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image presenting excursion Pertouli - Koziakas
Pertouli - Koziakas
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Place
Trikala
Tour 1
Castle's well
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Place
Zakynthos
image presenting excursion Mikro Merovigli
Mikro Merovigli
Mikro Merovigli is the elongated mountain located at the northwestern end of Othoni. Its highest peak is about 335 meters, while next to it are the antennas of telecommunication. Its western slopes end with impressive steep cliffs that reach 320 meters.
Place
Diapontia Islands
image presenting excursion Votive Stele to Poseidon
Votive Stele to Poseidon
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Place
Larissa,Larissa
image presenting excursion Hiking Pertouli Ski Center – Koziakas Refuge (360 route)
Hiking Pertouli Ski Center – Koziakas Refuge (360 route)
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Place
Trikala,Pertouli
image presenting excursion Παραλία του Κληματσιά
Παραλία του Κληματσιά
The beach of “Klimatsia” is located at the southern part of Kefalonia in the village of Spartia in the area of Livathos which is believed to have taken its name from the loud noise made by the waves when they crash onto its impressive rock formations. The beach is dominated by Pliocene sediments such as sandy limestones, which are rich in fossil Echinidae (Echinoids) and Pectinidae (bivalves), as well as thick blue clay sediments. These blue sediments are characterized by intense erosion forms which are created due to the mechanical and chemical processes of water. Source: (www.kefaloniageopark.gr)
Place
Cefalonia
Tour 1
Central Bridge to Trikala Mosque
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Place
Trikala,Trikala
image presenting excursion Our Lady of the Angels
Our Lady of the Angels
Church of the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the town, next to the Mansion Roma. It was built in 1687 by the priest Filaretos Kalogeropoulos or Laboudis, who dedicated it in his will (1715) to the association of the Notaries of Zakynthos. The outer facade of the church and the bell tower, in the Spanish plataresco style, was decorated with stone reliefs carved on tuff cornerstone. The arched doorway was decorated with a portal made of two Corinthian columns, and a broken entablature. The reliefs emerged from the drum of the pediment and depicted the Virgin holding the baby Jesus. At the top two angels wore a diadem and at the bottom she was praised by six-winged worshippers. Below there were different symbolic representations: the sun, the moon, stars and a coat of arms with a cross in the middle and the initials IXNKA Jesus Chirst conquers all. It was decorated with great works of art from the late 17th century and early 18th century. The prevailing icon of Christ as King of Kings and Great High Priest is the work of Panagiotis Doxaras (1691), repaired by Nikolaos Koutouzis. Among the magnificent carved woodcarvings "the Meeting of Elizabeth and Mary" by S. Stenda and "the healing of the ten lepers", unknown, dated 1723. The bell tower, continuous with the church, also had interesting reliefs and its own doorway, leading to a courtyard with an external staircase to the women's gallery. The church was restored after the earthquakes of 1953.
Outdoor Activities
With so much to do and see in Greece, the opportunities are truly endless. Check any activities that you might like and plun your trip.
