Unique walks
Four unique, specially designed walks to explore and experience this beautiful Island
Marathonisi Island
Two Solos exclusive boat trips including Shipwreck Beach and Marathonisi Island to spot the famous turtles
Exclusive
Exclusive to Solos accommodation
The Venetians called this southern most Ionian island Fiore di Levante, the Flower of the East. Its nobility and fertility made this delightful island a jewel of their empire. Join us on a week’s guided walking holiday to explore and discover why the Venetians held this island in such high esteem.
Grade – Easy to Medium
Extras
Arrive at Zakynthos Airport and transfer to the Angela Studios.
Our exclusive, specially designed walks will give us the opportunity to enjoy and experience the island’s stunning coastal and fertile inland scenery along with a chance to cook and have lunch with the locals. Adding to the adventure, the week includes private boat trips to view the Island from a different perspective and the chance to tick off the bucket list the beautiful Smugglers Cove and spot the Islands famous turtles.
The first hike is a beautiful route on narrow paved lanes through lemon groves and vineyards. Immediately after leaving our accommodation, you’ll be walking underneath the shade of ancient olive trees. In the distance you will be able to see the spire of the small Ano Gerakari church, proudly built on top of a hill. This summit is our goal. We take a shaded path which meanders uphill and with every step the views become more spectacular.
After breakfast, we’ll be picked up and taken to the hidden valley of Loucha. First, we’ll stroll through fields of wildflowers where the scent of thyme, oregano and aniseed dominate the air. Walking unpaved paths through a forest of tall cypress trees, we’ll leave civilisation behind us with only the silence as our companion. A descending trail, with spectacular views over the entire island, ends at the ancient central road, now overgrown and forgotten. The trail ends at the ruins of the hidden village of Old Lagadakia, where time has stood still since it was abandoned after the earthquake back in 1953.
Perhaps relax by the pool with your favourite book or take a stroll to the nearby beach. Or if you are feeling active, try out Kayaking on a Sea Kayak Tour (payable locally) . Make sure you build up an appetite for the included evening BBQ hosted at the Angela Studios.
The peninsula of Vassilikos is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Slopes covered with anemones, gladioli, cyclamens, irises, tulips and lilies . When we look up, we will see hovering warblers and buntings. Below is the turquoise sea under the protection of the Maritime Park. We start on the east side of the peninsular where the path winds up to the summit of the Vounos, with views across the sea, with the Peloponnese just above the horizon. We then make our long way down and pass unique clay formations, playfully shaped over the years by the wind and waves. Our final destination, is the protected sandy beach of Gerakas, the habitat of the Caretta Caretta loggerhead turtles. After lunch (own expense) we have an opportunity for a fresh dip in the sea, we will then return to our home in Alykanas.
Today this spectacular walk begins on the west coast edge of the island where the dramatic high limestone cliffs drop down into the dark blue waters of the Ionian Sea. For those with a feel for heights, can have a peek over the edge of the bluff and take some fantastic cliff top photographs. We then follow the traditional goat herder trail that meanders upwards, where just after the summit of Mt Skopos, suddenly a spectacular panorama greets us, spanning over the south side of the island with the bay of Laganas. Via a walk along the coast line of Marathia we’ll finish in the small harbour of the village of Limni Keri. Here we rest and have lunch (own expense)
.
Take the opportunity to catch the local bus or a taxi and visit Zante Town and discover a selection of museums, churches and perhaps a spot of shopping. Make sure you are back in time for our last night, farewell Taverna dinner!!!
It’s time to say “Ya Sou”! After transferring to the airport, we will board our flight home.
Our base for the week is a charming, simple property ideally located in the easygoing traditional seaside village of Alykanas and is a mere 200 metres level walk from the soft golden sands of Alykanas Beach. Surrounded by endless vineyards and olive groves, there are a few waterfront bars by the beach where one can sip on a refreshing drink or Greek cocktail in the evening and watch the sun go down. The beach offers a great selection of watersports; however for those who would rather enjoy some Greek sunshine, sun loungers and beach umbrellas are lined up for hire. At the end of the beach lies the small harbour of Alykanas. In the evening, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort continues, with a number of bars and restaurants offering traditional Greek cuisine. If you are looking for a livelier evening there is a range of entertainment at the neighbouring resort of Alykes, which is just 1km away.
Facilities include a private outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas, poolside changing room with toilet and shower. Breakfast and lounge area, honesty bar and common outdoor gardens complete this lovely property.
Our pleasant rooms feature Air Conditioning (payable locally) a kitchenette with fridge and safety deposit box. The sleeping area is equipped with an LCD TV and a private balcony furnished with a small table and chairs. A number of hairdryers are available to hire (with an additional charge, payable locally) Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
The transfer time from Zakynthos Airport to our hotel 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 Easy to Medium and you can expect to walk between (10 to 15km per day, with some 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. All of the walks are relatively flat, however we have highlighted the maximum ascent and descent where applicable.
Ano Gerakari – Olive groves, Vineyards and the Shipwreck Beach
Length approx 12km
Ascend +25%
Descend +50%
Plateau +25%
Walking Time 4 hours
Loucha – Valleys, Views & Cooking with the locals
Length approx 15km
Ascend +5%
Descend +70%
Plateau +25%
Walking Time 4.5 hours
Vassilikos – Sea to Sea
Length approx 11km
Ascend +40%
Descend +40%
Plateau +20%
Walking Time 3.5 Hours
Keri – Cliffs, Coves & Turtle Island
Length approx 10km
Ascend +15%
Descend +60%
Plateau +25%
Walking Time 3.5 Hours
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:
There will be plenty for you to see and do during your own leisure time during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. Please note that prices shown may vary according to numbers. Full details will be given at your Information Meeting. All tours must be paid for in euros only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you and explain where you will need to go but may not necessarily accompany you.
Zakynthos Island Tour Approximate cost: £35
Euro
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20 per person. 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 % to add on.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-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
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 14 °C | 8 °C |
| March | 16 °C | 9 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 11 °C |
| May | 23 °C | 14 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 18 °C |
| July - August | 31 °C | 20 °C |
| September | 28 °C | 19 °C |
| October | 23 °C | 16 °C |
| November | 19 °C | 12 °C |
| December | 16 °C | 10 °C |
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“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!”
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