Corfu is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike. The island offers great hikes, the blue sea is never far away and you will always be rewarded with stunning views. Our four exclusive hikes are perfect for a week of Solos hiking.
Grade: Medium
Extras
Arrive in Corfu and transfer to the Aronda House.
Dassia Hike & Corfu Town
After breakfast we set off for an introduction hike around Dassia and get ourselves familiarized with the area. After a short stroll over the beach, we’ll explore the green hills behind Dassia. The route follows narrow paved roads, ideal terrain to test your walking shoes and get used to the climate. At the turning point our reward is the stunning view. On the crossroad at the village Kato Korakiana we can stop for a coffee before returning back to the Aronda in Dassia.
Today we’ll set off for a long hike, traversing the island from west to east. We take our private coach to the charming village of Gianades where the keen hikers amongst us can set off for an extra 1 hour hike to the west coast, above the high cliffs of Cape Plaka or if you wish to have a leisurely start to the day, enjoy a coffee on the main square of Gianades. When everybody returns we take our route which meanders through rapidly changing scenery. We will descend towards the Ropa Valley once home to the central lake of Corfu, now drained. Nowadays the valley has become an important wetland area with many canals filled with terrapins and bullfrogs. Through this area we take narrow tarmacked roads and unpaved tracks, zigzagging between the hills of Poulades, passing by the secluded lake of Kounoupina, a protected area with rare and protected flora and fauna. With one more hill to negotiate our days walk finishes back at the Aronda in Dassia
Breakfast & picnic lunch
Perhaps have a leisurely breakfast and take advantage of a local excursion
Breakfast
Corfu welcomes many visitors of which most stay in the north of the island. The south is usually skipped, which is a missed chance as it shows a different Corfu; less busy and more laid back, here time has stood still. The south is less mountainous dotted with endless sandy beaches, dunes and traditional villages.
For todays walk we take our transfer to Cape Gardiki and from here we’ll set off for a long loop around the Lagoon of Korisson. The lagoon and the coast is a Natura 2000 protected area. The beach and sand dunes are covered with a forest of prickly juniper, reed beds and groves of tamarisk, white water lilies and many species of orchids. The lagoon is habitat to hundreds of endangered bird species, with the pink flamingos being the most striking. The first leg of the walk runs in between the sea and lake. A wooden plank-bridge crosses over a canal, which is actually the only (sea)water source of the huge lake. We’ll continue along Issos beach, once a film location for James Bonds’ For your Eyes Only.
For our last hike we’ll take our bus to the village of Troumpeta, at the foot of the mighty Pantokratoras. If the sky is clear we’ll enjoy captivating views over the entire east-coast. A sloping path leads us to Sokraki, this traditional village is rarely visited and off the beaten track. It’s a great spot to wonder around the cobbled, narrow streets and admire the old stone houses. Our path continues, through dense forests, along a narrow valley to the lake of Katapino. A short, but challenging, descent brings us to the next forgotten village, the beautiful Venetian houses and ruins of Agios Markos, protected as a cultural heritage site.
From here our route takes us along an old donkey trail meandering through a narrow valley, towards the coast. The path continues to wind further down where holm oaks thrive signalling, we’re getting closer to shore and the end of the hike. At the beach of Ipsos, we can celebrate and toast the end of our hiking adventure on this beautiful island with a cool well deserved drink.
Breakfast, picnic lunch
Perhaps have a leisurely breakfast and take advantage of a local excursion
Breakfast & Dinner
It’s time to say “Ya Sou”! After transferring to the airport, we will board our flight home
Our cosy property is surrounded by lush gardens. The location allows convenient access to Dassia Beach, as well as a promenade of shops, bars and restaurants.
Facilities include a swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas, taverna/small pool bar (open to the public), TV, safe and free Wi-Fi in the bar and pool area.
Our comfortable rooms feature twin beds, air-conditioning (at extra charge, payable locally), satellite TV, hairdryer and safe deposit box (at extra charge, payable locally). All rooms come with pool views and have either a balcony or small terrace furnished with a small table and 2 chairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Corfu airport to Aronda House is approximately 30 minutes
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk between (9 to 17km per day, with ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
Dassia Hike & Corfu Town – Walking Distance 7km / Walking Time 3 hrs / Ascent & Descent 150m Corfu town – City of Castles Walking Distance 2 km / Walking Time 1 hrs
Coast to Coast – Walking Distance 15 km / Walking Time 5 hrs / Ascent & Descent 254m/415m
The Unexplored South – Walking Distance 17 km / Walking Time 5hrs / Ascent & Descent 115m
The Heart Of The Island – Walking Distance 13 km / Walking Time 5 hrs / Ascent 371m / Descent 686m
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Some operate on a seasonal basis therefore full details and availability will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices and excusrions quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on availability and numbers etc. All tours should be paid for in Euros and are only payable by cash. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €25.00 per week. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate amount to add on.
Euro
To enter Greece mainland or the Greek Islands your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
Voltage 230v
Travel adaptor type C (EuroPlug)
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 14 °C | 5 °C |
| March | 16 °C | 7 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 10 °C |
| May | 23 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 17 °C |
| July - August | 31 °C | 19 °C |
| September | 28 °C | 17 °C |
| October | 23 °C | 14 °C |
| November | 19 °C | 10 °C |
| December | 15 °C | 7 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