Tour 1
At the Waterfall of Potistis
At Potistis Waterfalls: Gradou Gorge - Potistis Waterfalls The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: linear (the beginning and the end are the same) Route’s duration: 20 minutes (one way) Route’s length: 750 meters (one way) Level of difficulty: medium Suggested season: All seasons, if weather conditions permit it. During summer, you should avoid midday hours. The route The trail starts from the unique beach of Limenia, where there is a relative plateau where we can leave the car. This point is easily identified because the asphalt is practically at sea level, but there is no information sign confirming the start of the trail. The trail is not marked but there is no difficulty in following it, as it is easily discernible. The trail begins gently beside the creek where it is eventually encountered and must be crossed. Depending on the season, the creek has from no water to a lot of water, so the difficulty of crossing it is corresponding. Afterwards, the trail becomes slightly uphill being next to the creek and requires extra caution. As we approach the waterfall, which is on our left hand going uphill, the view becomes more and more beautiful, either towards the mountains that surround the gorge, or behind us towards the Ionian Sea. The waterfall looks imposing at twenty metres high and, when there is water, it is a beautiful sight to see. It should be mentioned that it usually has water from mid-autumn onwards, depending on the weather, and until the beginning of spring. We visited it in late May and it was completely dry. However, we were more than rewarded by the many beautiful butterflies that kept us company the whole way. Towards the end of the trail, and if we want to descend to the roots of the waterfall, the trail becomes sharply downhill and even more attention is required. The area is lush but in several places the vegetation is low and therefore the trail does not pass through shady places, which is a discouragement to do the hike at midday in summer. The return is by the same road (trail). It is obligatory to return from where we started, because there are no other alternatives. In Kefalonia there are Health Centres in Sami and Hospitals in Argostoli and Lixouri. There are also police services in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Lixouri and Argostoli. Citizen Service Centres are in Argostoli, Livathou, Poros and in Agia Efthimia. Limenia Beach After passing the port of Poros and taking the road to Skala, we will find a series of beaches, ideal for those who want peace, quiet and isolation. They are Limenia, which you will find on the left side of the road (going towards Skala). A quiet corner always awaits us there, even on August. The typical rocks that are located a few meters from the coast and that often host seagulls, give the landscape a special charm. Gradous Gorge  The "Gradous Gorge", a gorge with many waterfalls, lakes and plenty of water from December to May, is hidden in the area between Skala and Poros. The waters come from the areas of Asprogeraka and Anninata. In the gorge there are waterfalls, reaching a height of up to twenty metres, lakes with a diameter of ten metres and a depth of up to four metres. Here, the landscape reminds you of parts of central or northern Greece and not so much of an island.  In season with abundant water, you can swim. Potistis Watefalls This is the largest and most impressive waterfall found in the Gradous Gorge. In the past, due to water's presence, there used to be gardens with fruit trees at the springs and prehistoric settlements along the river. The crystal clear waters falling from a great height and the picturesque pond that is formed in front of the base of the waterfall, create an impressive heavenly environment. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at the beginning of the trail, b) at the point where the trail meets the creek, c) at the waterfall area.
Location
Kefalonia Island
Coordinates
38.13186237 - 20.7925005
Tour 1
Strofades Islets (Stamfani and Arpia) and Coastal Marine Area
This site includes two small islands located 27 miles south of the southern coast of Zakynthos island and 28 miles western of the Peloponnisos coast (Katakolo region). Geological evidence suggests that the Strofades islands have an oceanic origin i.e. risen out from the sea, unlike the majority of the Greek islands and islets, which are considered to be chersogenous (remnants of the old Greek continent). This area is also interesting from a paleontological point of view, since fossil records of a Miocenic and or Pliocenic fauna have been found. This area also shows archaeological interest, since on the larger islet there is a very old monastery which was built up in the middle of the 13th century. Nowadays the islands are almost uninhabited but undoubtedly, during the past time when the monastic community was very active, the majority of the natural vegetation was destroyed in favour of the cultivation of cereals, vegetables, fruit-trees etc. Nowadays, natural vagetation characterized by giant trees of Juniperus phoenicea, Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus etc. is restricted in one part of the bigger island. Strofades is an islet complex consisting of the islets of Stamfani and Arpyia, as well as their surrounding rocks, These remote volcanic islets are located 25 n.m. south of Zakynthos island and west of the Peloponnese. They are among the most distant islets to mainland Greece and are surrounded by the deep waters of the Ionian Sea. The low-lying rocky coast of the islets provides ideal shearwater nesting sites, A monastery dating back to the beginning of the previous millennium is located on the larger islet, its land extending over a large area of cultivated fields in the centre of the Island. The site includes a 2.7 n.m, marine extension around Strofades. The deep waters of the adjacent Hellenic Trench provide ideal environment conditions for cetaceans, such as the Sperm Whale, the Curvier's Beaked Whale and all three dolphin species, which are frequently observed in the area. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Zakynthos
Coordinates
37.24678178 - 21.01699976
Tour 1
Cephalonian Fir
Cephalonian Fir Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species, growing naturally only in Greece. It was first described as a new species by the English botanist JW Loudon in 1838. This together with its phytogeographical importance were the main reasons Mt.Aenos was declared a National Forest in 1962.
