
Mountains & Villages of Evia
Discover the real Greece on the island of Evia with walks through coastal paths, forests and gorges
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Reviews 10 Reviews5/5
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Walking
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Activity Level Leisurely / Moderate
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Group Size Small Group
The delightful island of Evia is a real hidden treasure, close to Athens yet world’s 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.
* All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 5 dinners
* 7 nights 2-star seaside hotel with en suite rooms
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Airport transfers (at designated times)
- Flights
- Single Accommodation (available on request, inquire for supplement)
Highlights
- Discover an authentic Greek island
- Walk along dramatic coastline and visit remote villages
- Savor delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas
- Relax on deserted beaches and swim in the warm Aegean waters
- Enjoy a city tour of Athens
- Day 1 Start Athens; transfer to Rafina; ferry to Evia.
- Day 2 Walk through the ravine from Platanistos to the beach at Potami Bay.
- Day 3 Ascend Mount Kliosi and the Acropolis of Styra.
- Day 4 Walk through rolling hills and the Gourna villages, passing Roman Columns and visiting the Castello Rosso.
- Day 5 Morning walk in the Bay of Marmari; afternoon free to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos.
- Day 6 Morning ferry to Athens; walking tour of Athens including visit to the Acropolis; transfer back to Evia.
- Day 7 Gorge walk from Mt Ohi down to the rugged East Aegean coast.
- Day 8 Morning ferry to Athens; end Athens.

Galaxy Hotel
Our base for the week is the 2-star superior Galaxy Hotel which overlooks the sea in the small coastal town of Karystos. Friendly and traditionally Greek, it has been run by the same family for over 30 years.
Situated at the west end of the esplanade just 100 meters 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 balconies with a table and chairs to watch the world go by below with a cup of tea in the mornings, with en-suite facilities, fridge, television, telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, air conditioning, toiletries, hair dryer and free Wi-Fi.
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.
All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 5 dinners are included.
The buffet style breakfasts includes fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea and lots of fresh seasonal fruit.
A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without spending an evening in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant – and on this trip we include visits to five of them. Dotted along the Karystos coastline in Evia, these cosy tavernas serve typical dishes in an informal setting, and the delicious food is often accompanied by traditional music which livens up the atmosphere as the night goes on.
Dishes to try in the evenings may include homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables as well as a variety of other vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, crunchy breads, salty cheeses and locally caught fish and seafood. Greek meze will usually be on the menu too and consists of a selection of hot and cold dishes to share such as keftedes (Greek-style meatballs) and dolmadakia (stuffed grape vine leaves), local lamb, pork and beef.
Level 2 – Leisurely/Moderate walking, 4 full day walks between 4 and 6 hours
This trip offers the chance to experience Evia’s magnificent mountain scenery. 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.
Package Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | Price (PP) Including Flights | |
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December 22, 2019
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Available |
$1,479.00 |
N/A |
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March 22, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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April 5, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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April 26, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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May 10, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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May 24, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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June 14, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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September 13, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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October 11, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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October 25, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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November 1, 2020
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Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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November 22, 2020
|
Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
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December 20, 2020
|
Available |
$1,549.00 |
N/A |
Excellent
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Arriving, meeting the group leader & the rest of the travellers.What did you think of your 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.Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be open to your adventures & enjoy every moment.Walking and eating
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being able to touch and see the unfinished columns see where they were made, carved by the hand of 7000 slaves 100’s of years ago. Also the trip over the Athens.What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was fantastic, had a good laugh with him and was very informative. He looked after us and hes always feeding you lolDo you have any advice for potential travellers?
Walking poles are handy. It can get chilly 1000m up the mountainIs there anything else you would like to add?
Great holiday, loved every minuteFantastically enjoyable holiday
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
(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 !What did you think of your group leader?
Solid as a rock - very experienced and entirely dependable and she has a rescue donkey!Do you have any 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.Is there anything else you would like to add?
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........Most enjoyable trip in a fascinating and untouristy area.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Discovering how widely the Evians travelled and founded settlements in various parts of the Mediterranean.What did you think of your 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.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for changeable weather! We were probably lucky not having any rain.Is there anything else you would like to add?
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.Mountains & Villages of Evia
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching to the summitWhat did you think of your group leader?
Superb, Considerate , Helpful