A hike on the small island of Kalamos, east of Lefkada and close to the mainland. The trail ascends to the tiny church of Agia Paraskevi high on a pass between the two main mountains of the island. There are breath-taking views from the top.
Ferries to Kalamos from Lefkada Town or from Mytikas on the mainland. It is possible to hire a boat for you or a skipper to cross from Mytikas.
Accommodation and tavernas on Kalamos.
The hike starts from Kalamos main port on the south-east side of the island. The port is usually busy with visiting yachts and flotillas vying for space to moor for the night. There are shops to stock up with water and cheese pies for your hike.
Set off up the road leading up into the town from the port. After 30m turn left up a steep path.
The steep path leading up from the port.
After two bends fork right, and then take the first narrow road going right. After a short distance you join another road where the route straight on is marked “no through way” – a path goes left straight up the hill between two houses. After the houses go right along the road.
The first turning left up to Ag Georgios church.
The road heads along to coast slowly climbing. After 800m there is a road going sharp left back up the hill signposted to Ag Georgios church – take that road. After 400m a track goes sharp right also signposted to the church. After 300m you pass the church keeping to the right onto the track as it starts to ascend the mountain.
Looking back down towards the port.
You now climb up through olive groves then pine forest getting higher and higher. The track turns to the right and then left as it zig-zags up the hill. You are heading for the top of the pass between the mountains up ahead.
The track climbs up to the pass.
At the top the track goes a short way to the right where is the tiny church of Panagia Agia Paraskevi. There are a few benches outside and it is a very pretty spot to sit and eat those cheese pies. You get views in both directions to the south and north.
Tiny church of Agia Paraskevi
The church is of St Friday, an early Christian martyr. A wonderful spot. When you have rested retrace your steps back down to the port.
On the map are two other marked paths, one ascending the mountain to the right, and the other descending the pass on the other side. Both of these paths are very hard to follow on the ground, and cross extremely rough ground with thick vegetation. We cannot recommend either, unfortunately, after having tried them both. The path down was blocked by discarded cuttings when electric workers repaired the transmission lines. We will update this website if the path is repaired.
This trail combines visits to two historic locations important to Christians on Lefkada, with a visit to two amazing beaches. The walk starts and ends 2km to the west of Lefkada Town, and you can walk or take your car and park by the beach.
Christianity came to Lefkada very early, in AD 65 only 32 years after Jesus’s death. This trail follows the footsteps of the first Christians on Lefkada. It starts where they traditionally landed on the beach, and climbs to the first sanctuary, later monastery, high on the headland. The trail returns to the beach via a different path ending at a beach taverna.
The trail is short but climbs a fairly steep path up and a slightly less steep path back down. It is best to treat as a short hike rather than a walk.
Just 2km outside Lefkada Town, either walk, take your car or a short taxi ride.
Lots of accommodation and tavernas in Lefkada Town. Tavernas too at the beaches at the start and end of the walk.
The trail starts on the Agios Ioannis beach on the western edge of Lefkada Town. Park anywhere on the side of the road. Start by walking west along to the end of the beach at a rocky headland.
Agios Ioannis beach and headland where this trail starts and ends.
Just up from the end of the beach is the small church of Agios Ioannis Antzousi. This was the starting place of Christianity on Lefkada in 65 AD. According to tradition St Paul preached in a cave where the church is built.
Agios Ioannis Antzousi, founded in 65 AD, rebuilt later by the Franks.
It is known that Paul travelled through western Greece, spreading Christianity from Macedonia to the Ionian coast. He reached Nicopolis, the new Roman city, and spent the winter of 64-65 AD. This much is documented, and it is entirely possible he came to Lefkada. Indeed he travelled by ship which would have gone through the Lefkada canal. According to Lefkadian tradition, Paul came with his disciple Sosion, and later ordained him as the island’s first bishop.
A small church was built and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and known today as the church of Agios Ioannis Antzousi. Carved partly into the rock and shaded by olives, the chapel remains one of the island’s oldest sacred sites. Centuries later, the Angevin (Anjou) knights who ruled Lefkada restored it, giving it the name “Antzousi.” With its rough stone roof and quiet setting above the sea, it still feels like a place where the earliest Christians might have gathered in secrecy.
After viewing the church retrace your steps just past the Telegaphos Taverna. Continue along the beach for a short distance and take a small turning on the right, next to the beach blue flag and information sign.
