Current as of: December 20, 2024 - 15:19
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
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.
Highlights
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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Fly to Athens; from Athens airport we transfer by road to Rafina (approximately 35 minutes) and then take the ferry to Mamari on Evia Island (about one hour). It is then a 20-minute drive to our hotel in Karystos.
Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy (or similar)
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.
After breakfast, we can visit a local beekeeper to learn about and taste the famous Greek Island honey and its products. Around lunchtime, we check out of our rooms and transfer back to Athens Airport where our adventure ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Our 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
Single supplement from £ 230
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.
We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local ferries.
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.
Start hotel: Galaxy Hotel, Kriezotou, Odisseos &, Karistos 340 01, Greece
Phone: +30 2224 022600
Airport: Athens Airport (ATH)
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.
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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Athens
Location end: Athens
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +02:00)
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
There are several ATMs that take Visa/MasterCard or Switch with your normal PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most places.
Allow approximately €150-€200 for food and drinks not included. A typical three-course meal with alcohol costs between €15 and €20.
Tourist tax of €10.50 for 7 nights per room. €10.50 per person per week in single accommodation and €5.25 per person per week in twin/double accommodation. This will be collected by the Tour Leader at the welcome meeting on Day 1.
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.
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.