Location
Mt.Ainos (Aenos)
Coordinates
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Tour 1
Limnothalassa Antinioti
This wetland situated on the northern coast of the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is important for the threatened species Lutra lutra as well as for the ecological balance in the area. In addition, the site is characterized by a variety of habitats, and human activities have not yet exerted much influence upon it. This is of great importance for an island like Kerkyra which shows great tourist development and great pressure due to building construction. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Corfu Island
Coordinates
39.81309029 - 19.85314331
Tour 1
Mt. Kalon Oros
From a geological point of view, limestones and dolomites constitute the bedrock of Mt. Kalon Oros. The slopes of south and southwest exposure have steep gradients whilst all other slopes are characterized by gentle gradients. The vegetation cover presents a low diversity since it is mainly composed of macchia with the dominant species of Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus and Arbutus unedo. Macchia vegetation is very dense on eastern and northern exposed slopes, while on the south and southwestern slopes it is very sparse. In higher altitudes up to the peak, rocky grasslands with sparse individuals of Quercus coccifera occur on the west exposed slopes. These areas were cultivated in the past (olive trees, vineyards) but are now abandoned. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Kefalonia Island
Coordinates
38.33204433 - 20.58539274
Tour 1
In Othoni
The route Othoni, provides a dense network of paths of all kinds, paved, cobbled streets, concrete, earthy, etc., which leads to all of the parts of the island and the beaches. In combination with the low traffic, their rich nature and the low altitudes, it is an ideal place for hiking. Therefore, each walker can configure his own route as he wishes. In this sense, the presented route is indicative. The route starts from the coastal road of Ammos, which turns north - northwest, where after about 150 meters the path that leads us to Stavros begins. The trail is gently uphill in a lush environment, easily visible and there are informative wooden signs. Going uphill, we see the view from the whole island, while on our right hand is the area of Argyratika, not long after Pagalatika. Shortly after we meet the road, which we follow for about 90 meters, we find the path again where Stavros is less than 500 meters away. From Stavros, if we wish, we proceed towards Daphne and/or Chorio, otherwise we head east along the road to Damaskatika. Following the quiet road we will meet a junction on our left hand towards the beautiful beach of Fiki (the beach is about 1,500 meters from the junction and the way back is somehow uphill - altitude difference of 150 meters). From Damaskatika, we descend south towards Ammos and the port. The path is actually a narrow concrete road that is mostly downhill. The walker will encounter several intersections before reaching the beach, so following the route requires attention. The island has a Regional Medical office and a Police Station. Othoni Othoni is located at the westernmost point of the country. It is the largest of the Diapontic Islands, located north of Corfu and belonging to the Ionian Islands Region. It has 393 inhabitants (2011) and it is divided into 2 areas (Ano and Kato Panda). The first name of the island according to ancient texts (Hesychius, 3rd century BC) was Othronos. It was also called Fidonisi, because of the many snakes it had, and Phanos, because of its lighthouse. According to mythology, in ancient times it was Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso. Odysseus fell in love with her and stayed with her for seven years.  The island was conquered by the Franks (in the 11th century) and the Venetians (in the 12th century), while, at the same time, it was often attacked by pirates. In 1537, the famous pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa massacred the island's inhabitants. According to tradition, the event is commemorated by the white stone cross of 1833 on the Kalodiki hill. In 1815, the English conquered the Othonians. With the treaty signed in 1864, the Ionian Islands - and with them the Diapontia Islands - passed permanently to Greek sovereignty.  In the west of the island, near the beach of Aspri Ammos (access is available only through private boats), there is the Cave of Kalypso, 100m long, 10m wide and 20m high and the old churches of Agia Triada (late 17th century), Panagia (17th century), Agios Georgios and Agia Paraskevi. At the northeastern edge, at cape Kastri, at the top of the hill at an altitude of 100m, near the ruins of the venetian fortress, there is the lighthouse of the island. It was built in 1872, it is 13m high and it is the first lighthouse that those sailing from the north to the Ionian Sea encounter. The main occupations of the current inhabitants are tourism, fishing and olive oil production. The island is full of olive trees which produce the olive oil, with a high content of high quality oil. Most of them are over 300-400 years old and more than seven metres high. There are also cypress trees on almost all the mountain slopes and many fruit trees. The tall mulberry (or Skamnia) and fig (or Skeria) trees are found in almost all the districts and gardens. Oregano, sage and many other herbs thrive. There are also several rabbits and wild rabbits. The common form of reptile is a kind of viper. Othoni is one of the first stations of migratory birds in southeastern Europe from Libya, especially of warblers. Among marine mammals: the bottlenose dolphin and at least three species of sharks (including the well-known great white shark) have been observed, while occasionally, near the cave of Kalypso, movements of monachus monachus mediterranean monk seal are also observed. The zooplankton in the small bays of the island and especially in Fiki is so abundant that at night, when there is tranquility, it literally illuminates the seabed. The local festival takes place on 15 August, on the feast of Panagia. 