Take this small road from the beach.
Keep to the small road as it wiggles through the beach houses for a few hundred metres. When you come to a greener area with olive trees take a track going right. It wiggles right then left and comes to a road. Straight over the road is a narrow path between walls.
Take the narrow path between walls.
Take the path to a second road. Turn left and walk below the cliffs to an olive grove on the right. Take the track running on the right of a metal fence straight up a slope. At the top a monopati goes left and up the steep slope.
Turn right onto the track going up into the olive grove.
The monopati climbs steeply in zig zags as it traces a route up the hill to the top. As you get higher you get great views back across the bay below. As you get to the top you join a track near a gate, go left towards the road and the entrance to the monastery. If the monastery is open, the trail runs through the grounds where you can visit the small zoo, the church, a gift shop and a museum, exiting on the north side. If the monastery is shut, go left along the road around to the north gate.
The entrance to the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
From the first coastal church, Bishop Sosion and the early believers moved inland. Climbing the wooded hill above the first church, they found an ancient temple of Artemis. There they built a new church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, marking the birth of Christian Lefkada’s spiritual heart—the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni. The name, meaning “the Revealed Virgin,” recalls the miracle of an icon of the Virgin that was said to have appeared to the monks who rebuilt the church. Artemis, the ancient god of motherhood and children was replaced by Mary.
By the 4th century AD, the sanctuary had become a monastery, serving as both a place of worship and a refuge for the faithful. Through centuries of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule it endured, rebuilt many times after earthquakes and fires, most recently after the great blaze of 1886.
The peaceful monastery gardens.
After you exit the north gate of the monastery, go right a short distance along the road and take the first track off left. This descends in a series of zig zags down the slope. They are not quite so steep as the way up, making your way a little easier.
As you near the bottom of the path a second smaller monopati goes off left. Take this through a last few turns to reach a road along some houses. Go left, take one last turn down, and reach the bottom of the hill. Go straight on across the first crossroads by the small church, walk another 150m and take the first left turn.
After the crossroads take the first turn left.
Keep going straight on along the road, ignoring minor turnings. After 400m you pass where you turned off to go up the hill, and then shortly after back to the beach.
The beach is wonderful with sand and rocks for swimming. To your left are a string of beach tavernas. To the right Agios Ioannis beach merges into Milos Beach with its old windmill towers. This a favoured location for kite-surfing, well worth watching their amazing acrobatics.
A short trail over the headland between Ag Nikitias and Mylos Beach. Mylos is one of the best beaches on the island. Ag Nikitas, too, is a pretty seaside village on the north west coast of Lefkada; with a nice beach and tavernas. A pleasant place to spend time. However 30 minutes walk takes you to a much larger and quieter beach. On the headland is an old windmill – hence Mylos Beach (the English word “mill” comes from the Greek word “Mylos”). The beach is almost all wonderful sand.
The walk is short, but up and down steep steps. So best to do it in the morning or evening in summer, or anytime the rest of the year. There are no tavernas or anything else at the beach, although a caravan serves drinks in peak season. So best to take what you need – and, of course, bring back all your rubbish.
Note that this is the only public-access trail to Mylos Beach. Two other tracks down to the beach are private and blocked with locked gates. The cliffs make any other potential route highly dangerous. On calm days in summer boats will take you to the beach from Ag Nikitas.
0.75km one way, 1.5km to the far end of beach. 100m ascent and descent.
Tavernas and accommodation in Ag Nikitas. A seasonal kiosk at the beach.
Park on the road on the edge of Ag Nikitas. The village itself is car-free apart from residents. There is quite a bit of space for parking on the road but, as Ag Nikitas is popular, fills up fast in summer. You can also park towards Lefkada town and walk into Ag Nikitas along the coast.
Sign in Ag Nikitas at the start of this trail
Half way down the pedestrian road from the nearest parking to the beach is a sign to Mylos Beach pointing left (if facing the beach). Take this path as it goes up and slightly left up steep steps. Climb up to the top with good views back into the village.
The path runs over the headland, some parts paved, other parts rough.
The path runs up and over the headland through a forest giving some welcome shade. It then starts to drop down the other side. Here you get your first glimpse of Mylos Beach ahead. The path now starts to descend down very steep steps. Take great care.
