes, we walk down to the fertile valley of Mili, full of citrus, olive and cypress trees, before reaching the coast.
We drive (45 minutes) along the southeastern 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. We hike along the riverside path in the lush valley of Platanistos. We then continue our journey by bus (30 minutes) until we reach the sea and one of the nicest, yet still relatively unknown, beaches in the Aegean. During the warmer months, we can swim and relax here at Marmara Beach. We return to Karystos on foot (approximately 20 minutes).
We start with an early morning drive (45 minutes) along the panoramic mountain road to the north, known as the Eagle Route, which takes us above the evergreen valley of Styra. We then summit Mount Kliosi, home to the remains of an ancient acropolis. An 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 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 (one hour).
This morning, we drive to the village of Lycorema (15 minutes). We enjoy a coastal walk on a flat dirt track 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.
We start with a 20-minute drive to the Springs of St Theodore in the mountain village of Argastaras. From here, we climb on Mount Ohi, following multiple trails and worn-marble paths to the heart of the Roman quarries where green and white marble known as cipollino – small onion in Latin, due to its stripes and rings – was shaped into monumental monolithic columns around Biblical times. There are 10 perfectly completed marble pillars still here, abandoned during the decline of Rome. Ancient paths take us to the villages of upper and lower Aetos with superb views of the Aegean Sea all along the way. We reach the coast, dotted with beautiful small sandy coves, on the way back to town. Please note: You need trousers (pants) for today's walk to protect against overgrown vegetation.
Today we walk on one of the oldest paths on the island, an ancient corridor within the gorge to the remote and wild beach on the east coast. We travel by taxi/coach to the isolated village of Agios Dimitrios on Mount Ohi (one hour), which is the starting point of the gorge walks. The ancient path in the beginning runs next to the river and gradually rises high above it with outstanding views of the limestone cliffs and the ever-blue Aegean. The dramatic canyon is a natural habitat for thyme, oregano and sage; peonies and orchids; eagles and falcons; plane and chestnut trees. We then take a one-hours transfer back to our hotel.
After breakfast, we can visit a local beekeeper to learn about and taste Greek honey and its products. Around lunchtime, we check out of our rooms and begin our return journey. It's a 20-minute ferry ride then a one-hour drive to Athens airport, where our adventure ends.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Graham Ritchie - Traveled, April 2024
Graham Ritchie Reviewed April 2024 Evia Like most Exodus guides, Thano was excellent. However he went beyond expectations, his local knowledge was extensive (he seemed to know everyone on the island). Always approachable. The packed lunches were varied (and filling). He ordered the starters at every meal which meant that we sampled lots of local delicacies that we would otherwise have missed. Lots of little things (sampling the ouzo, beekeeper visit and so on) added to the overall enjoyment. The guided tour of Athens on the final day was a bonus. On a personal note, he spoke to a doctor on my behalf as I was suffering from an injured shoulder. Thoughts on Group Leader He made the holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Elizabeth Owen - Traveled, March 2024
Fitting. Could also perhaps mention coastline in title Wonderful holiday on a wonderful island. Returned home feeling very relaxed. Evia was very unspoilt. A real experience of Greek culture, food and hospitality. Hotel was very comfortable and in a perfect location for the beach and town. Hotel staff were lovely, breakfast excellent for a small hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed every day. Walking was varied, interesting routes and stunning scenery, we barely saw anyone else on the walks. Packed lunches were superb. Having private mini bus for the group made it easy for travel. Everyone on group was like-minded. Excellent guide Thano. Thank you! Most Inspirational Moment I particularly enjoyed the gorge walk and also the walk on final day to the quarry. Thoughts on Group Leader Thano was an outstanding guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was passionate, expert as well as thoughtful and kind - definitely one of the best Exodus group leaders I have met. Throughout the week he went above and beyond to give us a real insight into Evia and Greek culture and history to make the trip extremely memorable. We were treated to local snacks and dishes which felt a real treat. He even gave us an impromptu walking tour of Athens on the last day. He made this trip very special. Suggestions Fantastic trip to do in early Spring - weather not too hot!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Elizabeth Owen - Traveled, February 2024
Fitting. Could also perhaps mention coastline in title Wonderful holiday on a wonderful island. Returned home feeling very relaxed. Evia was very unspoilt. A real experience of Greek culture, food and hospitality. Hotel was very comfortable and in a perfect location for the beach and town. Hotel staff were lovely, breakfast excellent for a small hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed every day. Walking was varied, interesting routes and stunning scenery, we barely saw anyone else on the walks. Packed lunches were superb. Having private mini bus for the group made it easy for travel. Everyone on group was like-minded. Excellent guide Thano. Thank you! Most Inspirational Moment I particularly enjoyed the gorge walk and also the walk on final day to the quarry. Thoughts on Group Leader Thano was an outstanding guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was passionate, expert as well as thoughtful and kind - definitely one of the best Exodus group leaders I have met. Throughout the week he went above and beyond to give us a real insight into Evia and Greek culture and history to make the trip extremely memorable. We were treated to local snacks and dishes which felt a real treat. He even gave us an impromptu walking tour of Athens on the last day. He made this trip very special. Suggestions Fantastic trip to do in early Spring - weather not too hot!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Robert Cooper - Traveled, February 2024