Location
Trekking route
Coordinates
39.85137268 - 19.39507484
Tour 1
From Erotas to Drastis
From Eros to Drastis: Channel of Eros - Cape Drastis     The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.     Route’s type: linear (can be done also as mixed) Route’s duration: 1 hour and twenty minutes (one way) Route’s length: 4,400 (one way) Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it. In summer, you should avoid midday hours.     The route: This is a route that essentially consists of three sections: a) the (short) route within the core of the settlement of Sidari, from the Eros Canal along the coast and up to the tarmac road, b) a circular route in the hills of the area, and c) a linear route up to Cape Drastis. The walker can do each section separately or as a whole. The main body of the route is the linear route from Eros Canal to Cape Drastis. The first part of the route starts from a parking area near the Eros Canal and the walker, after visiting it, walks around the tourist facilities of the area along the beach and then ends on the main road (asphalt). It is a route with no hills, the majority of which is on a paved path. Then it follows the asphalt road to the west to start the second part of the route. The second part of the route starts on a dirt road that from a certain point onwards is marked with red signs. The route, for a large part of it, is uphill (up to the telecommunication antennas) but not very difficult. This uphill route will reward the visitor with an excellent view of the Ionian Sea, the Diapontic Islands and the Cape of Drastis. At this point the walker has two options, either to continue towards the cape or to return to the starting point through the olive groves and dense vegetation by a particularly beautiful downhill route. The route to the cape from the antennas is a slightly downhill route from a clearly identifiable dirt road that offers excellent views. The return is by the same route, unless the walker has arranged for transport to be waiting for them in the small car park at the cape. Note: Google maps users will get the information that this route can be done by car, which is not true, because the heavy winter rains have significantly damaged the dirt road and made it inaccessible by cars (at least not those without special 4x4 specifications).   On the island of Corfu there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi. Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Numerous private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, while public health structures exist, too (from north to south): the Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, the Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, the Agios Athanasios Health Centre, the Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, and the Lefkimmi Health Centre.   Canal d' amour (Canal of Love) Definitely, the most famous beach of Corfu and one of the most beautiful in the world is the Canal of Love or Canal d'amour. It is located between the villages of Sidari and Peroulades, on the northern coast of the island at a distance of about 32 km from Corfu Town. It is a natural sculpture created on sandstone rocks by the erosive effect of the wind and waves. Blue-green waters, small beaches and many caves form an impressive fjord, which changes from year to year as nature never stops sculpting the rocks. Legend has it that whoever swims through the narrow passage of the cave and comes out on the other side of the sea will meet the love of his life. Every summer thousands of tourists visit the small beach, its caves and coves to find love and to benefit from the beneficial properties of the clay that the sea and its unique rocks provide. Cape Drastis After the village of Peroulades, a few kilometers after the busy and touristic Sidari, at the northernmost point of the island, hidden in a beautiful forested landscape, there is a pristine, imposing and at the same time enchanting landscape, Cape Drastis. Its impressive formations, with deep bays, caves, islets and crystal clear waters will show you what the Canal d'amour would have looked like before it was altered by human exploitation. The Dragon can be accessed either by foot or by sea, and this has protected it from human interference, preserving all its natural and virgin beauty.   During the route the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) start of the route at the parking area at the Eros Canal, b) at the Eros Canal (on the paved road), c) where the dirt road starts from the asphalt road, d) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the march, e) at the viewpoint of the Cape of Drastis, (f) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the route, (g) at the small parking area at Cape Drastis, (g) at the viewpoint of Drastis (end of the route at the Cape), (h) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the alternative circular route.