View down to Mylos Beach
At the bottom is the beach. You can walk along the wonderful sand to the headland at the far side. You can also walk on the dunes behind the beach – but please stick to the paths and don’t walk on the flowers, herbs and grass that bind the sand.
The old windmill up on the headland from which the beach gets its name.
Mylos Beach is a great place to sit, swim, picnic, smooch, whatever. A common question Lefkadians get asked is “what is the best beach”, with so many to choose from. A common answer is to avoid giving away that really nice quiet one. Mylos could be that beach.
Return back the way you came. Two other paths down are private. Don’t even think of climbing the cliffs at either end of the beach. On calm days in summer it is possible to get a boat back to Ag Nikitas. Note that the summer daily wind pattern is for a north westerly blow mid-late afternoon (it is why sailing and windsurfing is so good here). Be prepared to walk back.
Gentle walk through the trees below Syvros to an ancient temple that has been converted into a Christian monastery. A perfect evening walk – or take a picnic and spend the whole day. You can still see stones and columns of the ancient Doric temple of >Dimitra, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. It was converted to a monastery in about 1650. It is still believed to be a good place for a couple wanting a child to visit and pray. Nice too, even if not currently desiring such a happy event. The lush valley is an ideal spot for a temple to agriculture and fertility.
The path is marked to “Agios Ioannis” along much of the route. The last part is a little indistinct and we recommend downloading the GPX file of the route and following it on your phone or GPS device.
4.4km one way – 8.8km both ways. 200m ascent one way – 320m both ways.
Start from the pretty town square in the middle of Syvros. There are two or three tavernas to take refreshment. With your back to the square facing the old schoolhouse go left down the road. Immediately after the first corner take the track/narrow road going left, followed immediately by a second left turn.
Follow the track generally straight ahead until forking left on a path. There are red streamers tied to branches along some of the route, but it is best to follow these turns on a map or GPS. The path goes through trees and olive groves and climbs up to meet a road. Go right and then take the first track off right again (signposted “Springs Pathway”. Drop down a short slope and then turn left towards the Kanali spring. You pass the path marker to “Agios Ioannis”.
Follow the path marker to Agios Ionnis
Keep half-right past the spring and take the track as it starts to descend down the side of the valley through the trees.
The track descends for 2.5km along the side of the valley
After 2.5km you reach a narrow road – turn right and then immediately right along another track. The track goes around a low hill through olive groves. After about 500m a path goes off right straight up the hill (following with a map or GPS phone really helps here). Take the path as it climbs between trees and bushes to the top of the hill.
A path turns off the track straight up the hill.
At the top of the hill is a clearing with the monastery grounds and a small parking area. Take a wander around the site. You will see the round columns of the ancient temple, and also see stones in the wall of the church that were once part of the old temple. It is also a good place to sit and picnic. The tradition is that couples praying inside the church may hear footsteps outside indicating that a child is due.
Stones of the ancient temple in the foundation of the church
Retrace your steps back to Syvros, or arrange for a taxi or friend to pick you up. An alternative is to walk down the quiet road to Kondarena and the main Vasiliki-Nidri road where there are buses.
A huge thanks to the Antelikos Sivros Cultural Club, especially Vasilis Deftereos who inspired this trail. They marked this trail and regularly take groups on it giving a fascinating description of the temple, wildlife and fauna. Take a look in their small museum too if you get the chance (in the old schoolhouse at the start of this trail). You can also learn Greek dancing at their weekly evening session.
The old monopati route running from Eglouvi to Karya across a low pass below Profitas Ilias. Paired up with Lefkada Trail day 3 Karya to Eglouvi this makes a great loop trail from either Eglouvi or Karya. Go out on one and back on the other – a great hike – one of Lefkada’s best.
4.4km. 10.7km if paired with route back over Profitas Ilias. 200m ascent. 760m ascent for the full loop, 560m with the shortcut. Moderate.
Tavernas and accommodation in Karya. Tavernas in Eglouvi.
The trail starts from the centre of Eglouvi. Here are three tavernas and a great small square shaded by a plane tree. A great place to seat and eat or drink, but today we are going walking. Head off down the road towards Karya. The road goes around a few bends and after almost 1km a track goes off left. This is the well-marked start of the monopati.
