Join us on a journey of exploring the nature, history, culture and flavors of the beautiful and unique South Evia. 

In an idyllic period, between the last warm days of summer and the first coolness of autumn, the last weekend of September (26-27 / 09), we sail to the green island of Evia.

Our main activities:

Hiking in Dimosaris Gorge:

Dimosaris Gorge is one of the best day hikes in Europe and a great choice for every nature lover, but also ideal for the ones with specialized interests: dozens of springs, waterfalls, ancient riparian forests and wildlife are constantly alternating and giving plenty of images to the passing hiker.

Our hiking path starts from Petrokanalo point (954 m.) on the north side of Mount Ochi and after 10 km ends at the Aegean Sea and specifically at Kallianou beach.

The gorge is divided into two parts, the upper and the lower gorge. The upper gorge, up to the deserted village of Lenosaioi, is wild, steep, with deep streams and rocky slopes, while descending to the sea it turns into a narrow valley with a softer surface.

Nature varies a lot along the path due to the difference in the height of the gorge. The higher, colder and wetter parts of the gorge have completely different vegetation from the lower parts that are warmer. The upper gorge is full of age-old plane trees, chestnuts, large oaks, arias, wildflowers and rare plants! In contrast to the lower one which has milder vegetation.

In the middle of the gorge is the famous place “Skala Lenosaion”. Here the landscape is magical with small waterfalls forming beautiful green and blue lakes, where we can swim in crystal clear waters.

The rich flora, here, is accompanied by rich fauna as we can meet turtles, salamanders and a variety of birds, such as owls, eagles, buzzards and nightingales. These birds have their nests in the inaccessible rocks of the gorge.

Last but not least, in many parts of the route we will walk in ancient cobbled streets, which are remnants of ancient medieval or older paths that connected the villages of South Evia.

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful and diverse gorge of Evia. Up to 2000 years old, this gorge boasts for being the oldest mountain trail on the island.

Hiking Duration: 6 hours, with stops for relaxation, swimming and depending on the rhythm of the group
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Altitude difference: + 500 meters / – 950 meters
Difficulty: 1+ to 2 (Low)

Hiking at the foothills of Mount Ochi, Red Castle & Ancient Columns:

At the foothills of Mount Ochi, north of Karystos, there is a traditional stone village named “Myloi” (meaning mills).
Myloi is crossed by a small river that descends from Ochi. The village owes its name to the many watermills that once existed along the river.

Starting from Myloi, we will hike to the historic Red Castle or Castello Rosso which was built by the Lombards in the early 13th century.

The path is full of oaks, oregano, wild lavender, oleanders and small wild olive trees.

Up the castle hill, we will admire the archeological site, the towers, the gates, the impressive outer wall of the castle but also the panoramic view to the city of Karystos and the sea.

Leaving behind us the castle and its stories, we will head to a new path, east of Myloi village, that leads to the Ancient Columns of Karystos, where about 10 Roman columns, perfectly processed, await their journey to Rome.

In the old times, at the site, there was an ancient quarry used for the construction of columns for buildings of Hellenistic and Roman times. Today, for an unknown reason 10 huge columns remained there, perhaps for us to go and admire their grandeur! 😉

Hiking Duration: 3 hours, with stops for rest and depending on the rhythm of the group
Hiking Distance: 7.5 km
Altitude difference: + 360 meters / – 250 meters
Difficulty Level: 1 (Low)

Guided tour & Wine tasting in the local estate Montofoli and its vineyards, during the harvest season:

The Montofoli estate is located in the Old Town of Karystos and has been a reference point in the area since antiquity. It is a declared archeological site and archeological findings from the estate are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Karystos. From the time of the Frankish occupation it was the property of the current lord of the “Red” Castle (Castello Rosso) which like the estate is built on the hill of Montofoli.

Without a doubt, the Estate is located in the most privileged part of the city, as it enjoys a panoramic view of Karystos and its bay, while it is located in the center of the greenest part of the area, from which it takes its name (Montofoli: monte = hill, folio = vegetation (green)).

The owners of the property will welcome us and guide us to the vineyards during the harvest season, the cellars and of course the beautiful gardens and spaces with the preserved monuments from all phases of the turbulent history of the area.

The tour will end with a tasting of the sweet wine ‘Ktima Montofoli’ which is produced exclusively from the vineyards of the estate and from the excellent varieties Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri and Liatiko while it is traditionally vinified, the way sweet wines are made from antiquity. (After the grapes are sun-dried for 10 to 15 days to dehydrate, they are pressed and made into wine. The wine ages in oak barrels for 2 to 5 years before it is bottled.

What is included:

• Accommodation in a double or triple room in a 3 *** star hotel in Karystos & Breakfast with local products
• All transfers by bus (transfer from Athens to the port of Rafina and vice versa, plus all transfers in South Evia)
• Go & Return Ferry Tickets (from the port of Rafina to the port of Marmari in Evia and back)
• Hiking Guide, SWEN Hiking Team & Trainer/Gymnast
• Guided Wine Tour & Tasting in a local estate & vineyard
• Group Pharmacy
• VAT