Location
Corfu Island
Coordinates
39.79792056 - 19.67459212
Tour 1
High in Exogi
High in Exogi: Exogi - Monastiri Panagias Eleousis - Mountain tour - Exogi The walker’s/tourist's orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: circular Route’s duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes Route’s length: 6.300m Level of difficulty: difficult Suggested season: spring The route This route can be accomplished in two ways: a) from the beginning, the whole route to be accomplished on foot , b) from the beginning of the route up until the monastery of Panagia Eleousis (antennas) by car and then downhill on foot. In the second case, we have to pay attention in order to ensure that the car is at the end of the route (at the junction of the path with the asphalt road below the settlement). The route starts on medium quality asphalt, uphill, through dense vegetation. In case of driving a vehicle, it requires increased caution. In the village of Exogi there are old traditional houses, while the churches of Evangelismos and the Church of Isodia of Theotokos (the Presentation of the Virgin Mary) stand out. After the village, the quality of the road deteriorates and becomes more uphill. The view on the top rewards the visitor (although the necessary antennas are disturbing). The visitor can see in all directions from Kefalonia to the mountains of Central Greece and the islands of the Ionian Sea, while the whole of northern Ithaca unfolds in front of them. Duhera, Afales, Platrithias, Stavros, Frikes are just some of the places that he or she can see from above. From the monastery, the route goes downhill on a very rough path that can be characterized more as a mountaineering path than as a hiking path. The trail starts outside the monastery (behind the cistern) under the antennas. The signage is faded and needs attention. The walker must take care not to miss the dense markings that are located in the path. The view remains breathtaking. Increased caution on the trail is required. In the middle of the descent, the walker comes across the ruins of an old threshing floor while he or she has a spectacular view of Fiskardo and the rest of Kefalonia. The beach of Ammoudi at our feet is low and sparkling. There are no shady places on the route, so far. Then the path becomes smoother and slowly improves and from some point, onwards, the path leads through a beautiful forest. The trail needs attention here too, because the recent bad weather (Ιanos) has brought down several trees that disturbed the trail and it is easy for the hiker to become disoriented. After the forest, the hiker has a view of the Stavros and Polis bay. The trail now becomes smooth through shady vegetation. The duration of the hike from Pernarakia (including local difficulties), without counting any stops, is at least one and a half hour up until the central asphalt road. If the walker does the entire route on foot, he or she should expect to walk for about three hours (on average) because of the uphill nature of the route and the local difficulties. The recommended season is spring because a large part of the route is not shady and it is exposed to the wind. In Ithaca there are: A Medical Centre in Vathi and a Regional Medical officein Stavros, a Police Station in Vathi and a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) also in Vathi. Exogi Exogi is a mountainous settlement of Ithaca, built at an altitude of 340 meters from the sea, which is why its name means "Out of the Earth"! Its small houses are built on the hillside, one above the other. Exogi is one of the oldest settlements of Ithaca. It was founded by the Venetians at the beginning of the sixteenth century and it was the third most important settlement of Ithaca, because of its amazing view and the security it offered from the pirates. Today it has few inhabitants, but in the middle of the 18th century it had 1,400 inhabitants. Around the village, the land had been formed with berms and it used to produce raisins, olive oil, wine, flax, products which were exported from the port of Frikes. The village's patron saint is Agia Marina (Saint Marina) with the characteristic blue dome and the traditional festival on 17 July. On some house doorsteps in Exogi there is a strange mask, like a carnival mask. It is the "Moros", the mask that was placed there to guard the house from evil spirits. Monastery of Panagia Eleousa At a distance of 2 km from the settlement of Exogi, at the top of the mountain, at the location "Pernarakia", the old monastery of Panagia Eleousa is built. Next to the church there are a cell and a bell tower. The monastery is old and it was built at least in the 17th century. It is reported that it had been functioning until the First World War. Afterwards, the care and renovation of the monastery was undertaken by hieromonk Iakovos Mavrokefalos, abbot (1919-1944) of I. M. Romvos Aet/nia, as he intended to retire there. However, he was executed by the German conquerors in 1944 and today his grave is in the monastery's precinct. The Virgin Mary in Pernarakia is celebrated on Easter Tuesday.  