Take the track off left from the road down to Karya from Eglouvi
After 20m a second sign shows the monopati itself goes off left climbing through the trees. The monopati goes parallel to the track before starting to climb up the hillside. The monopati is well marked with yellow and red paint marks.
The monopati climbs up the hillside marked with yellow and red paint
Climb right up and over the low pass. On the far side there are a few easy rock scrambles and then a great traverse across the steep hillside. You get fantastic views across to Skaros, Nidri and down to the Inland Sea. A truly wonderful monopati.
The monopati traverses across the hillside towards Karya
After a couple of kilometers you reach a telephone mast. Follow the path around the mast and it becomes a quiet tarmac road. Almost immediately a red and yellow painted arrow on the road shows a track going off steeply down into the trees. Head down that track to reach Karya. If you are planning to walk back on Lefkada Trail day 3 Karya to Eglouvi you can take a short-cut by instead continuing along the quiet road. Follow the road until you meet the trail heading up from Karya about 50m past a fork in the road (go left). The shortcut saves 200m of climbing.
The yellow and red marker shows the path heading down to Karya.
The path down to Karya heads down through the wonderful pine forest above Karya. It is a little steep in places but reasonably easy down through the trees. The yellow and red markers show the way. Keep going until you reach the back roads in Karya.
Inventive yellow and red paint markers on the trail.
When on the road head down left and then immediately right. A short track heads off immediately left behind a house.
A track heads off immediately left.
At the bottom the short track rejoins a road. Take the road turning first left, first right, first left, and first right again. Then straight down, round a bend left, and down to the main square in Karya. If you miss those turns just head down and you will get to the square.
The main square is delightful with great tavernas and bars clustered around a square with plane trees providing shade. This is a popular place to come, in the evening especially.
The Lefkada Trail day 3 Karya to Eglouvi trail starts at the spring in the north west corner of the square. Head back here to Eglouvi, this time climbing to the top of Profitas Ilias. You can also walk back up the road, but not nearly as interesting.
Hike from the port of Nidri, to the nearby Dimosari waterfall at Rachi, and then up the hills coming back down through the pretty Neochori village. You can use this route just to go to the waterfall and then back to Nidri – or hike up above Nidri for great views. Most of the route is shady running through trees. You need good walking shoes both for the clamber over rocks to reach the waterfall and for the short very steep ascent going up from the waterfall path.
11.8km 406m ascent Moderate (Easy if just going to the waterfall).
Nidri is a good base to stay in Lefkada. Many boats moor on the town quay. There is a regular bus from Lefkada Town.
Numerous hotels, tavernas and accommodation in Nidri.
The walk starts from the port in Nidri near the statue of Onassis. Head 50m south along the quayside and then right through the alley to Nidri main street. Cross the main street and take the road opposite with a small yellow sign to the “waterfall”.
Take the road from Nidri high street following the small “waterfall” sign.
Keep going straight up the road, past a parking area, until you reach the Nidri bypass. Carefully cross this road (cars go very fast) and take the road on the other side, to the right of the coffee shop. You keep straight on along this road following occasional signs to the waterfall. Keep straight on through the small Rachi village. Pass olive and lemon groves, a small football pitch, and a delightful stream – until you get to the waterfall parking area. If you are driving to Nidri you can park here as an alternate start for this trail.
Head up the path past the Plane Tree café and shop (a nice peaceful spot for a refreshment break) and on up the path towards the waterfall. The path runs over and under impressive big boulders until it reaches the waterfall. People bring swimming costumes and swim in the pools. It can get quite busy in summer. After enjoying the waterfall head back the way you came until just before the Plane Tree café.
Very steep path heading up on left of large water tank
Just before the Plane Tree café, as you head back from the waterfall, there is a large concrete water tank on the right of the track. On the left side of the tank a path starts climbing straight up the very steep slope. There is a rope to help with the first steepest part. It is a bit daunting but the very steep bit is short and you soon join a wonderful monopati to take you safely up through the remaining cliffs. If you can manage the start you will have no problems with the rest.
The monopati climbs up out of the waterfall gorge.
The monopati climbs up and out of the waterfall gorge until it meets a track. Turn right up the track and go for about 200m until another grassy track goes right into an olive grove. Follow the track through a few hairpin bends until you reach a quiet road. Turn left and follow the road going under a massive plane tree near a spring.
