Mountains & Villages of Evia, Greece

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 47 reviews.

Edward Bloomfield

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written June 2012
An excellent trip with a very knowledgable and attentive guide, who tailored the walking to suit all the abilities.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Cippolino marble and columns quarry.
What did you think of your group leader?
As above.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The only drawback was being told by the BA desk at terminal 5 that we should have checked in online. After much to-ing and fro-ing we were told we could have the last two seats on the outward flight, despite having turned up two and a half hours before takeoff. The joining instructions only say that electronic check-in is optional.
Jane Byrne

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written May 2012
Evia is an amazing island, very green and lush and the walking was varied. I was pleased by the amount of history and local knowledge imparted by the guides. The butterflies, flowers, tortoises and slow worms interested me a lot. The hotel provided a very comfortable base with the sea, tavernas and sea front giving evening entertainment. This is a great mix of moderately challenging walking with great food, wonderful history and interesting nature. I would heartily reccommend this holliday
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1 Reaching the top of the path to the Roman quarry on Ohi mountain - I have always been very cautious going down and the slope up was so steep I seriously wondered if I should stop, but encouraged by the guide I kept on, and to my surprise coming down was not as bad as I had feared.
2 Standing in the cave used as a church since 300AD just below the Acropolis of Styra while the guide told us the history of the area - the battles between Greeks and Persians leading to the run from Marathon just across the gulf, the problems of the early Christians and the difficulties of the villagers up to the 19th Century with pirates.
3 Seeing live wild tortoises ( reminded me of Gerald Durrell) and a huge slow worm which should be called a fast worm!
4 Watching the pasteli maker
What did you think of your group leader?
We had three leaders in the course of the week
1 Thanos - brilliant. Very very knowledgable about the island and full of pride in it. Infectious enthusiasm and keen to help at all times. Thanos only did one walk with us due to having to go to London, but supervised arrival and departure. Gave the impression that when he was in charge nothing would go wrong and indeed nothing did!
2 Cecile - good. Took over from Thanos and was also knowledgable about the island but possibly less good at the history, although she was excellent on present day Evia. Cecile arranged for a taverna to open up especially for us to have a drink towards the end of a walk and she organised a visit to a pasteli maker which was one of my trip highlights. Cecile has a lovely personality and is obviously very well liked by the locals, she also coped well with coming into the group after the holiday had started.
3 Costas- OK. I believe Costas is training as a guide. He showed us the way on a walk where Cecile was not familiar with the start of the route, and throughout the day acted as backstop and also told us a lot of fascinating facts as the walk was all around land historically owned by his family. I really liked his style and enthusiasm, some people complained he was loud, but Greek people, especially the men, are loud. Costas is proud of his island and wants to pass on his enthusiasm. His presence added to that day's walk.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I found a fleece useful for the evenings as even at the end of May the breeze was cool after dark. For the price of a coffee you can have a lounger on the main beach for as long as you like - great after a walk. For privacy walk along the front to the left of the hotel, past the castle and through the park. There are steps down to a little cove with oleanders, a prickly pear and a fig tree and space to relax. Turn left out of the hotel and then right and along that street you will find a beautiful shop to buy hand made jewellery and scarves. If you are offered a visit to the pasteli maker then take it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a lovely holiday - a great mix of walking, relaxation, good food and wine and a "Grown up" resort setting.
vivien tourmoche

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written May 2012
I would happily do this holiday again! I loved the greekness of Karyistos. It's a working town not a tourist one. The hotel sits on the harbour front where you can see the fishing boats preparing to go out to sea in the morning. And in the evening you can eat wonderful fresh fish and drink cool greek wine in one of the lovely tavernas either on the harbour front itself or, our favourite, in the 'little alley' near the town square. Each of the walks was unique, surprising and inspiring.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The climb to Mt Kliosi, the Acropolis, the Gate and the Cave of St Nicholas we did early in the week. The weather was cool, despite a hot forecast and the mist rolled over us on the top of the mountain. This walk was ,for me, like walking with the Gods. A brilliant start to a great week. We came down to the village of Nea Styra for lunch, ( a pretty late one). A hot cheese pie had been prepared for us by the 92 year old lady of the taverna and a feast of greek food was laid out for us - what hospitality!
What did you think of your group leader?
We had two; Thanos, exceptional in all his responsibilities. He is approachable, likeable and extremely knowledgable. He had to leave after the second day and Cecile took his place. a French lady living in Karyistos. She was equally likeable and led some great days out. She gave us lots of background to life in Kariystos and seemed to know where all the best fruit trees were growing at that time - ripe mulberries off the tree YUM! Sophoclese her dog accompanied us on the day out to Mt Ohi and the Marble Quarries and gave an added dimension to the day.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Keep asking where you can fill up your water bottle and i always carried some snacks as most of our lunch stops were quite late.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I followed this trip immedaitely with 'Walking on the Greeks Islands'. The combination worked really well with the change over in Athens with an afternoon to see the sights and a night out in the town.
More islands, ferries, the blue aegean sea, sightseeing and leisurely walking.
I'd just like to mention that we ate like pythons!! The food just about everywhere was delicious, varied, fresh, and home grown. and the local wines, which we drank by the carafe - well they just kept comng to the table and we had to keep drinking them.
Andrew Baker
MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written April 2013
A holiday that ticked all the boxes for me. Some wonderful scenery which came alive through the enthusiasm of our guide.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Not sure inspirational is the right word but the highlights were:

The panoramic views atop Mount Ochi
The springtime flowers and the heady scent of Orange blossom - April is a fantastic time to travel
A different Taverna each evening so a real range of cuisine and all so local and fresh
What did you think of your group leader?
Thanos is outstanding as a group leader. I know he has led this trip many, many times before but his enthusiasm for the island, its history and people is infectious and undiminished. He delights in recounting tales of the mythology asociated with the island, interspersed with more modern accounts of the tragedies of the German occupation.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Athens on the free day is well worth the journey especially if, like me, you haven't visited before
Springtime is beautiful on the island with perfect temperatures for walking
Use the supermarket for presents - much cheaper than the boutiques around the square
Ask for a seaview - there's always something going on to watch
A bit of prior reading about the Greek Gods will help you appreciate Thanos' renditions
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just book! You will not be disappointed
Helen Ralphs

A Week in Evia

Written April 2013
A lovely week on an unspoilt Greek island with delicious food and good walks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of Mount Ohi, Thanos' knowledge of the history of the island, the wonderful Greek food and the ice cream were the best moments.
What did you think of your group leader?
Thanos' enthusiasm for Evia was unmistakeable. He was very knowledgeable and eager to share that knowledge with us. He was well organised and helped wherever he could with the result that the week ran very smoothly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The walks include a lot of downhill sections on rocky paths so be prepared for this type of walking. Vertigo sufferers may not enjoy some of the walks however each day is optional and there are other activities to enjoy on the island.
April was a lovely time to visit - the weather was warm enough to swim in the sea but not too hot for walking.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Due to the good weather that allowed us to reach the top of Mount Ohi, the final day was very long. Luckily we had visited the winery earlier in the week however without this change we would not have reached the hotel until around 7.30pm on the final evening. I would recommend that this change is permanently implemented to allow time to relax and enjoy the final meal together on the Saturday night.
Janet Pryer

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written December 2012
I have never been on an organised group holiday trip before, but have travelled independently regularly, so it was with some trepidation that I joined the trip to Evia. I need not have worried- the company was fantastic and having a knowledgable guide brought the walking experience alive in a way that I would never have acheived travelling by myself.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The day climbing up Mount Ohi to the Temple of the Dragons, then the long descent back to the coast. The mist/cloud came and went as we explored the temple- it has been there for the same time the stones have stood at Stone Henge and you imagine all the generations, nationalities, and motivations of the people who have visited the Temple of the Dragons over the millenia.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic! His local knowledge, contacts and passion for the area really made the experience memorable for me.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Wear a good pair of boots.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
So inspired by the package I want to change my job ( I am a vet) to being a guide for Exodus- I could put together a really good trip for Bath and The Mendips!
Maria Falgoust

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Written December 2012
What a great way to get away from the Christmas craziness, remain occupied, and learn a lot about the history of Evia and Greek culture. Evia is gorgeous and our hikes were the perfect amount of challenge. Thanos knows so much history and is happy to share it. My advice would be to just go with the flow, trust that he knows what he is doing and not press too hard for information about what's next. It is nice that we frequented independent businesses and had nice breaks between the hikes and dinner.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hiking! It felt great!
What did you think of your group leader?
Very smart and capable. He has a lot of pride for his country and is a little sensitive if he thinks someone is criticizing it. Thanos is a good man, a reliable leader and he knows his way around the island.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Trust your leader and kick back and enjoy the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The shower needs a shower curtain. We made a mess every day no matter how hard we tried to be careful.
Bring a hair dryer.
Request a room on a floor with wifi (if you want it)