Mountains and Villages of Evia A lovely trip led by a very hardworking and knowledgeable guide staying in a welcoming hotel on the waterfront. The walking was graded correctly in my opinion and we saw some fantastic scenery and remarkable ancient relics. The food was wonderful and Karystos is a super little town with plenty of fine restaurants and bars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Gordon Stalker - Traveled, January 2024
Karystos is best. Lovely island and not over developed. Most Inspirational Moment The beach at Potami. Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos is an excellent leader. Keen, enthusiastic and a sense of humour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Angela McCullagh - Traveled, September 2023
Evia Overall great trip. Really beautiful island, miles of gorgeous coastline, great food, comfy hotel and all round excellent week. Most Inspirational Moment The gorge walk on the last day - just really beautiful and a lovely walk. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Thoroughly kind and considerate and couldn't do enough for us. Obviously knew the area really well in terms of geography and history, and his enthusiasm was catching. Advice for Potential Travellers Although the walking wasn't excessively challenging, the heat did add to the effort. Definitely take a hat, and consider flexible walking footwear e.g. gortex boots as feet will swell in the heat and leather is less forgiving. Take long walking trousers as some of the walks are through very thorny pathways. Suggestions no.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Linda Edwards - Traveled, May 2023
Another Excellent Exodus trip This was our 4th Exodus walking holiday and it has lived up to expectations. George lead us on 6 fantastic walks, and planned everything meticulously… transport, lunches, pace of group. The Galaxy Hotel was just as described, friendly, great sea views and ample breakfasts. And, yes, as commented on in other reviews, the bathroom is ready for an upgrade but everything is works and is clean. Exodus remains our go to company when we are looking for a walking holiday. Most Inspirational Moment The walk to the Roman columns and the walk through the gorge on the last day. Thoughts on Group Leader George looked after us all superbly, making sure the pace was right for everyone, so that no one fell behind. The lunch spots were thoughtfully chosen as were the welcome beachside tavernas at the end of most walks. He clearly has a passion for the island he was born on; this came through when he was talking about wildlife or the history of the area. Advice for Potential Travellers I would say that the holiday should be billed as moderate rather than leisurely/modest. Most of the walks involved quite steep ascents and descents. The gorge path is narrow and you need a head for heights. But it is the scenery is amazing. Take your poles and have confidence in your leader. Suggestions It was great to have 2 meals included but it might have been nice to try a different place on the second night.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2023
Donna H - Traveled, January 2023
Easy, relaxing - amazing food every day! This trip should be marketed as culinary delights of Evia! A lovely location and a very easy and relaxed week being expertly guided and looked after by Thanos and his connections on the island. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting the columns on Christmas Day - stunning views and history and (as usual) an experience made extra special by Thano's attention to detail (champers and Christmas biscuits as a treat). Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos was absolutely amazing - in every way he succeeded in looking after everyone both as a group and individuals. We were exceptionally well fed and watered, and he made excellent use of his connections and knowledge of the island to make the week special. This included the history of the area and Greece in general. Advice for Potential Travellers Check the grading and who is coming - for me personally the trip was physically too easy, and could easily be marked as a 1. If you're after delicious food, views, easy walks and a lot of free time to relax this trip is perfect. Do bring boots! The terrain does warrant having the additional ankle support and lets you appreciate the views more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2023
Gordon Stalker - Traveled, October 2022
Terrible showers. Thanos was an excellent guide and host. He could not have been more helpful. My only complaint was the showers in the Galaxy Hotel. Very dated with clinging shower curtain, leaky shower head and variable hot water. You will never be far from the nearest barking dog on your walks. Most Inspirational Moment Ascending my first Greek mountain. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. You need to pay him more. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a plug for the bathroom sink. Poles useful for most walks. Fly/mosquito spray for your bedroom.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2022
Alan Craig - Traveled, October 2022