The road passes under a massive plane tree near a spring
Follow the road until you reach a T junction with a larger road. Turn right about 50m and take the first unsurfaced track going left slightly up by a house. After 50m the track forks and you take the left fork. The track traverses across the hill through the trees with great views down to Nidri. After 500m the track forks again, take the left track going slightly down almost parallel to the right-going track. After 80m the track turns into a rough path over rocks descending towards a stream in the trees. Cross the stream and take the path going up the opposite bank (marked by blobs of red paint). The path wiggles through the trees to a more open olive grove. Head diagonally up and left until the path becomes a track again. That track joins another and then traverses across the hills above Nidri.
The track traversing towards Neochori with great views down to Nidri
Ignore turnings save for one upward zig zag until you reach Neochori village. After the first few houses you reach the village hall on your left. Immediately after the hall take the road left. This runs down to a pretty church where you turn left again following the road running down from Neochori. Follow the road as it sweeps round to the right and then takes a first hairpin left. Fully around the hairpin a monopati heads right steeply down from the road (ignore the larger track at the hairpin itself). The monopati runs down below the road until it ends at a concrete track. Go right down the steep slope to a track at the bottom, where you go left. The track soon rejoins the road and heads down though the village of Paleokatouna (Ag. Christopher on some maps).
When you reach the taverna take the small road going right (appears straight on as the road turns left). Walk straight down the road going slightly right, then left, then left again (although generally straight on). You meet the main Lefkada-Vasaliki road at the Nidri bypass turning. Take the road heading directly into Nidri and then the first track off right heading down to the sea. Go left and follow the road back into Nidri along the waters edge to your starting point.
Stunning walk across the roof of Lefkada. A trail with the best views of the north, east and south of Lefkada with the surrounding seas, islands and mainland. Takes in five peaks on the high plain of the eastern end of Mount Elati – the highest part of Lefkada. And all for a mere 166m of climbing. The easy way to be a mountaineer.
If you want a full-on longer hike then walk up the A4 trail from Eglouvi, go around this trail, and then go back down the A5 to Eglouvi. This makes probably the best mountain hike on Lefkada. In total 600m of ascent and 11.5km long. Or for an uber-hike try the Lefkada all-thousand-metre-peaks challenge.
You won’t have to climb but do take suitable clothes, boots or walking shoes and carry plenty of water. The weather up here is usually more extreme than down below except being cooler in summer. The sun is stronger though.
4.7km 166m ascent Easy (but very rocky ground in parts).
You need a car or taxi to reach the start of the trail. You can walk up from Eglouvi if you are fit.
Links to trails up and down to Eglouvi, or beyond to climb Stavrotas too.
The trail starts from the high road by the antenna at the top of Mnimati at 1,130m. Drive up from either Eglouvi, Karia, Chorta, or Sivros. Take the turning off the high road crossing from Eglouvi to Sivros leading up to the antenna station at the top. Park just before you get to the antenna gates – near to a concrete blockhouse up on the right of the road. Do not block the road or tracks leading off.
Track at the start of the trail leads north-east from the road just below the radio antenna
Take the track heading north-east. There is sometimes a metal fence that you need to locate and untie the wire or rope that holds the track gate closed. Take care and don’t damage the fence (it keeps the cows in). Make sure you re-tie as you found it.
Head along the track with views all the way up to Lefkada town in the distance. After about 300m the track turns sharp left and a marked path goes right. The path is marked with big red and yellow paint marks on the rocks – and is the A4 trail coming up from Eglouvi. Follow that path rightwards all the way to Katharia Rachi – the first peak. The path descends at first to a low pass before climbing up gently to Katharia Rachi after 1.5km. You can’t miss the red and yellow paint marks all the way.
Distinctive read and yellow paint blobs mark much of the trail.
Katharia Rachi is marked with a sign in a small cairn. Also the slope suddenly drops steeply down in front of you and to both sides. You are now at the top of the most glorious view in all of Lefkada. Stand where Odysseus did. Look north towards Lefkada and Preveza beyond – on a clear day up to Paxos and Corfu. To the east is Nidri, out across the Inland Sea with Meganisi, Kalamos, and the mainland. To the south is Ithaca and Kefalonia beyond. To the south-east on a clear day is the start of the Gulf of Corinth and Patras. Stunning. Sit here and enjoy.
