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).