Mountains & Villages of Evia

Name: Mountains & Villages of Evia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.4 (79 reviews)

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8 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 1099

£ 1299

4.4/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TVE

Carbon Footprint :

12kg CO2e per person per day

Discover the real Greece on the island of Evia with walks through coastal paths, forests and gorges

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

Explore mountainous Evia on foot, an authentic Greek island with quaint villages
Sample delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas
Relax on deserted beaches and swim in the warm Aegean waters
Enjoy a warm Greek welcome at the family-run Galaxy Hotel

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Galaxy Hotel)
Five full days walking and one half-day
Between four and six hours' walking per day
Altitude maximum: 3,281ft (1,000m); average: 1,640ft (500m)

Countries visited: Greece

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

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas or vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request)
Tourist tax (paid locally)

Pace:

Approximately 4 to 6 hours walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 3

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 4

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 5

5 km / 3.1 miles

Day 6

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 7

10 km / 6.2 miles

Sustainability and Impact

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.

TRIP

TVE - Mountains & Villages of Evia

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Athens Athens

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.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 1,312ft (400m); Descent: 1,312ft (400m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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).

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); Descent: 984ft (300m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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).

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 1,148ft (350m); Descent: 1,804ft (550m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 656ft (200m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 984ft (300m); Descent: 1,969ft (600m); Activity hours: 5hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 656ft (200m); Descent: 1,312ft (400m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key 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.

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

Vaccinations and Health

Greece

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.

Passport

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.

Visa

Greece

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

Food & Drink

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.

Weather

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.

TRIP

TVE - Mountains & Villages of Evia

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Galaxy Hotel, a family-run property in Karystos

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

All single rooms at Galaxy Hotel are twin/double rooms that are provided for sole occupancy.

TRIP

TVE - Mountains & Villages of Evia

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Charlene Fick

Reviewed October 2024

Amazing Trip!

Everything was spectacular – from hiking in the mountains and learning about the history of Evia to swimming in the Aegean Sea and basking in the warm sun. The numerous Tavena’s and restaurants added to the experience, making it both adventurous and relaxing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting a Bee keeper, which brought a different element to the trip. Fascinating and inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide George, went above and beyond in every way. As a local from the area, he brought a passionate and authentic touch to the journey.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do bring sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles can be a great companion, sunscreen and hat are a must.

Fae Billinghurst

Reviewed October 2024

A wonderful trip

I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a great hiking experience on a beautiful safe island in Greece. Our tour guide Cécile was exceptional. She was warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing not only the rich history of Evia but also insights into modern Greek culture and life. The Galaxy Hotel was the perfect setting for this trip. Thank you to the staff who went out of their way to provide the best service I have experienced in a long time.

Louise Jones

Reviewed September 2024

Beautiful Island...fantastic holiday

South Evia is such a lovely island, and this hiking holiday shows it off to it’s best advantage. George was a wonderful guide, and went above and beyond what I expected, made everyone feel safe and gave an insight into the area as he grew up around there. Highly recommended this hiking holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it, especially the beaches we visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above ...fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good hiking boots, and in at least one hike, a head for heights

Graham Ritchie

Reviewed April 2024

Evia

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He made the holiday.

Elizabeth Owen

Reviewed March 2024

Fitting. Could also perhaps mention coastline in title

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the gorge walk and also the walk on final day to the quarry.

Thoughts on Group Leader

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.

Robert Cooper

Reviewed March 2024

Mountains and Villages of Evia

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.

Gordon Stalker

Reviewed January 2024

Karystos is best.

Lovely island and not over developed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beach at Potami.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos is an excellent leader. Keen, enthusiastic and a sense of humour.

Angela McCullagh

Reviewed September 2023

Evia

Overall great trip. Really beautiful island, miles of gorgeous coastline, great food, comfy hotel and all round excellent week.

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorge walk on the last day - just really beautiful and a lovely walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Linda Edwards

Reviewed May 2023

Another Excellent Exodus trip

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to the Roman columns and the walk through the gorge on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Donna H

Reviewed January 2023

Easy, relaxing - amazing food every day!

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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).

Thoughts on Group Leader

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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Read All Reviews

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Mountains & Villages of Evia

4.4/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 1099

£ 1299

Mountains & Villages of Evia

Discover the real Greece on the island of Evia with walks through coastal paths, forests and gorges

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Athens Athens

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Greece

Passport

Visa

Greece

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Galaxy Hotel, a family-run property in Karystos

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Vivien Urban

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Amazing Trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A wonderful trip

Beautiful Island...fantastic holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Evia

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fitting. Could also perhaps mention coastline in title

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mountains and Villages of Evia

Karystos is best.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Another Excellent Exodus trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Easy, relaxing - amazing food every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

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Mountains & Villages of Evia