Review of holiday 2-9 October 2022 Our holiday in Evia was a very memorable and enjoyable one, mainly because Evia, an island which I had not even heard of before we booked our holiday, is such a historic and beautiful island. While I have a particular interest in nature and wild flowers in particular, on this holiday it was the history and antiquities of Evia that were the outstanding experience. Our accommodation in a friendly family-run hotel was excellent, and it was a welcome’s bonus to enjoy a quick dip in the sea most days after our walks. Most Inspirational Moment It is hard to choose, because there were several places where we were on the site of important events in ancient Greek history, but the most inspirational was being in a chapel, the floor of which was that of an ancient temple where events took place, mentioned in Homer's Iliad, before the Greeks set off across the Aegean Sea and laid siege to Troy. Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos was very hospitable and welcoming, and is an outstanding tour guide, who opened our eyes to the history of Greece, and particularly of Evia, in an inspirational way. He was also exceptional in ensuring that we thoroughly enjoyed our evening meals, explaining Greek cuisine and advising on choice of dishes and overseeing the process of paying for our meals, I would say going above and beyond the call of duty on these occasions. However I feel that most other Exodus guides that I have encountered were better than him at actually leading walks, he did not seem to mind if our group was spread out across a hillside behind him. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go to Evia, you cannot fail to enjoy it! Maybe read up on Greek history before you go, so that you can get even more out of the experience than I did. Suggestions I have now enjoyed nine (I think) Exodus holidays in the last ten years and this was well up there as one of the most enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2022
Jennifer Dixon - Traveled, October 2022
Walking through history Evia is a Greek island most people of never heard of but it has a central role in Greek history. You are literally walking through time. Comfortable family run accommodation and excellent food in local tavernas. This is a destination not spoilt by international tourism. The ‘real’ Greece. The walking is varied and most involve an ascent but also long descents. The weather in October was just the right temperature for walking although a bit chilly and windy for swimming. Most Inspirational Moment Standing at the Acropolis of Styria with clear blue skies and fantastic views all round. this site is over 3000yrs old. Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos was an excellent leader. His passion and knowledge of Greek history is a real bonus. The midmorning pastries were a special delight. Advice for Potential Travellers Although the walks are not too long you do need to be a good walker to manage the terrain. Often need to watch your footing on the loose rocks, poles an essential. Long trousers also advised for some walks as the undergrowth is really sharp.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2022
Yvonne Fitzpatrick - Traveled, September 2019
Excellent Adventurous walking & scrambling along the dramatic coastline & remote villages of Island of Evia. Tasting delicious cousin of their culture. Most Inspirational Moment Arriving, meeting the group leader & the rest of the travellers. Thoughts on Group Leader Cecile was very passionate about Greece, Karystos Isle of Evia & the adventures she was taking us on. Safety conscious & a lovely sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take all equipment that has been advised. Strong boots which supports your ankles very important as you could easily twist your ankle/s in the rough terrain. Suggestions Be open to your adventures & enjoy every moment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2019
Sally Ward - Traveled, June 2019
antastically enjoyable holiday If you like sparkling turquoise sea pretty much outside the hotel then this holiday is for you ! I found the walking quite tough as I wasn’t quite fit enough and as other reviewers state it’s more moderate than leisurely especially in June! However, I enjoyed the three walks I did enormously and it was amazing to get up (and down) to the Roman columns the view from which is so memorable and now my screen saver. Solid support and encouragement up and down from Cecile and lovely group members. Plenty to see and do if you want to dip in and out of the walking you can, ie to dip in and out of the sea on comfy sun loungers with inexpensive waiter service from the taverna whilst helping the Greek economy (what’s not to like). One day I went on an astounding snorkelling trip to the renowned Petali Islands : 7 hours for €35 including CAKE !!! Most Inspirational Moment (In my case) staggering to end of first walk to arrive at a heavenly beach, sea and taverna...... First sight of the acropolis on the inclusive day trip to Athens Getting to the top of the Roman column walk The turquoise sparking sea...... Our lovely group - all so different but all so lovely ! Thoughts on Group Leader Solid as a rock - very experienced and entirely dependable and she has a rescue donkey! Advice for Potential Travellers Over 65’s take passport to Athens trip for discounted entry to Acropolis and Archaeological museum I regret not biting the bullet and seeing the Acropolis AND the museum and foregoing the hot walk through Athens, meeting at parliament as suggested. It would have been easy to do in hindsight perhaps clearer instructions on this alternative would be good. In summer you need to be fit - it was 30 degrees plus in June 2019. I had originally booked for May but not enough people so I transferred to June. Luckily I love the beach so it was a PERFECT HOLIDAY for me. Suggestions I hadn’t been to Greece for many years and had forgotten some of its foibles, one plug for kettle, fridge and charger the other plug in external door jam, the shower head that was so reluctant to point downwards to the drain..... BUT I grew to quickly love and appreciate Hotel Galaxy, it’s super family staff, the amazing breakfasts, service, kindness, generosity and it’s position on the harbour. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again - it just takes a day to acclimatise..... then you won’t want to leave........
