DAY 2
Olive Grove & Vineyards
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.
Once in the village of Ano Gerakari, we continue to follow the road up and eventually arrive at Saint Nikolas church, with it’s amazing 360° panoramic view. To celebrate our achievement, we can stop for a well-earned drink before we head off to the coast. Our route follows narrow pathed roads meandering through delightful olive groves towards the coast.
Distance 12km
Ascent 665m 25% (till 150m)
Descent 665m 50%
Plateau 25%
Walking Time 4hrs
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
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DAY 3
Top 3 Walks of Zakynthos- Giri, Agia Marina & Kalamaki
After breakfast we set off for our 3 short hikes. Zakynthos offers three types of fantastic scenery, the mountains, the fertile plain and long sandy beaches. In one day, we’ll encounter it all. The first stop is the hamlet of Giri, the highest village on the island, tucked away in the hills. The route runs through rugged terrain where we suddenly discover amazing views over the entire island . We continue through forests of tall cypress trees and fields with wild flowers. Our next hike starts in the traditional village of Agia Marina. Our route zigzags through olive groves, descending along paths only used during harvest time. Here we experience the heart of the island, a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the islands coastal resorts. For the third hike we’ll be brought to Kalamaki where we walk through the dunes with eucalyptus trees. Our route ends on a long sandy beach, where we can walk barefoot along the surf.
The protected beautiful pure beach is part of the Maritime National Park with not a hotel or sun lounger in sight. At Crystal Beach, we can enjoy a refreshing drink before returning to our hotel in Alykanas.
Giri Walking distance 4 km
Ascent 73 m 30%
Descent 73 m 30%
Plateau ± 40 %
Walking Time ± 75 min (walking time)
Agia Marina – Loucha Walking distance 7 km
Ascent 99 m 15%
Descent 246 m 65%
Plateau ± 20 % duration
Walking Time 2 hrs
Kalamaki Walking distance 3 km
Ascent 0 m
Descent 10 m 2 %
Plateau 98 % duration
Walking Time 45m
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DAY 5
Loucha Valley, Views & Cooking with the locals
After breakfast, we’ll be picked up by our coach and taken to the hidden valley of Loucha. Firstly we will stroll through fields of wildflowers with the scent of thyme, oregano and aniseed dominating the air. Taking unpaved paths through a forest of tall cypress trees, we’ll leave civilisation behind us with only the silence as a companion. A descending trail, with spectacular views over the entire island, ends at the ancient central road, now overgrown and forgotten. The route runs in between the ruins of a hidden village, where time has stood still since being abandoned after an earthquake. The buildings are covered with moss and nature has taken over, giving a fairy tale feel of serene beauty.
The narrow road zigzags down to Agios Pantes, built below on the fertile plain. Here, the proud owner of the taverna will show you some traditional recipes, which will be served for lunch (drinks not included). A long table is set underneath on the balcony, with an amazing view over the fertile plain. The owner specialises in making his own wine and we can taste his pride and joy from the barrel. We will then take our transfer back to our accommodation in Alykanas.
Walking Distance 13 km
Ascent 5%
Descent 70%
Plateau 25 % duration
Walking Time 4 hours
Breakfast & Lunch Included
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DAY 6
Cliffs, Coves & Turtle Island
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)
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After lunch, we board our private boat and explore the spectacular south coast and the Keri caves. Next stop is the uninhabited island of Marathonisi. From a distance, we can see the greenness of the rich and lush vegetation this island holds. The outline of the island resembles the shape of a turtle. Coincidentally, the beach of ‘Turtle’ island is also the breeding ground for the Caretta Caretta sea turtle. After some turtle spotting, we then head back to harbour and return by transfer to our accommodation
Walking Distance 10 km
Ascent 15 %
Descent 60 %
Plateau 25 %
Walking Time 3 ½ hrs
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