Stunning panorama view from Katharia Rachi
When you have finished looking take the path heading sharp-right almost back the way you came. The same red and yellow paint marks descend down and right down to high pass below you. After about 200m the marked path turns back left and descends more gently to the pass. The path then turns right and goes over a low hill until it reaches a T junction with an unsurfaced track. The paint marks go off right, and you will eventually go that way too, but first turn left and follow the track downwards.
Your destination ahead on Alevrata peak
The track descends to another pass where it ends and a path ascends a peak in front of you. Take that path to the top. At the top you stand on Alevrata with a similar amazing view as you had on top of Katharia Rachi except oriented more to the south. You can now see over the whole south of the island with Ithaca and Kefalonia beyond. Again, sit for a while and enjoy.
When ready retrace your steps down the path back down to the first pass and then back up the track you came down. Follow the track all the way until you pick up the red and yellow paint marks. Follow the track as it winds across the high plateau. There may be wire fences to cross but most have tied “gates” where crossing the track. Leave them as you found them as they stop the cows roaming.
Track winds across the high plateau
The track eventually climbs back up to the road near the radio antenna at the top of Mnimati. At this point the paint-marked trail follows the A5 down to Eglouvi. Instead follow the road right towards the antennas and your parked car.
Follow the road back right towards the antenna
This trail can be easily linked into the trails A4 and A5 up and down from Eglouvi. You can also head along the short road to the start of the trail up Stavrotas – and go for a sixth peak.
A walk around Sykero, a low hill on the headland south east of Vasiliki with great views over the south of the island. Starts and ends at the two tavernas in Kontarena, which is the first village on the main road to Nidri from Vasiliki. The trail follows unsurfaced track for a fair bit of the way, with some tarmac at the beginning and end. This makes for fairly easy walking albeit up and then down a hill. It also makes an excellent mountain bike trail if you prefer.
Special thanks to the Vasiliki Mountain Race Committee for this trail suggestion.
Numerous hotels, tavernas and shops in Vasiliki. Taverna and some accommodation in Kontarena.
This path forms a loop from Kontarena. It passes near to Vasiliki two thirds of the way around. You can easily make the trail one-way ending in Vasiliki. Alternatively walk up from Vasiliki and make the trail a loop ending and finishing in Vasiliki. The route as described is probably the best for hills climbed and views.
Regular bus to Vasiliki from Lefkada town. Get off at Kontarena at the bus stop by The Plane Tree taverna.
Park in the village of Kontarena near to The Plane Tree taverna and bus stop. If you don’t have water or sustenance for the walk this is your only opportunity.
The village of Kontarena on the Vasiliki to Nidri road
From the taverna walk in the direction of Nidri and take the first turn on the right up a small surface road. On this route you will see several race and route markers – ignore them all. They belong to the Vasiliki mountain races.
Start of trail off Vasiliki to Nidri road
Head up through the old village as the tarmac road zig zags between the houses. Keep on the tarmac until a T junction where tarmac goes down and up. Go right and up. The road become concrete for a while until returning to tarmac. Keep on this as it turns and climbs steeply out the village.
The road runs up a small valley past olive groves and vineyards. Ignore turnings left and right until you come to a flat section with a grass meadow on your right and several very large olive trees. Take the gravel track on your right climbing up the hill.
Turn right at the flat section by the large olive tree with a fire hydrant at the base
The track turns right then left and then again sharp left where it becomes concrete up the hill. It now follows around the hill and you start to get great views south over Ithaca and Kefalonia.
Views out over the islands east of Lefkada
At the fork in the track keep right. As you climb follow the track past two huge villas. Shortly after the track goes right on a concrete section with the way ahead barred by a gate (sometimes open). Climb up right to the top of Sykero following the concreted zig zag.. As reach the top of Sykero hill you pass a wonderful grassy olive grove.
Grassy olive grove at the summit of the trail on Sykero
Continue down the track as it drops steeper and steeper in large zig zags down the hill heading towards Vasiliki bay. There are amazing views down the the lighthouse on the southern cape.
Great views down to the southern cape.
You pass a single modern villa and start to descend more steeply. If you are cycling the track will test your nerve as you fly down the slope. The steepest parts are concreted.
Heading down towards Vasiliki bay with Stavrotas mountain in the back right
As you approach above Vasiliki the track joins a quiet tarmac road at a T junction. If you go down left you will join a track going right into Vasiliki. This is an alternate end point for you. The main trail goes right up the road. You climb a short way up to a low pass above Vasiliki. Continue straight on through forest and olive groves.
