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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.
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
Product Manager Europe
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.
He made the holiday.
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!
I particularly enjoyed the gorge walk and also the walk on final day to the quarry.
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.
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.
Lovely island and not over developed.
The beach at Potami.
Thanos is an excellent leader. Keen, enthusiastic and a sense of humour.
Overall great trip. Really beautiful island, miles of gorgeous coastline, great food, comfy hotel and all round excellent week.
The gorge walk on the last day - just really beautiful and a lovely walk.
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.
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.
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.
The walk to the Roman columns and the walk through the gorge on the last day.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Ascending my first Greek mountain.
Excellent. You need to pay him more.
Take a plug for the bathroom sink. Poles useful for most walks. Fly/mosquito spray for your bedroom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Standing at the Acropolis of Styria with clear blue skies and fantastic views all round. this site is over 3000yrs old.
Thanos was an excellent leader. His passion and knowledge of Greek history is a real bonus. The midmorning pastries were a special delight.
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.
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