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Enjoy an active family holiday on the beautiful Greek island of Evia. Based in the small coastal town of Karystos we explore the island on foot and by bicycle, uncovering its rich history including the 13th century Castello Rosso. We also relax on the golden sandy beaches, snorkel in the coves at Marmari Bay and enjoy mouth-watering local cuisine in traditional tavernas. We then take a relaxing cruise around the quiet coves and harbours of Evia. Join our captain, Thanos, on board a traditional Greek sailing boat and explore the forts and ruins scattered along this historic coastline. Along the way we drop anchor at tranquil fishing villages and local tavernas.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour at Athens International Airport. Ferry to Evia
Meeting up at Athens airport today, we then travel by bus to the ferry terminal at Rafina or Agia Marina. From here we make the short journey by ferry to Evia, the second largest of the Greek Islands. On arrival on Evia we then head to our hotel in the picturesque southern port of Karystos, our base for the next few days.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Hotel Anemomylos
Hotel Anemomylos (Windmill) is a small, family run hotel 800m outside the town of Karistos and 450 m from the nearest beach. Its 19 rooms are air conditioned and have simple kitchen facilities, including a fridge. A Greek style breakfast is provided every morning. There is also a snack bar for lunch, and the refreshing swimming pool is a great place to relax and socialise.
Swimming available
2
Half day guided walking tour of Karystos
Set against the backdrop of Mount Ochi, Karystos benefits from a rich combination of scenic views, safe beaches and a cultural heritage that can trace its origins back to the Roman and Hellenistic eras. Today we enjoy a guided tour around the town, taking in its Archaeological Museum and cathedral, and exploring its bustling waterfront. The town also has a number of coves that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. For anyone interested, we may also be able to organise some fishing locally as well.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
3
Morning sightseeing. Free afternoon
This morning we pay a visit to the 13th century Venetian ruins of Castello Rosso, set high amongst the southern foothills of Mount Ochi. Fought over for centuries, the fortress overlooks the bay of Karystos, providing us with some great views across the Aegean and the town. We also visit the old Roman aqueduct this morning, as well as the traditional hill villages of Gouna, before returning to Karystos for lunch. This afternoon is free to explore the area.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
4
Cycling tour of the local area
We take to the saddle this morning on a cycling tour of the local area. The wetlands that lie close to the hotel provide a great spot for bird watching, whilst the western beaches offer ideal conditions for some more swimming. The beaches along this stretch of coast are very clean and offer easy access into the warm, shallow waters. The bicycles are provided by the hotel. Water bottles and helmets are provided, but you may wish to bring your own to ensure a good fit.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
5
Free day
Southern Evia is blessed with a number of highlights, with diving, snorkelling and scenic walks all possible options. You could take a boat trip out to the nearby island of Pelaitisa, or perhaps rent the bikes again from Karystos Bikes to explore a little further afield.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
6
Easy coastal walk to Aetos; beaches and swimming
Today we take a walk along the coast, a relatively easy hike that takes us to the charming village of Aetos, famed for its lemon trees and olive groves. Along the way we will have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the beaches, taking the odd swimming break in the Aegean to cool us down, before returning to Karystos later this afternoon.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
7
Tour of Marmari Bay
The small village of Marmari overlooks the turquoise waters of the Aegean just a little to the north of Karystos. Perched like an amphitheatre on the hills above the bay, it provides us with the venue for our final day of swimming and snorkelling. Driving the short distance to the village this morning, we then head out to the volcanic coves of Zanstani, to make the most of the warm waters and quiet coves, before returning to our hotel for our final evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in Hotel Anemomylos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
8
Join Caique
Today we have a day of leisure before our short transfer to join the Caique in the local harbour.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
9
Sail to Karystos
Today we stay local to Karystos. We stop at an archorage close to Bouros for a swim, before continuing on for an afternoon’s exploration of the town. You could visit Costello Rosso again, or the famous winery Estete of Montofoli.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
10
Cruise to Panagia
Next destination is Panagia, a small fishing village lying in the shelter of a fjord. En route, we will stop to swim in the waters off the rugged and undeveloped coastline. Once at Panagia, you could walk to the inland village of Argyro where the tiny red-roofed houses are dwarfed by the mountains or visit the beautiful church of Panagia renowned for its frescoes and the two historic olive trees of 2,500 years old next to the small stream full of turtles. There is the option to take dinner in one of the small family run tavernas by the waterfront.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
11
To Eretria via Porto Buffalo
Today we will cruise to the limit of the Gulf of Evia, where the island splits from the mainland. Greek legends romantically claim that the divide was caused by Poseidon piercing the earth with his trident. We travel via Porto Buffalo – a beautiful and private lagoon before continuing a leisurely cruise to Eretria, one of the best well known cities of ancient Greece, the birthplace of our alphabet – wrongly named Latin – and an extensive archeological site with a superb museum. We enjoy our evening in the long cosmopolitan promenade of the town watching the small ferries coming and going to the mainland.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
12
Cruise to Nea Styra
We make the most of this morning’s perfect location for a swim and snorkel before cruising towards Nea Styra, an area of stunning beaches and coastline. The rolling hills above the small summer resort, lead to the silver-green valley of olives, which we’ll have the opportunity to explore this afternoon. As the sun sets in the historic bay of Marathon, the promenade comes to life with all the locals and visitors experiencing the typical Mediterranean strolling before dining al-fresco.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
13
To Marmari via Porto Lafia
This morning will see us cruising towards Porto Lafia a peaceful hamlet where we can swim off the boat in Lafia Bay. From here we continue to Marmari, of typical Aegean fishing village with numerous small tavernas and cafes dotted along the promenade.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
14
Return Karystos via Petali Islands
Our last day cruising takes us towards the Archipelagos of Petali, where seven private and exclusive islands offer the best of the ‘Jet Set’ in the Aegean. Once the summer residence of the Greek Royal family, today the playground of Picasso family, the Embiricos family and other shipping tycoons. Maria Calas spent many summers of her lifetime here. From here we will return to Karystos where we will overnight in a small hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
15
Ferry to Rafina then transfer to Athens International airport where our tour ends
This morning we take the short taxi / minibus ride back to the ferry to Rafina. We then transfer to Athens International Airport where our tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