Follow the road through the pine forest ignoring turns. You gradually descend on the other side of the pass re-entering Kontarena village from the opposite side than you started out. There are two good tavernas that each make a good place to refresh.
A wonderful ascent from the Red Church up to Kollyvata following a superb tree lined monopati and through the forests and ravines of Skaros. This route combines with the trail Alexandros to the Red Church to make an easy but interesting circular route. For a longer trail it combines with Red Church to Skaros and Kollyvata to Skaros to make a large circular loop for fitter hikers. All paths explore the woods, streams, ravines (and shade) of the Skaros Forest.
The trail is marked with red-orange markers along the whole route. At times you have to watch for them carefully. Don’t confuse with red lichen rings that can be similar.
Start with your back to the entrance to the Red Church. Go 50m across the open area directly out from the entrance and then turn right to follow the path. This path soon crosses an unsurfaced track to enter a thick forest.
The forested section is a wonderful monopati that weaves between and under the thick woods. There is a fork where you turn right to ascend the hill. Follow the twist and turns of the path as it climbs up.
When you emerge from the thick forest section you come to a “T” junction with a track. Follow the track right as it ascends up the left side of a gorge. The gorge gradually shallows and, just after the path turns left to cross the steam at the bottom of the gorge, take the turn off right. Pass a brick block building on you left and continue up the track keeping right at the fork.
The track fords a stream (dry in summer) and turns into a monopati. Cross a clearing ignoring paths to left and right and head up over the steep rocks. The monopati climbs up and over the rocks. After a short but easy scramble enter a flatter tree lined section. Keep going straight on ignoring several paths diverging left and right.
Kollyvata town square with Maria’s Taverna
As you pass the first houses of Kollyvata climb the concrete and stone ramp up into the tiny Kollyvata main square. On the right you will find Maria’s taverna. If you are lucky she will be open serving drinks and food. Eating at Maria’s is like visiting an aunt that can cook very well – and loves to do so. If you phone and give her warning you are coming you will get more choice. This is a special place to sit and watch the sun set over Profitis Ilias across the Alexandros plain.
When you have finished at Maria’s you can retrace your steps back to the Red Church. Alternatively take the short walk along the quiet road to Alexandros and then follow down that variation of the trail to the Red Church. If you are feeling fit you can take the montpati up to Skaros and then down to the Red Church. This is quite a hike but does get the fantastic views from Skaros of the eastern side of the island.
A wonderful descent from Alexandros down to the Red Church following a gorge through the Skaros Forest and a superb tree lined monopati. This route combines with the trail Red Church to Kollyvata to make an easy but interesting circular route. Further afield it combines with Red Church to Skaros and Kollyvata to Skaros to make a large circular loop for fitter hikers. All paths explore the woods, streams, ravines (and shade) of the Skaros Forest.
Walk from the town square of Alexandros along the road towards Platystoma. As you go past the Alexandros town sign turn left onto the clear trackway.
The track goes right – looking back toward Alexandros
At a triple fork keep right. Descend through woods past a cave on the right. Follow the hairpins left then right, ignoring tracks going off at the corners until you reach a small bridge over a stream.
Cave just below Alexandros
Go left and start to climb again, following the hairpin right. At this point you pass where the trail Red Church to Kollyvata ascends. So you could join that path to go up to Kollyvata (and beyond to Skaros). But today we will continue to the Red Church.
Follow the track along the left side of a deepening gorge. Red markers now mark the trail as far as the Red Church. At the fork turn right and start to descend again. After a while the path narrows. After 200m turn off left into the trees. Watch the red markers.
The turn right to enter the tree lined path
The trail enters a delightful wooded section with the path threading around and under the thickening trees. After a descent a similar path joins from the right. Go left and exit the forest. Cross an unsurfaced road and follow the track through to an open area where the Red Church is on your left.
The historic Red Church
Take a while to explore the historic church and monastery grounds. The church dates back at least 550 years and has recently been restored. In summers concerts are held in the grounds.
Retrace your steps to go back to Alexandros. Alternatively follow Red Church to Kollyvata for a variation in the last half of the trail and an easy loop. Alternatively start the climb to the wonderful views up Skaros.