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2019
Tracey F - Traveled, June 2022
Another wonderful trip with Exodus The trip was excellent from start to finish. The hotel has been described as basic but it has everything you need. It is scrupulously clean & the owner(s) / staff cannot do enough for you. There is a beach 5 minutes walk away at most & the hotel has a bar opposite where you can relax with a book & enjoy the light breeze after a walk. Most Inspirational Moment Looking down at the town & clear blue water of the bay, realising just how far we had climbed to experience that view. Thoughts on Group Leader Nanou is one of the best tour leaders I have had with Exodus. Her enthusiasm & energy is contagious. She is very kind & patient - towards the end of one walk my brain was telling me I could finish however, my legs were telling me otherwise. Nanou arranged for a vehicle to collect me &, when I said I was ashamed that I had "failed", she insisted that there was no reason because I had made the walk. She also took us to a restaurant with an amazing ambiance that we would never have found for ourselves. Advice for Potential Travellers After 2 & a half years in lockdown when the extent of my walking was from my sofa to the fridge & back I would say that you really do need to prepare for the trip. Also take into account the heat. Suggestions Remember your swimsuit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2022
Chris Greenfield - Traveled, September 2021
Fabulous, though in the heat of September 2021 probably more moderate than leisurely. Breathtaking views, fabulous fresh Greek food and time (if you have the energy left) to stroll 5 minutes to a local beach at the end of each day’s walk. Our guide Charlotte (known to literally everyone on the island as Nanou, had an infectious smile, bags of enthusiasm and a motto of ‘everything is possible’ to help make this holiday memorable. With temperatures being hotter than normal, some of the steeper ascents were a little hard work, and I’d recommend taking walking poles just to help you up and down the steepest parts of the walk to see the 700 year old Roman Columns.. The hotel is quite basic, but the water is drinkable straight from the tap as the supply comes from a stream. Your room will have a kettle and a supply of local tea and coffee, so if you hanker for a brew in your room, you can. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching 700 year old Roman Columns perched on the hillside (it felt like a mountainside), and seeing the views back down to the port of Karystos and Castello Rosso perched on an adjoining hill, that was to be our next ascent. Worth all the effort. Thoughts on Group Leader Charlotte was excellent, and really helped make the trip memorable...on the second days walk we passed a vineyard and feigned shock that it wasn't on our itinerary to visit for the wine tasting tour...;-) For the 4th day's walk to the reach the Roman aqueduct, Charlotte rejigged our route and arranged for us to have the wine tasting tour; a superb way to end that days walk...Went above and beyond each and every day. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring walking poles, even if you have never used them before, there are parts, possibly more on the descents where you will be grateful for having extra help / reassurance with your footing; mine are a cheap pair and were perfectly adequate. Walking trainers might just about be okay on the morning walk to Marmari, but for the rest of the routes, ankle support walking boots are essential. Free up plenty of memory on your phone / camera; you'll have so many opportunities to take photograph. If you have a drone, bring that too; sadly it was too windy on the walk to the Roman Columns, but I have some great images from other days. The Greek flysafe drone map can be found at https://dagr.hcaa.gr/#map_page Suggestions Thanks for another great walking holiday., hopefully see you again next year for another adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2021
June Egglestone - Traveled, May 2019
Lovely holiday A lovely week walking, plus swim in the sea at the end of each day. The town is nice and laid back. Most Inspirational Moment Day 2 when we ended up at a lovely beachside taverna for lunch followed by a swim was a great way to start. But, I enjoyed all the walks, hard to pick a favourite. This was my first time in Athens too, so great to see the Acropolis. Thoughts on Group Leader Cecile was an excellent group leader, very easy to get along with. Advice for Potential Travellers day 2 walk - take flip flops/wet shoes, as the beach you end up in (which is lovely) has stones that are quite painful to walk on (if you want to have a swim), and burning hot too if you are there in summer! days 3/4 walks - wear long trousers, the gorse is quite scratchy on your calves. The hotel is basic, but it's fine, and a great location (beach over the road), so dont let the two stars put you off going on this trip. Athens - if you want to see the acropolis AND the associated museum, you will not have time to do both on the day trip, advise getting in a day early or a day late if you wish to do both. It's easy to get into Athens and back to the airport using the metro, and there are facilities in the airport to store your luggage, if you just get an earlier flight on day 1. Suggestions I would definitely recommend this holiday!6
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2019
Janet Bates - Traveled, April 2019
