In the Medieval Olive Groves: From Lithakia to the Medieval Olive Groves 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 Route’s duration: 45 minutes Route’s length: 2,400 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting. The route The route starts from the square in front of the Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni in the settlement of Lithakia. After visiting the church, we head south via the National Road Zakynthos - Keri. The next 400 meters require increased caution since we are walking on a national road. Then, we head east and enter the old medieval olive groves of the area, where the trunks of the old olive trees reflect the passing of the centuries in an intense way and awe us. The trail is smooth, easy and in a shady place under the large olive trees where we climb slightly to reach an excellent viewpoint in the middle of the olive groves. From this point we can see the entire marine park of Zakynthos (Laganas Bay), from the cape of Marathia to the cape of Vasilikos, while in front of us we can see Marathonisi. The return can be done by the same route to the starting point at Panagia Faneromeni. Although a large part of the route is on a dirt road, it can also be done by car with relative care. On the island of Zakynthos there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras. Police Station in Katastari and General Police Directorate in Zakynthos Town. A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and Health Centre in Kallithea. Lithakia Lithakia is one of the oldest settlements of Zakynthos. It is located southeast of Zakynthos, on a hill, between the areas of Keri Lake and Laganas. According to the 2011 census, it has 1,478 inhabitants. It is a rich and fertile village. It was also called Archontochori because of its wealth. Its inhabitants were mainly engaged in viticulture and produced the best wine of Zakynthos. Today many of the inhabitants are engaged in fishing. Lithakia is not particularly touristic, thus it still maintains its traditional architecture and natural beauty. Most of its houses are stone-built, some are coloured and all have tiles and well-groomed gardens. The square of Admiral Spyridon N. Soulis starts with a row of palm trees and includes the church of Faneromeni. From the square we can enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding villages, the sea and Marathonisi. When in Lithakia, it is worth visiting the 14th century Church of Panagia Faneromeni, the 16th century Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos, in the northern part of the settlement, as well as the restored Mansion of Messala, which houses the Environmental Education Centre. The medieval olive grove of Lithakia with its centenarian trees and their huge trunks, which are sculptural monuments of nature, is also of exceptional beauty and interest. Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni in Lithakia The church of Panagia Faneromeni in the village of Lithakia, is a 14th century wood-roofed single-aisled basilica with remarkable icons and a magnificent wood-carved gilded iconostasis, built in different periods from the 16th to the 19th century. It was saved from the earthquakes of 1953 and is a typical example of the religious architecture of the island. It is mentioned in archival sources from the 16th century.  During the walk the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) in the square in front of the Historical Church of Panagia Faneromeni, b) at the junction with the National road Zakynthos - Keri, c) at the junction with the road to the olive groves, d) at the next junction to the east e) at the viewpoint.