On Foot on the Island of Evia

Welcome to Hotel Anastasia. Unpack and settle in.

Today’s walks introduce the rich history of the island. Both options are in the vicinity of Castello Rosso. The ‘Red Castle’ is perched on top of Montofoli Hill overlooking the Bay of Karystos. This 13th century castle was built on top of Byzantine foundations and was then developed further by the Franks, Venetians and Turks. After our walks are complete we will visit a beekeeper to learn about honey production on the island and have a chance to sample some sweet local produce and and perhaps purchase a souvenir from your trip.

Mount Ochi (1,398m) is the highest peak in southern Evia. On its slopes is an excellent specimen of a Dragon House. Built with large slabs of inter-locking stone, these buildings are something of a mystery. It is not certain how old they are or why they were built. The other building of note here is the church of the Prophet Elias, a pretty chapel built in traditional style.

Styra is 25km northwest of the hotel, but soon reached via the newly constructed highway. Ships left from this city-state to aid the rescue of Helen of Troy. This region contains a number of ‘Dragon’ Houses; the walks explore three of these and nearby quarries before descending to Styra and its main square where there are several tavernas.

Your free day offers the chance to explore the waterfront, shops and harbourside cafés in Karystos. Have a lazy day relaxing by the pool or walk to the main beach and have a swim and then take lunch at one of the many restaurants/cafés in Karystos. Later this afternoon, for those wishing to join us, we will meet at the hotel and walk with our guide to the Montofoli winery to enjoy a tour and tasting, returning in time for dinner this evening.

You could also join an optional boat trip, which takes in views of Karystos Bay and the nearby Petali Islands towards Marmari. This exhilarating excursion offers a mixture of sightseeing and a short stop on a secluded beach. It may be possible to enjoy a short introduction to snorkelling too. Please ask your leader for further details

The Petrokanalo Pass marks the start point of a walk through the beautiful and diverse Dimosari Gorge. This richly vegetated opening in the rocks leads downhill to the small village of Lenosei and then on to the beach. It is thought that people have been walking here since before the Middle Ages; the remains of an old cobbled surface can be seen in places.

Today we will explore the eastern shores with the chance to enjoy a communal meal at a delightful beachside tavern with stunning views.

We hope to see you again soon.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.