Describes the holiday perfectly If you want a really relaxing entirely relaxing atmosphere with few tourists, then Evia is the place to go. The itinerary was varied and exactly as described. The family at the Galaxy hotel couldn’t do enough for us. Their breakfasts are fantastic and grandad’s home-made goat cheese legendary! It was a pleasure to stay there. Most Inspirational Moment The walk to Castello Rosso and the Roman columns and the lovely relaxed and friendly atmosphere on an island that doesn't appear to have changed for centuries. Thoughts on Group Leader Having Thanos with you, is like having a walking Google with you. His knowledge is incredible and his "elevenses" are delicious, not that we really needed them as the food throughout the trip was amazing. Thanos couldn't do enough for us and his enthusiasm was infectious. Having been to Paphos in Cyprus many years earlier, I had tasted "tourist menus" and didn't particularly like Greek food. This was an entirely different experience. Everything tasted wonderful. Don't think you will lose weight or even come back at the weight you started the holiday, unless you have got a will of iron. You will definitely have to diet when you come home. I can guarantee you will come back around half a stone heavier! The days really aren't long enough to fit in the great breakfast, Thanos's "elevenses" treat, the foot long lunch roll, the evening's five plus assorted starters, the main course and then the sweet ! Advice for Potential Travellers If you are going in April, my advice would be to take waterproof trousers as one day in particular, during our walk, it rained throughout. I would also recommend taking gaiters if you have delicate skin below the knees, as some of the gorse really scratches even though you may be walking in long trousers. Suggestions Having walked in the Lake District, I found the gorge walk scenery very similar. The only time you could take in the view was if you kept stopping, as most of the time you are having to concentrate hard looking where you are putting your feet and doing this for five hours downhill got a bit boring although the lunch stop was very pretty.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2019
Patrick Hetherington - Traveled, April 2019
Most enjoyable trip in a fascinating and untouristy area. Varied but generally not too challenging walking in an area with a fascinating history and archaeological interest. Also an opportunity to visit Athens. Most Inspirational Moment Discovering how widely the Evians travelled and founded settlements in various parts of the Mediterranean. Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos was an exceptional group leader. His knowledge of the area and its history was extensive and he inspired me with his enthusiasm. He was very attentive to our needs, ensuring all went smoothly, and going out of his way to give us the best possible experience. He took a flexible approach to the schedule, taking account of weather forecasts. Strong winds later in the week affecting the ferries necessitated delaying the Athens visit until the final day, but even so we were able to have a visit to the Acropolis and a walking tour of the city guided by Thanos. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for changeable weather! We were probably lucky not having any rain. Suggestions Basic but pleasant tourist hotel with excellent breakfast. Wide choice of evening dishes in a variety of restaurants. Comfortable minibus. Excellent service from the drivers. A few of us not on the group flights were looked after with transfers provided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2019
Phil Risdale - Traveled, April 2019
There's more to Evia than you might think A relatively restful week of walking, eating, drinking and learning a lot from a knowledgeable leader (Thanos) in a wonderful location. No walk is too long or taxing, but just enough to engage, but with plenty of rests for snacks and interesting history lectures! This trip is leisurely because there is no rush and plenty of free time. Also, no early starts! Most Inspirational Moment Visiting the abandoned Roman quarry with the marble columns lying around. Thoughts on Group Leader Thanos cannot be criticised at all - everything ran smoothly, he is very knowledgeable and a good communicator, supplied an interesting variety of snacks on the walks, took us to a good variety of restaurants every evening, basically looked after everything. He also adapted the itinerary when the weather forecast looked a bit dodgy. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't be fooled, it will be cool at altitude and in the evenings, so take clothing layers. If you really want to see Athens then add a day before or after the trip - the day trip included will be too rushed for many people's tastes due to time constraints & ferry times. And if you like beer then ask for 'Septem' in the local bars - a locally brewed craft ale. Suggestions The hotel used isn't great but isn't that bad either - we found it clean & tidy with a decent bar & an OK breakfast - what really lets it down is the bathrooms & the showers especially.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2019
Salman Syed - Traveled, October 2018
Mountains & Villages of Evia The tour guide, Thanos, was superb. The food was great. Treks were beautiful. However, the quality of the hotel was OK. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching to the summit Thoughts on Group Leader Superb, Considerate , Helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2018
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