Polis beach (Archaeological site-cave) Polis beach with its green waters and pebbles is located below Stavros, the main village of northern Ithaca. The slopes that surround the bay are covered with cypresses and holly trees. The name of the beach of Polis comes from the ancient city which, according to tradition, lies submerged in the waters of the bay. According to a report by Alexia Komneni, the city of 'Jerusalem', which was located here, was submerged by a great earthquake in 967 AD. In the northwest of the bay of Polis, there is the Cave of Loizos. In the 19th century, it used to belong to S. Loizos, from whom it took its name. Loizos, while digging there to open a furnace, accidentally found important findings of great historical value. The shells of the vessels, which were found in large numbers, prove that the cave was used as a place of worship, at least from the Mycenaean period up until Roman times. Among the archaeological finds of the cave is the famous shell with the inscription 'EYHEN ODYCCEI'. The cave was destroyed by the 1953 earthquakes and it is not open to visitors today. All the findings are currently housed in the Archaeological Collection of Stavros. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) the start of the route (on the asphalt road at the junction of the path), b) in Exogi (at the church of the Isodia of Theotokos), c) at the monastery of Panagia Eleousis (Pernarakia), d) at the old threshing floor, e) at the stable.
Location
Ithaca
Trekking route
Coordinates
38.4635152 - 20.63155483
Tour 1
At menhir of Araklis
At menhir of Araklis: Anogi - Kioni The walker’s/tourist's orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.  Route’s type: linear Route’s duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Route’s length: 5.500m Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it The route This route can be accomplished in two ways: a) by hiking from the beginning of the route (ascent from Kioni) and then returning from Anogi (descent to Kioni), b) transition by car to Anogi and from there downhill to Kioni on foot. Afterwards, the car must be left to Kioni. The route is described from Anogi to Kioni (second option). The route starts on an asphalt road downhill through the village and then we follow signs pointing to the path (or the heliport). There are also the familiar signs for the path (two lanes, one white and one blue). Shortly afterwards we turn right towards the "menhir of Araklis" (there is a relevant sign). After visiting the organized area of the impressive monolith we return to the main route and we head towards the heliport. After bypassing it (actually next to the barbed wire of the heliport) following the relevant signs (apart from the white - blue striping there are black arrows on posts on a yellow background) and the relevant signs and passing a gate for animals (we open it and we close it again), we reach an organized area with benches and a gazebo. From there, the path becomes paved, after recent works. The paving has not been properly maintained and in many places it is deteriorating and, in our opinion, has altered the original character of the path and creates walking difficulties. The trail continues on a smooth downhill through a shady environment (oaks, holm oaks, cedars, etc.), especially relieving in summer. Next to it, there are lush hills while the walker enjoys the view of the Ionian Sea and its islands (Atokos, Arkoudi, etc.) where the sea shimmers through the trees. Along the way, the walker encounters a second gate for animals (he or she should open it and close it again) and at this point they enjoy the view of the magnificent Kioni. Shortly after, at the iconostasis, there is a junction for the church of Agios Nikolaos (in Mochla) which was recently reconstructed. The route continues in the same beautiful environment downhill where at some point the new path meets the old one and the first crops (vineyards) appear. The route continues through a smooth dirt road which, after the relevant gate for animals (we open and close it), crosses the old marked path several times and the walker can choose whichever way they want. At the end of the dirt road, we reach the church of Agios Gerasimos which marks the entrance to the settlement. The junction on the left leads to the main parking area of the settlement, while on our right hand, the route continues through the settlement, well signposted, on asphalt or concrete roads. The route ends with the descent from the stairs and the cobbled path that leads us to the centre of the settlement (the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos) with its welcoming shops. In case the hiker makes the whole route (Kioni - Anogi - Kioni), they should at least have some water with them because the cafe