BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 10% ON SELECTED TRIPS
Book before 12 Nov 2024. Find out more here.

Greece

Mountains & Villages of Evia

Trip code: W07EV 4.8 (4 reviews)

Guided group walking

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

SUMMARY

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • Discover an authentic Greek island Walk along dramatic coastlines and visit remote villages Savour delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas Relax on deserted beaches and swim in the warm Aegean waters

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners All accommodation All transport and listed activities Free group arrival and departure transfers available Tour leader throughout

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Start Athens; transfer to Rafina; ferry to Evia

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.

You stay at Galaxy Hotel.

hotel details



Galaxy Hotel , Karystos

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Our base, the seaside 2 star superior Galaxy Hotel in Karystos, has been run by the same family for over 30 years. The hotel is in a great location at the west end of the esplanade, just 100 metres from the main square and town centre and only a few metres from the beach and its cafes. All rooms are sea view with en-suite facilities, fridge, television, telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, air-conditioning, toiletries, hair dryer and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have balconies with table and chairs. There are safe and computer/ printer facilities in the reception area, 24hr room service for snacks and drinks, 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.

Day 2: Walk through rolling hills and the Gourna villages, passing Roman sites and visiting the Castello Rosso

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.

Day 3: Walk through the ravine from Platanistos and the Albanian descent Villages of Panohori and Mourtia

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).

Day 4: Ascend Mount Kliosi and visit the Acropolis of Styra

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).

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 (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.

Day 6: Imperial Roman quarries on Mount Ohi and the villages in the Valley of Aetos

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.

Day 7: Mount Ohi gorge walk down to the rugged east coast and the Aegean archipelagos

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.

Day 8: Ferry to Athens; end Athens Airport

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.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
£1299
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
 
 

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £230.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

Transportation

We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local ferries.

Joining Instructions

nKey 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. n
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

The holiday was relaxed and organised. Great routes and amazing guide, Thanks. Loved it!

Ms Hine, 28 Nov 2021

 

Excellent hiking, very good company, relaxed ambience, excellent informative, helpful, friendly guide, outstandingly efficient. The island of Evia is a wonderful place to holiday in - interesting, varied hikes, clear seas for swimming, healthy food.

Mr O Leary, 6 Oct 2019

 

The holiday was exactly as I had hoped. Lovely walks, all of which were beautifully scenic, with a fantastic guide (Cecile) who was approachable, knowledgeable and supportive throughout. The balance of walking to free time was perfect to give a restful holiday. The day in Athens was a little rushed; sufficient to get a brief snapshot of the city, but with hindsight I would have added a day or two to the end of my trip to spend more time there. Evia certainly feels unspoilt; Karystos has a relaxed feel to it, but had enough restaurants and bars (none of which were 'tacky') to provide variety for the week. The food (particularly lunch) was plentiful, one certainly did not go hungry. Hotel Galaxy was perfectly located on the seafront, and we were lucky enough to all have rooms with balconies overlooking the lovely view - ideal for sundowners before going downstairs to join the group for dinner. The staff were all very welcoming and accommodating. The rooms are pretty minimalist, but clean with a decent sized fridge and lots of storage space. If pushed for a negative, I would say the bathrooms could be updated, but I am told the set up was not unusual for Greece. Morgan at Headwater was great to deal with, extremely pleasant and every time I spoke with her I looked forward to the trip more. I will certainly be using Headwater again in the future.

Miss Peers, 15 Sep 2019

 

beautiful walks, great food, lovely coffee and good company

Dr Grassie, 28 Apr 2019

 


Guided group walking

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

7 nights from £1099

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199