Hiking in South Evia
Karystos, a trip in time!
Karystos, is a trip in time, history and civilization, all concentrated in such a small space! The new 19th century city of Karystos was designed by Bavarian Engineers in 1843. Within the next 100 years many wealthy, and gradually all, families of the old city around the Castello Rosso moved their properties to this new location. The Municipality building and the Church of Agios Nikolaos were built by donations by wealthy Karystians who made their fortunes in Egypt and elsewhere.
Karystos was considered the center of the Aegean Sea with great importance for all sailing powers, like the Romans, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. All of them left their marks and monuments.
Our experienced local guides will guide you through all of this culture and beauty, the history, the antiquities, the beaches and the picturesque tavernas under the shady platani trees.
The Venetian fortress, the Archaeological Museum, the Castello Rosso, the Roman Aqueduct, the ancient quarry Kylindroi, short or longer walks, lonely or crowded beaches, tavernas by the beach or on the hills!
- Duration: 3 hours • Length: 4.5 km • Altitude: +-200 meters • Level: 1 • Customization: Yes
- Period: All year • Guided: Yes • Language: English, Greek
- Accessibility: Limited • Gear: No • Meals: On request
Participants should dress accordingly to the season, wear hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a hat. They should bring trekking poles if needed, sun protection, 1.5 liters of water, and a snack.
The top of the Aegean, Mt Oche
Mt Oche, is the mountain where the mythical Hera and Zeus were united for the first time. Wind, rocks, water and forests form a multiple identity environment, sacred for the ancient people. The mysterious Drakospito, Temple of Hera and Zeus, traps our mind and leads us to visualise humans of mythical strength and abilities.
Mt Oche stands in the middle of the Aegean and from its top, one -depending on the time of the day and the weather- can observe islands like Chios and Psara, and most of the Cyclades.
The mythical environment is completed by more ancient constructions of unique engineering in a settlement formation, including the magnificent Church of Prophetes Elias, right in the middle of impressive rocks and cliffs.
The hike up to the top of Mt Oche and back is 4.5 km, starting from the old refuge at Kastanologgos (Chestnut Forest). It can take up to 3 h. An early morning hike can be combined with a visit to Platanistos village and the Potami beach. Afternoon and sunset hours offer an amazing experience. To reach the beginning of the hike at the old refuge is a 50 minute drive.
- Duration: 3 hours • Length: 4.5 km • Altitude: +-400 meters • Level: 2 • Customization: Yes
- Period: All year • Guided: Yes • Language: English, Greek
- Accessibility: Limited • Gear: No • Snack: On request • Meals: On request
Participants should dress accordingly to the season, wear hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a hat. They should bring trekking poles if needed, sun protection, 1.5 liters of water, and a snack.
The waterfall, the old arch bridges, and the watermills of Platanistos
Platanistos used to be a major village and the hub connecting through a mountain trail all of the Cafereas Cape villages with the old city of Karystos. The typical karystian countryside architecture is still preserved in many houses. The waterfall is a major attraction and visitors during summertime enjoy the breeze and the cool waters. Trails start from this point towards the river springs, while others lead downhill towards the Potami beach.
Two old arch bridges surprise the visitor as they suddenly appear from the thick vegetation. The old mill of Epanochori remains functional. The hike is 4 km (2 h) and may extend all the way to the beach (11 km, 5 h).
During summertime, Panagiotis runs his Kantina right at the waterfall serving souvlaki dipped in honey sauce.
Next stop, the enormous and wild Potami beach!
- Duration: 2 hours • Length: 4 km • Altitude: +-200 meters • Level: 1 • Customization: Yes
- Period: All year • Guided: Yes • Language: English, Greek
- Accessibility: Limited • Gear: No
The ancient treasures of Styra
Styra is an ancient city famous for the stone extraction activities. Numerous quarries, prehistoric temples (Drakospita) and the Acropolis, verify the importance of the area in the ancient world. The Mycenaean Gate, part of the strong fortification built more than 3.000 years back, the medieval and Venetian Era constructions, the little churches of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos, stand on the Acropolis of Armenon hill, decorating the top of the narrowest part of Evia island, an observation point simultaneously for the Aegean and the Evoic Sea.
The complex of the three Drakospita (Dragon Houses), megalithic temples of the ancient people for unknown rituals and Gods, stand in the middle of numerous stone quarries that have reshaped the area since antiquity.
These amazing monuments, and many more newer ones, can be visited on a single hiking tour, in an experience no visitor should miss.
The hike is about 4.5 km and may last up to 3 h.
- Duration: 3 hours • Length: 4.5 km • Altitude: +-330 meters • Level: 1 • Customization: Yes
- Period: All year • Location: Karystia, South Evia • Guided: Yes • Language: English, Greek
- Accessibility: Limited • Gear: No
Participants should dress accordingly to the season, wear hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a hat. They should bring trekking poles if needed, sun protection, 1.5 liters of water, and a snack.
IN ALL HIKING EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED
ALL TRANSPORTATION
EXPERIENCED CONSULTANTS AT THE SERVICE OF EXPERIENCE
HARDWARE INFRASTRUCTURE
NOT INCLUDED
OTHER PERSONAL EXPENSES
THAT IS NOT LISTED IN THE PROGRAM AS INCLUDED
Participants carry full responsibility for any health or life threatening danger that might occur from any reason during this outdoor activity and sign a relevant agreement prior to it. They also verify that they have no health issues that might put themselves or the group in danger.