in Anogi is not always open. The duration of the walk from Anogi to Kioni is one and a half hour. This time must be multiplied (by adding another two hours) should the walker decide to return to the starting point (Anogi). In Ithaca there are: A Medical Centre in Vathi and a Regional Medical office in Stavros, a Police Station in Vathi and a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) also in Vathi. Anogi Anogi is a mountain village of Ithaca, built on the eastern slope of Mount Niritos. Protected from pirates, it occupied an important position on the island during Byzantine times. The village’s church of Kimisis tis Theotokou (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary), dates back to the 12th century, with hagiographies by Byzantine artists and its imposing Venetian bell tower. Some of the houses in Anogi are buildings of past centuries and retain the traditional architecture: they are stone-built, tall, with narrow doorways and small balconies. It is worth participating and having fun in one of the best festivals of Ithaca on the eve of the feast of Panagia, on August 14th. Near the village is the historic monastery of Panagia Katharae, the patron saint of Ithaca. Menhir of Araclis In the area of the settlement of Anogi there are scattered huge boulders called menhir ("long stone" from the Breton men = stone and hir = long). They are one of the attractions of the island, and their origin is purely geological and not man-made. Residents have given names to the boulders based on their shape. Thus, the largest and most important boulder has been called "Araklis" (a corruption of "Hercules") because of the great power of the ancient hero. It is spindle-shaped, superimposed on a wider rock, which forms his pedestal, and it has a height of 9 m. In the area, a total of about twelve smaller monoliths of various shapes and sizes have been counted. Atokos Atokos is a rocky island of 4.5 square kilometres which is part of the Echinaean Islands complex and belongs administratively to Ithaca. It is an island with one large sand and pebble beach and three smaller ones, all with crystal clear, blue or green waters. It is a popular island for boats since it is protected from the northwest winds. Atokos, with its impressive rocky shoreline, is an ideal destination for snorkeling and fishing. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, having a rich flora and fauna. The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is often seen in the marine area, while seals monachus monachus find shelter in the caves along the coastline, such as in Fokospilia. Wild goats, wild rabbits and black pigs can be found on the island. The island's avifauna is also important, since the Black Vulture, the Spotted Eagle and the Vasilhaeus Eagle live there. Kioni Kioni is one of the most beautiful settlements of Ithaca. It was built in the 16th century by the inhabitants of the surrounding mountainous areas, who wanted to be close to the sea. Entering the beautiful cove of Koinos, the visitor sees the preserved traditional settlement, perched amphitheatrically on a green slope that meets the sea, which from May to October is flooded by small and large boats. If the visitor arrives by road from the capital of the island, Vathi, after 24 kilometres they will see Rachi at the entrance of the village. At the top of Rachi, there is the church of Evangelistria, built at the end of the last century with an interesting iconostasis. On the left, there is the small cove of Mavrounas, a small shelter for small fishing boats. In this area, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos used to operate in the century before last, while today there is only the small church, in the sanctuary of which an ancient colonnade is preserved. It is also worthy to walk on the road to "Argalion" and to the area of Lontza. There, you will find the ruins of the house of the hero of '21, Karaiskakis, and the pebble beaches with green waters Katsikouli, Sarakinari, Plakoutses and Filiatro, where you can enjoy swimming. A trademark of Kioni are the three traditional windmills at the entrance of its sheltered harbor. The settlement celebrates Ai Lia’s day (St. Ilia’s day) on July 20. In the morning, small fishing boats take the residents to the small chapel, located just outside the harbor, while in the evening a festival is held on the beach, where the fun and dancing lasts until the morning hours. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) start of the route (at the site of the church of Kimisis tis Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin Mary), b) at the site of the monolith "the menhir of Araklis", c) at the kiosk next to the Heliport, d) at the gate for animals on the path, e) at the pavilion on the road, f) at the paddock of Agios Gerasimos, g) at the end of the route (at the steps in Kioni).
Location
Ithaca
Coordinates
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